Summer Risks

Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer for most people.  From BBQ's to pool parties, sandy shorelines to boat trips - there are risks under every beach umbrella!

Did your insured recently install an above ground pool?  What about that new trampoline?  Do you know if they recently purchased a brick oven for their backyard?  And don't forget the company picnics on company grounds!  The list is endless.

Click here is some information on at least SIX Summer Risks from Fox Business.

Stay Cool and think Jimcor!

From your friends at Jimcor Agencies

GRILLING TIPS AS WE GET READY FOR SUMMER BBQ FUN

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means SUMMER is almost here!  Each season holds different risks, and during summertime homeowners need to be careful when it comes to grilling.

Yes, America’s past-time of grilling burgers and hot dogs can be dangerous and cause losses to property and more important life.  According to the NFPA, “Fire Departments respond to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues each year including 5,000 outside fires and 2,900 structure fires!”  June and July are the peak months for these fires.

Here are some websites that can provide valuable tips as we enter the Grilling Season.

NFPA (National FireProtection Association) 

HPBA (Hearth, Patio &Barbecue Assoc.)

Ask.com

Enjoy your Memorial Day.  Enjoy your grilled burgers and hot dogs.  And most importantly be safe.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT JIMCOR AGENCIES. 

Winter Storms

The groundhog may have predicted an early spring, but Mother Nature sees it differently!  Ice and snow storms have ravaged homes and businesses that have barely had time to clean up from Superstorm Sandy.  So how do you protect your clients?  You give them information they need to be prepared and to minimize risks where possible.

Our friends from Northland Insurance and Northfield Excess & Surplus Lines sent us some useful information we thought we would pass along.

"This weekend’s historic winter storm left many homes and buildings with heavy snow accumulations on their roofs. Northland wants you to know that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of property damage or personal injury from the weight of snow, such as removing the first 3-4 feet of snow near the eaves. This is a particular concern for areas where rain is predicted, as the rain will greatly increase the weight of snow and also create the potential for ice dams when snow re-freezes.

Helping prevent snow/ice load roof collapse

Winter storms can bring an array of potential exposures and hazards to property, people and business. Record snowfalls especially present the potential for roof collapse. To help prevent snow/ice-related roof collapse, the following steps should be taken. A structural engineer or qualified professional also should be consulted.

Preparing for the next winter storm [understanding load capacity]

• Know how much snow your building can safely handle. Older buildings may be designed to lesser code.
• Know the load capacity of your roof to prevent compromising its integrity and the potential for roof collapse. 
• Be aware of the potential impact of drifting snow.
• Assess the roof and structure inside and out for damage, cracks or corrosion and make repairs.
• Inspect and clear all roof drains and gutters of debris to avoid ice accumulation, a contributor to roof collapse.
• Buildings built before 2000 with standing seam metal roofs may have a design weakness. 
• Buildings with wood bowstring truss roofs are prone to failure due to truss deterioration where it meets the wall.

Develop a plan to safely remove the snow

• Establish a Snow Removal roof monitoring Plan to know when and how to engage in snow removal before too much snow/ice accumulates. Use of large snow blowers on a heavily, snow-loaded roof may present an excessive load.
• A Snow Removal Plan should be reviewed by a structural engineer and roofing contractor.
• Snow removal should be done safely and by trained individuals.
• If a contractor does the removal, have a signed contract with appropriate language holding you harmless.
• Ask the contractor to provide proof of adequate insurance coverage.     

Develop a contingency plan

• Develop contingency plans to protect your building, contents, equipment, operations and people.
• Identify alternate locations or companies to help keep your business operational.
• Move goods and equipment to alternate locations or cover with tarps to protect them from damage.
• Identify location of shut-off valves for gas, water and electrical utilities.
• Be prepared to turn off automatic sprinkler systems.

During the winter storm

• Monitor amount of snow, ice accumulation and snow drift across the entire roof and along long ridge lines.
• Implement the Snow Removal Plan and safely monitor snow depth on roofs.
• When removing snow from roofs, do not block building exits, fire hydrants, or utility valves.
• Do not place piles where melting snow can cause seepage or flooding inside the building.
• Know the warning signs of building structure stress and potential for collapse.
• Contact a structural engineer for immediate inspection if there are signs of structural deflection or damage.
• Shutdown of gas mains and sprinkler systems may be advisable if collapse is considered likely. Eliminate sources of ignition before turning off sprinkler systems.  Contact the fire department and property insurance company before turning off automatic sprinkler systems.
• Implement contingency plans if collapse is imminent or has occurred.

After the storm

• Inspect your property for damage and implement your contingency plan.
• Prepare for the next storm and make changes to your snow removal and contingency plans as necessary.
• Report any damage and claims promptly."

Thank you for choosing Jimcor Agencies.

The information provided in this document is intended for use as a guideline and is not intended as, nor does it constitute, legal or professional advice.  Northland, Jimcor, and Travelers do not warrant that adherence to, or compliance with, any recommendations, best practices, checklists, or guidelines will result in a particular outcome.  In no event will Northland, Jimcor, Travelers or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates be liable in tort or in contract to anyone who has access to or uses this information.  Northland, Jimcor, and Travelers do not warrant that the information in this document constitutes a complete and finite list of each and every item or procedure related to the topics or issues referenced herein.  This material does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy issued by Northland or Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy.  Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law.

Sandy's Mold

Super storm Sandy is a distant memory to some people, but for others whose homes were inundated with water she never left.
Now that the water has receded  and most areas have been open to at least view the damaged property and see what can be salvaged, the questions start piling up.
One of the biggest concerns after such a storm is mold.
Take the time to talk to your clients about this danger and learn about the many resources you can direct clients to.
Here are a few links that can help with mold after a flood.

• http://www.epa.gov/sandy/frequentquestions.html
• http://www.webmd.com/news/20121030/beat-mold-after-flood
• http://blackmold.awardspace.com/mold-flooding.html
• http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/01/cold-mold-and-dust-pose-hazard-for-thousands-sandy-survivors-living-in-flood/
• http://www.concrobium.com/mold-after-a-basement-flood/

Remember that you can access claims information and adjuster contact information on our website through our Producer Portal, OASIS.

Thank you for choosing Jimcor Agencies.

Give the gift of EPLI for the holidays!

How many times do we all hear the phrase, "I don't have to worry about EPLI lawsuits in my office"? Or the classic, "For that price I will take the risk."

So what information can we give you to help you help you clients? What can we provide you that will convince your clients that EPLI is needed now more than ever?
For one, try reading the recent article found in National Underwriter magazine called just that - EPLI Needed Now More Than Ever. Next, our friends at National Underwriter have another article in the same online issue about how the 'Recession Creates EPLI Demand'. (If you are not already receiving these online news updates, you should). This suggested reading can provide useful tips.

EPLI Insurance is that "extra" that clients seem to think they don't really need. It is that piece they feel, especially when times are a little difficult and they are trying to cut costs, they can probably do without. As their agent, how do you talk to them about the importance while keeping costs down?

What about all of those Holiday Parties? People that typically don't drink may tend to 'take a sip or two' more than usual around the holidays and let their guard down around other employees and/or employers. Reduced inhibition can lead to situations that create the potential for lawsuit. Comments or jokes made when someone has had a few too many drinks that are misinterpreted by another employee who is sober often lead to trouble.

Defense costs can be costly. Forget about the settlement which obviously can be extremely high in many instances. How will your client defend themselves? How will they protect their reputation?

But, your client doesn't need EPLI, right?

This is the time of year for celebration, jubilation, thanks and good tidings. But it is also the time of year to take a moment and realize that one mistake - or even one person claiming a mistake - can take it all away.

How can they afford NOT to have EPLI?

Jimcor's Professional Liability Specialists are available to assist you and your staff with placing this coverage as well as numerous other professional liability classes.

Call today for more information or click here for a representative near you.

Portable Generator Hazards

Portable generators can be useful.  In the aftermath of Super-storm Sandy many businesses and homes lost power and resorted to their generators.  While a quick fix, there are numerous safety issues that one must be aware of.

To avoid CO poisoning when using generators:

• Never run generators indoors, including garages, basements, crawlspaces and sheds
• Get to fresh air right away if you start to feel dizzy or weak

The US Consumer Protection Safety Commission outlines Portable Generator Hazards here.

Be safe.

From your friends at Jimcor Agencies

POST SANDY

First, we hope everyone is safe in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

In efforts to provide the best service to our agents and their clients we wanted to pass on some useful information:

• Homeowners / businesses should take photos or videos showing the extent of losses before cleaning up damage.
• Only necessary repairs to prevent further damage to property, like covering broken windows, should be done at this time.  Permanent repairs should not be made until after insurers have inspected losses.  Damaged personal property should be kept until after an insurance settlement has been reached.
• Homeowners and business owners should cooperate fully with their insurer.
• Keep a diary of all conversations with agents, adjusters, etc and include name, time, dates and details of each call.
• Please check if your area is required to boil water... it is the small things that can mean so much during these tough times. Gas is hard to find in the tri-state area, so only drive when necessary and car-pool when you can.

Most importantly, keep safe.  Objects can be replaced.

Red Cross and FEMA have set up stations throughout NJ and NY.
FEMA - 800-621-3362 www.disasterassistance.gov  www.fema.gov
Red Cross information: http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/hurricane-app  http://www.redcross.org/find-help/contact-family/register-safe-listing

Our industry has pulled together through disasters before, and we will pull together through this.

Thank you for your trust.

Your friends at Jimcor Agencies