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Car Accidents - Don't Risk It

5/21/2015

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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.

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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
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It's Boating Season

7/15/2014

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WATERCRAFT INSURANCE
Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft insurance is your best bet. It covers theft, damage, and injuries or accidents while you're on the water, as well as some of your expensive watersports gear.
Every summer our team gets calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips we like - courtesy of our partners at Safeco.

Be Weather-Wise.

Always check local weather conditions before departure. TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

Life Preservers Aren't Just for Kids.
It's not enough to just have life jackets on board - wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children. More people in their 30's die in boating accidents then any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in the style category, and you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

Watch the Back of the Boat.
Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. Tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located, and turn off your engine when people are in the water. Don't let passengers "ski" or "teak-surf" by holding on to the back of the boat. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; you can install devices on older boats for less than $100.

Alcohol and Boating Don't Mix.
More than 50% of drownings result from boating accidents involving alcohol. You don't drink and drive your car, so don't drink and drive your boat.

Boats Need TLC Too.
When you're out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat's operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician.

Experience Counts!
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that operator error accounts for 70% of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from many insurers if you complete a boating safety course.



Contact us at ALINK Insurance Services for any of your insurance needs or questions, and stay safe this summer!
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4th of July Fireworks Safety

7/1/2014

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Independance Day is just around the corner. Here are a few safety tips from the American Red Cross  and the Consumer Product Safety Commission on how to handle those fun light-at-home fireworks:
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution - a large bucket of water or a garden hose.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks ALWAYS wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and NEVER attempt to relight a "dud."
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • NEVER throw or point a firework towards people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks have completed burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

At ALINK Insurance Services, your safety and security are our primary concern. Please contact us with any of your personal or commercial insurance needs or questions. We're here to help!
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Summer Means Backyard Grilling - SAFELY!

6/3/2014

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Just like hamburgers and hot dogs, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer. But grilling isn't just about great food and perfect grill marks on your steak and veggies, backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with family, friends, and neighbors.

Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you're literally playing with fire. Thousands of people each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes and property, or being seriously injured in grilling accidents.

In 2012, Hannah Storm, an ESPN SportsCenter anchor, was badly burned while preparing to cook dinner for her children. After wind blew out the flame, propane gas pooled on her grill and became an explosive fireball when she attempted to re-ignite it. Only the instinct to close her eyes upon seeing the flame saved her corneas, but her face, neck, chest and hands suffered first- and second-degree burns.
You can prevent grilling accidents by taking some simple precautions. The tips below can help ensure you cook only burgers - and not your house -  and prevent injury the next time you fire up the grill.

TIPS FOR ALL GRILLS
  • Your grill, whether gas or charcoal, should be on a level surface outdoors, away from anything that could be ignited by flames such as bushes, fences, deck railings, or outdoor furniture.
  • NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you.
  • Keep your grill clean and well-maintained. Remove grease buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Check parts regularly to determine if replacements are needed.
  • Never leave a hot grill unattended or let children or pets play near it.

CHARCOAL GRILL TIPS
  • Do not add lighter fluid directly to hot coals. The flame could travel up the stream of fluid and burn you.
  • Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire.
  • Use flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbecue tongs, as coals can reach up to 1000 degrees.
  • To dispose of coals, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposal in a non-combustible container. If you can't wait 48 hours, carefully place coals individually in a can of sand or bucket of water.

GAS GRILL TIPS
  • Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or by the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
  • If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.
  • Do not keep a filled propane tank in a hot car or trunk. When getting containers refilled, make that your last stop before going home.
  • Store propane tanks in an upright position, and never indoors. (source)

From all of us at ALINK Insurance Services, happy grilling, and stay safe this summer!
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