Firework Safety

When Things go BOOM in the Night - Fireworks Safety

For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories - whether at home or up at the cabin.

But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Homes each year in Wisconsin are damaged by wayward fireworks. Thousands of people are injured in accidents.

At Mower Insurance, we want your holiday to be happy, but also safe. So here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your property on the Fourth.

Protecting yourself (and others)

·         To minimize the risk of injury, don’t use consumer fireworks. Attend a public display conducted by professionals in Chippewa Falls or elsewhere.

·         If using consumer fireworks, always follow instructions. Do not attempt to re-light “duds” or create homemade fireworks.

·         Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at more than 1,000 degrees, can cause third-degree burns. Kids under the age of 15 account for approximately 40% of fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

·         A responsible adult should always be present when children - even teenagers - are around fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old.

Protecting your home

·         According to the National Fire Protection Association, the best way to protect your home is to not use fireworks at home.

·         Remember, fireworks can cause grass fires and other types of blazes as well. Make sure you light fireworks in a safe area, away from homes and buildings, as well as other combustible material. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

·         Look out for tree limbs or bushes that could catch fire. Trimming vegetation to keep it away from your home is a good idea anyway, but it could save you from a catastrophic fire on the Fourth of July.

·         If your gutters have accumulated leaves, pine needles or other flammable material, clean them before using fireworks near your home.

·         Finally, if you won’t be home on the holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house if others in your neighborhood will be using fireworks.

With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re staying at home or heading up North, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our independence!

Firework Pet Safety

Keep your pets safe during the Fourth of July Fireworks

For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the pyrotechnics that mark the holiday. But for our pets, fireworks are another story. Many pets can be traumatized by the noisy rockets and firecrackers so many of us enjoy.

At Mower Insurance, we hope your holiday is happy and safe for you and your pets. So along with our other story about fireworks safety, here are some tips to help you protect your pets on the Fourth in Wisconsin, or elsewhere.

Protecting your pets

Many pets are very frightened by the loud noises caused by fireworks. If you can’t take them away from the noise, here are some pointers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that will help them have a more peaceful holiday.

·         Don’t take your pet to a public fireworks display. In addition to the noise, they may be spooked by the crowds.

·         If possible, leave your pet inside in a safe, secure room. Do not leave them outside, even if your yard is fenced. They may try to flee, and they may succeed; July 5 is a busy year at many animal shelters in Chippewa Falls, as dogs and cats are frequently found miles from their homes. Taking your pet on a walk early in the day can help tire them out.

·         Give your pets a comfortable place to rest, as well as plenty of food and water. You might even leave a TV or stereo on to drown out the fireworks. Provide soothing music, if possible. A favorite toy (or their favorite owner!) can help comfort them, too.

·         Make sure your pets have an ID tag or microchip, in case they get scared and escape.

·         Check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication intended to calm them. They may be able to provide you with a prescription or suggest alternatives.

·         And, of course, keep your pet away from used and unused fireworks.

With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone - and less scary for your pets. Whether you’re staying at home or heading up north, or elsewhere, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our independence!

How Insurance Works

Every day, every individual faces the risk of loss – physical loss, emotional loss, financial loss.  You buy a house; it could burn down.  You drive a car; you can be in an accident.  Knowing that risk of loss exists creates an uncertainty that makes planning difficult and diminishes the quality of life.

Insurance is a mechanism by which an individual or business can transfer risk.  By transferring some of the risk that is a natural part of modern life, you can enjoy peace of mind and are better able to focus your energies on other, more important aspects of life.

Only a portion of certain types of risk can be transferred.

·         Financial Risk:  Insurance only addresses financial loss.  It will not compensate for the sentimental value attached to the family photo album, for example.  It usually does not compensate for emotional loss.  And, do not expect compensation for you inconvenience.

·         Non-Speculative Risk:  Only certain types of financial losses can be transferred to an insurance company.  And individual cannot insure speculative risks, such as a loss in the stock market.

There are three types of financial risks that can be transferred to an insurance company.

o   The risk of loss of physical property

(Your car is totaled in an accident)

o   The risk of being found legally liable for the loss of someone else

(You cause an accident that totals your friend’s car)

o   The risk of financial loss that occurs due to disability or death

(You cannot work for six months because you were hurt in the accident)

·         Selected Portion:  Insurance is intended to cover only a portion of the financial loss.  Many insurance policies have deductibles as well as dollar limits.  In selecting limits, you decide how much of your risk to transfer to an insurance company

The individual who experiences an insured loss should not expect to be fully compensated for the loss; insurance is not designed to do that.  It will not compensate for a lot of intangibles, such as inconvenience.  And, in most cases, it will only pay for a portion of your financial loss.

The individual who buys good insurance never has a loss is the real winner in the insurance transaction.  That person has enjoyed the peace of mind that comes from proper insurance.  Peace of mind is the real product of the insurance transaction.

Future Classic Cars

Do you own a classic car of the future?

There’s nothing quite like driving a speedy, shiny classic car that turns heads and starts conversations. In fact, the beauty and elegance of old collectibles – like the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and the 1969 Dodge Charger – can be downright captivating.

If you don’t happen to own one of these timeless beauties, it may not mean you will never own a classic. In fact, there are many automobile aficionados and industry experts that predict we can expect a whole new generation of cars that will one day be bestowed the same level of prestige as, say, the 1969 Chevy Camaro.

If your curiosity is getting the better of you, Mower Insurance is offering you a peek at the 10 models predicted by CNET’s Car Tech editors as being the vintage cars of the future. Who knows, you just may own a classic after all.

1.       Toyota Prius (first generation): Built from 1997 to 2003, sold in the U.S. from 2001 to 2003

2.       Honda Insight (first generation): Sold in the U.S. from 1999 to 2006

3.       Toyota MR2 Spyder: Built from 1999 to 2007

4.       Honda S2000: Built from 2000 to 2009

5.       Scion xB: Offered from 2004 to 2006

6.       Infiniti G35: Built from 2003 to 2006

7.       BMW 335i/N54 3-series: Built from 2006 to 2010

8.       Pontiac G8: Built from early 2008 to mid-2009

9.       Dodge Magnum: Built 2004 to 2008

10.   Chrysler 300C: Built 2005 to 2011

If any of the above-named vehicles is sitting in your garage, congratulations may be in order. And if not, it’s not too late to start checking the classified and used car lots.

Regardless what you’re driving or what automobile you might have stored away, we at Mower Insurance are here to make sure you have it covered! Contact us today.

Motorcycle Gear

Proper motorcycle safety gear helps you ride right

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, the right protective gear will help you have enjoyable and, most importantly, safe journeys. Even if you’re riding just a short distance, the fact that motorcycles don’t offer the same protections as other vehicles means that you need to take great care when you hit the road.

We here at Mower Insurance Agency, Inc. want everyone on the road to reach their destination in one piece. So we’re providing some safety gear tips gleaned from motorcycle safety organizations, including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Keep your head

Perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment — other than a well-maintained bike — is your helmet. Not only does a helmet protect your head in the event of a crash, the visors and face shields provide additional safety benefits along with a more enjoyable ride. You don’t really want to get hit in the face with a pebble or a bug on 53, do you? Full-face helmets also cut down on wind noise and can help reduce rider fatigue.

Always make sure your helmet has a secure fit and that any face-protection options you select allow you to easily see what’s around you.

It may be tempting to feel the wind in your hair as you ride along 29, but wearing a helmet should be a no-brainer when you consider the safety benefits.

Your feet and hands

Boots protect your feet and ankles from injury not only in a crash but also during the ride by providing a barrier against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. The right boot soles (oil-resistant, rubber-based composite) will help you keep your feet where they need to be — on the pegs.

And remember to protect your fingers! Gloves improve your grip and prevent abrasions and blisters. Just be sure that they fit properly so you can still work the controls of your bike.

The rest of your body

When it comes to clothing to wear while riding your bike, there are options for every style choice. Look for protective gear designed specifically for motorcyclists – it will offer you the best protection while still allowing you to comfortably operate your bike.

There’s a reason many riders wear leather. It is extremely durable and protects against abrasions. Newer fabrics, however, also provide these benefits. Look for reflective strips or other features designed to help make you more visible to other drivers, or add your own reflective strips if needed.

If it’s windy, you’ll want to wear layers to help keep the wind from your body. If you ride in inclement weather, don a rain suit or other gear designed specifically for those times when the road ahead isn’t quite sunny. You can even look for clothing that features electric heat, which can make your journey a lot more comfortable.

Non-clothing items

Safety gear isn’t all about clothing. Some items to keep handy: a flat-tire repair kit, tire-pressure gauge, spare fuses and anything that might be of use for your particular bike. Remember to pack a flashlight, in case you end up on the side of the road in the dark. (And it can help keep you visible to passing traffic, which is always a real concern.)

We know that this list of safety gear sounds like a lot, but safe riding means being responsible. If you are looking to buy cool new gear to go with your bike, you might as well get the kind that will make you look good and help save you from injury.

Sidebar:

Other safety resources

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (http://www.msf-usa.org) is a great resource to learn more about safety gear and motorcycling in general, as is the American Motorcyclist Association (www.americanmotorcyclist.com). We’re here to help, too! If you have questions about insurance coverage for your bike, or want more safety resources, give us a call at 715-723-5525.

RV Safe Driving

Tips for safe driving in your RV

With spring just around the corner, it’s a great time for a “spring break” RV trip. Whether you’re heading to Hayward or planning your getaway a lot farther from home, you’ll want to make the trip safely.

At Mower Insurance, we want you to travel safely too. Here are some great tips to help you get out there and back without worry, because nothing can ruin an RV trip faster than trouble on the road.

First, know your ride — even if you’re just along for the ride

Of course, knowing the features (and limitations) of your RV is the first step to safely driving it. Are you towing a car? Be mindful of how that will affect your stopping power and maneuverability. Know the dimensions of your vehicle to help with parking and any tight spots you might encounter on the road. Make sure you know that you can fit under the overpasses and bridges on your route.

And even if you’re just a passenger, it’s a good idea to learn how to drive the RV as well. You might need to take over in an emergency or other situation.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance

Just like a car, keeping your RV well-maintained is extremely important. Are your tires in good shape and properly inflated? If you’re towing a car or boat, do you need additional braking power? Are your mirrors angled correctly? Is your safety equipment (for example, your fire extinguisher) in good working order? Doing a walk-around and conducting some quick checks before you leave can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

Down the road!

Your RV is much bigger than a car, of course, and that means you need to act more carefully when you’re driving it.

·         Know your blind spots and use caution when changing lanes, merging or turning.

·         Be patient and aware at all times. Consider installing a rear camera to help give you a complete picture of your surroundings.

·         Other vehicles may act aggressively to get around you, and sometimes will cut you off once they have passed. Prepare for these situations and understand that many drivers don’t realize that you need additional space in front of the RV.

·         Because your vehicle is far heavier than others, it picks up speed faster when going down hills or mountain passes, so keep an eye on that speedometer.

What about parking?

·         It’s best to have someone to guide you into a parking spot. If you don’t have anyone with you, check out the area before you try to pull in.

·         Practice turns and backing up before you leave on your trip.

·         Of course, never park for the night in an area unless you have approval or know that it’s safe.

Need to learn more?

Consider taking an RV driving safety course, if possible. At the very least, practice in a large parking lot before hitting the road. Taking a little time to learn how best to drive your RV or improve your skills can have a big impact for you and your family!

Sidebar:

You’ll find a lot of helpful resources online for RV owners. We like:

·         Good Sam Club at www.goodsamclub.com

·         Family Motor Coach Association at www.fmca.com

·         The list of RV clubs at www.rv-clubs.us/rv-clubs.html

·         Great safety tips at www.safeco.com/rv-insurance/rv-safety-tips

Remember to give us a call at 715-723-5525 when you need coverage for your RV or anything else. We’re here to help!

Convertibles

Put the top down and hit the road in Chippewa

The call of the open road is at its strongest during the summer - and so is the call of the convertible. If you’re one of those drivers who has long dreamed of dropping the top and heading across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond, we here at Mower Insurance have some buying tips for you.

And before we forget, make sure you’ve got plenty of sunscreen!

Safety considerations

Of course, you want to be safe when driving your new car, so here are a few things to look for in a convertible, according to Edmunds.com.

·         Roll bars: Generally, convertibles offer some sort of roll bar to protect passengers should the car roll over.

·         Airbags: Side airbags that deploy from seats can be an optional feature on less-expensive convertibles and something you should consider. Some of these airbags offer extra protection for the head.

·         Rear-view cameras and sensors: When the top is up, it can be difficult to see out of the rear window. Cameras and sensors can provide added safety.

Hard or soft top?

You have two main choices when it comes to tops: Soft, which can result in more road noise and may be more susceptible to damage, and hard, which often look better but add weight and take up more trunk space when down. (A third option is a completely removable hard top, such as those found on some Jeeps.) This choice is largely a matter of personal preference, though cost can be a factor.

You’ll also want to test the top for leaks - regardless of whether it’s a soft or hard top. Spray water where the roof connects with the windshield and where the glass meets the roof along the sides. You’re looking to make sure no moisture gets inside.

Everyday issues

If you’re planning to drive your convertible frequently (and why wouldn’t you?), there are some practical things you should take into consideration:

·         Wind noise: When you have the top down at Wisconsin’s highway speeds, you might find it difficult to hear the stereo system. If you’ll be driving a lot with the top down, getting the upgraded stereo might not be worth it. Then again, a better stereo can have more power, allowing you to actually hear your music.

·         Putting the top up/down: A motorized top, of course, makes everything easier. But they are more complex. Be sure to test out the top and how long it takes you to put it up or down, especially if it’s a manual process. After all, if it starts raining suddenly, you want to be able to get the top up as quickly as possible!

·         Luggage space: Most convertibles aren’t large to begin with, but trunk space is even smaller when the top is down. If you plan to take your convertible on vacation (or pack golf clubs or other bulky items), it’s a good idea to really take a hard look at the trunk space before you buy.

·         Passenger space: Do you need to take more than one passenger on many of your drives? If so, a roadster (two seats) isn’t an option. But even if the convertible you’re eying has four seats, hop in back and check the comfort level. If you aren’t comfortable, your passengers probably won’t be, either.

Special features

According to Edmunds.com, there are certain features that truly make a difference in convertibles, such as wind deflectors, heated/cooled seats and sun-reflective upholstery. Certain features, such as heated seats, can make your convertible much more comfortable to drive on cooler days in Chippewa.

Above all, you’ll want to choose the convertible that best fits how you’ll use it. If you’re lugging golf clubs (and golf buddies) around in the summer, you probably don’t want a roadster. Conversely, if your idea of a great weekend is to toss a duffle bag in the passenger seat and hit the road, smaller may be better.

One of the great - and annoying - things about buying a car is the sheer number of options out there. But if you get frustrated, remember one thing: You’re buying a convertible. Your friends are probably envious!

And when you buy that convertible, give us a call. We’ll make sure you’ve got the right coverage - and we’ll probably be envious, too!