Renea Rowland Insurance

In Room Hotel Safety

Renea — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:27:23 +0000

It’s always fun to arrive at a destination and get settled in your home away from home. But before you start putting your clothes in the drawers and settling in, make sure your room is in order.

Make sure the locks on the doors work and pieces of the security latch are secure. Anytime you are in your room, keep the deadbolt activated.
Always check the closets and bathrooms upon entering your room to make sure no one is hiding.
If your room is a connecting room, make sure the door is locked from your side.
Locate the emergency exit. There is usually a map on the back of your door indicating where to exit in an emergency.
Always put your room key in the same place so you can find it. By the bed is a good option. You can always find it quickly if you know where to look.
Never open the door of your room to a stranger, even hotel personnel. The hotel should notify you if employees need to get in your room. If someone asks to come in, ask them to wait outside until you call the front desk and verify the need for them to enter.
Put a flashlight by your bed. Yes, flashlights are heavy in your suitcase, but the peace of mind of having one by your bed outweighs the inconvenience. If the hotel electricity goes out, you will be glad you have the light.
If you lose your key, immediately ask for another one. It is a simple replacement for most hotels because of the electronic key systems.
When you leave your room, leave the television or radio on.
Use your "Do Not Disturb" sign frequently. If you want maid service, let her know and ask her to leave the sign on the door. If you do not need service, just ask her for clean towels or other needed supplies.
Make use of your in-room safe if there is one. Many hotels provide safes in the closets. If they do not have one, they usually have a hotel safe you can use.
Do not keep all your cash, travelers checks, and credit cards in one place. When you leave the room, do not take it all with you.
Secure your laptop and other expensive items when you leave your room. You can also leave them at the hotel security desk in a safety deposit box.

A few simple steps can make sure your trip is not marred by trauma or tragedy.

Hotel Safety When Checking In

Renea — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:51:31 +0000

Getting settled in your hotel is the first step in making sure your vacation or business trip goes smoothly. So when you check in follow a few easy safety tips.

If you are arriving by cab or van, make sure your luggage is brought in to the lobby and is nearby while you are at the from desk. Always keep an eye on your luggage, purse, briefcase, etc.
Front desk personnel are trained not to announce your room number. They usually write it down or point to it. Make sure your clerk follows this rule. You can never be sure who is listening. If the clerk violates this rule and announces your room number, you are perfectly within your rights to ask for another unannounced room.
Make sure your room is located conveniently. If you need to be near the elevator, now is the time to make sure that happens. If you like to be away from vending areas because of the noise, make sure that happens as well.
When using your credit card, always check to make sure your credit card is handed back to you. Then put it back in your purse or wallet. Never leave it lying on the counter.
Hotels usually have business cards on the check in counter. Pick up several. Put one in your purse or pocket so you will alsways have the hotel address and phone number with you. That often comes in handy when you get in a cab or if you don’t speak the language of the country where you are staying. Put another card by your telephone in the room in case you need to give the number to a caller or simply need to know where your hotel is located.

Most hotel personnel are trained to do everything they can to make your stay a pleasant one. So don’t hesitate to ask if things aren’t to your liking or you have special needs when you check in!

Safe Travel Planning

Renea — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:57:44 +0000

When planning a trip there are a few things that will help assure your trip will be carried out without a hitch.

1. Copy all credit cards before you leave home. Make multiple copies of airline tickets or other important documents you are carrying with you.

2. Photograph all jewelry you are taking with you. Any camera equipment or electronics should also be photographed.

3. Make arrangements with a neighbor to collect your papers and mail. That is safer than having your paper and mail stopped.

4. Make reservations for overnight stops ahead of time. Planning stops ahead can assure you of the type of hotel you prefer. It will also help you pace your trip so you do not get over tired.

5. Choose a hotel with well-lit interior corridors.

6. Make sure every room is equipped with safety amenities such as dead bolts and peepholes.

7. Check out the location of your hotel. Make sure it is not a high crime area.

Deck Safety

Renea — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:41:15 +0000

With nice weather, summer living and dining often moves to the deck. And as entertaining and casual gatherings use your outdoor space, you need to make sure it is safe for your family and your guests.

Make sure your deck material is sound. There are many different decking materials available. The most common today is pressure treated lumber. But after years in the weather, even the best treatment sometimes allows moisture into the wood. Replace any rotting boards immediately. Also look for insect holes that can weaken your deck.

Railings and banisters should be checked often to be sure there is no give in them. Check supports and make sure screws attach securely into support beams. Make sure they are high enough, especially if you will have small children visiting.

Look at all the nails, screws, and anchors to make sure they have ot popped up or are rusted. If you see any indication of rust, replace immediately.

Check stairs to make sure no treads are warped. If there is an opening behind the treads make sure it is no more that 4" inches high.

Keep your deck clean and sealed. Mildew and moisture can cause it to be slippery.

If you grill on your deck, follow safety precautions carefully for your grill. Make sure heat is a safe distance away from flammable surfaces.

Lighting on your deck needs proper maintenance. Check wires often to make sure they are in good shape. Cover any outlets to protect from children and weather.

If trees hang over the deck, trim them to avoid any chance of falling limbs. This will also allow the sun to keep your deck dry.

Summer Fun at Home

Renea — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:41:10 +0000

Sometimes the most exciting times can be staying home. And with the economy in a difficult place, more people are opting for staycations right in their own backyards. Here are a few ideas for family fun and you won’t even have to crank up the car!

1. Patio art – Young children love to paint. A great way to "paint" creatively and safely is on the patio. Give each child a bucket of clean water and a paint brush and let them paint away. Announce a theme and a time limit. Remember the hotter the day the faster the evaporation of the water. So make your assignments simple enough to be completed in just a few seconds.

2. Sprinkler fun – Use the stream of water from the hose to play jump rope. All ages can have fun trying to jump the moving stream of water. If your children get tired of that, play limbo. Create a stream of water for them to limbo under. Let it get lower until only one person is able to get under without getting wet. That person wins.

3. Have an airplane throwing contest. Start with the same piece of paper. You could use a church bulletin, a newspaper sheet, or paper placemat. Once the airplanes are created, designate a starting line and mark the distance for each one.

4. Make one night joke fest night – The only rules are the jokes should be family oriented, everyone has to tell one, and all must laugh at every joke!

5. Neighborhood cook out or sundae party- Invite the neighbors over for hamburgers and hot dogs. Don’t want to fix a meal? Churn some homemade ice cream and ask each neighbor to bring cookies or a topping.

No matter what the activity, enjoy the summer while kids have some free time from school and the days are a little longer!

Wildfire Precautions

Renea — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:01:06 +0000

During these days when we hear so much about wildfires in the west and midwest, it is essential to give thought to preparedness even if you do not live in an area that is currently threatened. Questions you may want to ask yourself include:

Do I have enough insurance coverage?
Does my coverage include this type of disaster?
Am I ready to evacuate in just a few hours? Are things that I would want to take with me readily accessible?
Does my family have a communication plan if one of us has to evacuate?

If you have family or friends who live in an area ravaged by wildfire, what can you do to help?

Offer to house them in case of evacuation.
If they have children with breathing problems, invite them to visit until the air has cleared in their area. Often the ash and smoke can exacerbate breathing woes even if they are unseen.
Offer to be the base communication point for them. When disaster strikes it is essential to have a point of contact outside your home area in case phone lines are damaged near you.

Make Airline Travel Easier

Renea — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:33:48 +0000

With gasoline prices at an all-time high, many people are taking to the skies to reach their destinations. You can leave home in the morning and find yourself on the other sie of the country or in one of the biggest cities in Europe in a matter of hours. If you are one of the hundred millions of people who fly somewhere every year, there are a few things you can do to make your flying experience more enjoyable.

Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase tickets. Ticket prices tend to go up the closer you get to your departure date.
Consider whether or not travel insurance makes sense for you.
Find out baggage regulations before you pack. Different airlines have different regulations. Pack within the guidelines of your carrier. If you think you are close to the weight limit, pack heavy things in the outside pockets in case you have to take them out.
Be sure to pack snacks in your carry on bag. Few airlines offer anything other than beverage service.
Dress comfortably. If you are prone to getting chilled, dress in layers.
Wear slip on shoes so your security experience will be easy. Don’t forget to pack liquids in a quart plastic bag.
Arrive at the airport early. This gives you time to find out about any last minute changes in your flights.

Once you get on the plane, relax, buckle your seat belt and enjoy your trip!

Beach Safety

Renea — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:36:20 +0000

Now that hot weather is here and school is out, many of us look forward to packing up and heading for the shore. A great family vacation filled with lots of sunshine and wave jumping is a great way to spend the summer. But don’t forget to pack a few safety rules and make sure everyone in the family knows what they are.
Provide adequate supervision for children and grandchildren. For children under 10 it is good to have one-on-one supervision. Children can move quickly and on a crowded beach they can get lost in the crowd easily. They probably don’t get up in the morning and think, I think I will get lost today. But the lure of brightly colored beach toys or an active game of catch just a short way down the beach may be too much for a fun-loving child to resist.
When you arrive at a new place, find a landmark to help children (and adults!) find their way easily home. Sometimes beach houses all look alike.
When you look for a spot on the beach, claim a spot near the lifeguard. Lifeguards stay aware of changes in tides and weather and you will be the first to know of that type of danger.
Be aware of rip currents (also called undertows). These strong, often unnoticed currents pull objects out to sea, not under as some people think. Rip currents are often present before or after a storm but are also possible on sunny, calm days. If you get caught in a rip current, remain calm. Call for help and swim parallel to shore. When you get out of the current, swim to shore. Be sure to hold small children firmly by the hand when in the ocean. A wave or rip current can easily jerk them from your grip.
Also watch out for "sneaker waves." A sneaker wave is a very large, tall wave that surges past the surf line. You may think you are walking or playing in calm water when all of a sudden a sneaker wave knocks you off your feet.
And don’t forget the sunblock. Use liberally and reapply every hour. A sunburn is not only uncomfortable but also increases your likelihood of getting cancer.

Above all, enjoy family time. Being together with those you love is a treasure.

Beach Safety Part 2

Renea — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:36:04 +0000

You can never practice enough safety habits when away from home. So this week we’ll add a few more points to our list of beach safety items.

Do not use a flotation toy as a personal flotation device. Plastic rings, foam noodles, and inflatable water wings are fun to play with and many give adequate flotation to small children. But few are tested and meet the standards of approved devices. Make sure you use approved floatation devices for your children and grandchildren. And be sure to use them every time you are around the ocean or pool.
Make sure everyone has a sturday pair of flip flops or pool shoes. There are many sharp shells on the beach and in the ocean that can cause small cuts on your feet.
Follow beach safety signs. Signs along the beach will indicate safety level of the ocean. Pay attention. These flags are flying for your protection.
Swim in calm, clear water. Make sure you choose a swimming spot where the water is calm. Avoid jetties and pilings. Stay in front of the place where the surf breaks.
Drink plenty of water. Many people mistakenly think that because they are in the water they don’t need to stay hydrated. That is not correct. Even though you may stay cool on the outside by being in the water, you need to cool off the inside as well.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These include clammy skin, sweating, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, confusion. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Following the rules of beach safety does not mean you will not enjoy your vacation. Follow the rules and you will have plenty of good, safe fun!

Do It Yourself Safety

Renea — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:29:09 +0000

Many times something goes wrong at home and we think to ourselves- Oh, I can just fix that. If I don’t know how, they can tell me at the home improvement store!

Sometimes, however, something is lost in the translation of the material from the expert to the do-it-yourselfer!

No matter what the job, itis important to practice good safety when you take on a project at home. You don’t want to have an additional accident in the process of fixing something that is broken.

Read the complete directions before using a tool or new product.
Wear goggles, ear plugs, hard hats, or any protective gear the directions recommend. If family members or friends are watching have them follow the same guidelines.
Wear safety glasses when using power tools, trimming shrubbery, or using cleaning products.
Keep children away from your work area.
Never leave a power tool plugged in.
When you need an extension cord, use heavy duty ones.
Dress properly for the job. Don’t wear loose clothes or dangling jewelry that could be caught in moving parts.