You've probably heard the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

We have, and we agree.

Here, you will find tips and ideas that can help keep you safe at home, on the job, on the road, or wherever you might be. And, if you ever need that "pound of cure", we can help with that too.

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How to Handle A Tire Blowout

Having a flat tire when driving is always a problem. Getting a flat or blowout while traveling on the highway or other high-speed roadway can present special dangers. The National Safety Council offers these tips for coping with tire trouble:

• At the first sign of tire trouble, grip the steering wheel firmly.

• Don't slam on the brakes.

• Let the car slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal.

• Work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or, if possible, toward an exit.

• If it is necessary to change lanes, signal your intentions to drivers behind. Change lanes smoothly and carefully.

• Steer as your vehicle slows down. It is better to roll the car off the roadway (when slowed to 30 miles per hour) and into a safe place than it is to stop in traffic and risk a rear-end or side collision from other vehicles.

• Have the car well off the roadway and away from traffic before stopping, even if that means rolling along slowly with the bad tire flapping. You can drive on a flat if you take it easy and avoid sudden moves. Don't worry about damaging the tire. It’s probably ruined anyway.

• Turn on your emergency flashers.

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Candles: Don't get Burned

As the popularity of candles used for decoration and ambience continues to rise, so does the incidence of candle-caused fires.

Home fires, deaths and associated injuries caused by candles have reached an 18-year high, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 1997, the latest year for which statistics are available:

• Deaths caused by candle fires were up 24 percent over the previous year.

• More home fires were started by candles than in any of the previous 17 years.

• Property damage resulting from candle fires exceeded $170 million.

The NFPA notes that between 1993 and 1997, 44 percent of home candle fires started in the bedroom. Other common areas of origin included the living room (19 percent), bathroom (11 percent) and kitchen (7 percent).

General Insurance    ▲TOP

All About Insurance Scores (PDF 152KB)

Answers to questions about insurance bureau scores.

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