What You Need To Know For Summer Cook Out Safety

Date: July 21, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

It’s getting warmer and you know what that means? It’s time to get out the grills and cook out! As soon as the weather get nice, most families take the cooking duties outdoors. From dinner to family cookouts, fun in the sun includes the gas or charcoal grill. In spite of how great grilled foods taste, gas and charcoal grills account for an average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries and $40 million in property loss each year! (According to the United States Fire Administration).

We want you to have a great time with your outdoor cook out, but also be safe. Keep reading for some important safety tips.

Food Safety

Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw and cooked foods separate by not using the same platters or utensils.
Cook your food thoroughly. Cooking on a grill often results in quicker browning of the meat on the outside, but the inside typically remains raw. Use a food thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked properly.
- All raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops and roasts should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 F.
- All ground beef, pork, lamb and veal should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 F.
- Poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 F.

Avoid Grilling Mishaps

Don’t let children and pets play near the grilling area when cooking until the grill is completely cool.
Place your grill at least three feet away from other objects including your home, trees and outdoor seating.
Use starter fluid for barbecue grills that use charcoal only. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills.
Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking and is working properly before using a gas grill.
If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and get the unit fixed before lighting. Never use a match to check for leaks.
Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space such as the garage or inside of your home. This is not only a major fire hazard; it is also a carbon monoxide hazard.

Cook Out Carefully To Prevent Fires

Wear tight-fitting clothing that cannot drape over flames or into pans.
If you have long hair, tie it back.
Do not place oven mitts, hand towels or hot pads on or near the range.
When you are done cooking a meal, double-check to make sure that all appliances are turned off.
Unplug portable appliances when they are not in use.
When cooking on your range, turn on the vent hood fan to minimize any smoking.
If your gas range does not light on its own, be extremely careful when lighting it.

If The Event Of A Fire:

Turn off the gas or electrical appliance that is fueling the flames, if possible.
If the fire is in a pan on your range, cover the pan with its lid or a baking sheet. If this does not work, use a fire extinguisher or sprinkle baking soda on the pan.
In the event you are cooking with oil and it catches fire, DO NOT pour water on the flaming pan. This will make the fire worse.

We hope that you take the time to use these simple safety tips to have a great summer cook out season with your friends and family!

Hearing Loss, Risk Factors and How To Prevent It?

Date: July 14, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Approximately one in five Americans are deal with some type of hearing loss. Often unavoidable due to the natural process of aging, hearing loss can also result from exposure to loud noises over time.

Types of Hearing Loss

The two most common types of hearing loss are sensorineural and conductive.

Sensorineural

Sensorineural—Also called nerve deafness, this is the most common type of hearing loss, affecting one out of five people by age 55. It usually comes on gradually, but rarely results in complete deafness. People who have this type of hearing loss can hear speech but often have difficulty understanding it, especially with background noise.

There are a range of causes for sensorineural hearing loss, including:

Exposure to loud or persistent noise
Meniere’s disease (an abnormality of the inner ear)
Meningitis, or viruses such as mumps or measles
Heredity or birth defects
Head injuries
Blows to the ear
Circulatory problems
Allergic and metabolic defects

Sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible but can usually be helped with the use of hearing aids.

Conductive

Conductive—This occurs when the ossicles, the three tiny bones of the ear, fail to conduct sound to the cochlea, or inner ear. It can also occur when the eardrum fails to vibrate in response to sound because of a mechanical problem, such as fluid in the ear or disruption of the ossicles.

There are several causes of conductive hearing loss, including:

Infection
A buildup of earwax
Fluid in the middle ear
A punctured eardrum

People with conductive hearing loss can be treated successfully with medicine or surgery, as well as with hearing instruments. Some people have both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss; these people can be treated with hearing aids as well.

Some other conditions that cause hearing loss or adversely affect people’s hearing are:

Presbycusis—This is hearing loss due to normal aging, and therefore most common for elderly people. It is caused as hair cells become old and brittle or are destroyed. Presbycusis is generally a type of sensorineural hearing loss but sometimes can be a conductive hearing loss.
Tinnitus—Also known as “ringing in the ears,” it is the sensation of sound that does not exist. About one third of all adults experience tinnitus at some point, and 15 percent of adults require medical evaluation for their tinnitus. It can be caused by a number of factors including earwax buildup, eardrum perforation and ear infections.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Hearing loss is often so gradual that it goes unnoticed by the sufferer and is discovered by family, friends or a routine hearing test. The following symptoms may indicate hearing loss:

Nervous tension, irritability or fatigue from the effort to hear
The belief that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
Straining to understand conversations in social settings or at work
Frequently misunderstanding or needing to have things repeated
Watching people’s faces intently when listening
Increasing television or radio volume to the point where others complain
Recurrent ear infections, constant ear ringing or dizziness

Some people have an increased risk of experiencing hearing loss, such as:

Those with a family history of hearing loss
People with diabetes, or heart, thyroid or circulation problems
Those who are exposed to high noise levels from things like tractors, factory machinery, firearms or power tools, without proper ear protection

Hearing Aids

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication.

There are three basic types of hearing aids:

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss, but are not usually worn by children because the casings need to be replaced as the ear grows.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss.
Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two sizes. The In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is customized to fit the size and shape of the ear canal and is used for mild or moderately severe hearing loss. A Completely-in-canal (CIC) aid is largely concealed in the ear canal and is also used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Protecting Your Hearing

It is difficult to protect yourself from hearing loss due to aging or certain other conditions. However, it is possible to protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss. Be aware of the sounds that can be dangerous to your ears and take steps to avoid or reduce them.

Keep the volume turned down on your stereo, phone and television.
Make sure the noise in your workplace does not exceed federal regulations.
Wear earplugs with at least 20 decibels of protection when you are exposed to loud noises.
Regular hearing tests can alert you to hearing loss as soon as it starts, allowing you to enact preventative measures.

What Is Two-factor Authentication And Why Is It Important?

Date: July 7, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

As cyber attacks become more and more common, protecting your data is increasingly difficult. In fact, a study from Juniper Research found that by 2023, cyber criminals are expected to steal an estimated 33 billion records. In light of the growing number of cyber attacks, many companies are turning to two-factor authentication to enhance their cyber security. This is also commonly called 2FA or multifactor authentication. While no cyber security method is foolproof, using two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. So how exactly does two-factor authentication work?

What is Two-factor Authentication?

While complex passwords can help deter cyber criminals, they can still be cracked. To further prevent cyber criminals from gaining access to employee accounts, two-factor authentication is key. It adds a layer of security that allows companies to protect against compromised credentials. Through this method, users must confirm their identity by providing extra information when attempting to access corporate applications, networks and servers. Examples can include a phone number or unique security code.

With two-factor authentication, it’s not enough to just have your username and password. In order to log in to an online account, you’ll need another “factor” to verify your identity. This additional login hurdle means that would-be cyber criminals won’t easily unlock an account, even if they have the password in hand. A more secure way to complete two-factor authentication is to use a time-based one-time password (TOTP). A TOTP is a temporary passcode that is generated by an algorithm. Meaning it’ll expire if you don’t use it after a certain period of time. With this method, users download an authenticator app, such as those available through Google or Microsoft, onto a trusted device. Those apps will then generate a TOTP, which users will manually enter to complete login.

Why Two-factor Authentication and Password Management Is Important

As two-factor authentication becomes more popular, some states are considering requiring it for certain industries. It’s possible that as cyber security concerns continue to grow and cyber attacks become more common, other states will follow suit. Even if it’s not legally required, ongoing password management can help prevent unauthorized attackers from compromising your organization’s password-protected information. Effective password management protects the integrity, availability and confidentiality of an organization’s passwords. Above all, you’ll want to create a password policy that specifies all of the organization’s requirements related to password management.

This policy should require employees to:

change their password on a regular basis
avoid using the same password for multiple accounts
use special characters in their password

For additional cyber risk management guidance and insurance solutions, contact us today.

8 Tips for Keeping Your Home Workspace Clean

Date: June 9, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Whether your work-from-home arrangement is temporary or long-term, a clean home workspace can be good for your mental health and well-being. A clean home workspace will help you stay healthy, while boosting work productivity and lowering stress.

The Dirty Truth About Workspaces

On-site offices and other workspaces are often cleaned daily, which means the home office could have more bacteria and germs. Furthermore, you may be sharing the space with family or friends and consuming more food and drinks while you work.

The average desk contains 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. The keyboard and computer mouse can be the dirtiest items as a result of having unwashed hands and eating at your desk.

Keeping It Clean

Continue practicing good personal hygiene habits, and develop healthy and clean remote working habits by trying the following tips:

Avoid working from the kitchen. The kitchen is often one of the busiest and dirtiest rooms. It’s important to arrange a designated workspace so you can keep it tidy, helping you remain focused.
Get adequate ventilation. Open your windows to let fresh air in.
Keep pets away. Separate pets from your computer and other parts of the workspace so items don’t get covered with fur and dander.
Avoid eating at your workspace. Crumbs are a common source of bacteria and can easily hide under papers and keyboards.
Dust your work surfaces. This includes your keyboard, computer, monitors, lamp and any other workspace items. Do so at least once a week.
Declutter your workspace daily. It may be helpful to have a trash can nearby that is emptied daily.
Wipe down and disinfect work surfaces. Clean surfaces a couple times each week. If surfaces are visibly dirty, clean with soap and water prior to disinfection. Alcohol-based wipes may be a better alternative for electronics.
Stay organized. Once you’ve set up your workspace, keep items organized on shelves, in drawers or in other containers.

Dividing your home between work and relaxation can be a challenge—but keeping your working area clean is one way to make that easier. If you have concerns about your home workspace, talk with your manager.

The Difference Between An Emergency Room And Urgent Care

Date: May 19, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

In the case of a sudden emergency, obtaining quick medical attention is crucial. Choosing the appropriate place of care ensures prompt medical attention and lower costs. Making the wrong choice can result in delayed medical attention, and may cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. If you or someone you know suddenly falls ill or becomes injured, how can you determine which facility is most appropriate? Do you know the difference between an emergency room and urgent care? What services does each facility provide? If you don’t know the answers, don’t worry, we can help explain the difference.

Emergency Room

The emergency room is equipped to handle life-threatening injuries and illnesses and other serious medical conditions. An emergency is a condition that may cause loss of life or permanent or severe disability if not treated immediately. Patients are seen according to the seriousness of their conditions in relation to the other patients. Go directly to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Severe abdominal pain following an injury
Uncontrollable bleeding
Confusion or loss of consciousness, especially after a head injury
Poising or suspected poisoning
Serious burns, cuts or infections
Inability to swallow
Seizures
Paralysis
Broken Bones

Urgent Care

Urgent care facilities are not equipped to handle life-threatening injuries, illnesses or medical conditions. These centers are designed to address conditions where delayed treatment could cause serious problems or discomfort. Some examples of conditions that require urgent care are these:

Ear infections
Sprains or strains
Urinary tract infections
Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
High fever or the flu
Controlled bleeding or cuts that require stitches
Diagnostic services (X-ray, lab tests

Choosing the wrong facility

If you go to the Emergency Room with a relatively minor injury or illness, you will most likely have to wait to be seen. Depending on the severity of the other patients’ conditions, you may have to wait more than an hour to be seen. Most often you could have been seen more quickly at an urgent care facility. And, you will also end up with a higher bill by visiting an Emergency Room. Most insurance plans offer a discounted co-pay if you go to an urgent care vs going to the emergency room. For example a plan may have a $250 Emergency Room co-pay vs a $75 Urgent Care co-pay. If your plan does not have a co-pay and your visit is subject to your deductible and co-insurance you will still most likely have a lower charge from an Urgent Care facility vs an Emergency Room.

Know the difference between an Emergency Room and Urgent Care

Knowing the difference between an Emergency Room and Urgent Care will help you determine the best facility for you or a loved ones medical emergency, as well as saving you time and money if it is determined that care can be received at an Urgent Care. Understanding your health insurance plan is also important. Co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance are all very important parts of your plan.

Click here to learn more about health insurance benefits.

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4 Summer Safety Tips You Need To Remember

Date: May 12, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

It’s getting warmer and the school year is almost over. You know what that means? It’s almost summer time! While you and your family will be having more fun in the sun, it’s important to remember a few summer safety tips. Make sure you are taking appropriate precautions against the sun, bugs, and the fun outdoor activities. We have 5 summer safety tips to keep in mind as this warmer weather approaches.

#1. Heat and Sun Safety

It’s great to soak up a few rays of sun, but there can be too much of a good thing. Make sure to drink plenty of water, dress for the weather and eat light. Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke can be very serious and scary conditions. Heat Exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cook the body. Usually the result of not drinking enough fluids during hot weather. Heat Stroke is the result of untreated heat exhaustion. Make sure to keep an eye on your loved ones to make sure they are not showing any changes in their behavior or physical well being.

#2. Insect Bites and Allergies

With warmer weather also comes bugs, which leads to bug bites. To save yourself the pain later of an irritating bug bite with potential health risks, use insect repellents to keep the bugs from biting. These come in many different forms such as sprays, lotions, or even candles or wrist bands. Also, consider taking over-the-counter medications to alleviate any allergy symptoms.

#3. Grilling

This summer safety tip is one that applies year round. Weather you use a gas or charcoal grill, anytime there is an open flame you need to take precautions. Make sure grills are constantly monitored. Place grills at least 3 feet away from all other objects. Make sure to keep children and pets away from grills so they do not get burnt.

#4. Swimming

Swimming pools, lakes and ponds are a favorite past time for many families. When the air is hot and the water is cool, it’s the perfect time to swim. This summer safety tip talked about often. Always make sure you check the conditions to make sure swimming is safe. Children should have life jackets or other personal flotation devices.

Summer is a great time for families to spend time together and have some adventures. Make sure to keep the above summer safety tips in mind and have a great and fun summer!

Tips To Help You Get On Your Bicycle And Ride Safely

Date: May 5, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Bicycling is a fun and healthy way to explore the outdoors, especially in spring and summer. However, biking also has safety risks that can lead to injury if you are not careful. The more you know about bike safety, the more you can enjoy your next bicycling adventure. Stay safe with these rules for riding:

Protect Yourself

Wear a bike helmet and bright or reflective gear. Install a white front light and red rear light on your bike, as well as reflectors for visibility. A horn, bell and rearview mirror are also good safety additions.

Keep Kids Safe

If you bike with children, make sure they also wear properly sized, protective helmets—even in ride-along attachments.

Rice a bicycle that fits

If your bike is too big, it is hard to control and makes for an unsafe ride. A bike shop can help determine the best fit for safety.

Stow and carry

Carry items in a backpack or strapped to a bike rack or carrier. Your hands are for holding onto handlebars, not for carrying items while you bike.

Ride a roadworthy bicycle

Make sure your bike seat is at the right height and locked in place. Your tires should be fully inflated. You may also want to carry a bike repair kit in your backpack to fix any unwanted flat tires. Don’t forget a water bottle for hydration and a healthy snack for energy.

Ride responsibly

All states require bicyclists to follow the same rules as motorists. Obey street signs, signals and road markings. An estimated 80 million bicyclists share the road with cars, so it is important to keep your eyes and ears on the road and not get distracted by your phone.

Don’t drink and ride

Alcohol accounts for about 37% of bike fatalities. Stay alert and don’t drink if you are getting on a bicycle.

Get educated

Many bike safety programs are available that can help build your confidence and skills as a biker. There are also a variety of specialty programs for riders interested in off-roading or biking that require a greater level of skill.

The League of American Bicyclists is a great resource for everything bicycle-related—including educational videos, classes, tips and other information about bike safety.

Important Safety Information For Outdoor Workers and Lyme Disease Prevention

Date: April 28, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Lyme disease was first discovered after an unusual outbreak of arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. Today, Lyme disease is widespread across the United States, but the highest risk of exposure is in wooded areas during spring and summer months.

All About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterium typically carried by mice and other small rodents. It is transmitted through ticks that have previously bitten infected animals and then bite humans. When these infected insects attach to the human body, they slowly feed and transmit the disease within 36 to 48 hours. Young ticks are prevalent in late spring and early summer, although adult ticks can transmit the infection as well. Adult ticks are larger and much easier to spot, but young ticks can be as small as a pinhead.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Lyme disease typically develop within two weeks of the tick bite. Although a majority of those infected develop a rash in the shape of a bull’s-eye surrounding the bite, 20 to 40 percent of people do not exhibit this symptom at all. Instead, they may develop flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, neck stiffness, fatigue, headaches, and migrating joint aches or muscle aches.
If you suspect that you may have contracted Lyme disease, seek medical attention. A simple blood test can confirm whether you have the disease. If you test positive, the medical professional will prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause arthritis, muscle pain, heart disease, brain damage and nerve disorders.

Preventing Lyme Disease

Avoid tick habitats, which include brushy, overgrown, grassy and woody areas.
Wear light-colored clothing to see ticks more easily.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes or boots when working in grassy or wooded areas. Tuck your pants into your boots.
Use tick and bug repellant on your skin. Although permethrin is not safe to use on your skin, it is effective at deterring ticks when used on your clothing.
After working outside, check body areas where ticks are commonly found, including behind the knees, between fingers and toes, armpits, behind ears, on the neck and wherever there is hair.
Shower well, and wash and dry your clothing at high temperatures after you have been working outside.

Construction workers, landscapers, forestry employees, brush cleaners, land surveyors, farming workers, railroad employees, oil field workers, utility line employees and parks and wildlife management individuals may be at risk of contracting Lyme disease. Warn your employees of this danger today!

Distracted Driving And The Risks You Need To Know

Date: April 21, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Did you know a recent study from the University of Minnesota found that talking on a cell phone while driving impairs one’s ability even more than driving while intoxicated? Talking on a cell phone and other driver distractions pose a major hazard to everyone on the road.

Preventing Distracted Driving

When driving, make sure to use the following precautions:

Do not talk on your cell phone or use the text messaging feature.
If you absolutely must conduct a conversation, use a hands-free device and speed dial.
Never touch up your makeup or hair in the rear view mirror.
Limit your conversations with passengers and ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate.
Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will probably pay more attention to not burning yourself or putting out the cigarette than driving safely.
Only adjust the radio or CD Player when you are completely stopped.
Never allow animals to sit on your lap while driving.
Do not eat or drink while driving.
Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get our bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination.
Do not take notes or search for phone numbers.
Never use a cell phone (even with a hands-free device) in bad weather, work zones or heavy traffic.

We can help with all of your auto insurance needs, however, it’s up to you to drive safe. Distracted driving can lead to dangerous, and even fatal, consequences. Be a responsible motorist and make paying attention to the road your number one priority when you’re behind the wheel.

Click here to learn more about auto insurance.

7 Tips For How To Stay Safe During Power Outages

Date: February 24, 2021 Author: Rinehart Insurance

You can’t control the weather—but you can take safety measures to protect your family and home against the threat and hazards of power outages. If severe weather or intense winter chill hits unexpectedly, power outages can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. However, if you’re already in the dark, there are still steps you can take to keep everyone safe until your power is restored.

Stay Safe

Staying home and indoors is the best way to stay safe during power outages. Consider the following tips to cope during an unexpected or extended power outage.

1). Get The Essentials

In case the power outage lasts a few days, it’s important to have the following items on hand:

• Three to seven-day supply of food and water (per person)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• First-aid supplies
• Extra medicine

2) Conserve Power

When the storm is approaching or the lights are already out, consider unplugging or turning off electronics and small appliances.

3) Protect Your Water Supply

Some water purification systems may not function when the power goes out. Bottled, boiled or treated water is safe for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene purposes. Check with local officials to ensure your water is safe to drink.

4) Protect Your Food Supply

Remember to keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures. During a power outage, food will stay cold for about four hours in an unopened fridge and about 48 hours in a full, closed freezer—24 hours if it is half full. If necessary, fill coolers with ice to keep food from spoiling.

5) Maintain A Normal Body Temperature

If it’s cold outside, layer up by wearing at least three layers of tops and two layers of bottoms. Look around your home for extra blankets, sleeping bags and winter coats to help you warm up. Learn more about how to recognize and prevent hypothermia.
If it’s hot outside, stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illness, such as heat stroke and fainting. To avoid heat stress, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) heat safety tips

6) Avoid Carbon Monoxide

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators outdoors only and at least 20 feet away from your home. Additionally, do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

7) Check On Your Loved Ones

When it’s safe to do so, check in with people to make sure they’re OK or find out if they need assistance.

If you need to make a trip outside, keep it as brief as possible. Check with your local emergency authorities first to make sure it’s safe to drive or travel during severe weather.

Be Prepared For Power Outages

If you are not currently experiencing a power outage, consider the following tips to prepare for a sudden loss of electrical power:
• Invest in a home generator. A portable backup power source can keep critical equipment like refrigerators, sump pumps and air conditioners running during a blackout.
• Utilize surge protectors. A UL-listed surge protector can safeguard expensive electronic devices like televisions and desktop computers.
• Develop a family emergency communications plan. It’s important to have a game plan so everyone knows what to do and when. Decide on a meeting spot, identify shelter locations and store the plan on your cellphone.
• Assemble an emergency survival kit. Account for your pets, too. The American Red Cross recommends having the following items readily available:
o One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
o Nonperishable food to last each person three days
o Flashlight and extra batteries
o First-aid kit
o Sanitation and personal hygiene items
o Copies of important personal documents (e.g., medication lists, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)
o Cellphone with both wall and car chargers
o Pet food, supplies and water
o Emergency contact information for family and friends
For additional emergency preparedness resources, visit the CDC’s Power Outage website.