ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 29, 2010 – An estimated 32 million people across the U.S. plan to host parties or gatherings near water this summer, according to new research by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), yet they may not be aware of all the risks or prepared in case of an accident.
“Summer has arrived and for the next few months, many people will take advantage of the weather by hosting summer parties, testing the waters with sports and recreational watercraft, firing up outdoor grills and uncovering backyard swimming pools,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, education and research. “Summer can be lots of fun, but it’s important to take a few precautionary steps to limit seasonal risks.”
In a national survey, more than 43% of respondents, representing 98.6 million households, said they plan to host a party or any kind of social gathering this summer. Of those, more than 32%, representing more than 32.1 million households, indicated that their event will be held in or around water (such as a pool, beach, boat, lake, etc.).
“Before your next big summer party, we recommend meeting with a Trusted Choice® agent who is an expert in assessing your risks and insuring that you, your family and your home are adequately prepared,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big "I" president & CEO.
Trusted Choice® offers the following tips to help make your summer a happy and safe one:
SUMMER PARTIES: ALCOHOL, SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY, ETC.
“Asking guests to stop drinking at your summer party can be very awkward,” says Flannagan. “However protecting your family and your guests is more important than an uncomfortable exchange at the neighborhood pool party. If you host a party and your over-served guest drives away and gets in an accident, you can be held responsible.”
• It's best to avoid alcohol consumption when swimming. Always consume alcohol responsibly when swimming or entertaining at your pool.
• Familiarize yourself with your state’s host liability laws, and to make sure you’re properly insured.
• Limit your guest list to those you know.
• Consider hosting your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather than in a home or office.
• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.
• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.
• Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
• Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.
POOL SAFETY
• Always fence in a pool in your yard, and check your state and local ordinances for fence height requirements. Fencing should include a locked gate that should generally remain locked. Understand that as a pool owner, you are responsible and liable for anyone who comes on to your property and into your pool--even accidentally.
• Always cover an empty or partially empty pool in the off-season. Serious injuries can result from children or others jumping or falling into a pool that is not full. When possible, consider an easily retractable pool cover to seal anytime the pool is not in use, even in the summer.
• Never let children swim alone and keep a properly maintained supply of safety equipment in plain view of all swimmers, including life rings and other floats, lines, and a first aid kit.
• Maintain the pool properly. Check pools edges thoroughly at the beginning and end of each season to ensure that no tile, concrete or other material has come loose. Sun and other elements can damage these edges and pose a hazard to those who step or pull up on them. Always use a non-slip, quick-drying material to avoid injuries on walkways and other areas surrounding the pool.
• Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among children under five. Have a family member take a safety course to become Red Cross certified to help in the event of an emergency.
• Tell your insurance agent if you install a backyard pool. Some homeowners policies exclude pools, and extra coverage will be needed. Ensure that you have adequate liability insurance.
GRILLS AND OUTDOOR PITS
• Thoroughly clean gas grill at beginning of season. Replace and maintain fire extinguisher near but not on the grill at all times. Never throw a match in a grill, especially after the gas has been on three seconds.
• Never wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes.
• Always use the grill's starter button. If the starter is broken, do not use the grill.
• Cover the grill to avoid to corrosion and rusting in both the controls and gas line. Rust can make grill controls hard to read and make the starter button difficult to depress. Consider using a grill with an automatic starter rather than a button starter.
• Avoid cooking foods with a high fat content which can produce high flames. Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature.
• Never throw away grill instructions or owner’s manual. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.
• Outdoor fire pits are often low to the ground and could be alluring to children. Make sure to keep children away even long after the fire has been extinguished. Fire pits can hold heat for several hours after the flames are gone.
DRIVING/VEHICLES
Boats
• Understand your liability and risks. The homeowners policy is not designed to cover significant watercraft exposures and consumers should contact their agent to see if coverage can be added or if they need a separate watercraft policy that fully covers damage to the boat, liability and uninsured boaters.
• Many people rent boats and even with a watercraft policy, be aware that there may be no coverage for rentals.
• Never use a boat that is not equipped with fully operational safety equipment onboard. At a minimum, any boat should contain life preservers for all occupants, a well-stocked first aid kit, powerful flashlight, two-way VHF radio, fire extinguisher, flare kit and a local area water chart. Large boats should also contain additional lines of varied size and an inflatable lifeboat.
• Never exceed the passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always keep all owners manuals onboard.
• Take a boat safety and operations course, sponsored in many communities by the U.S. Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard.
Jet skis
• Jet skis and other similar recreational water vehicles can be very dangerous and they can require separate insurance policies. Owners should also consult their insurance agent to make sure they have adequate liability coverage to protect them, especially if they regularly ride tandem or if they injure others in an accident.
• Children should never ride a jet ski.
• Never use a jet ski in foul weather.
• Strictly follow all safety guidelines and make sure anyone driving the vehicle knows exactly how to operate it and shut it off.
• Take care and understand the risks in storing and transporting jet skis. Standard homeowners and auto policies will not cover theft of the water vehicle from a trailer.
• Use caution when renting a jet ski and know your responsibilities. Always consult an agent to fully understand liability exposure and coverage in this situation.
Other/general driving/vehicle tips
• Summer sun glare is an issue for all drivers of any kind of vehicle, and particularly for senior citizens whose eyes and/or prescription glasses can’t easily accommodate changes in light. Unexpected glare can cause serious accidents. Be prepared by always keeping glasses, visors, or other sun shields in your vehicle, especially if traveling near or on the water.
• Never operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, certain prescription drugs or fatigue. Obey all traffic laws and maintain safe driving habits.
• Make sure you and your party guests follow all parking rules and ordinances, especially in residential neighborhoods.
The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR), an independent research company in Media, Pa. Interviews of a nationally representative sample of 1,006 households were conducted in May 2010. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 3.1%. For more information about ICR, go to www.icrsurvey.com.
For additional information on the survey results or to request an interview with a national spokesperson or local insurance agent in your area, contact Sue Nester (susan.nester@iiaba.net) Big “I” broadcast media director at (703) 706-5448. Print journalists should contact Margarita Tapia (margarita.tapia@iiaba.net) Big “I” director of public affairs at (703) 706-5473.
Trusted Choice® educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for approximately 10,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and 54 leading insurance companies. For more information, go to www.TrustedChoice.com.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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