Fire Prevention & Safety: Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!!

The Farmers Agents with the Platinum Elite Group wish you a happy and safe holiday weekend.

But don't let the festivities lead to tragedy.  Keep some safety precautions in mind.

4th of July Fire Safety Tips
Severe burns, amputations, blindness, and, in some cases, death are often the results of 4th of July celebrations.

For more info: www.fire.ca.gov

CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal has the following tips (while maybe obvious, they're not always followed):
  Always read directions.
  Always have an adult present.
  Use fireworks outdoors only.
  Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials.
  Light one at a time.
  Keep a safe distance.
  Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  Never experiment with fireworks.

  Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.
  Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks.
  Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
  Never carry fireworks in your pockets.
  Fireworks are not toys.
  Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks.

Remember: Parents are legally liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.

Of course, if an area is unsafe for fireworks, any amount of caution is not enough.  Only use fireworks in safe, legal areas (well away from brush, etc.).  Otherwise, attend a professional fireworks show.

Fire Evacuations in Los Angeles, Oct. 2008

Anyone who starts a wildfire or structure fire will also be held liable for damages and the cost of firefighting.

Alcohol is another part of celebrating that often leads to tragedy. Even if you're careful, others are not always so thoughtful.

Whether driving on a road trip, or boating, watch out for others who are distracted, or are under the influence. Often on holidays, common sense and care goes on vacation too. 

Home Safety: Grilling & BBQ Safety

Platinum Elite Marketing wishes you a happy, and safe, holiday this coming 4th of July.  While we think of safety with fireworks, don't forget a lot more people will be grilling than shooting off fireworks.

Be careful so you can enjoy the summer.

Re-Print from WIBW.Com:

Grilling Safety:

· Only use the grill outdoors; position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

· Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.

· Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because flames can flashback up into the container and explode.

· Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a grill.

· When cooking food, use long-handled grilling tools to give plenty of clearance from heat and flames. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited when the grill is hot.

· Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

· Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

· If you smell gas while cooking on a propane gas grill, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

· Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Disaster Preparedness Videos Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired

Reprint from MarketWatch:

Farmers Insurance Produces Series of Subtitled Catastrophe Preparedness Videos for the Public

Videos are designed for hearing impaired. 

LOS ANGELES, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, it is not if, but when, a major tornado, hurricane, fire, or ice storm can strike leaving you totally devastated if you aren't prepared. The question is, not if, but when a disaster strikes, will you and your family be ready to respond? 

Farmers Insurance, in an ongoing effort to provide the latest and most helpful information on preparing for disasters, offers a new series of subtitled videos that can be viewed and used as important components in disaster preparation.

"The videos can be found at http://www.farmers.com/cat_videos_eng.html notes Paul Quinn, Assistant Vice President, Claims. "The videos, all with subtitles for the hearing impaired, are filled with excellent tips on how to prepare for a disaster. The series begins with general information about disasters and what a family needs to do to prepare. Then, there are four specific disaster preparedness videos dealing with hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. They are featured separately for maximum benefit. We urge everyone to go on the site and check these videos out."

The idea for subtitles came from Beth Fields, a Farmers agency producer in Fishers, Indiana. "She also teaches at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis and suggested we subtitle all of our catastrophe preparedness videos for the hearing impaired," Quinn said.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is a leading U.S. insurer of automobiles, homes and small businesses and also provides a wide range of other insurance and financial services products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with more than 20 million individual policies across all 50 states through the efforts of over 50,000 exclusive and independent agents and nearly 24,000 employees.

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Burn Institute & Firefighters Send Burn-Injured Children to Camp

On your way to or from work Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012, you may notice a waiving Fireman.

He's collecting money for the Burn Institute to send children who are burn victims to summer camp.

Help fill his boot.

Don Swanson and Platinum Elite Marketing have been supporters of the Burn Institute and its various programs over the last few years.  Click HERE and HERE.

Click for a video on Camp Beyond the Scars.