In this issue of our Homeowners Spring & Summer Readiness Series, we talk about how you can keep your deck safe and ready for summer fun. Be sure to heed the following tips to avoid needless insurance claims and enjoy your summer.

Check for loose or warped railings or boards on deck or stairs, and secure and/or replace them as needed.

Look for any water stains where the deck joins the house indicating water leakage that can weaken the deck’s structural integrity due to wood decay. If you suspect that this is compromised, consider contacting a decking professional to inspect.

Remove moss and mold from your deck surface by a pressure washing. A growth of moss or mold may cause your deck surface to become slippery – a hazard for your family and other visitors. You can hire a pro; but if you do it yourself, be sure you fully understand how to use the equipment properly and safely.

Consider the need to reseal your deck. General outdoor wear might make this necessary; but, certainly, power washing which removes all surface elements, should be followed up by a thorough sealing.

In addition to maintaining the value of your home, by maintaining your deck properly you’ll be protecting from injury claims against your homeowners insurance policy.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency in Rockville, MD, we recommend that you sit down with your insurance agent for a review of your homeowners policy to be sure that you have adequate liability coverage before using your deck for recreation and entertaining this summer.

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In this issue of our Automotive Readiness Series, we offer the following tips on maintaining the air conditioning system in your car. A few quick checks before your next road trip can assure safety and possibly prevent insurance claims as well.

Even if you car’s air conditioning system has been cooling properly, it’s worthwhile to have it checked out by your auto tech if you will be depending on your vehicle for a long drive. That way, you won’t find yourself in the midst of a road trip during the dog days of summer with nothing but hot air belching from the air conditioner’s vents.

If your air conditioning system is not cooling as it should, a lack of air flow across the condenser could be the problem. Have your technician check that the electric cooling fan motor near the condenser is working.

Also have your mechanic check the FREON® level and pressure. If your system is leaking this refrigerant, then your car needs air conditioning service. Gone is the time when you could simply flip on your air conditioner in the springtime; and, if the temperature seemed too warm, you’d stop by your auto repair and service shop to have the system recharged. In fact, there was a time when it was even considered normal for a car’s air conditioning system to lose a pound of refrigerant per year.

Since that time, attitudes about refrigerant loss have changed drastically because scientists now know that FREON®, a chlorinated fluorocarbon (CFC) contributes to the depletion of the earth's ozone layer. As a result, auto manufacturers improved the materials used for the lines, seals and hosts in their air conditioning systems to resist refrigerant leakage. Moreover, Federal and state regulations have been stepped up and now require that repair shops have the correct equipment and training for handling refrigerant.

If you have questions about how properly maintaining your vehicle will impact your auto insurance, check with your insurance agent. Here at the the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency, in Rockville, MD, we are available to answer your auto insurance questions and/or to assist you with a no-obligation car insurance policy review upon your request.

For your employees,  summer heat is not only uncomfortable,  it can be down right dangerous.  Hot summer temperatures present real danger for workers, particularly those who spend most of their work day outdoors. As a responsible employer, you want to be sure your employees are protected in your workplace and that, should illness or injury occur, you have the proper insurance coverage to assist with any claims.

In 2011, the summer heat threat even prompted U.S. Labor Secretary,  Hilda L. Solis, to issue a warning as a record heat wave swept much of the nation, and the 2012 summer season has brought even more severe heat.

OSHA recognizes this as an immediate threat and is, again this year, promoting a national outreach initiative to educate employers and their workers about the hazards involved and steps one must take to recognize heat-induced illnesses and prevent them.  OSHA's simple message: "Water, Rest, and Shade."  Their website includes segments with educational material and other resources to use in making your employees aware of the dangers of extreme heat and teach them how to cope with those dangers. 

As an employer, you want to protect your workforce against possible injury and danger at all times.  To educate them to avoid heat-related illness  is an important part of that effort.  OSHA reports that, each year, thousands of outdoor workers encounter heat illness -- often to the point of being heat exhaustion -- as they do their jobs. Moreover, if not handled quickly and properly, heat exhaustion can easily become Heat Stroke which was responsible for the death of 30 workers in 2010.

OSHA boss, David Michaels warns that the most effective and simple ways to prevent heat illness including taking breaks, drinking water frequently and limiting time in the heat.

In addition to both assist employers and their employees and to provide an array of heat illness education and other resources, OSHA offers weather service alerts in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These alerts include worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the U.S.  NOAA’s Heat Watch Web page also provides pertinent worker safety information.

In the face of threats to your employees’ health and safety such as the environmental danger from extreme heat,  we here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency suggest that you take a moment to review your company’s insurance coverage to be prepared before you need it.  We welcome your questions and would be glad to help you review your insurance policy at your convenience.