• Open for Business
• Age and Accidents: Lessening the Dangers for Senior Drivers
• Don't "Slip Up" When It Comes To On-site Safety
• Step Up Maintenance for a Higher Level of Elevator Safety
• Happy (and Safe) Holidays
• Is Your Company Keeping Information Secure?
• Preventing Roof Ice Dams
• To Fight or Not to Fight
• Want to advertise on the internet?
• Identity Theft: What are your responsibilities?
• Is employee theft affecting your business?
• What you can do now to prevent water damage later
• Do You Know the Law?
• Safety is Important in any Language
• Computers Can Be a Pain
• What Do You Do Now?
• You've Got Mail
• Winter Safety Tips
• Take a Minute
• Working Drug Free
• Are You Up to Date
• On The Road Again
• Take a Team Approach to Safety
• Will Your Automatic Sprinkler System Work When You Need It Most
• Slippery When Wet
• It's Hot Outside
• Oh That's Heavy
• What if a Tree Fell...?
• Hello, I'm Calling to Report a Claim
• Water and Electricity Do Not Mix
• How Safe is Your Place?
• Springtime Can Mean Flooding
• Start Off 2006 with a Plan
• Let's Get Out of Here!
• It's Cold Outside
• Product Recalls
• What's in Your First Aid Kit?
• Oh My Aching Back!
• Don't Be a Victim
• Play it Safe with Your Holiday Party
• Making Your Workplace Safer for Teen Workers
• Safety: The Profit Center for your Business
• After the Storm
• Not all Fire Extinguishers are Created Equal

Open For Business

For some of us, most of our New Years resolutions have already been broken. But it is not too late to make one that can help keep your business in business in case of a natural disaster. Open for Business is a business continuation program that will help keep you in business despite a disaster. It’s free, easy to use and maybe the best resolution you'll ever make.

At least one-fourth of all businesses that close because of a disaster never reopen. That's why American Family in cooperation with the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers a variety of tools in its Open for Business® series for small business owners to both reduce their potential for loss should disaster strike and to reopen quickly should they be forced to close.

To get started building your own secure and personalize disaster recover plan, access the IBHS website and register through the interactive online version by entering the access code AMF5561

003003 – 02/08

Age and Accidents: Lessening the Dangers for Senior Drivers

Full Article

Older workers bring a lifetime of skills and experience to their jobs, yet, the normal aging process may affect a worker's ability to drive safely, on or off the job. This informative article contains tips that will help you protect older employees from death or disability due to roadway crashes.

002997 – 02/08

Don't "Slip Up" When It Comes To On-site Safety

Full Article

Slips, trips, or falls account for 12 to 15 percent of all Workers' Compensation costs. Don’t let the safety efforts in your workplace slide; use the advice in this helpful and thorough article to help ensure that it’s your accident numbers, not your employees, that are falling.

002998 – 02/08

Step Up Maintenance for a Higher Level of Elevator Safety

Though fear of falling is the most obvious fear associated with elevators, most injuries occur when passengers enter or exit an elevator. Proper and regular maintenance and inspection can make a big difference. Read more and take elevator safety levels to new heights for your building or business.

Elevator Safety
More than 50 percent of elevator-related injuries occur when passengers enter or exit an elevator. The most common injuries are caused by tripping when an elevator is not level at a landing and being hit by malfunctioning closing doors. To ensure elevators operate safely, building maintenance personnel should monitor several elevator components. To avoid injuries and ensure proper operation, the following elevator components should be checked regularly:

Door reopening devices:

• Infrared safety curtains: These scan the area adjacent to the elevator door and automatically reopen the door when an object is detected. This is the most modern means of door protection.
• Electronic photo-eyes: These send out two or more fixed beams that cause reopening when a person or object breaks the beam.
• Mechanical edges: These devices must make physical contact with a person or object to trigger reopening.
• Elevator leveling: Elevators must stop at each floor within one-half inch of the floor landing.
• Emergency communication: Elevators, even older ones, should be outfitted with an alarm bell and telephone or intercom. If someone becomes trapped in an elevator, he or she is often reassured when he or she can speak to someone by telephone or ring an alarm that will draw someone’s attention. Anxiety is quickly alleviated when a trapped passenger knows that help is on the way.
• Emergency lighting: This is important to avoid leaving a trapped passenger in the dark as he or she waits for assistance.
• Elevator control buttons and indicator lights: Ensure these are working properly.

Elevator maintenance mechanics only visit on a scheduled monthly basis to perform routine maintenance or when called to address a specific problem. Therefore, building personnel are the first line of defense. With this in mind, it is imperative that accurate service information is available in the event that an accident occurs. Accurate record keeping is accomplished by following these simple steps:

• Maintain an elevator log book to record date, time and reason why a service call was placed to the elevator company.
• Require the elevator maintenance mechanic to leave a signed maintenance ticket detailing service performed. The mechanic should test all of the safety components noted above during routine monthly service calls.

Additional important safety checks:

• Elevator floor should be clean and free of slipping hazards.
• All elevator floor landings should be well lit.
• Nearby plants and furniture should not present a tripping hazard.
• Elevator should be clearly marked.
• Signs should be posted at each floor landing alerting occupants to use the stairs in case of a fire.
• Floor diagrams, oriented to indicate actual floor arrangement and direction, should be posted at each floor landing indicating the shortest evacuation routes.

- Source: American Family Loss Control

These recommendations were developed using generally accepted safety standards. Compliance with these recommendations is not a guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, federal or state regulation regarding safety or fire. Compliance with these recommendations does not ensure the absolute safety of your operation or place of business. It is the property owner’s duty to warn any tenants or occupants of the property of the safety hazards that may exist.

003002 – 02/08

Happy (and Safe) Holidays

The following information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

As the holidays approach we like to celebrate by entertaining friends and family, throwing parties, and preparing feasts. From the buffet table to the office party, food moves center stage throughout the holiday season. Be sure to keep food safe by following basic food safety steps...

Clean: Wash hands and food-contact surfaces often. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges, and counter tops.

Separate: Don't cross-contaminate--don't let bacteria spread from one food product to another. This is especially true for raw meat, poultry and seafood. Keep these foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods.

Cook: Cook to proper temperatures. Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.

Chill: Refrigerate promptly. Refrigerate foods quickly keeps most harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. Refrigerators should be set at 40 F and the freezer at 0 F, and the accuracy of the settings should be checked occasionally with a thermometer.

Be sure to check out these additional safety tips regarding your holiday decorations from United States Fire Administration

002946 – 10/07

Is Your Company Keeping Information Secure?

The following information is from the Federal Trade Commission

A sound data security plan is built on 5 key principles:

1. Take stock. Know what personal information you have in your files and on your computers.
2. Scale down. Keep only what you need for your business.
3. Lock it. Protect the information that you keep.
4. Pitch it. Properly dispose of what you no longer need.
5. Plan ahead. Create a plan to respond to security incidents.

Use the checklists on the following pages to see how your company's practices measure up—and where changes are necessary.

Effective data security starts with assessing what information you have and identifying who has access to it. Understanding how personal information moves into, through, and out of your business and who has—or could have—access to it is essential to assessing security vulnerabilities. You can determine the best ways to secure the information only after you've traced how it flows.

Inventory all computers, laptops, flash drives, disks, home computers, and other equipment to find out where your company stores sensitive data.

Also inventory the information you have by type and location. Your file cabinets and computer systems are a start, but remember: your business receives personal information in a number of ways—through websites, from contractors, from call centers, and the like. What about information saved on laptops, employees' home computers, flash drives, and cell phones?

No inventory is complete until you check everywhere sensitive data might be stored.

Track personal information through your business by talking with your sales department, information technology staff, human resources office, accounting personnel, and outside service providers. Get a complete picture of:

1. Take Stock. Know what personal information you have in your files and on your computers.

2. Scale Down. Keep only what you need for your business.
If you don't have a legitimate business need for sensitive personally identifying information, don't keep it. In fact, don't even collect it. If you have a legitimate business need for the information, keep it only as long as it's necessary.

Use Social Security numbers only for required and lawful purposes— like reporting employee taxes. Don't use Social Security numbers unnecessarily—for example, as an employee or customer identification number, or because you've always done it.

3. Lock It. Protect the information that you keep.
What's the best way to protect the sensitive personally identifying information you need to keep? It depends on the kind of information and how it's stored. The most effective data security plans deal with four key elements: physical security, electronic security, employee training, and the security practices of contractors and service providers.

Physical Security
Many data compromises happen the old-fashioned way—through lost or stolen paper documents. Often, the best defense is a locked door or an alert employee. Store paper documents or files, as well as CDs, floppy disks, zip drives, tapes, and backups containing personally identifiable information in a locked room or in a locked file cabinet. Limit access to employees with a legitimate business need. Control who has a key, and the number of keys.

4. Pitch It. Properly dispose of what you no longer need.
What looks like a sack of trash to you can be a gold mine for an identity thief. Leaving credit card receipts or papers or CDs with personally identifying information in a dumpster facilitates fraud and exposes consumers to the risk of identity theft. By properly disposing of sensitive information, you ensure that it cannot be read or reconstructed.

Implement information disposal practices that are reasonable and appropriate to prevent unauthorized access to—or use of—personally identifying information. Reasonable measures for your operation are based on the sensitivity of the information, the costs and benefits of different disposal methods, and changes in technology.

Taking steps to protect data in your possession can go a long way toward preventing a security breach. Nevertheless, breaches can happen. Here's how you can reduce the impact on your business, your employees, and your customers:

Have a plan in place to respond to security incidents. Designate a senior member of your staff to coordinate and implement the response plan. If a computer is compromised, disconnect it immediately from the Internet.

5. Plan Ahead. Create a plan for responding to security incidents.

Additional Resources

These websites and publications have more information on securing sensitive data:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s Computer Security Resource Center

NIST's Risk Management Guide for Information Technology Systems

Department of Homeland Security's National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace

SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network,Security) Institute's Twenty Most Critical Internet Security Vulnerabilities

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT)

Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute's CERT Coordination Center

Center for Internet Security (CIS)

The Open Web Application Security Project

Institute for Security Technology Studies

OnGuard Online

002947– 10/07

Preventing Roof Ice Dams

The following information is from the National Weather Service

Ice dams are most common in northern climates. They occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight.

After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall and contents. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building and its contents.

There's no way to guarantee an ice dam won't damage your home, but you can take steps to cut the chances of an ice dam forming in the first place:

•  If you haven't already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your home's gutters and down spouts. This allows melting roof snow to flow into gutters and through down spouts.

•  Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called "roof rakes" let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances for both ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.

•  All winter long, keep gutters and down spouts clear of snow and icicles.

•  Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree the R-value of attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof. Consult a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about these improvements.

002953 - 10/07

To Fight or Not to Fight

The following information is from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

A fire is the most common type of emergency for which small businesses must plan. A critical decision when planning is whether or not employees should fight a small fire with a portable fire extinguisher or simply evacuate. Small fires can often be put out quickly by a well-trained employee with a portable fire extinguisher. However, to do this safely, the employee must understand the use and limitation of a portable fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting fires. Evacuation plans that designate or require some or all of the employees to fight fires with portable fire extinguishers increase the level of complexity of the plan and the level of training that must be provided employees.

Should employees evacuate or be prepared to fight a small fire?

Choosing to evacuate the workplace rather than providing fire extinguishers for employee use in fighting fires will most effectively minimize the potential for fire-related injuries to employees. In addition, training employees to use fire extinguishers and maintaining them requires considerable resources. However, other factors, such as the availability of a public fire department or the vulnerability of egress routes, will enter into this decision. Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Total evacuation of employees from the workplace immediately when alarm sounds. No one is authorized to use available portable fire extinguishers. Designated employees are authorized to use portable fire extinguishers to fight fires. All other employees must evacuate workplace immediately when alarm sounds. All employees are authorized to use portable fire extinguishers to fight fires. Extinguishers are provided but not intended for employee use. Requirement Requirement Requirement Requirement Establish an emergency action plan, fire prevention plan and train employees accordingly.  Extinguishers are not existing and not required [29 CFR 1910.157(b)(1)]. Establish an emergency action plan and train employees accordingly. Meet all general fire extinguisher requirements plus annually train designated employees to use fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers in the workplace must be inspected, tested, and maintained [29 CFR 1910.157(b)(2)]. If any employees will be evacuating, establish an emergency action plan and train employees accordingly. Meet all general fire extinguisher requirements plus annually train all employees to use fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers in the workplace must be inspected, tested, and maintained [29 CFR 1910.157(b)(2)]. Establish an emergency action plan, fire prevention plan and train employees accordingly. If fire extinguishers are left in the workplace, they must be inspected, tested, and maintained. Extinguishers are   provided but not intended for employee use [29 CFR 1910.157(a)].

Risk assessment

Portable fire extinguishers have two functions: to control or extinguish small or incipient stage fires and to protect evacuation routes that a fire may block directly or indirectly with smoke or burning/smoldering materials. To extinguish a fire with a portable extinguisher, a person must have immediate access to the extinguisher, know how to actuate the unit, and know how to apply the agent effectively. Attempting to extinguish even a small fire carries some risk. Fires can increase in size and intensity in seconds, blocking the exit path of the fire fighter and creating a hazardous atmosphere. In addition, portable fire extinguishers contain a limited amount of extinguishing agent and can be discharged in a matter of seconds. Therefore, individuals should attempt to fight only very small or incipient stage fires. Prior to fighting any fire with a portable fire extinguisher you must perform a risk assessment that evaluates the fire size, the fire fighters evacuation path, and the atmosphere in the vicinity of the fire. Risk Assessment Question Characteristics of incipient stage fires or fires that can be extinguished with portable fire extinguishers Characteristics of fires that SHOULD NOT be fought with a portable fire extinguisher (beyond incipient stage) - evacuate immediately Is the fire too big? The fire is limited to the original material ignited, it is contained (such as in a waste basket) and has not spread to other materials. The flames are no higher than the firefighter's head. The fire involves flammable solvents, has spread over more than 60 square feet, is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, or can not be reached from a standing position. Is the air safe to breathe? The fire has not depleted the oxygen in the room and is producing only small quantities of toxic gases. No respiratory protection equipment is required. Due to smoke and products of combustion, the fire can not be fought without respiratory protection. Is the environment too hot or smoky? Heat is being generated, but the room temperature is only slightly increased. Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling, but visibility is good. No special personal protective equipment is required. The radiated heat is easily felt on exposed skin making it difficult to approach within 10-15 feet of the fire (or the effective range of the extinguisher). One must crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke. Smoke is quickly filling the room, decreasing visibility. Is there a safe evacuation path? There is a clear evacuation path that is behind you as you fight the fire. The fire is not contained, and fire, heat, or smoke may block the evacuation path.

002954 - 10/07

Want to advertise on the internet?

Many of the same rules that apply to other forms of advertising apply to electronic marketing as well. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has prepared a guide to give you an overview of some FTC laws that apply.

002809 - 8/07

Identity Theft: What are your responsibilities?

These days, it is almost impossible to be in business and not collect or hold personal identity information about your customers, employees or business partners. If personal information is compromised, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has posted what steps you should take and whom you should contact.

002810 - 8/07

Is employee theft affecting your business?

According to one estimate, dishonest employees account for about two-thirds of retail theft and shoplifting accounts for the remaining third. Even though you cannot eliminate stealing entirely, you can take steps to minimize it.

The following information is from the U.S Small Business Administration Web site.

According to one estimate, dishonest employees account for about two-thirds of retail theft and shoplifting accounts for the remaining third.

Even though you cannot eliminate stealing entirely, you can take steps to minimize it. The key lies in the proper mix of the right controls.

Screen Applicants
In hiring, apply strict screening standards and, no matter how urgently you may need additional personnel, do not compromise these standards. Screen applicants through reference checks, credit checks, psychological tests, polygraph lie-detector tests and personal character examinations. Using all of these checks may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Be sure to follow the law when performing these checks.

Observe New Employees
Lack of knowledge about the store's routine usually restricts new employees' stealing to what they can slip from the cash register or conceal on their persons. You can detect both by closely watching daily receipts and scrutinizing new employees until you are satisfied that you can trust them.

Establish a Positive Atmosphere
Another important step to eliminating employee dishonesty is to set a tone or atmosphere that encourages honesty in your store. Expect excellence from your employees, and live up to that standard yourself. If an employee sees a supervisor act in even a minor dishonest manner, he or she might also act dishonestly. When you set rules, be sure they apply to everyone. Preserving the dignity of your employees is essential if you expect them to respect you and the store. Treat employees with courtesy and consideration.

Provide Incentives for Honest Employees
The following practices can help:

• Make certain each person is matched to his or her job. Setting unrealistic goals for employees is an invitation for them to cheat. If your goals are unrealistic, employees may think they must either cheat or admit failure and risk losing their jobs. Lying and cheating, even on a small scale, are just a step away from theft.
• Set reasonable rules and enforce them rigidly. Loosely administered rules can be more harmful than no rules at all.
• Set clear lines of authority and responsibility. Each employee needs a yardstick by which to measure his or her progress and improve performance. To fill this basic need, spell out duties, preferably in writing.
• Establish a climate of accountability. Employees should know their jobs and feel trusted. But they should also realize that they are accountable for their actions. To some people, management indifference is a license to steal.
• Provide the necessary resources for success. As buyers, salespeople or stock clerks, nothing is more frustrating to employees than to see their goals blocked by circumstances beyond their control. To perform well, an employee needs the proper tools, the right information and guidance when it is required.
• Be fair in rewarding performance. The top-producing salesperson who receives the same treatment as the mediocre employee is apt to become resentful. Individuals who make a worthwhile contribution are entitled to, and expect, a fair reward. Honest recognition of merit by the owner/manager encourages more honest effort on the part of the employee.
• Remove the temptation to steal. One organization of counter service restaurants is noted for its good employee relations. It treats people fairly and displays faith in their integrity and ability. But it also provides uniforms without pockets. Remove the opportunity to steal and half the battle is won.
• Train employees to control stock shortages. Train employees in ways to eliminate stock shortage and shrinkage. One small retailer, for example, trains employees to record items, such as floor cleaner, that they take out of stock for use in the store. It is important to adopt a zero shortage attitude. Even if you feel that a reasonable write-off due to theft is all right, hammer away at shortage control, even when losses diminish.
• Remain alert. Never stop letting your people know that you are always aware and concerned.

Implement Audit Control Methods
Loss prevention controls and procedures by themselves are not enough to protect your assets. Controls and procedures must be audited from time to time or they will break down. No loss prevention control is stronger that its audit. If the bookkeeper and the accounts receivable clerk are not dependable, alert and honest, disaster can result. Check them by withholding an invoice from each of them and observing their reaction. Will they miss the invoice? Will they realize that a missing invoice means lost revenue and call it to your attention? Unannounced inspections are another excellent method of checking your preventive procedures. Such inspections are most effective during overtime periods or when the second or third shift is working.

Rules That Can Help Eliminate Employee Dishonesty

• Price items by machine or rubber stamp, not by handwriting.
• Permit only authorized employees to set prices and mark merchandise.
• In cases of returns and refunds, insist on a merchandise inspection and approval by someone other than the person who made the sale.
• Pay special attention to cashiers when they are surrounded by clusters of people.
• Be alert to the use of over-ring slips to cover up shortages.
• Make a dependable second check of incoming materials to rule out the possibility of collusive theft between drivers and receiving personnel. Do not allow a truck to approach the loading platform until it is ready to load or unload.
• Do not allow drivers behind the receiving fence. Discourage drivers from taking goods or materials from the platform by the following devices: install heavy gauge wire fencing between bays, with the mesh too fine to provide a toehold; mount closed-circuit television cameras overhead that will sweep the entire platform; and locate the receiving supervisor's desk or office to give him or her an unobstructed view of the entire platform.
• At the loading platform, do not permit drivers to load their own trucks, especially by taking goods from stock.
• Insist that all padlocks be snapped shut on hasps when not in use to prevent switching of locks.
• Control keys to padlocks. Never leave the key hanging on a nail near the lock where a worker can borrow it and have a duplicate made while he or she is away from work.
• Do not allow trash to accumulate in, or be picked up from, an area near storage sites of valuable materials or finished goods.
• Control receiving reports and shipping orders (preferably by sequential numbering) to prevent duplicate or fraudulent payment of invoices or padding or destruction of shipping orders.
• Make sure that receiving reports are prepared immediately upon receipt of shipment. Delay in making out such reports can be an invitation to theft or, at best, result in record keeping errors.

002816 - 8/07

What you can do now to prevent water damage later

Grounds maintenance and landscaping are major components of the interconnected systems that protect a commercial building from water damage. These tips, reminders and warning signs of potential problems will help you keep your building safe from water damage.

The Institute of Business and Home Safety has developed tips, reminders and warning signs of potential problems that will help you keep your building safe from water damage.

002815 - 8/07

Do You Know the Law?

State Law for Teenage Workers

Want to know what your own state laws relating to teenage workers? This link to the Department of Labor website will give you what you need to know.

002660 - 4/07

Safety is Important in any Language

Hispanic Workers OSHA site

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has developed a site with resources for Hispanic employers and workers. While this site includes links to Spanish-language resources, it is intended primarily for English-speaking and bilingual users. Within this Compliance Assistance site is a link that will provide you with a variety of their safety material into Spanish.

002653 - 4/07

Computers Can Be a Pain

Ergonomics/Computers

Covering everything from monitor and chair placement to lighting and preventive exercises, this website courtesy of the Division of Occupation Health and Safety provides the computer user the ergonomic information to prevent computer workplace stress and strain.

002655 - 4/07

What Do You Do Now?

Robbery

The following information is from the City of Wichita Police Department.

What To Do During A Robbery

• Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST.
• Be the best witness you can be by getting a good look at the robber so you can describe them later. Including clothing, scars, marks, tattoos, and facial hair.
• Don't be a hero. It's better to lose your money than your life.
• Note robber's direction of travel when they leave.
• Try to get a description of the robber's vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.

What To Do After A Robbery

• Activate your alarm and call police immediately.
• Close the store and lock the door(s) if you have a key.
• Do not discuss the details of the robbery with witnesses or fellow employees.
• Ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they can't, get their names, phone numbers and addresses.
• Do not touch anything that the robber may have touched. Block off areas where the robber was, if necessary.
• Try to recall as much as you can about the robber's appearance, speech and mannerisms. Make notes.

Most important, Do as you are told and try to observe.  The description of the suspect that you give to the police may be the only information they have to work with.

002659 - 4/07

You've Got Mail

How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam

"We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity."

"During our regular verification of accounts, we couldn't verify your information. Please click here to update and verify your information."

Have you received email with a similar message? It's a scam called "phishing" - and it involves Internet fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information (credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information) from unsuspecting victims.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you may deal with - for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message may ask you to "update," "validate," or "confirm" your account information. Some phishing emails threaten a dire consequence if you don't respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate organization's site. But it isn't. It's a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.

The FTC suggests these tips to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam:

• If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don't click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company's correct Web address yourself. In any case, don't cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser - phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
• Area codes can mislead. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card. In any case, delete random emails that ask you to confirm or divulge your financial information.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. Some phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.
  • Anti-virus software and a firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files. Anti-virus software scans incoming communications for troublesome files. Look for antivirus software that recognizes current viruses as well as older ones; that can effectively reverse the damage; and that updates automatically.
  • A firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communications from unauthorized sources. It's especially important to run a firewall if you have a broadband connection. Operating systems (like Windows or Linux) or browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) also may offer free software "patches" to close holes in the system that hackers or phishers could exploit.
• Don't email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your personal or financial information through an organization's website, look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some phishers have forged security icons.
• Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain viruses or other software that can weaken your computer's security.
• Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems.
• If you believe you've been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC's Identity Theft website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these new accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. You may catch an incident early if you order a free copy of your credit report periodically from any of the three major credit bureaus. See www.annualcreditreport.com for details on ordering a free annual credit report.

You can learn other ways to avoid email scams and deal with deceptive spam at ftc.gov/spam.

002520- 01/07

Winter Safety Tips

Snow Throwers

The following information is from the US Consumer Products Safety Commission.

If you use a snow thrower, stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine, according to Chairman Ann Brown of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). "Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower," Brown warned.

According to CPSC, you run the risk of suffering severe hand and finger injuries, even amputations, if you attempt to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with your hands. Most of the injuries happened when people, thinking that the augers had stopped rotating, put their hands into the machine's auger/collector or discharge chute in an attempt to clear snow or debris.

CPSC offered the following safety tips for using snow throwers:

• Always stop the engine if repairs or adjustments are to be made or if the discharge chute or auger needs to be unclogged. Remove snow with a push stick or similar instrument, not with your hands.
• Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
• Never leave the machine unattended if the engine is operating; shut down the engine if you must leave the machine for any length of time.
• Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine; don't add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gasoline can capped, and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.
• If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.
• Check the snow thrower each time you need to use it over the winter; always refer to the owner's manual for instructions on care and maintenance.

Tips To Protect Workers In Cold Environments

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site.

Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures may cause serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. In extreme cases, including cold water immersion, exposure can lead to death. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior. If these signs are observed, call for emergency help.

OSHA's Cold Stress Card provides a reference guide and recommendations to combat and prevent many illnesses and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this laminated fold-up card is free to employers, workers and the public. Tips include:

How to Protect Workers

• Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help workers.
• Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
• Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
• Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm, dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
• Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
• Use the buddy system - work in pairs so that one worker can recognize danger signs.
• Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
• Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.
• Remember, workers face increased risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

For free copies of OSHA's Cold Stress Card in English or Spanish, go to OSHA's website, www.osha.gov, or call 1(800) 321-OSHA.

002521- 01/07

Take a Minute

Safety Checklist

The following information is from the National Crime Prevention Council .

Check the Locks and Doors

Good locks are the first line of defense. Volunteer to lead a team of employees to work with management to ensure the physical security of your workplace.

• Check for high security locks, or electronic access control units on all doors- closets that have private information or hazardous materials, outside doors, basements - are a few to consider.
• Verify that any electronic access control unit in use has secure key bypass utilizing patented control of duplication of keys. Any access control unit is only as good as its mechanical override devices.
• Make sure all doors are solid. Look for sheet steel on both sides of back and basement doors.
• Make sure doorframes and hinges are strong enough that they cannot be pried open.
• Lock steel bars or door barriers with high security padlocks that have a hardened steel body and shackle to resist drills, hammers, blowtorches and bolt cutters.
• Be certain all windows are secure.
• If doors only have a locking knob or lever, install or have installed a deadbolt for additional security.
• Have management change locks before you move into a new office unless they can account for all keys and provide assurance that keys have not been made without their knowledge.
• Don't assume someone else has reported a door, window or lock that is broken or not working properly. Report these problems immediately.

Check the Lights

Your workplace should be protected with proper lighting.

• Install motion sensitive as well as constant outside lights.
• Illuminate dark places around the building by trimming shrubs, adding lighting, etc.
• Leave some interior lights on even when the business is closed.

Check the Common Trouble Spots

• Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors-Don't use the stairs alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lit corridors and stairways.
• Elevators-Don't get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.
• Restrooms-Make sure restrooms are locked with high security locks and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lit.
• Mailrooms-Is the mailroom accessible only to authorized personnel? Do all employees know what the signs of suspicious mail include? (Refer to the USPS document "Best Practices for Mail Center Security" for additional information.)
• After hours-Don't work late alone. Let someone know where you are and how long you intend on staying. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or ask security to escort you. Never open the door to a stranger after hours.
• Parking lots or garages-Choose a well-lit, well-guarded parking garage. If your building has its own garage, work with your facility manager if you do not feel safe. Always lock your car and roll the windows up all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach the car, have the key ready. Check the floor and front and back seats before getting in.

002525- 01/07

Working Drug Free

Working Drug Free

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site.

Of the 16.7 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older in 2003, 12.4 million (74.3 percent) were employed either full or part time. Furthermore, research indicates that between 10 and 20 percent of the nation's workers who die on the job test positive for alcohol or other drugs. In fact, industries with the highest rates of drug use are the same as those at a high risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing and wholesale.

To help small businesses benefit from being drug-free, the Department of Labor and OSHA's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program offers small businesses a range of free and easy-to-use tools to help them maintain safe, healthy and drug-free workplaces.

002523- 01/07

Are You Up to Date

OSHA First Aid Standards

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site.

Employers are required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151 to have a person or persons adequately trained to render first aid for worksites that are not in near proximity to an infirmary, clinic, or hospital. In addition, OSHA requires certain employers to have CPR-trained rescuers on site.

Be sure you are up to date with these new guidelines.

002316 - 10/06

On The Road Again

Vehicle Safety Program

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site.

OSHA has developed a simple ten step program that is designed to minimize the crash risk to your business.

Motor vehicle crashes cost employers $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. They drive up the cost of benefits such as workers' compensation, Social Security, and private health and disability insurance. In addition, they increase the company overhead involved in administering these programs.

The average crash costs an employer $16,500. When a worker has an on-the-job crash that results in an injury, the average cost to their employer is $74,000. Costs can exceed $500,000 when a fatality is involved. Off-the-job crashes are costly to employers as well. ¹

₁NHTSA [2003]. The economic burden of traffic crashes on employers: costs by state and industry and by alcohol and restraint use. Publication DOT HS 809 682.

002317 - 10/06

Take a Team Approach to Safety

Safety committees

The following information is from the Colorado State Onsite Health & Safety Consultation Program website.

The presence of an active safety committee can work to develop safety goals for the company. A well-motivated safety committee gets employees involved.

Once managers and employees buy into safety, a company will see decreased accident rates, turn-over, and absenteeism. Productivity often increases because processes tend to become more efficient when evaluated for hazard prevention.

Find out how easy and profitable it can be to have a safety committee at your company.

002318 - 10/06

Will Your Automatic Sprinkler System Work When You Need It Most

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinkler systems are the most effective means of providing life safety and limiting property loss during fires. The key to ensuring that your sprinkler system will work when needed is to include the system in an ongoing program of inspection, testing and maintenance performed by a qualified employee or sprinkler contractor.

Use this chart from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Regulation 25 as a reference guide on wet pipe and regular dry pipe systems and as a checklist to determine the status of your system.

002319 - 10/06

Slippery When Wet

The following information is reprinted with permission of the author, Roger McFadden, Vice President Technical Services, Coastwide Laboratories, Wilsonville , OR.

Five-Step Slip & Fall Prevention Program

Step One: Keep the Floor Clean

1. Clean the floor surface daily using an effective floor cleaner and autoscrubber.

2. Frequently dust mop the floor surface to remove loose soil. Never use dust mop treatments that could negatively effect slip resistance.
3. Clean up all spills, liquids, broken materials and puddles without delay.
4. Report and repair all damaged flooring immediately.
5. Select a floor care system from a reputable manufacturer whose floor coatings are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) classified as to slip resistance.
6. Ask your floor care product supplier or manufacturer to verify sufficient liability insurance.

Step Two: Educate Appropriate Personnel

1. Hold brief and informative educational sessions regarding floor safety. Inform all personnel of hazards associated with slippery floors and how they can assist in keeping workplace floors safer.
2. Locate all high risk floor surface areas. Inform all personnel to execute extra caution in these areas.
3. Provide good lighting on floor areas where a higher potential risk exists.
4. Assign someone to floor safety on every shift and establish written responsibilities.
5. Report all accidents, near accidents, high risk areas and damaged flooring immediately.
6. Emphasize the use and respect for all floor warning signs.
7. Inform personnel that most slips and falls occur during the busy hours.
8. Provide adequate floor matting to wipe off wet or soiled footwear.
9. Use proper walking techniques which include keeping steps short and toes pointed inward when crossing slippery floors. Never run across a slippery floor. Abrupt stops, starts and turns should be kept to a minimum.
10. Communicate the importance of floor safety to all facility personnel.
11. Designate at least one employee per shift to conduct frequent walk-through inspections of the facilities.

Step Three: Train All Maintenance Personnel

1. Train floor maintenance personnel to maintain floors for safety as well as appearance.
2. Teach the importance of using the appropriate caution or wet floor signs.
3. Instruct floor care personnel to follow all floor maintenance procedures carefully and to spend additional time on high risk areas.
4. Provide instructional floor maintenance and safety wall charts and insist that all procedures be followed carefully. Post these signs in the appropriate locations.
5. Don't allow horseplay during hard floor care procedures.
6. Teach proper cleaning and storage of all equipment when cleaning is complete. Remember that mop buckets, mops, brooms, electrical cords, brushes and squeegees can cause trips, slips and falls.
7. Insist that safe footwear be worn at all times.

Step Four: Inspect and Document Results

1. Develop a simple written floor inspection program.
2. Create and use a one-page inspection form. Include sections to identify and report damaged flooring, protruding nails, holes, cracked tiles, slippery conditions, accidents and near accidents.
3. Conduct and document regular floor inspections.
4. Promptly repair and correct floor damage or slippery conditions.
5. Communicate potential slip and fall risk areas to your safety and risk management departments.

Step Five: Do's and Don'ts

1. DO stress good housekeeping to all employees.
2. DO provide an ongoing floor safety training program for all new personnel.
3. DO provide absorbent materials for quick response to spills and puddles.
4. DON'T wax or seal stone floors if avoidable.
5. DON'T allow running or horseplay on floor areas.
6. DON'T allow use of greasy or dirty mops.
7. DON'T overuse dust mop treatments.

Floor Safety Program Pays Major Benefits

An effective slip and fall prevention program provides several important benefits.

1. Substantially reduces the risks and potentials for slips and falls in the workplace.
   • Reduces opportunity for accidents caused by slips and falls.
   • Keeps workers compensation costs down.
2. Provides a permanent and effective floor safety program to present to liability insurance companies.
   • Improves your corporate image and relationship with insurance companies.
   • Encourages more favorable insurance rates.
3. Improves floor safety, cleanliness and sanitation.
   • Satisfies local health and sanitation authorities.
   • Provides a safer working environment for personnel.
   • Projects a better company image to customers and personnel.
4. Creates a line of defense against injury claims and lawsuits.
   • Establishes the creation and use of a well organized floor safety program to prevent slip and fall accidents.
   • Provides a definite and responsible prevention plan which will defend against claims of negligence and irresponsibility.

002283 - 7/06

It's Hot Outside

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site .

002284 - 7/06

Oh That's Heavy

The following information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Improper lifting techniques are responsible for a large percentage of back injuries among workers.

Proper methods of lifting and handling protect against injury, and make work easier. You need to think about what you are going to do before bending to pick up an object. Over time, safe lifting techniques should become a habit.

The following are basic steps you can use to ensure safe lifting and handling:

1. Size up the load and check overall conditions. Don't attempt the lift by yourself if the load appears to be too heavy or awkward. Check that there is enough space for movement, and that your footing is good. "Good housekeeping" ensures that you won't trip or stumble over an obstacle.
2. Make certain that your balance is good. Your feet should be shoulder width apart, with one foot beside and the other foot behind the object that is to be lifted.
3. Bend your knees; don't stoop. Keep your back straight, but not vertical. (There is a difference. Tucking in your chin straightens the back.)
4. Grip the load with the palms of your hands and your fingers. The palm grip is much more secure. Tuck in your chin again to make certain your back is straight before starting to lift.
5. Use your body weight to start the load moving, then lift by pushing up with your legs. This makes full use of your strongest set of muscles.
6. Keep your arms and elbows close to your body while lifting.
7. Carry the load close to your body. Don't twist your body while carrying the load. To change direction, shift your foot position and turn your whole body.
8. Watch where you are going!
9. To lower the object, bend your knees. Don't stoop. To deposit the load on a bench or shelf, place it on the edge and push it into position. Make sure your hands and feet are clear when placing the load.

Make it a habit to follow the above steps when lifting anything, even a relatively light object.

Team lifting must be coordinated

If the weight, shape or size of an object makes the job too much for one person, ask for help.

Ideally, workers should be of approximately the same size for team lifting. One individual needs to be responsible for control of the action to ensure proper coordination. If one worker lifts too soon, shifts the load, or lowers it improperly, either they or the person working with them may be injured.

Lifting heavy objects

Safe lifting of heavy items requires training and practice. For example, we've probably all seen a small person move heavy feed sacks with apparent ease. The secret lies in taking the proper stance and grip. When equipment is available, it should be used to lift and carry heavy objects. Loaders, forklifts, hoists, etc. are made for this purpose.

Finally, let's take a moment to review some of the "Do's" and "Don'ts" of safe lifting and carrying.

DO: Tuck in your chin to keep your back as straight as possible while lifting. Lift using your leg muscles. Ask for help with heavy, awkward items. When possible, use mechanical equipment to move heavy items.

DON'T: Use your back muscles to lift an object. Try to lift an item that is too heavy or awkward. Twist your body while carrying an object. Attempt team lifting without proper coordination.

002285 - 7/06

What if a Tree Fell...?

The following information is from the Institute for Business and Home Safety Website.

Falling trees and limbs cause hundreds of millions of dollars of damage each year, as well as personal injuries and deaths. Windstorms and ice storms are the leading causes of such damage and injuries. In wildfire areas - wildfire risks exist in nearly every state - buildings have also been destroyed by fire leaping from nearby trees and shrubs.

Some potential problems are easy to spot. These include:

• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs.
• Hollow and decayed trees.
• Trees that look one-sided or lean significantly.
• Branches hanging over the house near the roof.
• Limbs in contact with power lines.
• Mushrooms growing from the bark, indicating a decayed or weakened stem.
• V-shaped forks rather than U-shaped ones. V-shaped are more likely to split.
• Crossing branches that rub or interfere with one other.

Tree care professionals, including arborists, can also examine trees for more subtle signs of trouble and take care of any problems, such as the need to cut down a tree or prune limbs that might be too big, too high, or too dangerous for a business owner to take down.

Proper Pruning

Good pruning can prevent many problems. Prompt removal of diseased, damaged or dead plant parts helps limit the spread of harmful insects and disease, as well as reduce the possibility of future storm damage. Pruning can also have other benefits. For instance, pruning a dense canopy reduces its mass while permitting better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Pruning also helps provide proper shape and improves the health and vigor of the plant. Do not over prune, a practice called "hat racking," as this will significantly weaken a tree.

Experts offer these pruning tips:

• Check local tree regulations prior to pruning or tree removal.
• Avoid pruning branches flush to the trunk. Doing so removes not only the limb but some of the trunk wood, opening the plant to possible decay or insect damage.
• Begin by making a cut partway through the bottom of any limb to be trimmed, a few inches from the trunk. Then cut through the limb just above the first cut. This ensures that when the limb falls, it will not tear off a long strip of bark on the way down.
• Finish by cutting off the few inches sticking out from the trunk. Be sure to leave the "branch collar," the swollen area of trunk tissue that forms around the base of a branch. Leaving the branch collar protects the main trunk from damage.

After a Storm

The type of care you give after a storm should depend on a tree's age, the extent and type of damage. To care for storm damaged trees:

• Plan ahead before deciding what to do with fallen trees. In general, it is best to reset only smaller trees, since large trees will be weakened and may fall again.
• Decide what to do with tree stumps. If you are going to leave them, cut them off flush with the ground. If you plan to remove them, leave four feet of stump standing. Removal will be cheaper and easier if stumps can be pulled out instead of dug out.
• Cut off broken or torn limbs to avoid unnecessary bark stripping.

Trim Your Risk of Tree Problems

• When straightened, uprooted trees will require bracing for a long time. Before you reset a tree, cut, smooth and paint all jagged and irregular root breaks. Water the tree well and fertilize. Do not remove guy wires or braces for two years.
• After repairing trees, continue to care for them. Check soil moisture regularly.
• Prune a damaged tree just enough to balance the loss of roots. Cut out broken, diseased and malformed branches to give the tree a desirable shape.

002282 - 7/06

Hello, I'm Calling to Report a Claim

We are your partners in helping you protect your business, and you are our first line of defense against losses. If a claim does occur, you should obtain relevant information immediately so we can process the claim appropriately.

If an injury occurs in your establishment, always collect the following information from those involved:

• Full name
• Full address
• Phone number

Next, report the claim, even if you feel your company is not at fault. Circumstance may dictate otherwise, and the sooner we receive notice of the claim, the better our investigation will be. We will also contact the injured party(ies) to let them know we are working on the claim.

Call our 24-hour Claim Call Center at 1-800-374-1111 or contact your American Family agent to report your claim.

What to do if there is a loss on the premises

• Obtain a detailed explanation of what occurred. Ask for the specific location where the incident occurred. Inspect the area where the loss occurred and document what you observe. Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. This includes employees, customers and individuals who accompanied the injured person. If people are in the area, kindly ask them if they saw anything and if they would be willing to be listed as a witness.
• Keep a camera on the premises so you can take photos of the area where the incident occurred. Remove and save video camera tape if it was operating at the time and review it to see if it shows any important event. If there isn't time to review the tape, label and preserve it so it can be reviewed later.
• If the loss involves a physical object, for example machinery, a table or a chair, don't throw the object away. Clearly label what it is related to, the date and time, and secure it in a safe place until a claim adjuster can inspect or take possession of it.

002167– 04/06

Water and Electricity Do Not Mix

Combining water and electricity can be disastrous. Each year more than 300 people are electrocuted and thousands more are injured from electrical shocks or electrical fires. Many electrical injuries can be avoided through the use of a simple, inexpensive device called a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

A GFCI (shown to left) is a fast-acting electrical circuit breaker that senses small imbalances in the circuit caused by current leaking to the ground. The GFCI continually matches the amount of current going into an electrical device against the amount of current returning from the device along the electrical path. Whenever the amount "going" differs from the amount "returning" by approximately 5 milliamps, the GFCI interrupts the electrical power within as little as one-fortieth of a second.

For example, if a person washing dishes while listening to a nearby radio accidentally knocks the radio into the sink, a very dangerous electrical hazard exists. Retrieving the radio may cause the person to be electrocuted.

However, if the radio was plugged into a GFCI receptacle and the person reached into the water to retrieve the radio, the GFCI would detect a leak, shut off the power and prevent electrical shock.

Because GFCIs are effective and inexpensive, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI protected electrical outlets on all 15 and 20 ampere, 125-volt receptacles in kitchens, within 6 feet of sinks and in bathrooms, garages, utility rooms, outdoor outlets and any other place that water or moisture may present a hazard. GFCIs can be installed at circuit breakers to protect a service line with several receptacles. Also, one GFCI can be wired to protect up to two other receptacles that are on the same circuit.

How to test a GFCI

GFCIs should be tested monthly by following these steps:

• Plug a lamp or appliance into the GFCI receptacle.
• Turn on the lamp or appliance.
• Push the test button on the GFCI receptacle. If the GFCI is working properly, the test button should turn off the power to the lamp or appliance.
• Push the Reset button on the GFCI. This should return power to the GFCI receptacle and appliance. If the power did not shut off when the Test button was depressed, there is an electrical problem that should be corrected by a licensed electrical contractor.

An inexpensive GFCI circuit tester is available in hardware stores. The GFCI circuit tester also checks for proper wiring of electrical outlets. To conduct the test:

• Plug in the testing device and check warning lights for proper wiring of the outlet.
• Push the Test button. The lights should go out.
• Push the Reset button on the GFCI. This should return power to the GFCI and the lights on the tool will reappear.

Safety Recommendations

• If GFCIs are not present at NEC-required locations, we recommend having a licensed electrical contractor install them accordingly.
• Educate employees on how to test GFCIs on a regular basis.

002169– 04/06

How Safe is Your Place?

Most robberies take place in fewer than five minutes. You can avoid being an easy target by instituting guidelines to deter would-be thieves.

Following are some preventive steps:

• Have a qualified alarm and security company evaluate your needs. They can suggest the type of alarm and monitoring that would fit your particular situation.
• Consider placing silent distress alarms in your property.
• A well-lit location is a safe location. Install lights around your building. Make sure they stay on past closing to ensure that employees get to their cars safely. Leaving them on all night is your best bet.
• Cameras can protect your employees, customers, property and profits. Installing cameras inside and outside the building will give you an extra set of eyes around the property. Cameras can be for viewing only, or for recording as well.
• Make your cameras visible. The cameras themselves can be a deterrent. The same rationale goes for all our security measures. Let would-be criminals know you are not an easy target, and they will look elsewhere.
• Build relationships with your local police department. Ask them to periodically patrol your property. Would-be criminals will be less likely to target a location with police traffic.
• Choose your employees carefully. Use referrals and background checks on new workers. Make sure employees follow your store rules for safety and security.
• Establish a back-door safety policy. Instruct employees not to open the door after dark and never to open the door to strangers. Install a peep hole on the back door as well as a strike plate to stop break-ins.

002165– 04/06

Springtime Can Mean Flooding

Rain. Tides. Levee failure. Ice jam. Snow melt. Floods happen, and they happen beside rivers, on the coast, in deserts and in city streets. You don't have to lose your property and possessions to rampaging waters, however. It's never too early to prepare and you can take several basic steps right now to protect your business from disaster.

First Things First

1. Check with your city or county building authority, your insurance agent or your mortgage lender to find out if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If your property is in a participating community, you live in a flood zone. Period.
2. Consult the same sources to determine if your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, which has at least a one percent chance of being flooded in any given year. Perhaps you live in an "A" zone, generally near a lake, river or stream and subject to rising water. Or you may live in a "V" zone, an area that involves beachfront properties and is susceptible to wind-driven waves as well as rising water.

Know Your BFE
Whether you live near a river or on the ocean's shore, you should know the expected flooding level in your area. The base flood elevation (BFE), in other words. Consult your local building authority for the base flood elevation in your immediate area. Also check building department records or your property survey for the elevation of your property's lowest floor. This is the lowest enclosed area in your property, including any area - your basement, for instance - that is below ground level on all sides. If you are unable to determine the lowest floor elevation, hire a licensed surveyor to do it.

If You Live in an "A" ZONE
If your property is in an "A" zone and the lowest floor is below the base flood elevation, the best way to protect it against flood damage is to elevate your entire property so the lowest floor is at or above the base flood elevation. Keep in mind, you must use design standards that meet the minimum requirements of your community's local floodplain management building ordinance for new construction and substantially improved structures.  You can also take the following measures to avoid flood damage in an "A" zone:

• Use water-resistant building materials in areas below the base flood elevation.
• Leave the basement or lower floors unfinished if they're below base flood elevation.
• Prevent sewer lines from backing up by installing backflow valves or standpipes.
• Raise your washer and dryer and other equipment such as the water heater, oil tanks, furnace and electrical wiring on concrete blocks, above the base flood elevation level. If you are unable to raise a particular item, consider anchoring it and protecting it with a floodwall or shield.
• Install flood shields or built-up barriers for basement windows and doors. The tops of shields and barriers should extend above the base flood elevation.
• Install and maintain a sump pump system if you have below-grade floors.
• Landscape with native plants and vegetation that resist soil erosion.

If You Live in a "V" Zone
Properties in "V" zones are threatened not only by rising water, but by wave action as well. The answer in this case: relocate your property. If relocating isn't an option, however, elevate your house on piles or piers. Here, too, you must use design standards that meet the minimum requirements of your community's local floodplain management building ordinance for new construction and substantially improved structures. Be sure to have an architect or engineer evaluate your elevation plans.

When A Flood Threatens
You can improve the odds of your property surviving a flood by taking these precautions, but you won't make it flood-proof. Nor do these measures guarantee your safety. Take these additional steps to protect yourself and your family as fully as possible:

• Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plans and create a family plan. Identify escape routes from your property and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you become separated. Also establish a contact point to communicate with concerned relatives.
• Put together an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water and food you don't have to refrigerate or cook; first aid supplies; a portable NOAA weather radio; a wrench and other basic tools; a flashlight; work gloves; emergency cooking equipment; portable lanterns; fresh batteries for each piece of equipment; clothing; blankets; baby items; prescription medications; extra car and house keys; extra eyeglasses; credit cards and cash; important documents, including insurance policies.
• If flooding threatens, follow weather and news reports so you know how much danger you're facing. Obey evacuation orders from local authorities.

For more information about protecting your property and family from floods, check this source:

National Flood Insurance Program
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Insurance Administration
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington , D.C. 20472
1-800-427-4661
www.floodsmart.gov

Remember, property owners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods. The federal government created the National Flood Insurance Program to provide this coverage to property owners. Twenty-five to thirty percent of all flood claims are paid for properties outside of special flood hazard areas, so if your community participates in this federal program, you should purchase flood coverage either directly from the NFIP or from a participating insurer. Contact your insurance agent or company.

002168– 04/06

Start Off 2006 with a Plan

American Family has partnered with the Institute for Home and Business Safety to provide you with access to “Open for Business,” a Web-based disaster recovery plan. This comprehensive, yet easy to use system will design an individual program that is secure and can be updated at any time – all at no cost to you.

001980– 01/06

Let's Get Out of Here!

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site.

Emergency Exit Routes

How would you escape from your workplace in an emergency? Do you know where all the exits are in case your first choice is too crowded? Are you sure the doors will be unlocked and that the exit access behind them will not be blocked during a fire, explosion, or other crisis? Knowing the answers to these questions could keep you safe during an emergency.

Workplace Exit Routes

Usually, a workplace must have at least two exit routes for prompt evacuation. But more than two exits are required if the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow a safe evacuation. Exit routes must be located as far away as practical from each other in case one is blocked by fire or smoke.

Requirements for Exits

• Exit areas must be separated from the workplace by fire-resistant materials––that is, a one-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories, and a two-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects more than three floors.
• Exit areas can have only those openings necessary to allow access to the exit from occupied areas of the workplace or to the exit discharge. Openings must be protected by a self-closing, approved fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency.
• Always keep the line-of-sight to exit signs clearly visible.
• Install lighted “EXIT” signs using plainly legible letters.

Safety Features for Exit Routes

• Keep exit routes free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings and other decorations.
• Arrange exit routes so employees will not have to travel toward a high-hazard area unless the path of travel is effectively shielded from the high-hazard area.
• Ensure that exit routes are free and unobstructed by materials, equipment, locked doors, or dead-end corridors.
• Provide lighting for exit routes adequate for employees with normal vision.
• Keep exit route doors free of decorations or signs that obscure their visibility of exit route doors.
• Post signs along the exit access indicating the direction of travel to the nearest exit and exit discharge if that direction is not immediately apparent.
• Mark doors or passages along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit with a “Not an Exit” sign or with a sign identifying its use (such as “Closet”).
• Renew fire-retardant paints or solutions when needed.
• Maintain exit routes during construction, repairs, or alterations.

Design and Construction Requirements

• Exit routes must be permanent parts of the workplace.
• Exits must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
• Exit discharge areas must be large enough to accommodate people likely to use the exit route.
• Exit route doors must unlock from the inside. They must be free of devices or alarms that could restrict use of the exit route if the device or alarm fails.
• Exit routes can be connected to rooms only by side hinged doors, which must swing out in the direction of travel if the room may be occupied by more than 50 people.
• Exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served, and the capacity of an exit route must not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge.
• Exit routes must have ceilings at least 7 ft., 6 in. high.
• An exit access must be at least 28 inches wide at all points. Objects that project into the exit must not reduce its width to less than 28 inches.

001979– 01/06

It's Cold Outside

The following information is from the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site.

LOW TEMPERATURE + WIND SPEED + WETNESS = INJURIES & ILLNESS

When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Cold-related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.

Frost Bite

What Happens to the Body:

FREEZING IN DEEP LAYERS OF SKIN AND TISSUE; PALE, WAXY-WHITE SKIN COLOR; SKIN BECOMES HARD and NUMB; USUALLY AFFECTS THE FINGERS, HANDS, TOES, FEET, EARS, and NOSE.

What Should Be Done If Frost Bite Occurs:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the availability of medical care, also take the following steps.
• Move the person to a warm dry area. Don’t leave the person alone.
• Remove any wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area.
• DO NOT rub the affected area, because rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue.
• Gently place the affected area in a warm (105°F) water bath and monitor the water temperature to slowly warm the tissue. Don’t pour warm water directly on the affected area because it will warm the tissue too fast causing tissue damage. Warming takes about 25-40 minutes.
• After the affected area has been warmed, it may become puffy and blister. The affected area may have a burning feeling or numbness. When normal feeling, movement, and skin color have returned, the affected area should be dried and wrapped to keep it warm. NOTE: If there is a chance the affected area may