From My Desk

Modern Technology Potentially Dangerous

Modern technology is wonderful, bringing people together through social networking tools such as Facebook, MySpace, Plaxo, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  But these modern ways to connect might be leading people to your homes — to rob you.

You probably have a Twitter account or a Facebook page yourself so you’ve gotten constant updates from friends who let you know where they are all the time.  This is a potential danger for you because a simple notice on a social network could let potential intruders know when no one is home.  This can be as bad as leaving your front door unlocked.

Now, a new Web site can help you become more aware of the dangers presented by modern social networks.  And the Web site’s name helps get the point across: www.pleaserobme.com.  The site’s founders aren’t encouraging break-ins of course, but they are attempting to illuminate the potentially dangerous side effects of sharing your location with the world at large.

The site only lists information that’s easily available online.  The goal is to raise awareness for people who might not think that their Facebook update could lead to a burglary of their home.  As the site’s founders state, “On one end, we’re leaving lights on when we’re going on a holiday, and on the other we’re telling everybody on the Internet we’re not home.”

Written in conjunction with John Plunkett, Farmers Insurance Publications Specialist

Wintertime tree safety

Winter is approaching, and with it, the potential for high winds, heavy snow and ice storms. Such weather conditions can spell trouble. Bad weather conditions may cause tree limbs to break and fall, sometimes resulting in personal injury and significant financial loss, therefore it is very important to review proper tree-planting, maintenance and inspection techniques as winter weather arrives this year.

You should start thinking about tree safety when you plant a tree. It is best to contact your local forester, nursery or landscape firm for advice on the types of trees that best suit your area, and for tips on proper planting. It is also important to learn proper tree-pruning techniques, and to avoid “hat racking,” or over-pruning a tree, which can significantly weaken it.

It is recommended that you have the trees on your property professionally inspected every five years, and that you routinely check for signs of trouble (such as dead, diseased or hollow trunks and branches, or branches that hang over buildings or touch power lines).

When the weather calms down, remember to make sure your property is properly cleaned up.

Here are a few post-storm tips to remember:

• Have any uprooted trees removed.
• Cut any remaining tree stumps flush with the ground.
• Inspect trees and limbs for signs of damage.
• Remove broken or torn limbs to prevent further damage.
• Prune damaged trees enough to balance any root loss.

It’s also important to check the soil around your trees for damage, since this could mean the tree is in danger of falling down.

Written in conjunction with John Plunkett, Farmers Insurance Publications Specialist

"Damages Mount from Fires Across Oklahoma"

High winds and dry weather create fire dangers across Oklahoma. You can check out more details and what officials are doing using the link below.

Because I value your business and attention, I like to keep you updated on the latest insurance issues that can affect you.

Who should consider a will?

In a word — everyone. Regardless of age, regardless of wealth — we all should consider preparing a will. It could help you to control who receives your property, who will be the guardian of your children and who will manage your estate upon your death.

One-size-fits-all
 
Wills are typically simple to create and we all have good intentions, but many die without a will — I see it happen all too often. People who die intestate — without a will — default to the one-size-fits-all will provided by the state. Our state’s distribution formula may not be appropriate for your family’s situation, but your survivors will have no choice in the matter. You can avoid that and protect your loved ones with an appropriate will — then your property will be distributed according to your wishes.

A guardian for your minor children

In many states, when you die, your will is the only means of stating who you want to act as legal guardian for your minor children. The court has final approval, but courts usually will approve your choice of guardian unless there are compelling reasons not to. The greatest peace of mind that parents of minor children can have is to know for sure who will care for their children if something happens to them.

If you don’t have a will, consider preparing one sooner rather than later. (I suggest that you consult an attorney to discuss your individual circumstances and options.) And, if you have a will, update it every time there is a major change in your life — such as the birth of a child, adoption, marriage or divorce — or changes in the lives of those mentioned in your will. Make sure that your hard-earned assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes. And make sure you know who will take care of your minor children if you can’t. Share this with a friend or loved one so they, too, can understand the importance of being prepared. Please contact your attorney, accountant or tax advisor for legal or tax questions.

Man’s Best Friend can be costly

Man’s Best Friend can be costly

With some 62 million dogs living in American households today, it’s easy to see why our canine companions are called “man’s best friend.” But even though dogs are seen first and foremost as beloved family members, they also can be the source of significant injury and expense.

Every year, approximately 4.7 million cases of dogs biting humans are reported in the United States — 800,000 of them requiring medical attention, and a few resulting in death. In 2007, 33 dog-bite injuries resulted in fatalities, mostly of children.

You might be surprised to find that dog-bite claims account for one-third of all liability claims on Homeowners policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites cost insurance companies $356.2 million in 2007, up 10.5 percent from the previous year.

Because this can expose you to large liability risks, I encourage you to be a responsible dog owner and keep animals locked behind a gated fence or indoors at all times. When walking your dog, use a leash and always comply with local leash laws.

Children are generally the victims of dog bites, so always supervise interaction between children and dogs. Boys between the ages of 5 and 9 are especially at risk. Be careful even if you know the dog, because 77 percent of biting dogs are familiar and belong to the victim’s family or friend. Also, be sure to keep your child’s face away from the dog, since 75 percent of all child dog bites are to the face.

To help avoid dog bites:

• Always get the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
• Avoid unfamiliar dogs.
• Never approach a dog from the rear.
• Don’t interrupt a dog while it’s eating.
• Never remove a toy from a dog’s mouth.
• Steer clear of fighting, angry or agitated dogs.

Finally, remember that dog bites can come from your own pets. Below are steps to take in case your animal injures someone:

• Get prompt medical attention for the injured person.
• Exchange contact information with the injured person.
• Assure the person that someone from Farmers will contact them.
• Report the claim to Farmers, and provide information about the incident, including the victim’s name and contact information.
• Report the dog bite to the local animal control center.




Written in conjunction with John Plunkett, Farmers Insurance Publications Specialist