Be aware of the poisoning risks your vehicle might cause

Driving is not without risk, so we take steps to stay safe by wearing seat belts, obeying the rules of the road and keeping our vehicle road-worthy. However, some lesser-known dangers like accidental poisoning might not be on our radar. The best defense against poisoning is to recognize the hazards.

Vehicle Exhaust: The most dangerous chemicals found in vehicle emissions are carbon monoxide and benzene.

• Breathing carbon monoxide (CO) fumes reduce the oxygen supply to the brain, causing carbon monoxide intoxication. CO intoxication can occur in only a few minutes, often leaving those affected mentally and physically unable to seek help

• Even low concentrations of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness and headaches

• Avoid exposure to exhaust fumes, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas where CO can quickly build up to toxic levels.

Antifreeze: Young children and pets are particularly vulnerable to antifreeze (engine coolant) poisoning as it has a sweet smell and taste.

• As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than one teaspoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog. As little as 2 tablespoons on methanol, a chemical used in many antifreeze solutions, can kill a child

• To prevent an accidental poisoning, promptly wide up any antifreeze spill or leak. Also, store automotive products such as antifreeze, gasoline and oil in areas inaccessible to children and pets

Air Fresheners: The ever-present pine tree card hanging from the rear view mirror, while giving a pleasant scent, may also release dangerous chemical compounds known as phthalates, According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, phthalates are thought to cause hormonal disruption, birth defects and reproductive harm. Phtahalates are also associated with allergic symptoms and asthma. Instead, keep your vehicle interior clean and dry, periodically open the windows for ventilation, even in winter, to help reduce the concentration of dangerous air-borne toxins.

Detectors to keep you and your family safe

Approximately 50 years ago, home smoke alarms were becoming a fairly common item. In a few short years, they became a standard piece of household equipment. I want to provide information that will allow you to make an informed decision when installing your smoke alarms and ensure that you’re aware of other types of detectors that are now commonly available.
Smoke Detector/Alarm: Check to make sure you are using one of the National Fire Protection Association recommended technologies in your home.

• Photoelectric smoke detectors are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering
• Ionization smoke detectors are more responsive to flaming fires

Radon Detection Tests: Radon is a radioactive gas that is impossible to see, smell or taste and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. In most cases of elevated radon levels, it seeps into your home from surrounding soil. Test your home for radon using the following EPA guidelines:

• Do a short-term test. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher you should re-test with or conduct a long-term test
• If your long-term test results are 4 pCi/L or higher, consult with a professional and take measures to fix your home

Carbon Monoxide Detector: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. CO can harm or even kill you before you even know it’s in your home.

• Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue and disorientation. These symptoms vary from person to person, depending on age, size, health and other factors
• Install a Consumer Product Safety Commission and the EPA recommend UL approved CO detectors/alarms on each floor and near each separate sleeping area

As always, be aware of your limitations and consult a professional when needed. I hope you find these tips helpful and that you stay safe during the holiday season. Please contact me anytime with questions you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.

Volunteerism with the City of Scottsdale

I am proud to volunteer with Scottsdale Police Department - K9 Unit, Scottsdale Police Department - Crime Prevention Unit, Scottsdale Fire Department - Fire Prevention and Education. It's an important way I give back to our community. I am pleased to announce The Allstate Foundation supported all three City of Scottsdale Units with a $1000 grant each in honor of my volunteer efforts in our community. Volunteering is an extension of what I do every day - protecting people and preparing them for the future

Community Grant to Foothills Animal Rescue 9-2016

I am proud to volunteer with Foothills Animal Rescue Inc. of Scottsdale. It's an important way I give back to our community. I am pleased to announce The Allstate Foundation supported Foothills Animal Rescue Inc. with a $1000 grant in honor of my volunteer efforts in our community. Volunteering is an extension of what I do every day - protecting people and preparing them for the future

Must haves for any home, condo or apartment

Take it from a retired volunteer firefighter, there are five things everyone should remember about the place where they live.

1) have at least 2 fire extinguishers in your residence. You should have an ABC or BC rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen, close to the stove but not next to it. You should also have an ABC rated fire extinguisher in your bedroom and here is why. If you are woken up in the middle of the night with your smoke detector going off, you want to grab the fire extinguisher by your bed . This way, if you need to use the fire extinguisher to help exit your home, it's right there. You can get a two pack at Home Depot for less than $30.00.

2) smoke detectors outside every bedroom and in the kitchen. There are three different types, Ionization, Photoelectric and Duel Sensor. I prefer the dual sensor type (ionization and photoelectric). Ionization type smoke detectors can quickly detect fast flaming fires with small amounts of smoke (great for kitchens). Photoelectric type respond faster to a fire in its early smoldering stage (great for outside bedrooms). Which ever type you have or buy, the key thing is to remember to replace the batteries once a year.

3) have LED flashlights through-out your residence. I prefer LED because the light is brighter and lasts longer. You can find multi pack LED flashlights at most hardware stores or places like Costco.

4) have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. As many people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning as they do from actual fires. Carbon monoxide is colorless and tasteless and is in every home that uses gas, has a fireplace or a garage. I prefer the kind of tester that just plugs into an electrical outlet in your home. They can be purchased at almost any hardware store.

5) create a fire escape plan and practice it. Make sure that you have two ways out of every room (door and window) and identify a meeting place outside your home for everyone meet there in case of a fire.

Holiday Cooking Tips

Thanksgiving is the holiday that brings people together with the family dinner being the highlight of the day. The United States Fire Administration estimates more than 2,000 residential fires are reported each Thanksgiving, with cooking (69%) the leading cause. Use these tips to help keep your holiday safe.

•  Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Most fires in the kitchen occur because food is left unattended.

•  Keep the cooking range free of clutter. Even though you have myriad dishes to prepare, don't overload a cook top with too many pots and pans. Trying to cook all your dishes at once could cause grease to accidentally spill onto a range top and cause a fire.

•  Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy while cooking. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on a flame-resistant oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until the food has cooled.

•  When removing lids on hot pans, tilt them away from you to protect your face and hands from steam. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing.

•  Never wear loose fitting clothing when cooking. Long, open sleeves could ignite and catch fire from a gas flame or a hot burner. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back.

•  Keep smoke alarms connected while cooking. Smoke alarms can save lives. Make sure smoke alarms are installed and working.

•  Unplug small appliances that aren't in use. Not only will you save the energy, but you will also avoid the potential dangers if they were to be turned on accidentally.

•  Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency and know how to use it. Make sure the fire extinguisher is UL listed and rated for grease and electrical fires.

•  Avoid using a turkey fryer. Because turkey fryers pose a number of distinct safety concerns, including burn and fire hazards. If you still choose to fry your turkey, follow these safety guidelines recommended by Consumer Safety Product Commission:

1. Keep fryer in FULL VIEW while burner is on
2. Place fryer in an open area AWAY from all walls, fences, or other structures
3. Never use IN, ON, or UNDER a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or any structure  that can catch fire
4. Raise and lower food SLOWLY to reduce splatter and avoid burns
5. COVER bare skin when adding or removing food
6. Check the oil temperature frequently
7.  If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply OFF
8.  If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. DO NOT attempt to extinguish fire with water

•  Above all, just apply your own common sense around safety in the kitchen. If in doubt about something, always err on the side of caution.

Sources: United States Fire Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, UL

Visit Allstate Be Aware and Prepare and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety for more, helpful information.

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.

What you should always tell your insurance agent

Believe it or not, these are actually some of the things our clients have either forgot to tell us or assumed about their policies in the last year. Please remember, as your agent, we are here to help you but you must communicate with us.

• Oh, I sold my house months ago

• I traded my old car months ago and bought a new one

• I changed my email address, didn't you know?

• I changed my phone number, didn't you know?

• I got married/divorced 

• I have not lived there in months

• I thought "full coverage" included rental reimbursement and towing/labor

• My 16 year old got their drivers license months ago

• I made significant improvements to my home/condo this year

• I forgot to tell you, I refinanced my home last year, why hasn't my insurance been paid?

• I paid off my mortgage last year but haven't received a bill

• My air conditioner stopped working and I thought my home insurance covered that situation

• I changed checking accounts, didn't my bank tell you?

• My credit card expired, didn't my bank give you the new card number?

• Didn't my car salesman notify you I bought a new car