Insurance Tips
GREEN BOATING TIPS FOR EARTH DAY IN INDIANA,
With Earth Day fast approaching, we here at Harrington Hoch Insurance thought it would be a good time to talk about preventative measures you can take to avoid harming the environment, in addition to carrying an insurance policy that provides coverage for fuel spills and pollution liability.
- Maintain a clean bilge – don’t pump oily water overboard
- Clean safely – Use detergent sparingly. Environmentally responsible boat cleaning products can be found at www.greenseal.org
- Observe all local (including Richmond) and federal sewage regulations for local waterways {/cond}
- For people boating at sea, chart your course responsibly – prevent damage to sensitive sea habitats and reduce fuel waste due to misdirection
- Stow your trash – take your garbage home, including fishing line, cigarettes and other disposable items
- Recycle your waste – properly dispose your batteries and other waste materials
- Carry a spill kit
- Report pollution
- Routine maintenance – keep up with the maintenance of your boat, just like you do with your car
Boat Maintenance
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your boat, reduce the need for costly repairs, and help ensure the safety of your passengers in Indiana, or elsewhere.
Cleaning & Care
Wash your boat regularly to prevent the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear. Routine waxing and the use of an anti-fouling paint can also help protect your boat from the elements. Consider using environmentally-safe products whenever possible!
Consider a Watercraft Cover
Invest in a cover to keep your boat clean and free from dirt, water, falling leaves and bird droppings, all of which cause damage if left unchecked. A cover can also prevent UV rays from breaking down hoses, and fading carpets and upholstery.
Routine Inspection
Proper boat maintenance means being actively involved in, and attuned to, all aspects of your watercraft. Keep an eye on everything from loose fittings, to fraying ropes, to any other areas of your watercraft that may need special attention or replacement. Many times, damages incurred to a boat could easily have been prevented by following a preventative boat maintenance routine. You can also have a professional boat inspection.
Battery Care
Depending on the type of battery your boat uses, check to ensure that it is properly charged and has the correct fluid levels. Always keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can drain your battery.
Motor Maintenance
Flush your engine after every outing, and check everything from your fuel tanks to the clamps on your fuel line for rust, damage or corrosion. Also, check your oil for correct levels, proper filtration, and cleanliness. Finally, remember to keep an eye on your engine’s cooling system to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
Bilge Pumps
A crucial aspect of boat maintenance is ensuring that your bilge pump is functioning properly. There’s not much that can cause more irreparable damage to a boat than having it sink. In the event that you need to use your pump, you’ll want to make sure that your battery system contains enough power to run the pump for a prolonged period of time.
Electrical Components
Many boating failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems, so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your watercraft maintenance routine. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellent, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.
For more information on boat insurance coverage or to get a boating insurance quote, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
TORNADOES HAPPEN EVERY YEAR; ARE YOU PREPARED?
You don’t have to be directly hit by a tornado in Indiana to experience damage. Taking some time to prepare could save you thousands of dollars and hours of clean-up.
Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, but in April of 2011 alone, 875 tornadoeswere reported. Oftentimes, homes and businesses close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Check with us at Harrington Hoch Insurance to see if your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.
If you can’t live in your home, see if your policy will pay additional living expenses. Harrington Hoch can review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.
Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs. Harrington Hoch Insurance recommends you work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and make sure you chat with us about your business or home’s unique features.
You Can Take Action to Reduce Damage
You can’t make your home or business tornado-proof, but you can take steps that improve the odds of surviving the high winds. Ideally, you may want to call on professionals for the more technical jobs.
- Start at the top – your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high winds.
- If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
- Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.
If a Tornado is Headed Your Way in Indiana
- If you are in a building, move to an underground shelter, an interior room or a hallway on the lowest floor.
- Stay away from windows and corners.
- If you’re in your car, get out immediately and find safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.
- Flying debris causes most injuries and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Additional Resources for Indiana
Check out some of these additional resources or let Harrington Hoch Insurance find the right insurance protection for you:
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It’s necessary to get the right insurance protection for you. For more information on your policy or if you’d like to ask about additional coverage, please contact Harrington Hoch at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
SUGGESTIONS FROM HARRINGTON HOCH FOR DEALING WITH A WATER EMERGENCY
It’s happened. There’s water everywhere – in your walls, under your carpets and soaking into your belongings. Whether caused by a burst pipe, a broken water heater or flooding, there are things you can do immediately to salvage belongings and limit damage or loss.
Here are some suggestions from Harrington Hoch Insurance that will help you, wherever you live, including Indiana.
1. Stop the water. If the water is coming from inside your home, such as a burst pipe or water heater malfunction, shut off the main water valve immediately. (Make sure everyone in your home knows where the shutoff valve is located.)
2. Turn off the utilities* – if the situation calls for it. In a serious water event, turning off the power or natural gas might be necessary to ensure your and others personal safety.
3. Prevent electrocution. Do not use any electrical appliances if the carpet or flooring surfaces are wet. Use a wet vacuum to remove water, but check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting.
4. Use fans to circulate air and encourage drying. This is especially important in the first 24-48 hours after an indoor flood.
5. Get water out quickly (and safely). Fast action on your part can prevent further damage, help you save more of your belongings and minimize the time and expense of repairs. Clean up as much water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels.
6. Get property to a dry location. As much as possible, move belongings to a dry area. Put furniture on blocks or slide a square of aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent the wood stain from bleeding into carpeting.
7. Remove area rugs from the floor. The dyes in carpets can stain flooring, carpeting or wood floors.
8. Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. It could cause carpet to shrink.
9. Launder any clothes or other washables that have been soaked as soon as possible.
10. Wipe excess water from furniture. Open drawers and cabinet doors for faster drying. Spread out books to speed drying and prevent further damage.
11. Watch for debris and pests. If water is flowing in your house there may be dislodged materials such as nails, or pests such as snakes or vermin.
12. Report claims as soon as possible. The sooner you report damage, the sooner your insurance company can help you get your home and life back to normal. Call Harrington Hoch at 765-962-9502 or contact your insurance carrier directly.
13. Keep track of the time spent cleaning and save receipts for the costs of any rental equipment or payments to professional services. As soon as you can, make a thorough list of items that water damaged-this will help us process your claim faster. Document the damage with photos, video, bills, and receipts. In the meantime, don’t throw out damaged items – especially expensive items.
*In the case of a minor water situation there may not be a need to shut off the utilities, and doing so may leave your home without power until the utilities can be turned back on again.
Contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502 for more information about preventing water damage in your home.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
RICHMOND, SUMMERS MEAN BACKYARD GRILLING – SAFELY!
Just like hamburgers and hot dogs, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer in Richmond. And grilling isn’t just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family.
Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you’re literally playing with fire. Thousands of Indiana residents each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes or even serious injuries in grilling accidents.
There’s good news, though: You can prevent grilling accidents by taking some simple precautions. The tips below can help ensure you cook only your burgers – and not your house – the next time you fire up the grill.
Harrington Hoch Insurance 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 (bushes, fences, etc.).
- NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you.
- Keep your grill clean and well-maintained. Check parts regularly to determine if replacements are needed.
- Never leave a hot grill unattended or let children play near it.
Charcol Grill Tips From Kingsford.com
- 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 1,000 degrees.
- To dispose of coals, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposal in a non-combustible container. If you cannot wait 48 hours, carefully place coals individually in a can of sand or bucket of water.
Gas Grill Tips From the National Fire Protection Association
- Check your grill’s hoses 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 you have a leak, and it will not stop after the grill and gas is turned off, call the fire department. If the leak stops when the grill and gas are turned off, have your grill serviced by a professional.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
- 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.
From all of us at Harrington Hoch Insurance, happy grilling, and stay safe this summer!
Contact Us!
For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT IN INDIANA
Whether you’ve got a rowboat or a big cabin cruiser, we here at Harrington Hoch Insurance want to make sure you have the tips you need to keep your boat protected when it’s not in use.
The first step in winterizing your boat should be to make a list of all your winterization tasks. Check your boat and motor owner’s manuals for manufacturer recommendations on winterization and review the topics below. If you are a new watercraft owner, consider employing the help of a friend with experience in winterization, or hire a professional to do the job.
Depending on whether you live in Indiana or elsewhere, your tasks may vary.
Outboard Engine(s)
Flush your engine with fresh water using flush muffs or a similar device attached to the raw water pickup. Let all water drain from the engine. Wash the engine down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. It is important to follow a step-by-step process to make sure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor to prevent build-up of deposits from evaporated fuel. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Apply water resistant grease to the propeller shaft and threads. Change the gear oil in the lower unit. Lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or polish with a good wax.
Inboard Engine(s)
Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. This allows impurities to be drained away with the oil. Change the oil filter(s). Flush the engine with fresh water. Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the waterpump to a bucket of antifreeze. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until water starts to exit the exhaust. This process will vary slightly depending on whether you have a “Raw Water” cooling system or an “Enclosed Fresh Water” cooling system. While you’re in the engine room, change the fluid in your transmission. Remove spark plugs and use “fogging oil” to spray into each cylinder. Wipe down the engine with a shop towel sprayed with a little fogging oil or WD-40.
Stern Drive(s)
Thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the oil, which could indicate leaking seals and the need for repairs. Clean the lower unit with soap and water. If your stern drive has a rubber boot, check it for cracks or pinholes. Grease all fittings and check fluid levels in the hydraulic steering or lift pumps. Check your owner’s manual for additional recommendations by the manufacturer.
Fuel
Fill your fuel tank(s) to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. Add a fuel stabilizer by following the instructions on the product. Change the fuel filter(s) and water separator(s).
Bilges
Make sure the bilges are clean and dry. Use soap, hot water and a stiff brush to clean up any oil spills. Once the bilges are clean, spray with a moisture displacing lubricant and add a little antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing.
Fresh Water System
Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Isolate the hot water heater by disconnecting the in and out lines and connecting them together. Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all the faucets, including the shower and any wash-down areas until you see the antifreeze coming out. Put non-toxic antifreeze in the water heater.
Head
Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Use Vanish crystals or whatever your owner’s manual recommends that will not harm your system and let it sit for a few minutes. Add fresh water and pump out again. Add antifreeze and pump through hoses, holding tank, y-valve, macerator and discharge hose. Check your owner’s manual to make sure that an alcohol-based antifreeze won’t damage your system.
Interior
Once you have taken care of the systems, you should remove any valuables, electronics, lines, PFD, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders, etc. Over the winter, clean, check and replace these items as necessary. Open all drawers and lockers and clean thoroughly. Turn cushions up on edge so that air is able to circulate around them or, better yet, bring them home to a climate controlled area. Open and clean the refrigerator and freezer. To keep your boat dry and mildew-free you might want to install a dehumidifier or use a commercially available odor and moisture absorber product.
Out-of-Water Storage
Pressure wash the hull, clean barnacles off props and shafts, rudders, struts and trim tabs. Clean all thru-hulls and strainers. Open the seacocks to allow any water to drain. Check the hull for blisters; if you find any that require attention, consider opening them to drain over the winter.
In-Water Storage
Close all seacocks and check rudder shafts and stuffing boxes for leaks, then tighten or repack as necessary. Check your battery to make sure it is fully charged, clean the terminals, add water if necessary and make sure your charging system is working. Check the bilge pumps to ensure they are working, that the float switches properly activate the pumps, and that they are not hindered by debris. Make sure to check your boat periodically or have the marina check it and report to you. If the water in which you are docked or moored tends to freeze, you should install a de-icing device or bubbling system around your boat.
Trailers
Like boats, trailers need some attention in the fall so they’ll still be rolling in the spring. Hubs that have been immersed in water during the season must be cleaned thoroughly. Rusted areas on the frame should be sanded, primed, and repainted. Tires should be inspected, especially the sidewalls, which tend to crack and wear out before the treads. Finally, removing the wheels and adding support at the blocks under the frame rails will prolong the life of the tires, minimize sagging on the springs, and discourage theft.
Batteries
You may want to leave a battery aboard your boat to operate a burglar alarm or an automatic bilge pump. These are both useful in the winter, but don’t expect an automatic pump to overcome bad deck, cabin, or hull leaks – not in the summer or winter. The pump, battery, or float switch can fail, leaving the boat unprotected. A boat with chronic leaking problems should be dry-stored and repaired as soon as possible. If you do leave a battery aboard, make sure the cells are filled with distilled water and fully charged so they don’t freeze. Frozen cells will ruin a battery. Clean the terminals with baking soda, and rinse with cold water. Coat the terminals and cables with petroleum jelly to help prevent rust.
If you don’t need a battery aboard, take it home and do all of the above anyway. Store batteries in a cool dry room and put them on a trickle charger or charge them every 30 to 60 days.
Covers
Invest in a cover to keep your boat clean and free from dirt, water, falling leaves and bird droppings, all of which can cause damage if left unchecked. A cover can also prevent UV rays from breaking down hoses and fading carpets and upholstery. During the winter a frame should be used under the cover to distribute the weight of water or snow that may collect on the boat.
Marina/Watercraft Yard Contracts
If you store your boat at a marina or yard, be sure to review your contract so you know what services you’ll receive and what you are responsible for providing through the winter. Most marinas and yards only store your boat, and any maintenance or winter preparation services typically cost extra. Be aware that many marinas and yards have clauses that waive liability in the event of damage or destruction to a watercraft in storage, and most require that owners have full insurance coverage.
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For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
IS YOUR INDIANA HOME AS ENERGY EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?
Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.
All are common issues here in Indiana, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.
Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs in Richmond? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.
Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Harrington Hoch Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.
Do a home-energy audit
Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.
- Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
- Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
- Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
- Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.
The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!
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For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
STAYING FOR THE SNOW IN INDIANA THIS WINTER? PROTECT YOUR MOTORHOME AND RV FROM THE COLD
First things first: If you’re a snowbird, and headed away from Richmond this winter to a sunnier and warmer spot, you can move on to the next article. Just know that we here at Harrington Hoch Insurance wish you a safe journey – and that we’re all a little jealous. But no hard feelings; we’ll still be here, standing ready should you need us.
But for those RV owners who aren’t able to escape the winter weather in Indiana, or who are simply storing their RV in a warmer locale for an extended period, it’s important to prepare for it. Just as with your home, a little maintenance now will go a long way toward preventing frustration – and expensive repairs – later.
The basic tips below should help you get started. For more detailed information, including step-by-step instructions on replacing the water in your motorhome with antifreeze, simply do a web search for “RV winterization” and you’ll find several great resources. Of course, you should consult your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your unit.
Winterizing your RV’s exterior
This is the “easy” part of winterizing your RV. You’ll want to clean it thoroughly, and make sure any awnings are fully dry before rolling them in for the winter. Also, keep your tires covered to protect them from sunlight and the elements. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.
Protecting your motorhome’s interior
After cleaning the interior, leave the cabinets open and make sure to remove any food or food residue. If you aren’t going to be in your RV over the winter, you sure don’t want to attract any animals or insects looking for a cozy spot. Close your curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. And never store a propane tank inside your RV, even over the winter.
Engine, tanks and plumbing
If you live somewhere prone to freezing weather, make sure you have enough antifreeze in the engine, and change the oil and filter if needed. If possible, you’ll want to charge the battery a few times during the winter if you can (you may even want to remove it from the RV). Then, empty the holding tanks and replace the water in the plumbing lines with non-toxic antifreeze.
Just a little preparation will help ensure your RV is ready to roll when summer comes back around in Indiana. You’ll be back on the road before you know it. (And then we’ll be jealous of you, too!)
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For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY DRIVING TRIP
Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season – the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around in Richmond or headed to .
At Harrington Hoch Insurance, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.
Prepare your car for winter
Before leaving on your trip in Indiana, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And – we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us – your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.
Before you leave
Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time in Richmond, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof – ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.
When you’re on the road
Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your Midwest destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.
If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all – stay home if you can.
If your vehicle becomes disabled
Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.
We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the new year!
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For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
TIPS TO STAY SAFE DURING YOUR SNOWMOBILE VACATION
If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm.
For others, though, it’s time to get excited – because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.
Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. And here at Harrington Hoch Insurance, we want you to make it home safely to Richmond after your day in the snow. Read on for safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations – and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.
- SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.
- ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.
- AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.
- RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.
- ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.
- CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.
While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.
Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible!
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For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
Insurance Tips
MORE SPRING CLEANING TIPS FROM HARRINGTON HOCH
Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)
- Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently.
- Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it.
- Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time – and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating.
- Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow.
- Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation – you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it!
- Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers and other dangerous tools with caution.
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For further questions and assistance, please contact Harrington Hoch Insurance at 765-962-9502.
Content provided by: Safeco Insurance
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