Insights

Some of the most disruptive and costly claims are a result of water damage from broken pipes.  Follow these tips to avoid these potentially devastating claims.
Home Matters – Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

Preparing for winter storms is crucial to survival and safety. Become familiar with winter storm warning signals so you can take appropriate action and learn the dangers of winter ailments so you can avoid injury.

Winter Weather Warnings

Familiarize yourself with the following weather alerts so you know what actions you may need to take:

• Winter storm watch: Be alert, a storm is likely
• Winter weather advisory: Experts expect conditions to cause significant hazards, especially to motorists
• Frost/freeze warning: Experts expect below freezing temperatures and damage to plants, crops or fruit trees
• Winter storm warning: Take action, a storm is entering—or is already in—the area
• Blizzard warning: The combination of snow and strong winds will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill—seek refuge immediately

Preventing Cold Weather Injuries

To prevent serious injury from extreme cold, which could result in death or permanent damage, do the following:

• Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions and layer clothing when possible, making sure to include layers that repel moisture away from the skin.
• Take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters when possible.
• Avoid over-exerting yourself, as your body needs this energy to keep its muscles warm. Work in pairs when it’s cold to share the load and watch for warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
• When you know you will be exposed to extreme cold, prepare yourself warm, sweet beverages to drink and warm, high-calorie foods to consume. Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.

Other Winter Storm Hazards

Be on the lookout for the following winter storm hazards:

• Adverse driving conditions, such as low visibility and slippery roadways
• Icy walkways and sidewalks, which could cause slips and falls
• Falling objects like icicles, tree limbs and utility poles
• Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
• Exhaustion, dehydration and back injuries from conducting manual labor in the snow

By Jason Wolf at propertycasualty360.com

It’s been 10 years since a devastating hurricane has hit the Southeast.
There are many property owners and managers whose careers began in the region since the last massive storm. These professionals — relatively new to the industry — may be unfamiliar with what they must do to prepare for the storm season, and the repercussions that are totally unfamiliar.

Even those who were in business more than 10 years ago often need a reminder of how catastrophic a major storm can be. And of course, the individual homeowner must also be fully aware of what he or she must do.
…

Hurricane preparation: Be sure to be insuredRead More »

Jun 29, 2017 | By Nir Kossovsky | http://www.propertycasualty360.com
The potential for damage from corporate reputational crises is greater than ever, with market cap, sales, margins and profits all in danger. But in today’s heated social media environment — in which the public and key stakeholder groups seem all too ready to personalize their criticism and affix blame on individuals — CEOs are now personally at great risk.
Professional risk managers — whatever their positions — need to understand that traditional executive liability solutions are ineffective for these new risks. They need to be able to advise company leadership on new tools available to deter attacks and to insulate their clients when attacks do occur.

Reputational risk evolution

In the past, companies had to worry only about the direct financial consequences of workplace accidents, lawsuits or investigations, officers and directors felt secure with traditional D&O policies, and brand executives were skilled at deploying the full spectrum of the marketing tactics.
…

CEOs and companies need protection when reputational crises hitRead More »