Silver Lining Safety - West Bend Cares: Recent Episodes
West Bend Mutual Insurance
As an insurance company, we understand how important it is to protect your family and possessions. In this podcast, we’ll provide resources to keep you and your family safe by addressing different aspects of your life, such as pets, outdoor, home, and auto. Opinions in this podcast may not apply to all listeners. To recommend topics, please email us at WestBendCares@wbmi.com.
For college students embarking on their academic journey, renters insurance may be a low priority. But if a sudden fire destroyed their dorm or apartment, would they have enough money to repurchase their personal belongings? From theft to accidents, a renters policy can provide a safety net so they can focus on their studies.
Sheds have grown in popularity over the years. Not only are they great for storing personal belongings if you run out of space in your home, but they also make an excellent hangout for enjoying a warm summer day. If you’re considering building a shed in your yard, here are some ways to benefit from one.
Renting an RV or camper can be a fantastic way to explore new destinations as well as spend quality time with your family or friends. However, before hitting the open road, here is some information to consider.
Attending a wedding is a special and joyous event. However, if it’s been a while since you attended one, here are some etiquette tips to ensure you're respectful of the couple’s special day.
The last several years have been challenging for individuals and businesses alike. The pandemic, volatile weather events, supply chain delays, shortages of materials and labor, and rising inflation have combined to create the perfect storm. Unfortunately, this has adversely affected not only insurance rates but also the claims process. While navigating the claims process after a loss can be overwhelming, there are a few simple steps you can take.
Are you disappointed with how your lawn looks this spring? Do you have bare spots? Harsh winters, insects, animals, and diseases can wreak havoc on your lawn. However, all is not lost. You can add seed to your lawn and experience good results.
While opening your cottage can be exciting, it can also be stressful and a lot of hard work. Whether you’re opening your cottage for the first time or you’re a seasoned professional, here are some tips that can make this year’s opening more efficient and successful.
When the first nice spring day arrives, you may be inclined to pull off the cover, jump on, and go for a ride. However, before you do that, there are some things to think about. First, your motorcycle has been sitting idle for several months. It may not be in the same shape as you left it. Second, road conditions in spring are a bit different than at any other time of the year. To make sure your first ride is safe and enjoyable, here are some maintenance and springtime riding tips.
Floods are the number-one natural disaster in the United States. They are the most frequent and costly. You may think a flood will never happen where you live. Yet, weather patterns can change quickly, bringing several inches of rain to your community. Unfortunately, a flood is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Spring driving can bring unique challenges that drivers should be aware of to stay safe on the road. Here are some tips that can help you and your family.
According to the CDC, more than 9.2 million children are treated in emergency departments for unintentional injuries that occur around the home. So, if you’re a new parent or grandparent, here are some tips for creating a safe environment in your home.
While jewelry is created to bring enjoyment and happiness for a lifetime, it’s no different than our other possessions. Everyday wear and tear can cause damage. Here are some tips for caring for your jewelry.
As we age, cold weather can be extremely dangerous. Plummeting temperatures can lead to, icy sidewalks, hypothermia, and other serious injuries. If you have elderly neighbors, friends, or relatives, check in with them this winter and share these winter safety tips.
Building material shortages, supply chain issues, and extreme weather has caused the cost to repair or rebuild your home to increase. Therefore, now’s a good time to review your home value with your insurance agent to make sure your coverage limit reflects its full replacement cost.
Holiday shopping means more congestion on our roadways and in the store parking lots. This increased congestion can lead to frustration, aggravation, and fender benders. In addition, the weather can wreak havoc on already-crowded parking lots, resulting in slips and falls and difficulty pushing a shopping cart or stroller. Here are some tips to stay safe this holiday season.
Every year, millions of Americans travel to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. Unfortunately, travel can turn your long holiday weekend into a nightmare. If you plan to drive this year, here are some tips that can help.
In a few days, kids in costumes will be roaming your neighborhood on a mission to fill their bags with Halloween treats. While this is a fun tradition, it’s important to keep your home and yard safe so your Halloween visitors stay safe, too.
A proper inspection will identify potential defects, as well as creosote buildup. Many consider a creosote fire in the chimney one of the most dangerous because it can spread quickly, severely damaging or destroying your entire home within minutes.
If you own a cottage or summer home, I’m sure this time of year is bittersweet for you. While fall colors are gorgeous, it is the time of year when you’re probably preparing to close your property for the season.
Even though the end of summer is approaching, you don’t need to put your grill away. Football season is upon us and it offers a great opportunity for tailgating with family and friends. Whether having a party at your house or tailgating at a sporting event, planning is important in order to have a fun, safe, and successful event.
At this time of year, many of us in the Midwest are soaking up the sun and enjoying what nice warm temperatures remain. We know that the hours of daylight are becoming less and we’re heading back towards a colder time of year. Unfortunately, at this time of year we also must deal with those annoying stinging insects...wasps
Whether you’re moving your child into a dorm for their first year of college, or if you’ve been down this road before, it can cause feelings of anxiousness. The key to enjoying a successful move is planning.
Parents often want to continue to help their grown children by providing them with a vehicle and/or insurance coverage even after that child has permanently moved out of the household and is no longer a dependent. Unfortunately for them, this creates a gap in their insurance coverage because they no longer have coverage under your policy.
Grilling is a fantastic way to enjoy a meal and nice summer weather with family and friends. However, taking your grill for granted and not taking care of it properly can lead to injury. Whether you’re a veteran or just getting started, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Summer road trips are a fantastic way to create family memories. If you’re traveling this summer, here are some things to consider.
Incorrect information about weather can be dangerous and even prove deadly. As the temperatures begin to rise, here is some information to help keep you safe.
Is learning to ride a motorcycle on your bucket list? With patience, practice, and some helpful information, it won’t be long before you can cross this off your list. If you're a new rider or considering becoming one, here are some tips for you.
At this time of year, we spend a lot of time and money working in our yards to bring them back to life after a long winter season. One common job is applying fertilizer. If used correctly, fertilizer can turn a brown winter lawn into a green and thriving one.
Underground lines that service a home for such things as water, sewer, gas, and internet can break, requiring costly repairs. While most of these lines aren’t covered by a basic homeowner’s insurance policy, many insurance carriers offer optional limited coverage that can be added.
Every year, it feels like Mother Nature is a bit slow in turning up the heat in spring. However, when she does, you’ll probably start thinking about yard work and outdoor projects you want to accomplish this year. If you have a large project on your list, now is the time to call a landscape professional. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right landscape contractor for your job.
If your home is destroyed by a fire or tornado, can it be rebuilt? The last thing you want to hear is that your home was underinsured. Talk to your insurance agent regularly to make sure you have the coverages you need.
Is tax season your favorite time of year? Do you enjoy filling out those forms? The answer for most of us is a resounding "NO!" If your filing isn't complicated or you're getting a large refund, however, tax time may not be a big deal. Unfortunately, for many Americans each year, tax season doesn't turn out okay. That's because they're the victims of tax identity theft. An easy tax filing can turn into a nightmare due to useable data that has been stolen. Here are some common scams to watch out for.
While jewelry is created to bring enjoyment and happiness for a lifetime, it’s no different than our other possessions. Everyday wear and tear can cause damage to it, especially if you wear your jewelry all the time. Here are some tips to make sure your jewelry brings you joy and happiness for a lifetime.
Whether you’re newly engaged, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or the recipient of a Valentine’s Day gift, insuring your jewelry is important. Most homeowner’s policies carry coverage limitations on personal property like jewelry.
Sledding with family and friends is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. However, if you’re not careful, sledding can cause serious injuries. Most injuries are a result of colliding with objects or other people. Here are some safety tips to keep your family safe.
During specific times of the year, we find ourselves practicing tornado drills or talking to our families about fire safety. The goal in both cases is to be prepared and to keep our families safe in case of a real event. However, do you ever think about being prepared for a winter storm? Winter storms can be as dangerous as other storms we face throughout the year.
Picking out a live Christmas tree is a holiday tradition enjoyed by many. Perhaps you’ve never purchased a real tree before, but you’d like to start. Unfortunately, the experience can be overwhelming and frustrating. So, if it’s all new to you, here are some things to consider before picking out that perfect tree.
Mating season for deer runs from October through December. Therefore, the deer population is more active, accounting for an increase in auto accidents. Do you know if your auto insurance will cover a deer hit?
Daylight Saving Time has ended, and winter is near. Here are some tips you can follow to help survive the dark and cold days, in addition to keeping you and your family healthy and safe.
During the fall season, there are many things to do around your home to get ready for winter. Raking leaves, cleaning gutters, disconnecting hoses, and making sure the snow blower starts are just a few. Furthermore, don’t forget to have your furnace inspected.
October is Fire Prevention Month. Its purpose is to raise fire safety awareness and to keep your home and family safe. Having working smoke detectors and an escape plan is your best defense. Should a fire start in your home, it’s estimated you have three to five minutes to escape.
When fall approaches, maintaining your yard is still very important. While you might think it needs less care, that’s not true. There are many tasks that need to be completed to get your yard ready for next year’s growing season. Here are some common questions and answers that can help.
If you have a teen driver, now is a good time to share some safety tips on a common hazardous driving area: The school parking lot! Regardless of a child’s age, when that bell rings at the end of the day, the kids leave school and scatter in every direction, paying no attention to safety rules. So, it’s up to those who are driving to be responsible and take all possible safety precautions.
In college towns, it’s common to see bicyclists and scooter riders everywhere. While there are many benefits to riding a scooter, safety should be a number-one priority. Changing weather conditions, poor roads, and the inability of other drivers to see scooters can lead to injuries. If you’re sending your child to college with a scooter, check out this podcast for some safety tips.
If you’re sending your child off to college for their first year, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time in your life. You may experience a variety of feelings such as excitement, nervousness, and sadness. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for this new chapter in your life.
A common claim scenario after a storm is fallen trees. If a fallen tree damages your property, does your insurance policy provide coverage? What if it’s your neighbor’s tree? Here are some common questions and answers regarding how a standard homeowners policy may respond.
Do you plan to rent a boat or Jet Ski this summer? Does your insurance provide coverage? Before renting, contact your insurance agent to see if your current policy provides adequate protection. In addition, follow these safety tips to keep yourself safe if you’re boating or jet skiing this summer.
More cats and dogs go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Pets that suffer from storm anxiety or ones that panic around loud noises are more likely to find fireworks downright terrifying. Here are some tips to help keep them safe, reduce their stress, and prevent them from getting lost.
Camping is a favorite pastime enjoyed by many. Taking early morning walks, fishing, and making s’mores over the campfire can create many fond memories for your family. However, have you ever returned to your campsite to find thieves have turned it upside down? Here are some tips to keep your family and campsite safe and secure while camping this summer.
For many people, college graduation signifies the official start of adulthood. With all the changes college graduates experience, figuring out what they need for insurance coverage can be tricky. In this podcast, I'll share some helpful information to get you started.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As the weather improves, more motorcycles will be on the roads. If you’re a rider, this is an exciting time of year. If you’re a motorist, it’s important to be on the lookout. In this podcast, I’ll go over some safe driving tips for all drivers.
Water damage is one of the most common homeowner claims. If a flood consumes your neighborhood or your sump pump fails and your home fills with water, do you have the right insurance coverage in place to fix the damage?
No matter where you live, weather can cause damage to your home. In this podcast, I’ll go over some areas in your home to check over after a long, cold winter.
Sometimes you have to buy things that aren’t very exciting or enjoyable. Gas and items to keep your car running smoothly certainly top the list. One item that’s critical to staying safe in our cars is windshield wipers. I’ll share some information, as well as resources, to help you keep your windshield clean and your family safe.
Extreme weather conditions throughout the Midwest and Northeast this winter have potholes rearing their ugly heads. Most times, as you travel your daily commute, you know where the potholes are, but there always seems to be one that you forget about. Damage to your vehicle from potholes can be costly. In this podcast, I’ll go over some tips to help you avoid potholes this spring.
Part of being prepared in winter is knowing the specifics of the deicers you’re using on your driveway or sidewalk. Each type of deicer has different melting properties and uses. In this podcast, I’ll go over the different types of sidewalk salt and when to use them.
Extreme cold temperatures put your home or business at risk for frozen pipes. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help prevent this from happening. Listen to this podcast to learn more.
Does warming up a car before driving actually reduce engine wear or does it simply waste gas? In this podcast, I go over some myths and facts about warming up your car on a cold day.
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and cancer-causing radioactive gas. Listen to this podcast to learn how you can protect your family from the dangers of radon.
Did you know that approximately 4,600 home fires start as a result of extension cord and power strip overuse each year? In this podcast, I'll go over some important power strip safety tips to keep your family and home safe.
During this time of year, thefts and break-ins increase significantly. While insurance may provide some theft coverage, a situation like this will dampen your mood. Listen to this podcast for some ways you can ward off holiday theft this year and keep your family safe.
If you live in the Midwest you know this is the peak time of year for deer and auto collisions. In this podcast, I'll go over tips to prevent a collision between your car and a deer this fall.
Transitioning seasons can be a difficult time in many people’s lives. It’s even more strenuous when going from warm, sunny temperatures to much darker, colder weather. In this episode, I'll go over five tips for staying mindful when transitioning to fall.
Changing to LED lights in your home is easy and safe. In this podcast I'll go over how LED lights can be dangerous if you’re switching from fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights in your “man cave,” “she shed,” or garage.
Did you know October is Fire Prevention Month? In this podcast, I'll share fire safety tips for apartment living, as well as other tips that can be used year-round.
Getting ready for college is a busy and exciting time for students and parents. While there are a lot of things to do and many conversations to be had about college life, a conversation that may get overlooked is one on fire safety. What may seem like a dumb rule or policy to your child, could save lives. In this podcast, I’ll go over some fire safety tips to keep college students safe.
Working from home can present unique challenges. It may be hard to keep a clear distinction between your work and personal life. In this podcast, I'll go over a few tips to help you.
It’s fun to end the day by sitting around a campfire with relaxing conversation and delicious s’mores. Fire pits, however, can be dangerous. In this podcast, I'll go over a few safety tips to keep in mind.
If you’re a new or a veteran pet owner, it’s important to learn or be reminded about the different items around your home that can be dangerous to them. In this podcast, I’ll go over common household dangers such as chemicals, food, medications, and plants so you can keep your furry family members safe.
Why is hydroplaning so dangerous? When people realize they’re hydroplaning, they panic. In this podcast, I'll go over some tips to avoid or better handle hydroplaning.
While summer is a great time to enjoy many outdoor activities, it can take a toll on our pocket books because of increased utility costs. In this podcast, I'll go over eleven tips to save on your utility bills this summer.
If you plan to enjoy some outdoor activities this summer, watch out for ticks. In this podcast, I'll go over how to protect yourself and your pets from ticks, where to look for them, and the symptoms of Lyme Disease.
Like many things in life, a motorcycle must be respected by the rider and other motorists who share the road. In this podcast, I'll share tips on how you can safely share the road with motorcycles and go over a few safety tips for new riders.
Now is the perfect time to do a deep cleaning of your home. In this podcast, I’ll share some cleaning tips to help you keep your home in tip-top shape.
Sump pumps run frequently in spring, and it’s important to make sure your sump pump is in good working condition. In this podcast, I’ll go over the benefits your sump pump provides and share some maintenance tips to keep it working properly.
A well-tuned lawn mower is important for keeping your lawn looking its best. In this podcast, I’ll go over some maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your lawn mower this season.