MA Insurance: Pool Safety

Courtesy of sxc.hu

As a swimmer and a lifeguard, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in and around pools. While a great source of summer fun, deep water fun demands the respect of those who participate. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 7.4 million swimming pools and 5 million hot tubs used for recreation in America. Unfortunately, there are generally over 3,400 related drownings  each year, with 20% of the victims under 14 years of age. Here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe around pools.

ABC Pool Safety is a great resource for simple steps you can take to avoid pool accidents. Here’s what they say, in a nutshell:

Pool accidents can be prevented with three steps:

1. A – Adult supervision:
   • Adult supervision is the single most important aspect of safe pool use. Make sure there is a supervising adult at ALL TIMES. This means removing kids from a pool in the event of a telephone call or use of the restroom. Furthermore, in a large party or group, always have one adult designated to watching kids in the pool. Drowning often happens without sound or commotion, and if no adult is actively watching, it can go unnoticed.
2. B – Barriers:
   • Barriers that keep children away from the pool when not in use are essential (especially for small children). There are a variety of affordable products available for this function. Make sure that any furniture or structures that children could use to climb over the barriers are kept INSIDE the fence.
3. C – Classes:
• This step refers to CPR classes for parents should a crisis arise, and swimming lessons for children so that they are comfortable and able to swim in the pool. Never assume that floaties or inflatable toys are adequate substitutes for life-vests or similar safety devices. 

 For the full article, click here.

Further more, the Insurance Information Institute recommends the following:

1. Contacting town or municipality officials- every town or area has a specific set of guidelines as to what constitutes a ‘pool’ or ‘spa’. Contact the appropriate officials to make sure that your pool or spa meets the safety guidelines. If an accident does occur, this will help when dealing with your insurance provider.
2. Alert your insurance agent- If you purchase a pool, give your insurance agent a call. Pools increase your liability risk, and most providers have minimum standards of coverage required for pools and water recreation. Make sure everything is copacetic isurance-wise before taking the plunge.
3. Keep small children away from filters or pool cleaners; the suction from these devices are much more dangerous to small children than to an adult.
4. Never keep electronic devices such as radios near pools or on pool surfaces. DON’T BE THESE GUYS!
5. Limit alcohol use/consumption aroud pools. According to the CDC, a large portion of adolescent and adult poolside accidents occur as a result of alcohol.

Be safe, and have fun! Look to Gordon Insurance for your MA insurance needs and please use us as an informational resource; our business is your safety and peace of mind.

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

Car Accident Tips

You are minding the rules of the road when you get rear-ended; now the scattered fragments of your bumper are decorating the pavement. No one likes fender benders or car crashes, but if you find yourself in an accident, there are things you can do to make the process as painless as possible.

Before you hit the road:
• Drive with a cell phone in case of a need to place an emergency call.
• Carry insurance information in your glove compartment, as well as a pen and pad of paper for taking down information.
• Carry a disposable camera in your car, to take pictures of the crash site and vehicles involved. If there is incriminating evidence of distraction on the other driver (e.g. a full Dunkin Donuts breakfast splayed all over his/her clothes due to the crash), try to discreetly snap a picture. These will be very helpful in determining fault in the accident. DO NOT get the pictures developed as this may destroy their legal integrity. Keep the pictures in the camera and contact your insurance company.

Obtain the following information at the crash site:
• Information about the other driver: name, address, driver’s license number, insurance information and license plate number.
• Information about witnesses: names, addresses and, whenever possible, license plate numbers.
• Information about police officers: obtain the name, badge number and precinct number of the investigating office and request the case control number or accident report number.
• Information about the location: precisely determine the address or location of the crash scene and note information about traffic, weather and road conditions. If the configuration of the roadway played a factor, note that information as well.
• Information about the car accident: write down how the accident happened including fault, layout of the roadway, presence of traffic control devices, etc
Taking these steps will provide valuable information to the insurance company and help facilitate your claim settlement.

And of course, make sure that you are around to do these things. ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT!
For more insurance information and resources, visit us at the A.G. Gordon, Inc. Website and get a free quote now!

Swimming Pool rules

A swimming pool can provide a refreshing respite from this summer’s heat, but be aware that it can also be a source of liability.   Be sure to comply with your town’s requirements for securing your pool – fencing, locks, etc.   Just a bit of caution can result in peace of mind, as well as safety for your family and guests.
And whether you have a pool or not, look to Gordon Insurance for being sure you have enough liability coverage in your home insurance in case there’s an accident at your home.