safety tips – Page 2 – CityScape Insurance

It’s Boating Season

At the beginning of every summer here in Arizona, our team gets calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips we like – courtesy of our partners at Safeco.

Don’t let an accident wreck your fun!

Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board — wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

Watch the Back of the Boat. Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. So tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn off your engine when people are in the water, and don’t let passengers “ski” or “teak-surf” by holding on to the back of the boat. Both Washington and Oregon made teak-surfing illegal in the last few years, after several tragic deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; older boats install devices for less than $100.

Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drowning’s result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive.

Boats Need TLC Too. When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.

Experience Counts! The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from Safeco and other insurers if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.

Sites for Information:
Coast Guard: www.uscgboating.org
Coast Guard Auxiliary: nws.cgaux.org/
Safeco tips: www.safeco.com/insurance-101/consumer-tips/your-boat

Call Matt at (602) 888-1732 or e-mail matt@cityscapeinsurance.com for more info. We also have a list of summer boat safety classes that can save you money!

The Hazards of Monsoon Season In Arizona

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared!

While some parts of the U.S. deal with catastrophic hurricanes and tornadoes this time a year, we deal with massive dust storms, raging winds tearing through the valley, and flash floods. For those who live or have lived in Arizona you know the dangers that come with these monsoons. We want to make sure you stay safe out on the roads and in your homes so we’ve provided a few safety tips below.

Pull Aside & Stay Alive: If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down. Once you know it’s safe around you proceed to pull off the road or off to the side and stop your vehicle until the storm passes.

Avoid driving near or through washes and low areas that are surrounded by hills or mountains. Areas like this are prone to flash flooding and at anytime can wash both you and your vehicle away.

If your’re outside when the storm hits cover your nose & mouth to avoid inhaling potentially harmful dust, pollen, and other pollutants that could be carried by the wind.

Take a moment to do a walk around inspection of your home and bring in any lawn furniture such as umbrellas & chairs, tarps, or other personal property that could be blown away and damaged during the storm.

Bring your animals inside or provide them with shelter to avoid the storm and potential risk of valley fever. Every animal lover knows vet bills are expensive and no fun for the owner or pet.

Prepare a disaster supply kit just in case things take a turn for the worst:

3-5 gallons of clean drinking water for each person and pet.
A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration. If you have canned food you would like to heat up we also suggest a small propane camp stove, extra propane, and matches.
Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
First aid kit (Be sure to check your kit periodically to ensure you have ample amounts of supplies and check the expiration date on all anti-bacterial ointments, sprays, and pain medication.)
Necessary medications for any household member including your animals.

Learn More About Flood

Boating Season Has Arrived

It’s Boating Season

Don’t let an accident wreck your fun!

The Hazards of Monsoon Season In Arizona

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared!

Prepare a disaster supply kit just in case things take a turn for the worst: