Category: Safety

Spring is in the Air

3/29/2016

Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time.

Happy SPRING! This cold weather and these blizzards were sure ready to give spring a warm welcome …. Not giving up that easy! Let's just close our eyes and dream of wild flowers...

In most places in the United States, March 13th was Daylight Savings. We moved our clocks forward and lost that precious extra hour of sleep. While that’s not my favorite day of the year, we here at ALINK Insurance Services want to remind you it’s a great time to improve your family’s safety.

Be safe in your home

Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The American Red Cross suggests you test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about your fire escape plan. Whether you live in Colorado, or elsewhere, practice the plan too – at least twice a year.

Daylight Saving is a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.

Carbon Monoxide a concern too

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people die annually in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. The CDC recommends changing the batteries in your CO detectors around the time you move your clocks forward.

The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

See the CDC’s site for more ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

Now here’s to warmer days ahead! We here at ALINK Insurance Services hope these tips help and we hope you all have a wonderful spring!

Contact us!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Watch out for that ICE

1/27/2016

We've all been there.

Controlling Slip and Fall Liability Risk

Here in the beautiful state of Colorado (or really anywhere that experiences the joys of winter weather and freezing temps), we are all too familiar with snow and ice covering our porches, driveways, sidewalks, roads, parking lots, you name it. And, I’m sure we can all recall a time or two where those slippery paths have landed us on the ground with a few colorful bruises to show for it.

That snow and ice, whether it be on your personal or your business property, is a LIABILITY RISK.
With thousands of people injured every year, Slip and Fall Accidents are one of the most common liability risks. That being the case, it’s important to always be on the lookout for slip and fall hazards in and around your home or business and eliminate them as soon as possible. From a business standpoint, it’s also extremely important to train your employees on what to do if someone on your premises should suffer a fall.

The Insurance Information Institute suggests routinely checking that the following things are taken care of:

Lighting: All areas should be adequately lit, including hallways and stairs.
Stairs: Handrails, steps and landings should be in good condition, clear of snow/ice.
Walkways: Walkways should be kept in good condition, clear of snow/ice.
Doormats: Doormats should be flat, slip resistant, cleaned and checked regularly in bad weather.
Ice and Snow: Have an effective procedure in place to assure that snow and ice are removed.
Exits: Exits should be well marked, well lit and clear of obstacles.
Parking Lot: Potholes, cracks, or uneven areas should be repaired.
Floors: Any changes in floor level should be clearly marked.
Housekeeping: General housekeeping should be maintained and storage areas kept neat.
Carpeting: Carpeting should be tight and smooth.
Spills: Have an effective procedure in place to assure that all spills are immediately cleaned up.

If there are treacherous areas on your property, such as an icy spot that hasn’t been cleared, an uneven area of the sidewalk, a ripped carpet, etc. – they also suggest that you consider marking them by using warning signs or putting up barriers around them. If you can provide evidence that you took your responsibility seriously and made reasonable efforts to prevent harm to others, you are much less likely to be found liable.

From us at ALINK Insurance Services to you, stay safe out there this winter and watch out for all that ice! Give us a call today at any of our offices listed below to discuss any of your insurance questions or needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We’re your link to security!

Halloween Safety

10/30/2015

5 Questions to Ask to Keep Your Haunting Brood Safe on Halloween

Despite the fact that Halloween involves walking around at night amongst ghouls and witches, it really only takes a little common sense to make the night safe for everyone.

With my two oldest many Halloween's ago (even though it really doesn't seem like THAT long ago). Now how about that beard?

Here are five questions to ask so your entire family, even pets, can enjoy a safe and fun evening of trick-or-treating or handing out candy to others:

1. Are we visible?

Add reflective tape to costumes, clothing and candy bags to make it easier for drivers to see you and your group. That also goes for pets who are tagging along. Put reflective tape or flashing lights on their leashes or collars. Carrying flashlights and glow sticks is a good idea as well — they make you more visible and help you see better, too.

2. How safe are our costumes?

Costumes, including masks and shoes, should fit well to prevent blocked vision, trips and falls. Baggy clothing can also increase the risk of contact with candles. If you purchase costumes, make sure they are marked as flame-resistant. And accessories such as swords and knives should be soft and flexible.

3. Where are we going?

It’s best to have a plan before taking your kids trick-or-treating. You should only go to known neighborhoods and houses that have outside lights on, and children should never enter someone’s home unless an adult is with them. If you have older children going out on their own, have them tell you their plan.

4. What are the kids eating?

It’s always a good idea to examine the items your kids have collected before they dig in. And it’s not just about tampering, either. Be aware of choking hazards, too, particularly for young children. And remember, when it comes to eating treats, moderation is key.

5. How are Fido and Fluffy doing?

Even if your dogs and cats are just hanging out at home while you hand out candy, don’t forget about them. They shouldn’t eat candy at all, but especially chocolate, which can be toxic. Make sure candles are placed in areas where they won’t be knocked down. And remember that, depending on your pet’s personality, having people constantly coming to your door can be stressful. You might want to create a comfortable spot for them away from your home’s entrance.

With the right plan, you can make Halloween fun — and safe — for your little ghosts and goblins, knights and princesses. And don't forget to snag a little leftover candy for yourself, too.

ALINK Insurance Services wishes you a safe and a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Safe Driving

8/11/2015

At ALINK Insurance Services, our desire is your security and ongoing safety. Take 10 minutes to talk to your own or any other teen you know about the “FEAR OF MISSING OUT” (FOMO) and driving in today’s “ALWAYS ON” and “ALWAYS CONNECTED” lifestyle. Bill Syddall, President of ALINK Insurance Services, will personally discuss and review this important topic with anyone who would like to give him a call or send him an email.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Back to School Safety

7/31/2015

As kids head back to school, let’s keep them safe

Three of my daughters and their friends back in the elementary school days. Can't believe all these girls are in college/have graduated college! Who knows when that happened.

The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and ... the start of football here in Colorado!

But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around bikes and buses as we drive around town in Colorado Springs. Here are some familiar, but important tips for both parents and kids to make sure everyone stays safe.

Use caution on the roads

There are going to be a lot more kids on the sidewalks and streets when school starts, so take it slow and always be aware of your surroundings. That’s good advice for all situations, of course, but be extra cautious around the times when school starts and ends for the day.
Watch out for school zones! They’re usually easy to spot, as many have flashing signs indicating a slower speed limit.
Remember to follow school-bus rules. You aren’t allowed to pass the bus on either side of the road when the red lights are flashing. Even when the lights stop, make sure the coast is clear before moving on. Kids can move quickly and erratically.
Leave yourself extra time to make it to your destination. Whether you’re headed to work or dropping your child off at school, rushing is a recipe for disaster.
Be especially careful in school or child-care parking lots and loading zones!

Teach kids to be safe while walking

Just a few minutes spent explaining some basic safety rules to your child can help keep them safe when they’re walking to or from school. Young children should never cross streets alone, but if your child is old enough to walk with others, remind them to do the following:

Always use marked crosswalks when crossing streets and look both ways twice.
Do not assume that drivers can see you. Try to make eye contact with them, if possible, when crossing the street.
Watch for driveways when walking on the sidewalk.
Be aware of cars that are turning or backing up.
Never move into the street from behind a car or other obstacle. Don’t chase a ball, pet or anything else into the street.
Always use sidewalks and paths. If there is no sidewalk or path, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.

Help them stay safe on their bikes

Just as it’s important to help your children learn safety tips for walking to and from school, it’s important to teach bike safety, especially by setting good examples yourself.

Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet every time he or she rides a bike.
Before the bicycle is ridden, do a quick inspection to ensure it is working properly and reflectors are in place.
Show your kids how to ride on the right side of the road with traffic and to stay as far to the right as possible.
Encourage your child to walk his or her bike across busy intersections. Or better yet, choose a route without any busy crossroads.
Explain to your child why no one should ride on the handlebars.
Demonstrate the rules of the road by using proper hand signals and obeying traffic signs when you ride bikes together with your child.
Set curfews so your child is not riding a bicycle at dusk or in the dark.
Most importantly, supervise your children every time they ride until you are certain they have good judgment.

From us here at ALINK Insurance Services, take it slow, and let’s have a happy and safe school year! And bring on those first day of school pictures! I'm sure your kids love them as much as mine.

Car Accidents - Don't Risk It

5/21/2015

3 Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Car Crash

The end of the school year is near, summer is right around the corner, and the warmer weather often prompts the people of Colorado to hop in their cars for weekend (or longer) road trips.

Unfortunately, too many of those trips will end up being memorable for the wrong reasons, due to crashes and other risks that drivers face anytime they hit the road.

You can take control of your next trip, whether it’s across the state or across town, by following these simple rules:

1.       Pay attention. Do you know how many drivers around the country are using cell phones or other electronic devices right now? If it’s daytime, the answer is approximately 660,000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or distracts you increases your risk of a crash. Here’s another reason to avoid distractions: If you’re completely alert, you have a better chance of steering clear of that guy who is shaving on his way to work.

2.       Stay sober. One bad decision can change lives forever, and driving under the influence is an extraordinarily bad decision. Nearly 15,000 died in 2012 in crashes involving impaired drivers, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). So get a designated driver — or better yet, be a designated driver. Best of all, have the party at your house and let everyone sleep over.

3.       Slow down. They say “speed kills,” and, as depressing as it sounds, it’s true. Crashes caused by excessive speed cause more than 10,000 deaths a year on average, the NSC says. Surprisingly, you are most at risk on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or below. Remember, the posted speed limit isn’t always the best speed to travel. Depending on conditions, going slower might be the safest option.

Improving safety on the roads isn’t rocket science. Just a little common sense can make a big difference for you, your passengers and your fellow drivers. So be alert and be safe out there on the roads here in Colorado Springs, or wherever else your travels may take you this summer.

ALINK Insurance Services cares about your safety! Give us a call at any of our offices listed below with any of your insurance questions or needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Bring on the SUN!

Photo by memecenter.com/olmec

How to Survive Winter in Your Car

1/9/2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The holidays have come to an end and it’s time to take on 2015 with a bang! I enjoyed a beautiful, snow-covered, fun and food-filled Christmas and New Year with my family here in Colorado.

The traditional Christmas Eve pajamas. Can you say...GO BRONCOS!

Braving the cold for a family picture. Happy New Year from my family to yours!

Unfortunately, the holiday’s end does not mean the end of snow.

As mentioned previously in this post, a Winter Survival Kit is an important thing to keep in your car. In an emergency, it could potentially mean the difference between life and death. What should a Winter Survival Kit consist of? This list, offered by the Wisconsin Emergency Management team, provides the essentials.

Shovel
Windshield scraper
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery powered radio
Water
Snack food including energy bars, trail mix, etc.
Matches and small candles
Extra hats, socks and mittens
First aid kit
Pocket knife
Necessary medications
Blankets and/or sleeping bag
Tow Chain or rope
Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
Booster cables
Emergency flares and reflectors
Fluorescent distress flag and whistle
Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter

On top of a Winter Survival Kit, Roadside Assistance is an affordable, additional auto insurance coverage that can provide that extra peace of mind when unexpected circumstances arise. Give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services today for more information.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Make 2015 a great and safe year everyone!

Warming Up Safely

11/13/2014

There’s nothing quite like warm gloves, hot apple cider, and the comforting warmth a home full of family and friends brings during the holiday season! (Especially when temperatures outside drop below zero on a whim, only in Colorado!)

President of ALINK Insurance Services, Bill Syddall and his family enjoying last year's Thanksgiving holiday together.

These freezing temps call for some HEAT. It’s time to crank up the furnace, light up the fireplace, and pull out the space heater to warm things up around here. However, all of this heating brings along with it an increased risk for winter fires in the home. Consider the following heating safety tips from the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association to protect your home and family this winter:

FURNACE HEATING

Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported, free of holes, and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES

Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly.
Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to stop embers from flying into the room.
Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Let them cool before placing them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
Before you go to sleep, make sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.

SPACE HEATERS

If using an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit.
Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
Keep young children away from space heaters – especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can easily ignite.
Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting.
Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, outside of the house.
Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot. Do not overfill and be sure to refuel outside of the home.
Never use your oven to heat your home.

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Test smoke alarms monthly.
Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.

Warm up safely this winter! Contact us at ALINK Insurance Services for all of your insurance needs and questions, we’re your link to security!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Keep Your Home Safe From Break-Ins

10/28/2014

October is National Crime Prevention month. Burglary is one of the easiest crimes to prevent, yet is one of the most common. Let's not keep it that way! With the holiday season upon us, and with holiday travel plans being made, now is a great time to consider improving your home's security.

Consider the following anti-burglary tips offered by WebMD to boost home security and keep your home and family safe.

1. Don't Advertise You're Away

Use automatic light timers throughout the house. It's beneficial to use timers that have more than one on-off cycle to create the illusion of movement from room to room. These timers can also be used to turn TV's/radios on and off.
Turn the volume of your phone's ringer down so someone outside can't hear them ring. If you can, have your calls forwarded while you're away.
Arrange to have your lawn cut or snow removed if you will be gone for a long period of time.
Have a neighbor pick up your mail and deliveries and hold them for you.
Always park your car in the garage with the garage door closed when you are home to avoid someone watching for patterns.
Never leave notes on the door.

2. Make It Hard to Break In

Never leave doors or windows unlocked.
Never hide a key to your house where it can be easily found.
Use solid core or metal doors that are secured with good quality deadbolt locks.
Treat a door between an attached garage and the house as an outside door.
Any window or glass panel in the door that is closer than 42 inches to the lock should be reinforced with an invisible security film so a burglar can't break the glass and reach through to unlock the door.
Use a metal or wooden rod in the track on sliding glass patio doors to prevent them from sliding open.
Never leave a ladder that can be used to access the roof or a second story window outside or in an unlocked shed.
Cut back tree limbs that hang over the roof, and remove any lower branches from trees next to the home.

3. Don't Make It Easy to Hide

Trim back or remove any shrubbery next to doors or windows. If you are going to use plants next to the house, you should use thorny plants.
Use outside security lighting to illuminate every access door.
Use exterior lighting with motion detectors for the yard, driveway and other outside regions.
Remember the back and side of your home offer some concealment for a burglar who is trying to break in. So pay close attention to securing all entrances, and if possible avoid installing a tall privacy fence since that offers even greater concealment.

4. Install a Home Security Alarm System

Be sure to use the yard sign and window decals that say your house is protected by a home security system. Regularly check to make sure the sign is visible and has not been covered up by shrubs or pulled out of the ground by pets or neighborhoods children.
Choose a home security system that uses motion detectors as well as arms all windows and doors that could provide access.
Also consider using glass-break sensors that set off the alarm at the sound of a window or glass door panel being broken. Some sensors also detect sudden shock waves and will set the alarm off if someone is trying to kick open the door.
Never post your pass code next to or on the home security alarm key pad.

5. Get to Know Your Neighbors

Make it a point to meet your neighbors so that you can ask them to keep an eye on things while you're away.
Consider organizing a neighborhood watch program if your neighborhood doesn't already have one. Most local law enforcement agencies can help you plan and organize a watch program.

At ALINK Insurance Services, we care about the safety of your home and family. Contact us at any of our offices listed below to discuss any of your insurance needs. And from us to you, have a fun and SAFE Halloween this weekend!
Check back HERE for a Halloween safety reminder.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

Fall Home Safety

9/25/2014

As days get shorter and nights get longer, our habits begin to change. Most of us typically spend more time hunkering down at home and less time relaxing at the pool. That usually means resuming favorite fall pastimes like huddling through a Doherty/Palmer rival game on Friday night and drinking hot cocoa on the sidelines of our little ones’ soccer games.

Arriving along with the season of autumn is a host of safety hazards we didn’t have to think about over the summer, creating the need for a little extra vigilance. As the temperatures drop and you settle in for the approaching cold spell, consider the following pointers for ensuring you and your family stay not just warm, but also safe!

Warm up carefully. All types of heating units can be dangerous. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, secure it with a screen to prevent sparks, and make sure the fire is completely out before you retire for the night. If you depend on your home’s furnace, make sure it has been inspected before you start to use it again. And, if you resort to space heaters, make sure they are in good working order (no frayed cords) and out of the reach of children.

Enjoy ambiance safely. If you use candles to add a warm glow to a cold night, make sure they are safely out of reach of children, can’t be overturned by pets, and are not close to flammable items such as blankets, paper or other furniture. If you’re known for falling asleep before heading to bed, extinguish all candles early in the night to avoid an unsafe, all-night burning situation.

Exercise yard safety. If you’re going to be pruning trees and shrubs, hanging Halloween decorations, raking leaves, or engaging in other yard activities, use caution: be careful on ladders, avoid power lines, and put away yard tools when you’re finished.

Be grounded. Make sure you make weather-friendly shoes and boots handy for the whole family. This is the season for slippery driveways and walkways. Without proper footwear, you can find yourself on your back or in the hospital.

At ALINK Insurance Services, we wish you a fabulous and foible-free fall season!

Contact Us!

At ALINK Insurance Services, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at:

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

Photo1 by Terry Johnston / CC BY; Photo2 by EITico68 / CC BY; Photo3 by wickenden / CC BY; Photo4 by James Lee / CC BY