October, 2023 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership

Reducing the risk of a fire at your business is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your customers, employees and property. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 116,500 nonresidential building fires occurred in 2021. Those fires caused 1,025 injuries and almost $3.7 billion in damages.

The Unseen Costs

For business owners, these damages can be more costly than physical repairs. It could mean weeks, or even months, of impaired operations while your property is restored. Factors such as loss of productivity, litigation and damage to brand reputation can have far-reaching effects that are difficult to anticipate. When a fire results in injuries, the human cost is incalculable.

So, what steps can you take to help ensure a crisis like this doesn’t happen at your business? Give these four tips a try:

1. Check potential fire hazards.

According to the American Red Cross, there are a number of common hazards in any home or business that are likely to be the source of a fire. Conduct a survey of your business and examine these potential problem areas:

  • Make sure machines and equipment are clean and well-maintained.
  • Keep any combustible objects away from space heaters or furnaces.
  • Properly store flammables in cabinets and away from ignition sources.
  • Check appliance cords and replace any broken connectors or cracked insulation.
  • Use only one extension cord for each power outlet.
  • Allow room behind any appliances to allow air to circulate and prevent overheating.

2. Ensure you have the proper safety equipment.

Every business should have functioning fire extinguishers, but it’s also wise to consider smoke detectors, sprinklers or a fire alarm. Remember, the life expectancy of a smoke detector is only 8-10 years.

Look into a specialized fire suppression system if your business has large operations or machinery that is capable of overheating, commercial cooking equipment or especially flammable materials onsite.

3. Make sure your equipment is up to date.

Did you know that fire extinguishers have a shelf life of 5-15 years – even if there is no expiration date listed? Over time, these devices can lose their pressure, so make sure your extinguisher is working properly by checking the pressure gauge every month. If the needle is in the yellow or red section, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Be sure to replace your extinguisher if you notice any of these signs:

  • The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped or jammed.
  • The locking pin is unsealed or missing.
  • The handle is missing or unsteady.
  • The inspection sticker or service record is missing.

4. Communicate with your staff.

To ensure the safety of your employees, regularly and reliably communicate your fire safety procedures. This is especially important when a portion of your staff is not regularly on-premises, such as in a hybrid work model where some employees work from home.

  • Provide a clear and easily accessible emergency protocol — one that not only accommodates employees with disabilities, but those who may not be in the office on a consistent basis.
  • Keep both on-premises and remote employees up to date with the protocol by regularly using electronic and hard-copy questionnaires, quizzes and sign-off acknowledgments.
  • Describe evacuation routes with maps that can be referenced physically and digitally embedded in electronic communications.
  • Explain how emergency notifications will be delivered, whether it’s through voice communication or a sound like a bell, whistle or horn.
  • Make sure your evacuation plans accommodate employees with disabilities, such as someone with hearing loss or who uses a wheelchair.
  • Provide training, such as fire drills, to practice your emergency plan and make use of videos wherever possible to keep remote employees up to date for those times they are in the office.
  • Remind your employees not to store anything on stairways or along your fire escape routes.

Be Prepared

As a business owner, you expect your insurance to be there when things go wrong. But did you know that Erie Insurance is here to help you identify these risks in the first place?

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Halloween Safety Tips

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but if you have loved ones—especially little ones—your number one priority is their safety. Fortunately, there are proactive measures you can take to ensure that your kids have a happy and fun--but most importantly safe—Halloween.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.

To make sure that your kids are safety this year, here are a number of steps you can take to keep them safe:

Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costume and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.

Join kids who are under the age of 12 for trick-or-treating.

Slow down and stay alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may jump out into the street, giving little to no thought to potential drivers on the road. Turn your headlights on, so that kids will be visible to you as you drive. You should also be making a mental note to expect kids to be close to the roads, so drive with caution.

Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.

When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Whenever possible, choose face paint over masks. Masks can limits children’s vision.

Costumes that are bright in color are more easily visible, so if you can, wear bright colors.

Travel in groups.

Once your kids are finished trick-or-treating for the evening, inspect their candy carefully before allowing them to consume those tasty treats. Be on the lookout for anything sharp that could cause injuries and if anything seems weird or suspicious, throw it away. It’s better to not take chances. Use your intuition.

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Creative Ideas for Outdoor Winter Hosting

Winter doesn’t have to be a completely miserable time for you and those you care about most. It’s no secret that temperatures drop significantly during the winter, but with the proper planning and preparation, you could just make this winter a great one, filled with long-lasting, fun-filled memories.

Create a cozy atmosphere

Light up your gathering space. Electric lanterns or candles placed on tables and strings of hanging lights can create a rustic, homey glow.

Offer seasonal (and easy-to-serve) fare. From cinnamon and pumpkin to cranberries and ginger, fall and winter offer a delectable flavor palette. Plan your seasonal menu around food staples. Make a giant batch of chili and offer an assortment of toppings. Have a dessert tray filled with cinnamon rolls, pumpkin rolls, pies, fudge, cake, and more. Hosting an outdoor gathering can be a lot more work than an inside event. If you’re planning on being outside for your gathering, choose items that are easy to prep and serve.

Have a warm beverage bar – and designate one person to be your bartender. User thermal carafes for hot water to make hot chocolate (using single-serve packets), warm cider, coffee or one of your favorite adult beverages. Use single-use cups and have your guests write their names on them so that no one picks up the wrong one. If you’re not comfortable serving, ask your guests to bring their own favorite hot beverage along with copies of recipes that they can share with everyone.

Keep Your Guests Warm

Set up outdoor patio heaters. Keep the chilly air at bay by renting – or buying – outdoor patio heaters. These units are specifically designed to radiate heat outward, where people are gathered. This means that you can benefit from the heater’s warmth without having to stand too close to it.

Build an outdoor fire. One of the quintessential sounds of a chilly evening is the sound of wood crackling and the smoky scent of an outdoor fire. This is a great way to add a festive glow to your soiree while keeping visitors nice and warm. From store-bought to homemade, you have a lot of options. Safety should always be your number one priority.

Have extra blankets on hand. Help your friends and family ward off the chill by having a stack of blankets on hand. You can encourage them to bring  their own as well, but it’s nice to have extras should someone forget – or want to use another one.

Outdoor Winter Game and Activity Ideas

Host a backyard game tournament. Cornhole or ladder golf? Enjoy a little friendly competition with your guests where both kids and adults can get in on the action.

Plan a scavenger hunt. You can set up brackets and offer a grand prize to the winners.

Make an outdoor movie theater. What better way to enjoy a night under the stars than watching your favorite seasonal holiday movie? The setup is pretty easy. All you need are the following:

  • A projector
  • A plain white sheet or projector screen
  • A media player (DVD player, computer or laptop. Some projectors offer inputs for streaming sticks (just make sure your Wi-Fi reaches to where you’re planning to set up outside)
  • An extra speaker
  • An extension cord or power strip
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How to Handle a Mouse Living In Your Car

The Surprise Tenants: Why Mice Love Cars

Mice are attracted to the warmth and seclusion that a car offers. Add to this the food particles and paper for nesting, and your car turns into a desirable residence for these rodents. But worry not, knowing their presence is half the battle won. Here are some reasons why mice might choose your car as their home:

  • Warmth: Mice don’t care for cold temperatures, so they need a warm place to live. Your car's engine provides the perfect source of heat, especially during the winter months.
  • Seclusion: Mice are prey animals, so they prefer to live in secluded areas where they feel safe from predators. Your car's interior provides a perfect hiding place from both predators and humans.
  • Food: Mice are omnivores, and they will eat just about anything. If you leave food in your car, it will attract mice. Even crumbs from a snack or a half-eaten piece of fruit can be enough to lure a mouse in.

Signs of a Four-Legged Freeloader

Although an industrious rodent can make your car undrivable, evidence of a mouse in your car might not always be obvious. You should keep an eye out for signs like:

  • Chewed wires: Mice are notorious for chewing on wires. This can damage your car's electrical system and cause expensive repairs.
  • Small droppings: Mouse droppings are small and dark brown. They are often found in corners, under seats, and in other hard-to-reach places.
  • Nesting materials: Mice will often build nests in your car. These nests can be made from a variety of materials, such as paper, fabric, and even your own hair.
  • Smells: Mice have a strong odor. If you notice a strange smell coming from your car, it could be a sign of a mouse infestation.
  • Scurrying noises: Mice are nocturnal, so you might hear them scurrying around in your car at night.

Risks: More than Just a Nuisance

It's not just the "ick" factor. A mouse infestation in your car can lead to serious problems. They can:

  • Destroy wiring: This can cause expensive damage and even lead to a fire.
  • Spread diseases: Mice can carry diseases, such as Hantavirus, that can be harmful to humans.
  • Damage your car's interior: Mice will chew on anything they can get their teeth on, including your car's seats, carpets, and even the dashboard.
    Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse

Waving Goodbye: Getting Rid of the Mouse

The key to ousting these furry freeloaders is twofold: removing their access and cutting off their food supply. In case of a severe infestation, you might need professional pest control services, so an early jump on the problem could save you some money:

  • Clean your car thoroughly. Remove all food and trash from your car. Vacuum up any droppings or nesting materials. Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant.
  • Seal up any entry points. Mice can squeeze through very small openings. Check your car for any gaps or holes, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.
  • Use traps. Place mouse traps in areas where you have seen signs of mice. Be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any mice that are caught.
  • Use repellents. There are a variety of mouse repellents available on the market. These repellents can be sprayed or placed in your car to deter mice.
  • Avoid leaving your car unattended for long periods of time. If you must leave your car unattended for an extended period of time, consider storing it in a garage or other secure location.
  • Call a pro. If you have a severe mouse infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company.

Keep in mind: the best method to ensure a rodent-free car is prevention. With a clean, sealed car and no easily available food, you'll create an environment that's decidedly inhospitable to mice. If you follow these steps, you're more likely to keep your car mouse-free, ensuring your vehicle stays in the best possible condition for all your future journeys.

 

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