Grilling Safety Part 2: Charcoal Grills

There is one time when you do not want your party to be a “blast” — when you are cooking on the grill. In Part 1, we provided 5 general tips for grilling safety. Here are some tips to stay safe when using a charcoal grill.

Prepping the Grill

Check for rust damage in metal grills. Charcoal can fall through holes and cause a fire.
The location of the grill and the items around it matter.
- Do not place objects that can burn near the grill even after the flames are gone. The grill can continue to remain hot for many hours.
- Keep combustible items that may be blown by the wind away from the grill.

Starting the Grill and Increasing Heat

There are several ways to get your charcoal started.
- Charcoal chimney starters use newspaper as fuel.
- If you use starter fluid, make sure you get charcoal fluid and do not add it when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
- Electric charcoal starters to not use file to ignite your charcoal. When using an electric starter, be sure you have and extension cord for outdoor use.
If the fire needs to grow, use dry kindling or more charcoal. Liquid fuel can cause a flash fire.

Finishing Touches

About 50% of all grill-related injuries are thermal burns. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before removing them.
Dispose of old coals in a metal container.
Store your leftover charcoal away from children and heat sources.

June 5, 2017June 21, 2017

Grilling Safety Part 1: General Tips

Whether it’s in the backyard, tailgating or elsewhere, grilling seems to be one of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, there are potential safety issues as well. An average of 8,900 home fires each year are caused by grilling, 80% of them happening with a gas grill. Here are tips to help you when protect yourself, your family and your home.

Do not leave the grill unattended.

Choose a safe location for your grill. They should be on a level surface and away from the house, garage or other structures. Be sure pets and children are kept away. Do not use them on a balcony, near objects that can catch fire (including your deck rails) or under overhangs or branches.

Only grill outside. Do not use it in a garage, tent or other enclosed space even if it is ventilated due to the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.

Pay attention in cold weather. On cold days, allow extra preheating time and check meat temperatures with a thermometer to make sure it is safe to eat. Do NOT wear a scarf or loose clothing that can catch fire. If it is windy, shield the grill and keep it at least 10 feet from anything combustible.

Keep children safe — at least 3 feet from the grill, especially those under 5 years old. 37% of grill-related burns seen at emergency rooms in 2014 were children under 5.

After Grilling

Keep your grill clean. Remove fat or grease buildup on the grill and the trays underneath.

Dispose of coals properly. When disposing of charcoals, soak charcoals thoroughly in water and dispose of them in a metal container.

If you are keeping the coals, the coals should be cooled. Cover the grill tightly and close the vents. This should extinguish the coals and whatever is left will be ready for next time.

May 31, 2017October 7, 2019

Heading Out on the Water? Here is your Pre-Departure Boat Check

Make sure you and your boat are prepared before you leave the dock.

Last month, we provided some safety information for when you go boating. One safety tip was a pre-launch boat check. Here are items that you should have on board.

Items to Check

Your fuel tank should be full. If that is not possible, you should have enough fuel to return safely and still have some left over.
Check the engine oil and coolant levels.
Make sure your navigational lights work.
Make sure your instrument panel lights work.
Check ventilation in any powered vessel, auxiliary-powered sailboats or boats using cooking fuel such as LPG (propane).
Check that enclosed areas have a properly-installed and working carbon monoxide detector.
Check that bilges are dry and pumps not running excessively. (Spilled oil or waste in bilges should be cleaned up.)
Check the weather forecast.
Check your dock lines for chafe or wear.
Leave a “float plan” with at least one person on land so they know where you can be found.

Items that Should be On Board

Here is the “short list.” Explanations are further down.

Basic toolbox with tools appropriate for your boat.
Spare parts including fuel filter, light bulbs, head parts, through-hull plugs, etc.
Standard first-aid kit
Life jackets
Horn or other sound producing device
All lights (including flashlight and spare batteries) and needed day-shapes
Distress Signals
Have all required fire extinguishers on board and that they are mounted properly.
Have a radio on board to receive weather updates.
All needed battery types (and check that they are working)
At least one anchor set up and bent-on to your anchor line.
2-3 extra dock lines in case of unusual conditions.
At least two fenders on-board for docking or towing if required.
Ship’s papers, radio license, fishing permit, etc. on board.
Chart(s) for the area(s) you will be in regardless of the level of your local knowledge.
Both an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) for your boat and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for you. Both beacons should be registered (EPIRB to your boat and PLB to you) at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov

More Information About Items Above

Life Jackets

1 life jacket per passenger (minimum 2 at all times). Life jackets should be Coast Guard approved.
If your vessel is over 16 feet long, you should have a throwable device.
Tell all passengers and crew new to the vessel the location of the life jackets and how to use them.

Sound Producing Devices

The horn you have on board should be able to sound a four-second blast that can be heard for at least a ½ mile.
Make sure to have a spare can of air (or alternate device) if you use a portable air horn.
Each life jacket should have a whistle attached.

Day-Shapes

“Day shapes are mast head signals visually indicating the status of a vessel to other vessels on navigable waters during daylight hours whether making-way, anchored, or aground.” (Wikipedia) If you plan to engage in recreational boating activity that requires a day-shape, make sure that you have it.

Distress Signals

Your flares, day signals and other items used for signaling should be stored in a dry location that is easily accessible. Be sure the crew and passengers know where they are and how to use them properly.

Fire Extinguishers

Coast Guard rules set the number of fire extinguishers you should have on board. Make sure you have the number required and that they are accessible.
Check to be sure mounts are secure and functional before departure.
Inform passengers and crew of the fire extinguisher(s) location.

Ventilation

All interior spaces should be checked. They should be well-ventilated before departure.
If you smell fuel, run the blowers for several minutes and check again.
If you still smell the odor, turn off the engine and check for the source of the leak.
Each enclosed or semi-enclosed area should have a properly-installed carbon monoxide detector.

Batteries

For dual charging systems, make sure the selector switch in the proper position.
Make sure the entire vessel has power.
Have spares for all your devices on board (handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.)
Make sure rechargeable batteries are charged.

Content provided by boatsafe.com

May 24, 2017May 25, 2017

4 Key Tips to Stay Safe this Summer

It’s summer! Kids are out of school, vacations happen, the weather is generally warm and enjoyable. There are some safety challenges that are unique to the summer. Here are 4 key tips to stay safe this summer.

Be Cool

With the summer comes heat. Most people know that staying cool is important. However, you might not realize that drinking cold water about every 20 minutes not only keeps you hydrated but helps to reduce heat. It is also good to avoid alcohol, coffee tea and caffeinated soft drinks which can all cause dehydration.

Fashion for the Sun

Dress for the heat. We discussed this briefly in “Sun Protection and Sunburns.” Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes including a hat. Be sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) and even UV-blocking sunglasses. The goal is to protect that skin of yours from the UVA and UVB rays. When you are on a hot job whether it is in the yard, a special project you are working on or even for your employer, it is best to work in a ventilated area with good airflow. It helps with evaporation of sweat which cools the skin.

Think for your Children

Children love to have fun, and they often do not think about the consequences of playing in the heat. When considering your children, if the heat or humidity is high, limit their intense activities that last 15 minutes or more. Don’t let them overheat. Have water available and let them drink water freely so that they do not feel thirsty. Have them take a break every 20 minutes. They should follow the tips above for their clothing and skin protection. If shirt or shorts become saturated with sweat, have them change clothes.

Avoid Heat-Related Illness

Be mindful of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms can include:

heavy sweating
feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or tired
headache
breathing fast or feeling like your heart is beating faster than normal
muscle cramps
nausea or vomiting

The best way to avoid overheating is to stay in a cool place. If your house is not air conditioned, consider going to the library or mall. Don’t push yourself to hard. If you have work to do outside, consider doing it in the morning or evening hours when it is cooler. Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you when walking and drink from it regularly.

Have a wonderful and cool summer. Always be safe and have fun!

May 22, 2017March 23, 2017

Progressive Boat On-Water Towing

Getting ready for summer on the water? Don’t get “caught without a paddle.”

Progressive offers unlimited on-water towing, no out-of-pocket expense for PWC (Personal Watercraft) or jetskis. You can get coverage up to $2,500 of towing and labor costs per occurrence and it has no deductible.

May 17, 2017June 21, 2017

How to Stay Safe While Fishing

Ahhh… those relaxing times on the boat — early morning, sitting back in the chair at the bow with your fishing line in the water. Boating brings great enjoyment and relaxation. Here is some general advice to help you stay safe while you are out on the water.

Boat Check

Before you actually launch your boat, do a “boat check.” Make sure you have your onboard safety equipment, enough fuel and life vests. The U.S. Coast Guard provides free vessel safety checks if you would like to take advantage of the service. (Check back in a couple weeks. We will post a boating checklist that gives more detailed information.)

Take a Friend

It’s time to go fishing, and you really should take a friend with you. After all, the one thing better than telling your other buddies about “the one that got away” is to have a witness! Your friend will also make good company in case you fall overboard, are suddenly sick, are incapacitated or in the emergency situations. In short, never fish alone.

Have Two Very Important Devices

Be sure to have a charged and working radio or other communication device in case someone gets hurt or you run out of fuel and get stuck in the middle of the lake. You should also have a first aid kit with you. Hooks are sharp, and it is easy to stab yourself and also possible to snag your friend if you don’t pay attention when casting. (In a couple weeks, we will post a boating checklist that will include items that you should have on your boat.)

Other Items to Bring

There are a few other items that are helpful when fishing.

Cold drinks
Insect repellent
Appropriate Clothing
Sunglasses
Hat
Athletic shoes

Regarding clothing, be sure to check our article “Sun Protection and Sunburns.” It has a whole section about how to protect yourself from getting sunburned.

Our hope is that these tips will help you have a fun time on the water and in the sun. Enjoy your fishing! Be safe.

May 10, 2017October 7, 2019

Protect Yourself from the Effects of the Sun

Protect yourself from the Affects of the Sun

This time of year, everyone wants to be outside. Being in the sun just feels good. Have you ever wondered why? You have probably also heard that being out in the sun without protection will cause premature aging (a.k.a., wrinkles and/or leathery skin) or even skin cancer.

The Sun and Your Skin

Sunlight can cause changes in your skin:

Freckles
Fine and Coarse Wrinkles
Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation
Talangiectasias
Elastosis
Benign tumors
Pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesion-caused by loss of the skin’s immune function

“Skin cancer is caused by mutations that occur in skin cell DNA, which then cause the abnormal cells to multiply out of control. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most common cause of the DNA mutations that cause skin cancer. UV radiation is found in sunlight and tanning lamps and beds.” (Healthline.com)

There are different types of UV radiation. UVA radiation has the longest wavelengths. UVB wavelengths are shorter, UVC has the shortest. Because UVA radiation has the longest wavelength, it can penetrate the skin to the 2nd layer. UVB only affects the first layer. Both UVA and UVB can damage your skin.

Benefits of Sunlight

Before getting scared and never going out again, let’s keep things in perspective. There are some great benefits to be found in sunlight.

Our bodies metabolize sunlight into vitamin D. Drs. Frank and Cedric Garland from the University of California, San Diego found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and cancer, and current research indicates that vitamin D deficiency increases risk of many cancers. You can read about one study in which vitamin D supplementation produced a 60% drop in the risk of developing cancer.

Other benefits include:

Beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients.
May lower risk for multiple sclerosis.
Helps heal psoriasis.
Can ease mild depression
Contributes to bone health in older adults
Can improve sleep quality.

The point is that there are many benefits from sunlight. The key is to protect yourself.

Enjoy Yourself in the Sun

Protecting yourself from harmful UVA and UVB radiation from the sun is actually not hard. In our article “Sun Protection and Sunburns,” we presented the ABC’s of staying safe in the sun. It’s important enough that we are repeating them here.

A: Avoid

Avoid the sun when it is strongest: 10AM-4PM. When you are outdoors, find shade if possible.

B: Block

Wear sunscreen that is waterproof and at least SPF 15 or more. Use SPF 30 or more for children (and consider it for yourself). Be sure your skin is dry before applying. Choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. You might consider using SPF 30 lip balm.

Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun at least 15 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2-3 hours or more often when swimming or sweating.

C: Cover Up

Wear clothing that covers the skin including hats and sunglasses that block UV rays. You might even consider clothing made with sun-protective fabric.

One Last Thing to Keep in Mind

Some cosmetics, antibiotics, birth control or other medication and even some natural herbs increase sensitivity to UV rays. Check with your doctor for guidelines regarding any medications or supplements that you might be taking.

May 3, 2017October 7, 2019

Sun Protection and Sunburns

Summer is a time that most people enjoy swimsuits, shorts and short sleeves. However, the extra sun exposure can quickly cause sunburn in less than 15 minutes (thought it might not show up for 30 minutes).

Why should sunburn concern us?

According to SkinCancer.org, dermatologist Jeffrey Brackeen, MD, a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation, says that, “Repeat sunburns put you at a substantial risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging.”

Symptoms of Sunburn

We all know that skin turns red when it is sunburned. What you may not realize is that the redness does not occur at the time of the sunburn. It can take as little as 30 minutes or up to 6 hours for redness to occur. Though worst pain is usually within 48 hours or less, the burn develops over 1-3 days. Afterward, the skin peeling can last for 3-8 days and may be accompanied by itching.

The ABC’s of Preventing Sunburn

Generally, darker-skinned people do not burn as easily as those with more fair skin. However, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is a must regardless of how fair or tan your skin.

A: Avoid

Avoid the sun when it is strongest: 10AM-4PM. When you are outdoors, find shade if possible.

B: Block

Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun at least 15 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2-3 hours or more often when swimming or sweating.

C: Cover Up

Wear clothing that covers the skin including hats and sunglasses that block UV rays. You might even consider clothing made with sun-protective fabric.

What to Do if You Get Sunburned

Get the Heat Out

Take frequent cool showers or baths. You can also take a dip in a cool lake or pool to help reduce the heat.

Do not use ice directly on sunburn, but you can use a cold compress or a cool cloth.

While the skin is damp, use a gentle moisturizing lotion.

When using lotion, avoid petroleum or oil-based ointments because they can trap heat in the skin which can trap heat in the skin.

According to WebMD, topical steroids (like hydrocortisone cream) can help with pain and swelling, but you should NOT use the cream on children age 2 and under. It should not be used in the rectal or vaginal area of children under 12.

Stay Hydrated and Rest

Sometimes a sunburn can cause a headache. Lie down in a cool, quiet room to relieve it.

The burn will draw fluids from your body. In addition, headaches can sometimes be caused by dehydration. Therefore, keep drink water so that you replace the fluids.

April 25, 2017April 26, 2017

How Much Car Insurance is Enough: Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

In Parts 1 and 2, we talked about deductible and liability coverage. There are two other coverages that you should consider.

Collision & Comprensive Vehicle Insurance

You may remember that liability car insurance covers the medical and property damages to others. Collision Car Insurance covers your vehicle such as if you hit an object like a fence or pole. It also covers damage to your car if someone else hits you, and they do not have liability insurance. Collision car insurance also covers your vehicle if you are at fault.

Comprehensive covers other damages. If your vehicle is stolen and not recovered, that is covered under comprehensive. It also covers damages from weather (tornado, hail, etc.), floods, fire, falling objects, explosions, crashes with an animal (such as a deer) and even riots and civil disturbances.

Do I need Collision or Comprehensive vehicle coverage?

This decision is really up to you. Our experience has been that most people drop collision or comprehensive (or both) when their car’s value drops below $2,000-$3,000. It is simply a matter of value. Add the premium to the deductible if you should have an accident. If the total is greater than the value of the vehicle, some people choose not to get collision and/or comprehensive coverage.

There are some situations where we recommend getting collision and comprehensive coverage. These include:

If you take out a loan to buy your car, the lender may require these coverages.
If you lease your car, the leasing car may require these coverages.
If you cannot afford to replace or repair your car if you crashed or it was stolen.
If your area has a high incidence of car theft, vandalism or the other situations described above.

I’m just not sure about all these coverages. What do I do?

This question is why we are here for you. Click here to contact us or give us a call at 865-922-3111 or 800-624-3339. We can provide the information to help you make the best decision for the right coverage at the right price. In addition, because we are an independent agency, we can show you quotes from many different insurance companies so that you can choose the right one for you.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

Low vs. High Deductible
Liability Insurance
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

April 19, 2017October 7, 2019

How Much Car Insurance is Enough: Liability Insurance

In Part 1, we discussed deductibles and what you should consider regarding a low vs. high deductible. A second very important part of your vehicle coverage is liability.

What is Liability Insurance?

Liability car insurance covers damages to another person that result from an accident you cause. It is one of the most base types of coverage and is also mandatory in every state. The actual minimum limits of coverage can vary state-to-state.

Understanding Liability coverage

Liability coverage is represented by three numbers. It might appear as 25/50/15 or 100/300/100. Knowing what these numbers mean is very important.

The first number is maximum paid for “bodily injury” to the other person per accident. (Think in terms of medical expenses for this one.)

The second number is the “maximum paid per accident.” Add up all the costs the insurance pays, and it cannot exceed this amount.

The third number is the maximum paid for “property damage” to the other person’s vehicle as well as any other property damage done (such as fences, guardrails, buildings, etc.)

How much Liability Insurance Coverage do I need?

Although the minimum limit may be lower, a very common liability amount chosen is 50/100/50. However, we recommend that you make your liability coverage as high as you can afford. It’s in your interest to do so.

Let’s consider if you were in an accident in which you totaled the other person’s vehicle. Costs might include:

The vehicle
According to USA Today, in 2014 the average used car price was almost $17,000.
Ambulance to the hospital to get checked
Ambulance rides can cost from $500-$2000 depending on where you are and what is required. The L.A. Times reported that one lady’s insurance company covered $750 for her ambulance ride and she had to pay over $1500 for the rest of the cost.
Medical Costs (emergency room, hospital, x-rays, tests, etc.)
One of our customers spent just one night in the hospital last fall. By the time all the costs were added up, the bill was over $9000. That’s just for one night to get checked out and monitored.

While all of these are very general numbers, they add up quickly. Liability costs from an accident can quickly reach $25,000 or more. If you are carrying the Tennessee minimum (25/50/15), all those expenses would be covered. However, what if it was a new car worth $35,000? What if there are extensive injuries requiring a several nights stay in the hospital followed up by physical therapy and other doctors visits. With the minimum coverage, the maximum the insurance pays is $50,000. You are liable for the rest.

Being Realistic

We are not trying to be scary here. It’s important to be realistic about what liability can mean. Your budget may determine how much coverage you carry. However, if you have the ability to carry more, we recommend that you do.

Our hope, of course, is that none of us has an accident. How much Liability Coverage should you have? Talk to your insurance agent about the right amount for you. They can answer any questions you have about it as well. If you would like, contact Bob Johnson Insurance. We have several experienced agents who can help you decide what is right for you.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

Low vs. High Deductible
Liability Insurance
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage