• September 29, 2020

Fall Home Maintenance Reminders

With summer over, it’s essential to get your home ready for the colder seasons ahead. Fall is an important time to ensure your home is prepared for the change in weather conditions, dried leaves and grass, and other potential hazards. Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned one, you should take some time to perform preventative maintenance on your home (inside & out) to protect yourself and your family in the months to come.

Inside Your Home:

• Keep the inside of your home dry: Keep water out of your home to avoid molds, mildew, and structural damage. Inspect crawlspaces, the basement, and the attic for water accumulation. If you have a drainage pump, be sure it is in working condition before you need it.
• Look for Pests: Pests love attics because they are full of nice warm insulation for nesting, and they offer easy access to the rest of the house. With gable vents that lead into the attic, it is a good idea to install a screen behind them to keep those critters out.
• Inspect windows and doors for drafts: Make sure seams are sealed up, and weather stripping is in place. Caulk inside and out, where necessary, to keep heat from escaping. Similarly, inspect windows for cracks, broken glass, or gaps and repair if needed. Once that is completed, here are some other weatherization projects you can tackle. 
• Clean and inspect: Clean your furnace, boiler, water heater, oven, and stove to ensure they’re working as needed.
• Check all smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors: It’s important to be sure these safety devices are working at all times. Although they may be connected to your home’s electrical system, many units have backup batteries that may need to be replaced.
• Check all fire extinguishers: You must be always be prepared in the event of a fire. There should be at least one fire extinguisher per floor with a charge and intact lock pin. Also, beware of recent fire extinguisher recalls. The manufacturer usually offers free replacements to those who have been affected.

Outside Your Home:

• Check your roof: Remove mosses and other growth from sloped areas on your roof as they will cause considerable damage and possibly leaking over time. Be sure to make any needed repairs before the weather changes!
• Rid your yard of debris: As leaves and sticks make their way onto your lawn this season, be sure to remove them as soon as possible. Dried leaves and sticks can be serious fire hazards this time of year.
• Prepare outdoor hoses and water sources: Drain water from your outside hoses, sprinkler systems, or other water sources. Frozen water in lines can cause a lot of damage that can be quite expensive to fix.
• Check your vents and ducts: Be sure that all vents to the outside of your home are unobstructed so your home can ventilate adequately. If you have a chimney or wood stove, now is also an excellent time to have that cleaned.
• Inspect your windows: If your home has window wells, be sure to check that they are clean and not accumulating water. Also, check windows and frames for cracks to prevent higher heating bills.
• Fertilize: You should normally fertilize multiple times a year, but if you can only do it once a year, choose the fall. Fertilizing in the fall provides energy and nutrients for the grass roots as they multiply in cooler weather before the grass goes dormant. Here’s a quick rundown on different fertilizers if you are unsure of where to start.

We hope these tips have provided some helpful fall reminders for you!

Article Updated: 9.29.20

Sources:

Safeco Insurance

Family Handyman

DIY Network

• No Comments
• Uncategorized

• June 26, 2020

Swimming Pool Safety

Whether you have an in-ground pool, above-ground pool or you’re just inflating one, pools and hot tubs have major safety implications. Many towns have enacted safety regulations for residential in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. In addition to following your community’s laws, people who own pools should take additional precautions, including the following:

1. Secure your pool or hot tub with the appropriate barriers, covers, and alarms.

To eliminate unsupervised entrance to the swimming or spa area, it is important to install the appropriate barriers. A fence that surrounds all 4 sides of the pool and completely separates the pool from the house and yard is recommended. If the house serves as the fourth side of the fence, install an alarm on the exit door to the yard and the pool. Also, make sure the exit doors self-close & self-latch at a height that children can’t reach. For additional protection, you can install window guards on windows facing the pool and pet doors if you have them. Make sure you keep all your barriers and alarms in good repair with fresh batteries. For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders, and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys).

2. Never leave a child unattended in or near water — If a child is missing, check the water first.

ALWAYS watch children when they’re near or in the water, and never leave them unattended. It only takes a second for tragedy to happen. If you are unable to be near the pool at all times, you can designate an official Water Watcher (an adult tasked with supervising children in the water). However, don’t allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol excessively to be the Water Watcher, as drinking negatively impacts balance, coordination, and judgment. It’s also important to have a phone close by in case you need to call for help.

3. Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment.

Did you know suction from pool and spa drains can trap a swimmer underwater? Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers. Educate yourself on the Pool and Spa Safety Act and ask your pool service rep if your pool or spas drains are compliant with this. If not, update your drains and other suction fittings with anti-entrapment drain covers and systems. Know how to shut of filters and other devices and post this information outside, so others can do so in case of an emergency.

4. Have your family members learn to swim + basic water rescue skills.

Get your children swimming lessons as early as possible, so they can achieve all skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water. If you’re a pool owner, it’s also important to learn CPR. Knowing this vital skill can be the difference between life or death if a child or adult drowns in your pool. Once you’re CPR certified, make sure to keep your certification current. CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or by contacting the American Red Cross.

Remember, these rules aren’t just for when you’re using your own pool at home. They can also apply when you are visiting a friend/family members pool or even your town pool. Safety should always be your number one priority.

Article Sources:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water-Safety.aspx

https://www.iii.org/article/pool-safety-and-insurance

https://cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/blk_media_SafetyBarrierGuidelinesResPools.pdf

• No Comments
• Uncategorized

• May 19, 2020

Personal Lines Insurance: COVID-19 Response

We understand that there’s a lot of information out there regarding COVID-19. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of all the major personal lines carriers we work with and included links to their individual responses to the current pandemic — this includes potential policy discounts. We hope this clarifies any unanswered questions you might have. If you have additional requests or you don’t see your carrier listed below, please feel free to contact us. Thank you!

Reminder: the following is intended to be used for general guidance purposes only — it does not constitute legal advice, nor does it represent a definitive position on insurance coverage.

• Acuity
• Allstate
• Chubb
• Concord Group Insurance
• Hanover
• The Hartford
• Kemper
• Main Street America Group
• MAPFRE
• MMG Insurance
• Patriot
• Progressive
• Safeco
• Travelers
• Union Mutual
• Vermont Mutual

• No Comments
• Uncategorized

• May 8, 2020

New NCCI Class Code to Assist with Workers Comp Premiums

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently announced the approval of a new class code to assist workers compensation policyholders during this challenging time. The new statistical code (0012) is for the reporting of payroll for employees that are still being paid but not working. This payroll will be excluded from an employer’s worker’s compensation insurance premium. The new ruling has a retroactive start date, effective 3/1/2020. Here’s a full description from the NCCI:

“NCCI recognizes that the circumstances around COVID-19 were extraordinary and, as a result, submitted an expedited rule change (Item Filing B-1441) to address the question of payroll for employees who are being paid but are not working as it relates to the basis of premium. This rule change will be distinct from “idle time” under our current Basic Manual rules (Rule 2-F-1), and a corresponding code 0012 will be created for reporting these payments. These payments will not be used in the calculation of premium. The details of the rule changes proposed in Item Filing B-1441 were submitted to state regulators in all NCCI states.” A full list of NCCI states can be found here.

Kinney Pike Insurance continues to monitor the details of this situation and will inform you of any further developments on the subject. Please contact your agent with any questions or concerns. 

• No Comments
• Uncategorized

• March 27, 2020

Are You Ready to Compost?

Eight years ago, Vermont lawmakers passed Act 148, also called the Universal Recycling Law, and Vermont became the first state to enact an all-out ban on food scraps in landfills. The law was rolled out in phases, and by this July, all Vermonters are required to separate their food waste from trash and recyclables. Once the new law is fully implemented, it’s expected to boost the state’s recycling and composting rate from 30% to 60%, which would make Vermont one of the greenest states in the country.

Many residents have already started making the appropriate changes by either creating a home compost or hiring a service to pick up their compost for them. But for those who haven’t started yet, here’s everything you need to know before the law goes into full effect on July 1, 2020.

Why compost?

The problem with rotting food scraps in landfills is the methane produced and released into the atmosphere. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Also, the state’s only open landfill is located in Coventry, in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. Instead of taking up precious space in the rapidly filling dump, organic material can be diverted from the waste stream and composted much closer to your home.

Plus, an added bonus: Without food scraps in it, your garbage is cleaner and less smelly.

What should you compost?

All food scraps can be composted, which includes anything that was once part of something alive, like a plant or animal. Some of the most common food scraps are peels, rinds, cores, eggshells, seeds, pits, bones, coffee grounds (and filters), loose-leaf tea, and fats/oils/grease.

Additionally, food that was eaten but not finished can be composted, like plate scraps & leftovers. Pretty much any type of food can become scrap–bread, pasta, soup, veggies, fruit, sauces, meat, dairy, sweets, etc.

How do you compost correctly?

The first step is to collect your food scraps in a container. You can buy a food scrap bucket, reuse a large yogurt tub, or keep a plastic bag in the freezer. Find a method that works for you based on how many food scraps you generate and how often you want to empty and wash your container. You’ll want to empty your container regularly… Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Empty it into a backyard bin if you compost at home. Read Vermont’s guide to composting at home here. It even has a great section about what to do regarding bears & other animals that may get into your compost. Remember, Vermont state law will allow residents who compost at home to dispose of meat and bones in the trash even after July 1, 2020.
2. Empty it into a food scrap tote if you have compost pick-up. There are many small businesses throughout the state that offer this service – here is a list.
3. Empty it into a larger container if you bring scraps to a drop-off. You can drop off food scraps and yard debris at any transfer station or bag-drop in Vermont. Many compost facilities also have drop-offs. Consult Vermont’s Materials Management Map for more information.
4. You can also feed your scraps to your livestock, just make sure this does not include meat & bones.

Article Sources:

https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/blog/mandatory-composting-coming-to-vermont
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/mandatory-composting-coming-soon-to-a-trash-can-near-you/Content?oid=2359984
https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/materials-mgmt/organic-materials#Backyard%20compost

• No Comments
• Uncategorized

• March 26, 2020

Workplace Hygiene

With flu season in the spotlight and COVID still going strong, many of us have personal hygiene on our minds… are you washing your hands for 20 seconds? Are you protecting your face?

While personal hygiene is VERY important, so is workplace hygiene. Every workplace needs to be hygienic not just for the sake of their reputation, but also for the health and safety of their customers, visitors, and employees. A healthy workplace also means workers take less sick leave, which is a win for everyone involved.

What strategies are you implementing to keep your employees, customers & visitors safe? We understand that some businesses are currently closed but when life gets back to normal, here are some of our best tips to prevent germs from spreading around the workplace:

1. Implement a solid workplace hygiene policy.

Although this can be a sensitive matter, providing your staff with a written hygiene policy helps communicate your expectations of a clean workplace. The hope is that with a written policy in place, your employees will take this subject more seriously.

Remember, each place of employment will need different hygiene requirements. Certain tasks or industries may deal with hazardous materials, which require additional protection. Speak with an HR professional for guidance.

2. Make sure you have a reserve of clean wipes, hand sanitizer and tissues that your employees can access.

Employees should be able to easily access these products, so they are able to clean their workspace at their leisure, especially if they have been around people who are sick or are dealing with customers on a regular basis.

We recommend having the company that provides your office supplies, deliver these products regularly, so you can create a long-term supply – you never know when another pandemic might arise.

3. Hire a cleaning service to come through at least two to three days a week, or more frequently if you have a larger workspace.

Hiring a cleaning service will ensure heavily used spaces like the kitchen, bathrooms & common areas are cleaned properly.

A sanitized workplace also maintains morale and a sense of professionalism. If you have customers stopping by frequently, you want to be sure your workspace reflects how you do business.

4. Put signage up throughout the office promoting workplace hygiene.

This is a great way to subtly remind your employees that good hygiene is vital to stop the spread of bacteria, viruses & other diseases.

Many places of business are required by law to have these signs up permanently, but you can always add more if you feel your employees are not getting the message.

We’ve included several workplace hygiene posters here:

• No Comments
• Uncategorized