How to keep pets safe in the heat

It’s the time of year where we can expect summer heat waves. And while summer is the perfect time for you and your pet to be more active, having a fur coat can pose some risks if your pet is in the sun for too long. Since they don't sweat like humans, they can overheat a lot faster than we can. But, there are plenty of precautions you can take to ensure they'll be safe and content in the summer heat. Here are five helpful tips to keep in mind while playing outside with your pet:

1. Have plenty of water on hand.

   Your pet will be thirstier than normal during the summer, and can get dehydrated very quickly. Always provide plenty of fresh, cold water as needed. If you're going on a long walk, have a few water bottles on hand for water breaks, and keep them in the shade as much as possible.

2. Never leave your pet in a car unattended.

   This is extremely important! Leaving animals in a parked vehicle is incredibly dangerous. Even if the windows are down, they're still at risk of fatal heat stroke.

3. Keep their paws protected.

   Walking on hot cement or asphalt for long periods of time can cause your pet to overheat at a lot quicker, and can burn their sensitive paws. Always feel the pavement before taking a walk to see how hot it is, and walk them in the early morning or evening when it's not the hottest time of the day.

4. Never use fireworks around your pets.

   Celebrating with fireworks during the summer is fun and exciting for most humans, but it can be traumatizing for your dog or cat. Loud noises can scare and disorient them, and lit fireworks could cause accidental severe burns. Always keep them away from the noise in a safe, sheltered area.

5. Know the symptoms of overheating.

   Dogs and cats are at high risk of overheating during the summer. If you notice any heavy panting, thick drool or vomiting, move them to a cool place and give them water immediately. You may get a damp towel and wrap it around them, but experts advise to never put them in cold water because it can cause shock. If symptoms don't improve, take them to your local vet right away.

If you practice these safety tips, you should feel confident to enjoy the summer with your furry friends. Have fun and be safe!

Grill Safety Tips

As we approach the holiday weekend, with many of us remaining at home as opposed to traveling this year, we want to take the time to remind you that if you’re cooking out this Fourth of July, it's important to be extremely cautious! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), July is the peak month for grill fires. To avoid fires or unwanted burns, review the tips below to have a happy and safe holiday.

• If you are using a propane grill, make sure the lid is open before lighting it. If you're using a charcoal grill, remember to use the correct starter fluid.

• Place the grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings and overhanging branches.

• If you are using a charcoal grill and the fire is low, revive it with some kindling and more charcoal. Avoid using liquid fuel as this can cause a flash fire.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area. If that is unavoidable, make sure they are at least 3 feet from the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• Keep your grill away from windy areas.

• If you smell gas while grilling, step away from grill immediately and call your fire department.

• When you're done grilling, scrape off any grease or fat buildup that's left over and in the trays below the grill. If you're using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Once you clean off your grill, it will be good as new and ready for your next cookout. From all of us at Stephen Benjamin Insurance Agency: Have fun, be safe, and have a Happy Fourth!

Portable Generator Safety Tips

Many of you may have first hand experience with the wrath of summer thunderstorms in our area. We’ve entered that time of year where you can expect to see a few come rolling through. Sometimes these storms can be accompanied by strong winds and even hail. Severe summer storms and micro-bursts can often lead to downed trees and power outages.

To keep important systems running and get life back to normal as soon as possible in the event of a power outage, a portable generator is a great tool to have in the shed or garage. But, where it’s a machine that (hopefully) doesn’t get regular use, you’ll want to keep the following tips and advice in mind when you head out to fire yours up.

• First - make sure to get the right generator for your home and for your anticipated power usage. If you’re not sure how many watts you need, ask an electrician for assistance.

• Make sure that you operate your generator in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet from your home. The machine gives off carbon monoxide, so you should never run it inside.

• Avoid running a portable generator in the rain as it can pose an electrical risk. It should be sitting on a dry surface. If needed, you can buy a generator tent to keep the unit dry for use during a storm.

• Never plug the generator directly into a wall outlet with an extension cord. This is called “backfeeding” and is very dangerous! Having a professional electrician install a power transfer switch will allow you to power your home and appliances without posing a safety risk.

• Don’t overload the generator. Once it’s up and running, turn on your lights and appliances one at a time. Prioritize your needs and only use what’s important. Remember, it’s only temporary!

• Before refueling, make sure it’s turned off and had time to cool down.

• Keep children and pets away from the generator. It gets hot while it’s running, and poses a burn risk.

If you own an older portable generator and want to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide even more, it might be time to invest in a new one to ensure a safe space for you and your family. Stay safe as the clouds roll in!

Is it covered....? Jewelry!

In this edition of “Is it covered…?” let’s talk about jewelry. Does your homeowners policy have adequate jewelry limits? Have you scheduled individual pieces of jewelry on your policy to ensure they are protected? If you’ve recently acquired new jewelry or aren’t sure if you’re covered, read on!

Most homeowners policies have set limits on jewelry and other precious metal holdings and may only be covered by certain perils. By scheduling your item, coverage is provided against mysterious disappearance (or an unexplained loss) which may not be a benefit through your standard homeowners policy.

The solution? We recommend that you perform a quick inventory and estimate the value of your jewelry holdings. Then contact our office to compare estimated values against your current policy limits. If you are unsure of the value, contact a reputable jeweler for an appraisal. Single jewelry items in excess of certain amounts often require an appraisal to obtain coverage with certain insurers. If it proves that your jewelry holdings are under insured, we can offer cost-effective solutions which typically take the form of an endorsement or separate policy. Such policies often provide broader limits and expanded coverage. Don't wait until your valuables are lost or stolen to discover that they are under insured. Contact our office today.