Insurance Insights ~ November 2001

Fireplace safety

With the seasons changing and the air turning colder, it's time again to get those fireplaces and woodstoves going. Fireplaces and wood stoves are cozy and warm for the winter. But in order to keep the air healthy and reduce the risk of fire, you need to be aware of the risks they pose. Here are some tips on staying safe and healthy this winter.

Bad Wood

Burning wood improperly can produce dangerous emissions such as carbon monoxide, organic gas and heavy smoke. To avoid this danger:

• Burn only seasoned hardwoods such as oak, maple and hickory.
• Avoid burning softwoods, and never burn newly cut or wet wood.
• Wood should be aged for at least a year to allow the dissipation of creosote oil.
• Don't burn wood that has been painted, treated or made with glue (such as particle boards).
• Never burn papers that contain bleaches or dyes. The particles produced by these can clog the air passages in a fireplace or wood stove, and also produce noxious, corrosive or even carcinogenic gasses.

Chimneys

In the fall, it's necessary to watch for a weak chimney draft. The difference in temperature between chimney smoke and outdoor air is not so great in the fall, so smoke won't rise as quickly as it should. This could cause too much smoke to be in the room. Back-puffing is also a danger. An obstructed chimney or flue causes smoke to build up in the house. Blockage can be caused by soot and creosote buildup or by bird's nests. Have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned at least once a year. This is a job best done by a professional.

On the Hearth

• Use proper fireplace equipment.
• Keep a grate under the firebox that allows the fire to "breathe" and ensures proper combustion of the firewood.
• When building a fire, place the wood at the back of the fireplace.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Don't put rugs in front of the fireplace unless they are non-combustible hearth rugs made especially for the purpose.
• Have protective doors or a fire screen in front of the fire.
• Keep all combustibles at least 36 inches away from the fire, but the further away, the better.
• Make sure that your fireplace has proper clearances when it is installed. If not, the heat of usage over the years can cause a dangerously low "ignition" temperature to surrounding wood, in a hidden space behind your wall or in the flue chase. You won't know it's happened until a fire breaks out.
• Check for bird's nests not only in the flue or chimney, but also on the roof or in trees above the chimney opening. The first fire of the season could send a hot ember to a nearby nest that falls on your roof or in your attic.

Winter Driving

When driving this winter, remember the EASY way is the safe way.

• EASY on the power means starting out slowly to avoid loss of traction and a resulting skid.
• EASY on the brakes requires a gentle tapping of the pedal and then a gradual application of the brakes (squeezing the pedal) just short of locking the wheels.
• EASY on the steering means turning the wheel slowly and gently to prevent a front-wheel skid.

Points to remember:

• It takes 200 feet or more to stop at 20 mph on icy roads.
• Wet ice or snow has only one-half the traction of completely frozen snow-covered roads at 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Snow or ice packs more quickly on heavily traveled roads, and, consequently, becomes treacherous sooner.

How do I file a life insurance claim?

When there is a death in the family, life insurance can provide immediate funds to meet urgent needs. However, before you can obtain the funds, you must file a claim. Here is what you need to do:

• Contact your insurance Agent. Your Agent can help you complete the necessary forms and communicate with the insurance company.
• If you don’t have an Agent, or don’t know the Agent of the deceased, contact the insurance company directly. The company will explain how to file a claim.
• Obtain a copy of the death certificate from the funeral director to be submitted with the claim form.

Your agent can also review the settlement options that best meet your needs. Here are some of the options that are typically available to the beneficiary:

• Insured Benefit Account – Insurance proceeds are placed in an interest-bearing money market account. The account is established at a participating financial institution and provides easy checkbook access to the money.

• Interest Income – Leaves the proceeds on deposit with the insurance company and pays interest to the beneficiary on a periodic basis.

• Period Certain – Pays both the principle and the interest over a specified period of time.

• Lifetime Income – Pays a guaranteed income for the rest of your life.

• Lump Sum – Pays the entire death benefit in a lump sum.

Another important item to remember: do not keep life insurance policies in your safe deposit box. In many states boxes are temporarily sealed upon death of the owner, delaying settlement when funds may be most needed.

INSURANCE INSIGHTS is an electronic newsletter published monthly (except for January and August) by G. C. Weimer Associates, Inc. Information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as of 11/1/2001. If you have a topic of interest for a future issue, e-mail us at info@gcwinsure.com.