Tis The Season for Generator Ownership

April showers can bring downpours.  Downpours can bring electrical disruption.  I can live like “Little House on the Prairie.”  My husband however feels the need for a generator.  It is in my basement preparing for its first test run this weekend, right after it is installed. 

I have two options: pretend I don’t know how to use it and not turn it on if the electricity goes out when he is not home or pretend I could not reach the electrical box to switch the level to turn it to the generator.  The first option is not exactly believable as I am mechanical, thanks to my dad, and the second is more possible as I am short, thanks to my mom.  Yes, I realize the third option would be to tell the truth: if you are not home I am not turning it on as I am okay with flashlights and not opening the refrigerator. 

Owning a generator is work and responsibility.  The generator needs to be maintained on a regular basis with fuel quality checks and fluid maintenance. It also needs to be run on a regular basis to insure proper operation, which is an ongoing area of concern.  

One must follow safety rules of proper generator ownership:
 

* Always operate generators outside away from doors and windows.

* Never operate generator within an attached garage.

* Locate the generator so no exhaust fumes can enter into the house or structure.

* Check extension cords to ensure they are in good condition and are the proper wire 

   gage for the aplication.

* Install CO2 monitors in the structure if there is any question of migrating fumes into

   the building.

* Before refueling, shut off the generator and let it cool down.

* The fuel must be stored in an approved container away from the generator and

   outdoors.

 

Generators are only as reliable as the maintenance they are given. Poorly maintained generators are more likely to fail when needed most. Failures usually begin with starting, fuel delivery, cooling and lubrication. Poorly maintained units will appear to operate; however, they may not actually produce electricity. This is often caused from moisture in the generator windings. With comprehensive generator maintenance and testing program on scheduled bases, these failures can be minimized. The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) maintenance schedules should be followed as listed in the operations and maintenance manual.

In addition, generators require exercise, just like humans. Exercise keeps generators operating efficiently by reducing oxidation, consuming old fuel and lubricating the internal parts. Generators should be operated on a monthly basis for a minimum of 30 minutes at 30% capacity and at least once a year at 100% capacity.

I understand how fortunate that my electrical power is usually restored within a day or so after an outage.  Also, DGK has a generator.  While we do not have a washer and dryer in the building (what a great idea!) we do have a kitchen, a TV and a shower.  Unless the Governor issues a state of emergency, I can come to work. 

Regardless of my “Little House on the Prairie” adventurous feelings, we have a generator; do you?

C.A.S.U.A.L Day is March 21, 2013

C.A.S.U.A.L Day  was founded as an effort to promote cancer screening by the family of Helen Phillips.   In 2003, Helen’s family and friends approached the Cancer Institute to undertake a community awareness initiative to promote colorectal cancer screening - a preventative act.

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute sponsors the annual event to raise awareness for colon cancer in NEPA and to emphasize the importance of screening and early detection of colon cancer.  Colon and rectal cancers are one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in our area.  The incidence rates of colon cancer in northeast PA is 23% above the US average.  The mortality rate in our area is 16% higher than the US average. 
In Bradford, Carbon, Lehigh, Lackawanna, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties, approximately 1,200 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year.  Unfortunately, about 400 people each year succumb to the disease.   Are we fated to this disease if we live in NEPA? 

Early detection is important to combat any disease.  If you are over 50, had polyps of the colon of have a close relative who had colon polyps or colon cancer, or Have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis you are at risk.  Often there are no signs.  However, if you do notice any of the following signs a doctor’s consultation is needed:  Changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain/bloating blood in your stool, weakness/fatigue or unexplained weight loss.  Once you talk to your doctor, you and the doctor can decide the proper course of action such as which screening type to use.  Early detection can save a life. 

If you are interested in joining C.A.S.U.A.L. Day contact NE Regional Cancer Institute at 334 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton PA.   570-941-7984

Proceeds from the event benefit Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals.

5 Reasons Why Pest Control Companies Should Buy Insurance from an Agency that Specializes in Exterminating Insurance and Liability

Posted by Marc Miranda

Pest Control companies present a very unique insurance liability exposure that many standard insurance companies avoid. Therefore, it is important that business owners of pest operations align themselves with a risk management and insurance company that specializes in the particular industry they operate. After working with some pest control companies on their insurance I have noticed some issues to address. Here are five tips to help owners find the right insurance program:

1.      Get the Right Policy: Find the agency with access to specialized programs that are designed for Pest Companies. These programs provide better coverages and more competitive rates because these insurance companies know the bug businesses.

2.      Get Everything You Need: They know what you need. Pest Control insurance programs offer a wide range of coverages that are unique for companies that provide pest control services such as: General Liability, Property, Automobile, Crime, Professional Liability, Exterminators Liability, Pollution Liability, Lost Key Coverage, Pest Inspection Damage Liability, Fumigating Liability, and others.

3.      Keep It Simple: I recently worked with a pest control company that had their insurance all over the place. It doesn’t have to be this difficult. That company was never presented a specialized program for pest control. They were thrilled when I presented them with one insurance program for their business from one insurance company              .

4.      One Time! You can have one renewal date for all policies and one company to pay so that you can focus on what you do best….saving the world from bed bugs!

5.      Hire a Specialist: Find an agency that has an expert who works with other pest operations and knows what exposures and risk you take every day.

Marc Miranda, a Commercial Insurance Agent, specializes in many types of insurance programs including pest control operations. You can contact at marcm@dgkinsurance.com or connect with him on LinkedIn at http://lnkd.in/zKsR_M

Home Maintenance Tips From the Travelers

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your home for warmer weather. Please take a moment to review this important spring home maintenance checklist.

 

❑ Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on each floor of your home.  Test them and change the battery every three months or as needed.

 

❑ Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures to be sure that they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.

❑ Replace all high-intensity bulbs (such as halogen) with fluorescent bulbs that don’t produce as much heat.

 

❑ Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.

 

❑ Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for operation.

❑ Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.

 

❑ Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating.

 

❑ Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion.

 

❑ Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.

 

❑ Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material or cloth.

 

❑ In your yard, remove all dead trees and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.

 

❑ Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.

 

❑ Repair driveway and walkways that are cracked, broken or uneven to provide a level walking surface.

 L E R S C L A I M – S P R I N G H O M E M A I N T E N A N C E

We’re here to help when it matters most. Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding your policy and coverages.

Customer Service - Impressive

My niece recently informed me that Wegmans supermarket had installed a peanut butter making machine in their organic food department. 

 

Bells went off! Alarms rang loudly in my ears! Fear struck my brain! I also became very discouraged and disappointed in the store!   I represent a very small percent of the population that is affect by air borne peanut butter.  A store that I thought took into consideration allergies just installed a death trap for me and ended my ability to shop in their store.

 

Armed with the information I emailed the store, respectfully requesting they remove the machine.  I also admitted that I knew the reply would be “fat chance.”  Since I am realistic I suggested they install a sign that announced “Great News! You can now have freshly made peanut butter in our Nature Department!” Those wanting the product could flock to their organic section and those that die from peanut butter can run in the opposite direction.

 

I expected a curt email saying thank you for your interest blah, blah, blah.  Much to my surprise, the Manager Andrew Berry called me.  He explained their situation about the peanut butter making machine, how it is used and why it is used.  He also explained the times the machine was in use and how I could still shop in the organic section when the machine is not in use and after it has been cleaned. 

 

I am impressed.  I know I impress easily so explaining their concern for their customers may not hold much weight coming from me.  Let me tell you my co-workers were impressed and they are not as easily impressed.  A friend of mine emailed the store on my behalf since she knows I love Wegmans organic section.  The very same manager emailed her back explaining their concerns for allergens and how they decided to input use of peanut butter machines.  This was not your standard we appreciate your interest email.  That is Impressive.

 

At the present time, Wegmans will have the peanut butter making grinders in their organic/natures Market Place.  The machines are in use from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., when an employee is working in the area with the machine.  If you stop at customer service and ask if the machine is operational they will let you know.  The peanut butter grinders will also be working in the evenings during the holidays.  The manager said if I would like to call them, give them my list of foods, they will shop and have it ready for me to pick-up.  Like I said, that is impressive. 

 

My husband usually shops with me since I have encountered problems with peanut butter, mostly candy, in stores.  I can only imagine what he must think when I leave by myself, “Will someone open peanut butter?” “Will she somehow eat something with peanuts?” “Will she be saved in time?” “Does she have her epi-pen?” Poor guy, talk about for better or worse. 

While I am impressed with their customer service, had I another option I would shop elsewhere.  In my area I am limited to the availability of organic foods during the spring and winter months.  I plan to shop at Wegmans in the evening and hopefully there will be a sign welcoming their peanut grinders