Health insurance will need to be obtained to cover the medical costs for not only the owner of the home based business, but the employees. Disability insurance can also be obtained in case of injury on the job or illness. Life insurance is needed in case the owner dies and there are any business loans that need to be paid in full.

Having Business Property insurance protects against any kind of loss or theft of equipment or inventory. This also covers damages due to floods, fires, or any natural disasters. General liability is necessary in case a client is injured on site, or if customers and clients are meeting in the home for any reason. This insurance covers their injuries and legal defense needed in case there is a lawsuit.

Business Interruption insurance covers any damages from any kind of natural disaster. It will help pay for the business to begin operation again. It also covers lost wages, and operating expenses. Worker’s Compensation is the most necessary type of insurance. This is coverage for employees that work in the home based business. It covers injuries that occurred in the workplace. Worker’s Compensation covers medical expenses of the employee.

Insurance is an absolute necessity for any home based business. It will protect the owner, employees, and the business itself.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Use only noncombustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use nonflammable holders and place candles out of children’s reach.
• Take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food, which may tempt a child to eat them.
• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial-snow sprays.

For more information, visit the Reader’s Digest Holiday Hazard Checklist.

About 50% of Americans will experience a stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, elder frailty, or some other debilitating disease or form of physical limitation that will necessitate an assisted living situation or nursing home situation.  Long-term care costs are currently averaging about $75,000 per person per year, and that number is expected to rise to $300,000 by 2030!

This might be a difficult prospect to consider, but it is an important one.  Do you have that kind of money to spare?  Can your children and grandchildren afford to support these kinds of costs?

Long-term care insurance generally covers home care, assisted living, adult daycare, respite care, hospice care, nursing home and Alzheimer’s facilities. If home care coverage is purchased, long-term care insurance can pay for home care, often from the first day it is needed. It will pay for a visiting or live-in caregiver, companion, housekeeper, therapist or private duty nurse up to seven days a week, 24 hours a day (up to the policy benefit maximum).

Don’t wait to check into this.  Often, a change of health disqualify you from getting long-term care insurance.  Not all those who require long-term care are senior citizens.  About 40% of those who need it are between the ages of 18-64.  Ask your insurance provider about long-term care insurance today!

Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies cover liability for dog bites and dog-related damages.  Some, however, exclude bites, or certain types of dogs, or put other limitations on the money they will pay in a claim.

There are 3 types of insurance solutions for inadequately insured dog owners. An umbrella policy provides liability coverage for injuries, damages, and losses that are not covered by primary insurance. An excess policy provides a higher policy limit for losses that ARE covered by primary insurance. Canine liability insures dogs or people who can’t get coverage any other way

Uninsured or underinsured dog owners can face major consequences in the event of a dog bit, up to and including the loss of their homes.  Make sure you know what your policy says about dogs, and that you are properly insured!

For more information, visit the following sites:

• Dog Bite Law
• Insurance Information Institute

• Allow your child to trick-or-treat during the hours of 3 and 9 p.m. only.  7 p.m. is even better.
• Make sure your child is accompanied by an adult during trick-or-treating.
• Provide a flashlight to children who will be trick-or-treating after dark.
• Add reflective tape or reflectors to dark-colored clothing.
• Stress to your children the importance of watching for traffic while walking through neighborhoods, and instruct them to walk on sidewalks and cross streets at intersections.
• Check that your child’s costume fits properly and that the child’s vision is not obstructed.  Masks can be especially hazardous, so check their fit, visibility and breathability before allowing your child to wear it.
• Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.  Throw away candy that has been opened and stay away from homemade treats unless you personally know the people who made them.
• Require children’s costumes to be short enough to avoid trips and falls.  Also require children to wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes suitable for extensive walking.
• Plan a safe route, and walk it during the day to check for obstacles like broken sidewalks, tree limbs, or even outside pets that may scare children.

Visit About.com for more information.

• Always make sure the lint filter is in place & make sure to clean it out after each use. Failure to clean out lint traps is the main cause of dryer fires.
• Make sure the dryer is plugged into an outlet that is suitable for its needs.
• Make sure the dryer is properly vented and that dryer vent flaps are not freezing shut or sticking (especially in winter). Remove lint buildup inside the vent by vacuuming occasionally.
• Pull out the dryer occasionally to vacuum away any lint behind or underneath the dryer. Learn how to remove the front panel of a dryer and vacuum inside to remove built up lint.
• Do not leave the house unattended when the dryer is on.
• Do not leave flammable items near the dryer (clothes, rags, cleaning supplies, etc.).
• A dryer is an electrical (or sometimes gas) appliance, make sure it’s serviced by a professional only.
• It’s recommended your dryer use UL- listed rigid aluminum or steel duct or spiral-wound aluminum flex hose, NOT white vinyl hose (see Page 5 – U.S. Fire Administration).
• Have a functional smoke detector placed in the laundry room (somewhere near the dryer).

• Make sure the locks on the doors work and pieces of the security latch are secure. Anytime you are in your room, keep the deadbolt activated.
• Always check the closets and bathrooms upon entering your room to make sure no one is hiding.
• If your room is a connecting room, make sure the door is locked from your side.
• Locate the emergency exit. There is usually a map on the back of your door indicating where to exit in an emergency.
• Always put your room key in the same place so you can find it. By the bed is a good option. You can always find it quickly if you know where to look.
• Never open the door of your room to a stranger, even hotel personnel. The hotel should notify you if employees need to get in your room. If someone asks to come in, ask them to wait outside until you call the front desk and verify the need for them to enter.
• Put a flashlight by your bed. Yes, flashlights are heavy in your suitcase, but the peace of mind of having one by your bed outweighs the inconvenience. If the hotel electricity goes out, you will be glad you have the light.
• If you lose your key, immediately ask for another one. It is a simple replacement for most hotels because of the electronic key systems.
• When you leave your room, leave the television or radio on.
• Use your "Do Not Disturb" sign frequently. If you want maid service, let her know and ask her to leave the sign on the door. If you do not need service, just ask her for clean towels or other needed supplies.
• Make use of your in-room safe if there is one. Many hotels provide safes in the closets. If they do not have one, they usually have a hotel safe you can use.
• Do not keep all your cash, travelers checks, and credit cards in one place. When you leave the room, do not take it all with you.
• Secure your laptop and other expensive items when you leave your room. You can also leave them at the hotel security desk in a safety deposit box.

A few simple steps can make sure your trip is not marred by trauma or tragedy.

• If you are arriving by cab or van, make sure your luggage is brought in to the lobby and is nearby while you are at the from desk. Always keep an eye on your luggage, purse, briefcase, etc.
• Front desk personnel are trained not to announce your room number. They usually write it down or point to it. Make sure your clerk follows this rule. You can never be sure who is listening. If the clerk violates this rule and announces your room number, you are perfectly within your rights to ask for another unannounced room.
• Make sure your room is located conveniently. If you need to be near the elevator, now is the time to make sure that happens. If you like to be away from vending areas because of the noise, make sure that happens as well.
• When using your credit card, always check to make sure your credit card is handed back to you. Then put it back in your purse or wallet. Never leave it lying on the counter.
• Hotels usually have business cards on the check in counter. Pick up several. Put one in your purse or pocket so you will alsways have the hotel address and phone number with you. That often comes in handy when you get in a cab or if you don’t speak the language of the country where you are staying. Put another card by your telephone in the room in case you need to give the number to a caller or simply need to know where your hotel is located.

Most hotel personnel are trained to do everything they can to make your stay a pleasant one. So don’t hesitate to ask if things aren’t to your liking or you have special needs when you check in!

1. Copy all credit cards before you leave home. Make multiple copies of airline tickets or other important documents you are carrying with you.

2. Photograph all jewelry you are taking with you. Any camera equipment or electronics should also be photographed.

3. Make arrangements with a neighbor to collect your papers and mail. That is safer than having your paper and mail stopped.

4. Make reservations for overnight stops ahead of time. Planning stops ahead can assure you of the type of hotel you prefer. It will also help you pace your trip so you do not get over tired.

5. Choose a hotel with well-lit interior corridors.

6. Make sure every room is equipped with safety amenities such as dead bolts and peepholes.

7. Check out the location of your hotel. Make sure it is not a high crime area.

]]> http://www.pittsinsuranceteam.com/2011/07/18/safe-travel-planning/feed/ 0 http://www.pittsinsuranceteam.com/2011/07/04/deck-safety/ http://www.pittsinsuranceteam.com/2011/07/04/deck-safety/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:41:15 +0000 James Pitts http://www.pittsinsuranceteam.com/2011/07/04/deck-safety/ Read More →]]> With nice weather, summer living and dining often moves to the deck. And as entertaining and casual gatherings use your outdoor space, you need to make sure it is safe for your family and your guests.

Make sure your deck material is sound. There are many different decking materials available. The most common today is pressure treated lumber. But after years in the weather, even the best treatment sometimes allows moisture into the wood. Replace any rotting boards immediately. Also look for insect holes that can weaken your deck.

Railings and banisters should be checked often to be sure there is no give in them. Check supports and make sure screws attach securely into support beams. Make sure they are high enough, especially if you will have small children visiting.

Look at all the nails, screws, and anchors to make sure they have ot popped up or are rusted. If you see any indication of rust, replace immediately.

Check stairs to make sure no treads are warped. If there is an opening behind the treads make sure it is no more that 4" inches high.

Keep your deck clean and sealed. Mildew and moisture can cause it to be slippery.

If you grill on your deck, follow safety precautions carefully for your grill. Make sure heat is a safe distance away from flammable surfaces.

Lighting on your deck needs proper maintenance. Check wires often to make sure they are in good shape. Cover any outlets to protect from children and weather.

If trees hang over the deck, trim them to avoid any chance of falling limbs. This will also allow the sun to keep your deck dry.

]]> http://www.pittsinsuranceteam.com/2011/07/04/deck-safety/feed/ 0