- Open for Business
- Don't "Slip Up" When It Comes To On-site Safety
- Step Up Maintenance for a Higher Level of Elevator Safety
- Brace Your Garage Door Securely or Brace Yourself for Possible Damages
- Happy (and Safe) Holidays
- The Dishwasher Just Exploded
- Preventing Roof Ice Dams
- Windows and Kids
- Want to advertise on the internet?
- Mowing at 200 mph
- Fun and safe
- Do you use credit reports?
- Do You Know the Law?
- Safety is Important in any Language
- Are Your Window Blinds Dangerous to Children
- Break out the Grill
- You've Got Mail
- Winter Safety Tips
- Freezing Temperatures - Frozen Pipes
- Working Drug Free
- Are You Up to Date
- You Can't See or Smell It - But It Is Very Dangerous
- How Is Your Roof Holding Up?
- Will Your Automatic Sprinkler System Work When You Need It Most
- What if a Tree Fell...?
- It's Hot Outside
- That Looks Good!
- Slippery When Wet
- Hello, I'm Calling to Report a Claim
- Water and Electricity Do Not Mix
- Springtime Can Mean Flooding
- Take a Look Around
- Start Off 2006 with a Plan
- Let's Get Out of Here!
- What a Mess - Washing Machine Hose Failure
- Product Recalls
- Do You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
- Winter is on the Way
- 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
- Hidden Swimming Pool Dangers
- Playground Safety
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
Don't "Slip Up" When It Comes To On-site Safety
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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
Brace Your Garage Door Securely or Brace Yourself for Possible Damages
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Full Article |
Brace Your Garage Door Securely or Brace Yourself for Possible Damages
For many businesses, garage doors are the first line of defense for their most valuable assets. But if not braced securely, a single violent storm could cause buckling or gaps to form, which could lead to damage to the interior of your business. Read on for some simple ways to keep your doors safe and sound.
002993 – 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
The Dishwasher Just Exploded
The following information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Dishwasher Exploded
That's the call a fire department received last winter from a base-housing inspector. The inspector had been doing normal bimonthly checks of vacant units when this happened.
The inspector's usual procedure was to run the cold water in the kitchen sink, turn on the dishwasher, go upstairs to flush the commode, and run the water in the bathroom. About three minutes after she started the dishwasher, it exploded. The blast propelled the dishwasher (which was installed under the kitchen counter) across the kitchen. The cabinets, plumbing and walls were damaged.
The concussion splintered the face of the rear door to the housing unit and blew it open, destroying the lock. Pieces of the dishwasher and cabinets were scattered over 20 feet. The access panel to the attic on the second floor was dislodged, and the front door was blown open and damaged.
At first, investigators thought water in the "s" trap had evaporated, allowing sewer gas to seep into the dishwasher and explode. The next day, Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH) technicians tested all kitchen-sink drains in vacant units for signs of sewer gas. The results were negative. During the course of the investigation, a maintenance worker in the housing department pointed out a paragraph in the dishwasher-owner's manual to the NAVOSH specialist. It read, "...under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hotwater system that has not been used for two weeks or more. If the hot-water system has not been used for such a period, before using the dishwasher, turn on all hot-water faucets and let the water flow."
The safety specialist returned to three of the vacant housing units and ran the hot water to test for emission of hydrogen gas. The meter readings went off scale in these units. Then he ran hot water in three occupied units and got zero readings. When he ran hot water in an upstairs bathroom in the unit where the dishwasher exploded, he got an extremely high reading. After NAVOSH personnel made several calls to the
Frigidaire Company about the incident, a person from their legal department returned his call and told him that Frigidaire was sending two engineers to investigate the exploding dishwasher.
The engineers and NAVOSH personnel tested hot water in two vacant units. They placed clear garbage bags over the faucets to sample for gas contents. The first test resulted in the bag filling with about one to two quarts of water and a cubic foot of gas. They suspected the bulk of the gas was a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, which was generated by electrolysis in the hot-water heating systems. One of the engineers explained that there is no way to stop hydrogen gas from forming in hot-water heaters because of the metals used in constructing the tanks. Hydrogen gas isn't soluble in water, so it remains in the water-heater plumbing system as a gas under pressure. In most homes, the gas will migrate to the upper levels of the house, where it harmlessly is expelled from water faucets there. However, occasionally, it can end up trapped in the plumbing lines. In that case, when a lower level faucet (or dishwasher) is turned on, the gas is pushed through the outlet rather than finding its way to the upper level.
Hydrogen gas has one of the broadest flammable ranges of any gas. Just about any mixture will be enough to result in an explosion. The engineer theorized that the gas was forced through the dishwasher, and the timer or starter relay had enough heat to ignite the gas. However, the dishwasher was destroyed, which made it impossible to determine the exact source of ignition. The engineer said this was the first time he had heard of a dishwasher exploding, but he had heard stories of small fires at faucets because people had cigarettes in their hands when they opened a hot-water faucet that had not been opened for some time. Later, in a telephone conversation, he told the NAVOSH person that he had talked to a few old-timers in the water-heating industry, and one of them had reviewed a mishap about a washing machine blowing up in the '60s.
What This Means to You
When you move into a house or apartment that has been vacant, hydrogen gas may have built up in hot water lines, which could cause an explosion. The same is true when you return home from a vacation or open up a vacation home that has been shut.
ORM Lesson
Appliance manufacturers can do nothing to prevent this type of thing from happening again, but you, as a resident or housing inspector, can do a short ORM assessment to prevent such a recurrence. You need to know that hydrogen gas can accumulate in hot-water systems that have not been operated for a period of time. You figure the risk of something going wrong when you turn on a dishwasher to either check it or operate. If you have been using it daily, there is hardly any risk. When you go to start the dishwasher, ask yourself how long the unit has been vacant. If it's more than a couple of weeks, you need to think about getting rid of the gas before you turn on the dishwasher. If you suspect hydrogen gas may have built up in the hot-water system, flush it by turning on all hot-water faucets in the building and letting them run for several minutes. And don't smoke while you're doing it. Make it a habit of doing this every time you inspect a building. If you live in the home and are away for a vacation, do this every time you return home.
002951 - 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
Windows and Kids
The following information is from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Window Guards and Locks Prevent Falls
All upper floor windows (and first floor windows that are 12 feet or more above the ground) should be protected by window guards or window locks to prevent accidental falls. Each year, children in Wisconsin are injured or killed after falling out of windows. There are several easy, inexpensive guards and locks that parents and landlords can install to prevent falls from windows.
What are window guards and locks?
Window guards are aluminum or steel bars with a maximum 4 inch spacing that are installed in the bottom half of a double hung window (or over the entire opening of a crank style window). Some window guards are removable or releasable from the inside without the separate use of tools, keys or excessive force. This type of window guard can be removed by an adult or rescue personnel in case of a fire. Child safety window guards are not the same as burglar/security bars. Security bars may be wide enough for a child to slip through and should not be used as a child safety window guard.
Locks can be installed very inexpensively and can be used to secure the window in the closed position, or to restrict the window from opening more than four inches (the recommended safe amount).
Window Safety Tips
- Screens are not safety devices: Screens are only designed to keep bugs and insects out, not to keep children in!
- Keep beds, furniture, and anything a child can climb on away from windows.
- When opening windows for ventilation, open windows children cannot reach, or open windows from the top, not the bottom.
- Install child safety window guards or locks on all windows that are 12 feet or more above the ground.
- Always supervise children.
002958 - 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
Mowing at 200 mph
A mower blade can travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Items struck by the blade can leave the discharge chute at 200 miles per hour as well, which is a good reason to review these tips before you mow.
The following is CDC information posted on the Naval Safety Center Website.
Mower hazards
The mower is a cutting machine designed to trim grass but has the potential to cut anything that is in its path. The cutting edge of the mower blade can travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Even a dull blade can slice fingers and toes that get in its way.
Other materials, such as toys, stones, sticks, and equipment parts, can become projectiles when struck by the blade. These items can also travel up to 200 miles per hour as they leave the discharge chute. Items thrown from mowers can cause serious injury to other people in the area or to the operator when there is no rear guard. Thrown items also can cause property damage.
In addition to cutting and projectile dangers, mowers can also cause burns. The muffler and cylinder head heat up during operation, and remain hot for some time after the engine has been turned off.
Fuel is another danger. Most mowers are powered by gasoline-driven combustion engines. Gasoline is a very explosive and flammable material that should be treated with respect. One gallon of gasoline combined with the correct amount of air is equivalent to 83 pounds of dynamite. Gasoline is flammable because it vaporizes with air to form a mixture that ignites easily. Vaporization can occur in temperatures as low as zero degrees.
Safe practices
1. Prepare lawn for mowing. Every time before you mow, check your lawn for items such as sticks, rocks, toys, sports equipment, dog bones, wire, and equipment parts. Make sure miscellaneous items are not hidden in tall grass. Also look for and remember immovable objects, such as pipes, or partially buried rocks. Running into a fixed object can shatter the blade and throw jagged chunks of metal out the discharge chute or under the housing.
2. Handle fuel with care. Always use care when filling the tank with gasoline. Wipe up spills. Never fill the tank on a mower that has been operating and is hot. Vapors from the gasoline can be ignited by a hot muffler.
3. Wear appropriate clothes. Close-fitting clothes are less likely to get caught on controls or moving parts. Long pants and sturdy leather shoes protect you from flying sticks, stones, or other items not caught by the rear guard. Shoes also should provide good traction. A canvas or open-toed shoe cannot protect your foot if it slips into the blade. When mowing for long periods of time or if noise is objectionable, wear hearing protection such as earplugs.
4. Use safe mowing techniques.
- Make sure other people, especially children, are out of the area. Young children should be supervised in the house while the yard is being mowed. They cannot understand the dangers, and the operator may not hear or see children approach.
- Never point the discharge chute at anyone. You never know when something will be thrown from the mower. Never run the mower over gravel.
- Do not mow wet grass. Wet grass is slippery and the operator can lose footing, slip under the mower, or allow the mower to roll backwards. Wet grass also clogs the discharge chute and can cause the engine to falter. When this happens, always turn off the engine and wait a few seconds for the blades to stop rotating before correcting it.
- Use care on inclines. Some slopes are too steep to mow safely, so use good judgment. Always push walk-behind mowers across slopes to avoid coming in contact with the mower (e.g., by sliding down the hill onto the mower, or allowing the mower to roll backwards on top of operator).
- Never leave a running mower unattended. When you leave the operator's position the mower should be turned off. Newer models have an operator presence switch that automatically kills the engine when the operator releases the handle.
5. Disconnect spark plug to service. Disconnect the spark plug wire when you work on the mower. This prevents the engine from accidentally being started. Many people are hurt every year because mowers start unexpectedly when the blade is turned by hand. Keep all parts in working condition. Fluid leaks (gas or oil), blade sharpening, and balancing may require professional service.
Safe mower features
Safety features on newer mowers help prevent hazardous situations that can lead to injury. Do not disconnect special features or controls to avoid using them. Look for a shield on the back blade housing behind the rear wheels of the mower. This shield protects the operator's feet from exposure to the blade and thrown objects.
A deadman switch, or operator presence switch, requires the operator to hold the device to keep the mower running. If for some reason the operator releases the switch, the engine is turned off. When placed at the correct location, the switch makes it physically impossible for an operator to hold the switch and reach down to the danger area where the blade is operating. Some switches also have a braking device that stops blade rotation.
Other solutions
Think of the layout of the yard and ways to make mowing safer. Do you have steep slopes that are dangerous and difficult to mow? Are there lots of trees with low-hanging branches to mow around? Retaining walls can help reduce inclines, and flower beds eliminate the need for mowing in difficult areas. Adding mulch one to three feet around a tree (depending on size) makes trimming easier. Keep trees pruned properly so that you can see while mowing. Filling depressions or low spots with soil can help prevent sprains.
This publication deals with hazards of walk-behind mowers only. Additional precautions must be followed when operating other kinds of mowers, including riding lawnmowers, those attached to small utility tractors, and implement-type mowers.
002819 - 8/07
Fun and safe
Playgrounds offer fun for children, but may mean possible risk for the owner. Use this simple checklist from the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to help make sure your playground is a safe place to play.
002820 - 8/07
Do you use credit reports?
If you're a landlord, you are allowed to use consumer credit reports to evaluate rental applications - as long as you follow the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This link to the Federal Trade Commission website will show what you can and can't do when it comes to credit reports.
002821 - 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
Are Your Window Blinds Dangerous to Children
Window Cords
Break out the Grill
Grilling Safety
Based on codes from the National Fire Protection Association and the 2000 International Building Code, American Family Insurance has developed the following safety recommendations regarding the use of charcoal or gas grills and open-flame devices:
- Inform all residents and prospective residents, in writing, that the use and storage of charcoal or gas barbecue grills and open-flame devices (such as clay chimneys and clay/copper fire pits) is prohibited on decks, balconies, in garages, kitchens or any other location in or near a building. (Exception: electric barbecue grills bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory, Inc.)
- Establish a designated safe grilling area for your tenants or consider installing fixed grills in a safe grilling area for resident use.
- Enforce safety recommendations by incorporating language into leases and covenants prohibiting the use and storage of barbecue grills and open-flame devices outside of designated areas.
002656 - 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
Freezing Temperatures - Frozen Pipes
The following information is from the City of Renton, Washington website.
Tips to Prevent Freezing Pipes
Wintertime brings freezing temperatures, snow and ice. By taking some precautions, unnecessary expenses associated with frozen water pipes can be prevented.
Insulate exposed pipes and faucets:
- Wrap outdoor faucets and pipes, along with pipes in unheated garages and crawl spaces, with insulating materials.
- Cover the insulation with plastic and tie with string or wire.
- Remove hoses from outside faucets. Drain hoses and shut off water.
- Drain all underground irrigation systems.
Know the location of the shut-off valve:
- Find the main water shut-off valve. It is commonly located in the basement, garage, or outside by the foundation near the front hose bib or faucet.
- Advise all household members where the main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
- Test the valve by turning the handle to be sure it is working properly and identify it with a tag.
- If there is no shut-off valve, consider having one installed by a plumber.
Help prevent frozen pipes:
- During periods of extremely cold temperatures, temporarily keep a trickle of water running from the faucet located highest in the house. The trickle should be a steady stream, about the size of the lead in a pencil.
Thawing frozen pipes:
- Never thaw frozen pipes with an open flame. You could start a fire.
- Use heat lamps, electric heaters or a hair dryer with caution. Keep away from combustible materials.
- Frozen pipes may also be thawed by wrapping them with rags or towels and pouring hot water over them until the water is flowing again.
- If a pipe breaks, immediately close the main shut-off valve to stop the flooding and call your plumber.
002527- 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
You Can't See or Smell It - But It Is Very Dangerous
The following information is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.
You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the DO's and DON'Ts of carbon monoxide. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause. If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:
Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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002321 - 10/06
How Is Your Roof Holding Up?
The following information is from the Institute for Business and Home Safety Website.
Roofing the Right Way
Your roof is your building's first line of defense from the elements. But sun, wind and rain all wear down your roof over time. Since your roof is the largest component of your building it can also be the most vulnerable to severe storms and the costliest single site of damage.
That's why it's important to make sure your roof is built the right way, with the right materials by a qualified licensed contractor. Whether you're planning to re-roof now or years from now, this information will help you navigate the process, choose the right materials and show you how proper roof maintenance can identify problems before they become financial disasters. Signs of a Problem When it rains, do too many roof granules wash away? Are there water stains on your ceiling? Even the smallest leak or curling shingle can be a sign of trouble. That's when it's time to hire someone who knows what to look for. Hiring a Contractor Quality installation is an important part of the roofing equation. When choosing a contractor, the National Roofing Contractors Association ( www.nrca.net ) says you should:
Choosing Materials You want your building to look nice. But while people typically select the look and color of roofing materials, they often leave key features, like resistance to the elements - hail impact, high wind and fire - to the contractor. It's important to understand why some roofing products work better in certain parts of the country than others. In addition to the weather your homes faces on a daily basis and disasters that could be a threat, the shape or type of roof also dictates which materials will better protect your building. Asphalt shingles (reinforced with fiberglass): • Relatively low cost and easy to install • Good fire resistance (usually Class A) • Class 3 and 4 impact resistance is available, should be used in hail regions • Available with wind warranties up to 130 mph, if installed in accordance with manufacturer's high wind requirements Metal • Long life • Lightweight • Popular for low and steep-slope roofs • Often receives cosmetic damage from hailstorms, but Class 4 product rated for impact resistance are available • Product available with Class A fire rating Slate • Quarried in the Northeast and Virginia • Very strong • High quality slate can outlast most other roofing material • Requires special skill and experience for installation, which can affect cost • Heavy so your contractor should verify the structure can hold the weight if you are replacing another kind of roofing material Tile • Good in dry climates • Solid, long lasting product • Higher threshold for hail damage • Can be more permeable than other products if exposed to blowing rain • Heavy so your contractor should verify the structure can hold the weight if you are replacing another kind of roofing material Wood • Good in dry climates • Thinner products can be susceptible to hail damage, especially after aging • Some building codes limit use because of wildfire concerns, but some product can be Class A fire rated with factory applied fire-resistant treatment • Often used in wrong climates for cosmetic reasons Roof System Components Most roof systems have five basic components. Each plays an important role in the life of your roof.
1. Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment (tar paper beneath covering) to protect sheathing from weather. 2. Sheathing: boards or sheet material fastened to roof rafters to cover a house. 3. Roof structure: rafters and trusses built to support the sheathing. 4. Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system's joints and valleys to prevent water seepage. 5. Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water. Care and Maintenance For most consumers, their single largest investment is the home. Just like anything else, it needs to be maintained, and that goes for your roof, too. These simple maintenance tips can help your roof last longer: • Proper eave and ridge ventilation may help extend roof life by reducing the buildup of heat and moisture. • Keep trees trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against the roof, or from providing excessive shade. • Keep roof, valleys, gutters and downspouts free from leaves, twigs and other litter that can build up and prevent proper drainage. • Preservatives available for some roof types may help limit weathering effects of moisture and retard growth of molds and mosses. Roofing products have changed significantly over the years. There are a wide range of choices in material, appearance and price. When it's time for a new roof, make sure you're roofing the right way, by choosing materials that will help protect your home for many years to come. |
002322 - 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
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
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
That Looks Good!
Barbecue Grills and Open-Flame Safety for Multi-Family Dwellings
An increased potential for fires exists when residents of multi-family dwellings use charcoal or gas barbecue grills on decks and near buildings. Yet, every year these barbecue grills reappear on balconies and patios of multi-family dwellings for another season of outdoor cooking.
Fire Hazards
Some of the many fire hazards associated with barbecue grills (e.g., propane, natural gas, charcoal) and open flame devices near multi-family dwellings include:
- Windblown grill embers near structures, especially roofs
- Careless disposal of charcoal briquettes
- Igniting lighter fluid under porch overhangs
- Unattended grills that tip over
- Proximity to structures or combustibles, such as draperies and window coverings around open doors or windows
- Part failures, gas leaks, blocked tubes, cracked and brittle hoses and overfilled propane tanks
Grill Safety
Based on codes from the National Fire Protection Association and the 2000 International Building Code, American Family Insurance has developed the following safety recommendations regarding the use of charcoal or gas grills and open-flame devices:
- Inform all residents and prospective residents, in writing, that the use and storage of charcoal or gas barbecue grills and open-flame devices (such as clay chimneys and clay/copper fire pits) is prohibited on decks, balconies, garages, kitchens or any other location near a building. (Exception: electric barbecue grills bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory, Inc.)
- Establish a designated safe grilling area or consider obtaining fixed grills for resident use.
- Enforce safety recommendations by incorporating language into leases and covenants prohibiting the use and storage of barbecue grills and open-flame devices outside of designated areas .
002281 - 7/06
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
- Clean the floor surface daily using an effective floor cleaner and autoscrubber.
- Frequently dust mop the floor surface to remove loose soil. Never use dust mop treatments that could negatively effect slip resistance.
- Clean up all spills, liquids, broken materials and puddles without delay.
- Report and repair all damaged flooring immediately.
- Select a floor care system from a reputable manufacturer whose floor coatings are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) classified as to slip resistance.
- Ask your floor care product supplier or manufacturer to verify sufficient liability insurance.
Step Two: Educate Appropriate Personnel
- 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.
- Locate all high risk floor surface areas. Inform all personnel to execute extra caution in these areas.
- Provide good lighting on floor areas where a higher potential risk exists.
- Assign someone to floor safety on every shift and establish written responsibilities.
- Report all accidents, near accidents, high risk areas and damaged flooring immediately.
- Emphasize the use and respect for all floor warning signs.
- Inform personnel that most slips and falls occur during the busy hours.
- Provide adequate floor matting to wipe off wet or soiled footwear.
- 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.
- Communicate the importance of floor safety to all facility personnel.
- Designate at least one employee per shift to conduct frequent walk-through inspections of the facilities.
Step Three: Train All Maintenance Personnel
- Train floor maintenance personnel to maintain floors for safety as well as appearance.
- Teach the importance of using the appropriate caution or wet floor signs.
- Instruct floor care personnel to follow all floor maintenance procedures carefully and to spend additional time on high risk areas.
- Provide instructional floor maintenance and safety wall charts and insist that all procedures be followed carefully. Post these signs in the appropriate locations.
- Don't allow horseplay during hard floor care procedures.
- 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.
- Insist that safe footwear be worn at all times.
Step Four: Inspect and Document Results
- Develop a simple written floor inspection program.
- 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.
- Conduct and document regular floor inspections.
- Promptly repair and correct floor damage or slippery conditions.
- Communicate potential slip and fall risk areas to your safety and risk management departments.
Step Five: Do's and Don'ts
- DO stress good housekeeping to all employees.
- DO provide an ongoing floor safety training program for all new personnel.
- DO provide absorbent materials for quick response to spills and puddles.
- DON'T wax or seal stone floors if avoidable.
- DON'T allow running or horseplay on floor areas.
- DON'T allow use of greasy or dirty mops.
- DON'T overuse dust mop treatments.
Floor Safety Program Pays Major Benefits
An effective slip and fall prevention program provides several important benefits.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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
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
- 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.
- 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
Take a Look Around
Fire Safety Precautions
- Ensure that all apartments and common areas have properly functioning smoke detectors.
- Change batteries every six months and test monthly.
- Install fire extinguishers in each unit and inspect them at least annually. The value of stolen extinguishers can be charged against the security deposit.
- Inspect and maintain stoves and furnaces annually to ensure proper working order.
Outside Safety Precautions
- Grass fires can burn down buildings. Keep all grass cut and provide a safe, clear space around buildings.
- Ensure that all walkways and parking lots are free of trip-and-fall hazards, such as raised or sunken edges of sidewalks or pot holes in the parking lot or grassy areas.
- Outside lighting should be adequate for better sight and an added measure of security for tenants.
Inside Safety Precautions
- All walking surfaces in the building should be free of trip-and-fall hazards, such as torn tile, frayed or ripped carpeting or broken steps.
- Do not allow any water heater to be turned above 125 degrees. Tenants should not have access to water heater temperature control valves. Otherwise, tempering valves can be installed to prevent scalding.
- Security lock doors to prevent unauthorized entry. Additionally, other security measures such as cameras and door and window alarms can also be of benefit.
002170– 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 onl