PUT SAFETY FIRST THIS SUMMER

BY BY ALAN PLAFKER, PRESIDENT & CEO
MEMBER BROKERAGE SERVICE LLC
A MELROSE CREDIT UNION SERVICE ORGANIZATION





Guidelines for boating and water safety

One of summer’s greatest joys is heading to the beach or pool to enjoy the warm weather. Before you pack the swimming and boating gear consider this: most boating and swimming accidents occur because people don’t stop to think about safety.

How can I prevent boating and swimming accidents?

The most tragic accident is the one that could have been prevented. By observing safety guidelines you can reduce the incidence of boating and swimming accidents and keep your family safe.

• Never swim alone.
  
  
  
• Know your swimming ability limits, and those of your family, and stay well within them.
  
  
  
• Learn the proper way to dive; and always check the water depth before diving.
  
  
  
• Never chew gum or eat while swimming.
  
  
  
• When boating, carry a first-aid kit as well as prescription medicine and any other personal care items you may need.
  
  
  
• Equip your boat with an AM radio in case of emergency.
  
  
  
• Everyone on board should have a personal floatation device.
  
  
  
• Leave the alcohol behind when swimming or boating.
  

Of the nearly 680 boating fatalities in the nation each year, 19 percent are attributed to alcohol. Violators charged with Boating While Intoxicated face possible fines, jail and community service.

I own a boat. Is it covered under my homeowners insurance policy or do I need specialized coverage?

You probably need specialized coverage. A typical homeowners policy covers liability for damage to property and bodily injury to others when the watercraft is a sailboat under 26 feet, or when it is powered by an outboard motor of 25 horsepower or less. However, theft and sea perils, including sinking, stranding, running aground and collision, are not covered.

What should I look for in a policy?

Boat owners will be well served by a policy specifically designed to cover physical damage to boats, liability for damage and/or injury and protection and indemnity liability. When selecting a policy or checking existing coverage look for limits of navigation—where the boat can go and still be protected by the insurance policy. Insureds who violate these limits may not be covered if the vessel is damaged. Also important in a boat policy are adequate limits of liability insurance and provisions for insuring sails, spars and other property in the boat.

Can I be sued for an accident that occurs in or near my pool?

Yes. For this reason, you should check to make sure the limits of your homeowners policy are adequate. If you are involved in a lawsuit and the court awards a settlement higher than your limits, you will be held responsible for the balance. To protect yourself, you may want to consider increasing the limits of liability on your homeowners policy to protect yourself against a potentially devastating lawsuit. Your agency can help you obtain and secure adequate coverage.

If you think your homeowners policy provides enough coverage for your boat you could be headed for troubled waters

A homeowners policy may not be the best way to insure your boat, since certain coverages are restricted.

Your agent can bail you out with a policy specifically designed to insure watercraft, including:

• physical damage coverage for your boat on an all‑risk basis
  
  
  
• coverage for damages and/or injury caused by boat owner/operators
  
  

• coverage for boat related claims with higher limits and a lower deductible than a home owners policy.
  

Before you sail off into the sunset check your bearings. And ask your agent about boaters insurance.

Enjoy your summer without getting burned

Summer is a carefree time when most of us are thinking about fun in the sun with our families—swimming, barbecuing, camping or boating. It also is an important time to remember fire safety guidelines that will keep you and your family enjoying the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

Can my barbecue grill pose a threat?

Yes! Keep your grill far from anything that can burn—your house, car or dry vegetation. Be sure you stay with the grill while it is lit and take care to keep children and pets away from the area. If you’re operating the grill for the cookout be sure you are wearing a heavy apron and oven mitts to prevent burning yourself. If you’re using a gas grill always store the fuel container outdoors and turn off the valves when not in use. Check it frequently for leaks in connections by using a soap and water mixture that will show bubbles if gas escapes.

For charcoal grills only use starter fluids sparingly, and only use those designed for grilling. If the fire is too slow, rekindle it with dry kindling and add more charcoal, if necessary. Don’t add liquid fuel to reignite or build up a fire. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.

What is the safest way to store gasoline?

Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed. Make sure it is kept in a container approved for gasoline storage and is labeled clearly. Keep the container away from any heat source or flame.

Are there any fire safety issues I should know about while boating?

Boating can be a fun, relaxing and safe activity for the entire family when you observe certain safety guidelines. Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Don’t fill the tank to capacity—leave room for expansion. Wipe up all fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. Ventilate the area for five minutes before starting the motor. If you have a covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and testing it before each trip in the boat. Be sure to use only portable stoves and heaters designed specifically for marine use.

What fire safety issues should I keep in mind while camping?

Many families enjoy the tradition of a yearly camping trip. Because these events often occur in wooded areas and many people are focused on fun without regard for safety, they can pose a real danger in terms of fire. There is much you can do to keep your family safe during your next camping trip.

Build your campfire downwind of your site clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Store liquid fire starter—never gasoline—away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire and not liquid fuel. Pitch your flame retardant tent well away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery powered lanterns inside the tent. Not only can liquid fueled heaters and lanterns pose a fire threat, they also can pose the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, be sure not to permit anyone to smoke inside a tent.

Finally, be sure to fully extinguish your campfire.

Your Professional Insurance Agent …
We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.

Alan Plafker, CPIA is President of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a Melrose Credit Union Service Organization. He is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent and licensed Insurance Broker. He serves as First Vice President on the Board of Directors the PIANY (Professional Insurance Agents Association of NY), serves on the Board of CIBGNY (Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY), and serves as Treasurer for the New York Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund Board of Directors. His Agency insures thousands of polices for TLC Insurance as well as many policies for all types of insurance. You can reach him in his Briarwood, Queens office at (718) 523-1300 Ext. 1082, or visit the website at: www.MemberBrokerage.com