inSIGHTS: Summer 2012 Installment

inSIGHTS

SUMMER installment

Personal Risk management topics brought to you by Henriott Group, Inc

IN THIS ISSUE HOME MATTERS The side effect of summer heat can creep up on you quickly! Learn what it takes to stay safe in the sun.

AUTO INSIGHTS If getting there is half the fun, don’t let a vehicle breakdown spoil your family’s summer vacation. To help, we’ve got some simple summer tune-up tips!

LIFE LESSONS Do you have the right Life Insurance policy? Life takes planning and that includes providing for your family’s financial well-being in the event of a spouse’s untimely death with the right insurance coverage.

SAFETYCORNER Summer is the time for outdoor cookouts, pool parties and backyard play dates – not a time for bandaging scrapes, nursing burns – or worse. Learn these important summer safety tips and make sure everyone in your family knows them by heart too.

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250 Main Street | Suite 650 Lafayette, IN 47901 www.henriott.com 800.382.7875

>>> Help your body out, protect yourself from the summer heat While the summer sun can be a welcome arrival after a dreary winter, it is important to keep the summer heat from getting the best of you. The human body can do funny things when exposed to high temperatures. To diminish its effect, remember these tips next time you’re exposed to summer’s heat.

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Stay Hydrated – Make sure you are drinking water continually, even if you are not thirsty. By the time your body triggers thirst, you may already be on the way to dehydration. Avoid beverages with alcohol and caffeine as they can increase chances of dehydration.

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Dress Appropriately – Lightweight clothing allows heat to escape from the body while light-colored materials reflect the sun, decreasing heat absorption.

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Avoid Overwork – Avoid strenuous activities during times of peak heat, especially midday. If possible save outside tasks for early morning or evening hours.

Don’t forget: Fido needs your help staying cool this summer too. Check out these tips from ASPCA

>>> Summer Travel Means Summer Vehicle Maintenance You’ve got sights to see! Don’t let a vehicle breakdown or accident put a damper on your summer vacation with the following tips:

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Cooling System - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked before you set out. Also, have the condition of your drive belts, clamps and hoses checked by a pro too.

Tires - Check tire pressures and inflate pressure accordingly -- an added bonus is better gas mileage! Also, examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing or nicks and repair as needed.

Don't forget to check your spare and be sure your jack is in good working order.

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Windshield Wipers & Lights - A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue, which can consequently pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and top off the windshield washer solvent. Inspect all lights and replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses along the way.

To avoid any bumps in the road, call us today to learn more about our roadside assistance and towing coverage options. For even more cool summer driving tips, visit the NHTSA’s guide here.

Cycle through life safely with our insurance solutions

Wi-Fi Weaknesses: You’re not browsing alone Coffee shops, airports or hotel lobbies with free Wi-Fi may be convenient spots for shopping or conducting business online, but hackers find them convenient spots to obtain your private information, too.

If you conduct private online business in public, it’s smart to take the following precautions:

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Keep your anti-virus software up-to -date

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Use public Wi-Fi only with security encryption (look for ―https‖ in the site’s Web address)

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Ensure that your computer’s firewall protection is on

Many people mistakenly make no effort to secure their Wi-Fi systems from hackers and even the best current security procedures can be circumvented by thieves. For safety’s sake, experts advise that it’s best to avoid transmitting confidential information while on a Wi-Fi network.

>>> Planning for your Family’s Financial Future Starts Today We like to look on the bright side when it comes to life planning – the right Life Insurance policy means you can rest easy knowing that your family will be free from financial burdens at a time when they will need it the most.

Based on some basic financial information, such as your current annual gross salary, the number of years until retirement, and your family’s short-term and long-term expenses, we can help you figure out how much your family will need to replace lost income over a specified length of time should something happen to you or your spouse. We’ll also help you determine what type of policy makes the best sense for your situation—and make it affordable too!

Planning for your family’s future starts today! Call us today to learn more about the protection and peace of mind that the right Life Insurance policy can provide.

4 in 10 households with children under the age of 18 say they would immediately have trouble meeting everyday living expenses if a primary wage-earner died today—yet 41% of US adults have no life insurance at all!

Source: Limra Facts about Life 2011

PLAYING IT

SAFE GRILLINGSAFETY >>> Our favorite recipe for grilling is safety There’s nothing like a flame-broiled steak, hamburger or hot dog right off the grill on a summer evening. In fact, many backyard gatherings are centered around the grill and the family’s resident chef who is creating all the enticing aromas.

In spite of how great grilled foods taste, gas and charcoal grills account for approximately 900 structural fires and 3,500 outdoor fires on residential properties. These fires result in combined property damage exceeding $30 million for those home owners.

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Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

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Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

Never leave your grill unattended.

Click here to view more of our grilling safety precautions.

BUGSAFETY >>> Don’t become bug bait!

Spending time outdoors is a wonderful way to bond with family and friends and enjoy nature. Before you head out into the great outdoors, you need to be aware of a danger lurking not so deep in the woods — Lyme disease. Take the following precautions to prevent coming in contact with a deer tick while outdoors:

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Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when in wooded areas and tuck your pant legs into socks or boots for added protection.

Wear light-colored clothing to make identifying ticks easier.

Spray yourself with insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET. Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging trees or bushes.

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Wash your body and clothing and inspect your body for ticks if you have been in bushy areas or worked in a garden. Inspect your dog’s coat too if he/she has been playing in a tick-infested wooded areas.

Avoid sitting directly on the ground.

Keep long hair tied back so that ticks cannot climb up your hair and attach themselves to your scalp

Pool Tips: Stay safe while cooling off Whether you’re taking a trip to the community pool or using the one in your own back yard, swimming can be the perfect cure to a hot summer day.

However, to keep a good time from going bad it is important that you and your family exercise caution when enjoying the water.

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Do not dive into shallow pools.

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Do not run on the pool deck.

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Never swim alone.

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Use properly fitted and secured lifejackets on children who do not know how to swim.

Supervision – It only takes a few minutes for the worst to happen. Keep your children in eyesight at all times so you can react if they get into trouble.

Remember, even when lifeguards are present it is important that you do your part to ensure your family’s safety.

Visit the CDC’s website for more information on reducing your chances of tick-borne disease.

250 Main Street | Suite 650 Lafayette, IN 47901 www.henriott.com 800.382.7875