The Allstate Blog » Safety

Safe Room: The Ultimate Secure Shelter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:37 +0000

Safety is a significant issue for every homeowner and eliminating unsafe situations inside the home should be a top priority. Proper installation and usage of electrical and gas lines, carbon dioxide and fire alarms, and window and door locks are all important for day-to-day home safety. But what about extreme conditions? Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and even home invasion are all examples of severe situations in which families may benefit from a safe room. What is a safe room? Simply put, a safe room is a secure, reinforced, well-stocked room where individuals can go to avoid the risks and potential dangers that may arise in other parts of a home. But how do you create a safe room in your house? Our infographic provides some ideas: [infographic]

Fuel Your Grill with Man Power [VIDEO]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:15:34 +0000

In Episode 5 of our web series The UnReal Adventures of Ted and Traci, our heroes are enjoying the warm summer weather. Ted fires up his gas grill for a nice outdoor meal, but only after he’s “improved” it. It turns out, jet fuel doesn’t make for great steaks, but Ted's mistake helps illustrate some basics of grill safety. Check out all episodes of this web series (new episodes added weekly): Trailer - The UnReal Adventures of Ted & Traci Episode 1 - Om on the Road Episode 2 - Up in Smoke Episode 3 - Supercharged Episode 4 – Stranded Episode 6 - Staycation Transcript: ‘Grillmeister 7000' Ted: I can’t believe the neighbors got a Grillmeister 7000—that thing costs more than our car. But don’t be jealous, Traci: I’ve been working on something even better. Ted: I made just a few adjustments to our old grill… Now it runs on manpower!! Traci: Manpower, huh? Then what’s in the tank? Ted: Just a little something I like to call JET FUEL! YEAH! Let’s get this baby fired up! Ted: Hurry up, babe! Go get the steaks! Traci: So… Wanna order a pizza? Voiceover: Don’t add fuel to the fire. Connect with me on Google+ or follow me on Twitter

King of the Grill: Serving Up Grill Safety [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:34 +0000

Throughout the United States, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer. This federal holiday is observed annually to honor American soldiers who gave their lives in defense of this country. One of the grand traditions associated with Memorial Day weekend is cooking food on an outdoor grill, enjoying the weather and spending time with friends and family. Grilling and barbecue can be fun and tasty, but certain safety precautions are a must. The infographic below provides some general grill safety information, grilling tips and common pitfalls to avoid to help ensure a safe holiday weekend. [infographic]

Road Sign Colors and Shapes

Melissa — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:11 +0000

If you read our recent post on the history of road signs, you may recall that the first stop sign appeared in Detroit in 1915 -- but it didn’t really look anything like it does today. The New York Times reports that the first stop sign was a 2-foot square metal sheet that had black letters on a white background. The stop sign -- and many of the other signs created to help guide motorists and provide important information -- evolved over the decades into the recognizable shapes we're accustomed to today.

The Shape of Things

In 1923, the shapes of signs started to evolve. The New York Times reports that after that first, square stop sign, other signs with more sides were designed to indicate a higher level of danger. A circular sign denoted the most risk, thanks to what can be seen as its infinite number of sides. As a result, circular signs were recommended for railroad crossings. The stop sign adopted an octagonal shape, which signaled the second-highest level of danger. Diamond-shaped signs were designed to provide warnings, while rectangular signs were intended to provide information. Setting standardized shapes for certain signs made sense since lighting wasn’t always ideal at that time. The thought was that it would be easier for drivers to react to known shapes, even if they couldn’t read the signs at night.

The Black-and-White Era

Not unlike the first TV sets, this first crop of road signs didn’t offer much in the way of color. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, most early signs were white with black letters, and manufacturing limitations meant that no road sign could be bigger than a 2-foot square.

The Dawn of Color

Color is an important part of road signs today; many drivers know what a sign means simply by those factors alone. Some of those sign colors go all the way back to 1924, when officials began discussing which color combinations to use on various types of signs. One of the color combinations discussed at that point was the stop sign's now-familiar white lettering on a red background -- but those colors weren't adopted immediately. At the time, a report indicated that it was easier to see a yellow sign than a red sign at night, so when the first manuals standardizing road sign colors were introduced in the late 1920s, the stop signs were yellow. The New York Times reports that the color red has always signified the need to stop, and while red stop signs were considered early on, producing a durable, red reflective material wasn’t possible until the late 1940s or early 1950s. The nationwide change from yellow to red stop signs didn't come until a few years later in 1954, when the DOT’s manual called for a red sign with white letters.

Road Signs Today

Now, stop signs have been red for so long that many people don't remember it any other way. The colors of other types of road signs can also give an indication of their meaning. Here’s a rundown of some of the more common colors and some examples of signs you might see out on the road: [slideshow] So, now you know a little more about the shapes and colors of signs -- from the plain black-and-white square signs of the 1920s to the iconic colors and shapes of today.

Do You Know What to Do After a Car Accident? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Melissa — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:54 +0000

You're driving in bumper-to-bumper, stop-and-go traffic during rush hour on a Tuesday evening. Just as you glimpse your long-awaited exit, the car in front of you slams on the brakes. You stop just in time -- but then the car behind you slams into your back bumper. Oh no! You've been in an accident! Would you know what to do if this happened to you? There are a lot of things to consider after a wreck on the road, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of an already nerve-wracking situation. Check out the infographic below for some helpful information: Looking for more information about car accidents and insurance? Check out the Tools and Resources section of Allstate.com.

Stay in Ship Shape with These Simple Boating Tips

Brendan — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:25 +0000

Recreational boating can be fun, but like any activity involving large machinery or vehicles, it can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. In 2011, the US Coast Guard (USCG) reported 4,588 accidents that resulted in 758 deaths and 3,081 injuries. While your odds aren’t terrible—one accident per 2,653 of the 12.2 million registered vessels—the injuries and damages from a serious accident could be staggering. Damaged property in 2011 boating accidents was estimated at $52 million (that’s almost $4.2 million per registered boat), according to the Recreational Boating Statistics 2011 report from the USCG. The kicker is, by taking simple steps and planning, as well as exercising safe judgement, accidents can be avoided.

The Importance of Training

Unlike a vehicle license, boat licenses are often given after a written exam only, without an operation test. And in some state, the written exam is not required. Just because you have a license doesn’t mean you know how to operate a boat. Fortunately, that’s an easy fix. Depending on how close you are to water, it may be as simple as going to a boat school. If that’s too much of a hassle, there are online courses, as well. Of course, it's a good idea to check with you local regulatory agency to ensure you are in compliance with all licensing requirements. Did you go through a boat safety education program? According to the report, 89 percent of deaths occurred on a boat driven by someone with no instruction. Of the remainder, about five deaths (under 0.01%) happened when the operator had been through a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved course. There is a list of approved courses and organizations here.

Plan: Where Are You Going and When Will You Be Back?

You’ve probably heard of a float plan if you’re a boat owner. If you haven’t, read up. A float plan can expedite rescue in the event that you’re unable to send out a distress signal or if you’re in a small vessel without means of communication. The USCG’s website even has a helpful form you can leave ashore to make sure no detail is forgotten. And, if you’re thinking a float plan is unnecessary if you’re going on a lake or other enclosed body of water, think again: Forty-eight percent of accidents (and 46 percent of fatalities) happened in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, dams and gravel pits.

Weather

It’s common sense to check the weather conditions before heading out on the water. “Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning,” right? Contrary to what you might think, more deaths happened in calm and choppy waters (at most, 2-foot waves) than rougher waves. And according to the USCG's 2011 report, nearly 74 percent of all accidents happened during the day with good visibility; the peak time for accidents is 2:30-4:30 p.m. Regardless of your plans, keep an eye on wind, water and visibility conditions before casting off.

Situational Awareness is Key

The No. 1 contributor to accidents was a distracted operator, followed by poor lookout. Nearly 24 percent of accidents in 2011 could have been avoided by people paying attention. To give you a little more perspective, 22 percent of accidents were boat collisions. Think there might be a connection there? So, while you’re enjoying the day on the water, remember that your inattention could ruin someone else’s day—and yours.

When an Accident Happens, Safety First

We get it. Everyone looks a little ridiculous in a life jacket. Put one on anyway. In 2011, 54.7 percent of people who died drowned without a lifejacket, compared to just 11 percent who drowned with a lifejacket. “But I’m a strong swimmer,” you may say. Well, strong swimmer, if you’re a mile from shore, you would have to swim the equivalent distance of nearly 53 lengths in a 25-meter pool…with a current and waves. “Impossible,” you say. “I’ll wait it out.” You may have to stay afloat for hours until rescue teams arrive. Swallow your pride and pop on a life jacket. The key to your safety on the water is how much effort you put into it. Take a class and get informed. Make a plan and leave a copy with a family member, friend or neighbor. Exercise common sense. Drinking and operating a boat? Bad idea. Speeding? Bad idea. Having a good time while being safe? Great idea.

Get Your Motorcycle Road Ready: Make Your First Ride of the Season a Great One

Brendan — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:56:54 +0000

With daffodils blooming and spring arriving in many parts of the United States, American motorcyclists are getting ready to roll. Before you embark on your first motorcycle ride of the season, whether it’s simply a ride to a barbecue or a two-day road trip, sprucing up your bike will make it shine, but even more important, help to assure your safety before your ride.

Bathe Your Beauty

Start your bike's spring season with a thorough cleaning. Even if you covered your bike and stored it inside during the off-season, dust, bugs or other debris can potentially decrease performance or scratch paint. You want your bike to shine on your first ride. After cleaning your motorcycle, apply a good spray cleaner and polish designed for bikes, and ensure your chrome is shining, as well. Make sure you remove all chrome cleaner deposits from your pipes, because exhaust heat and chrome cleaner residue will leave your pipes cloudy.

Is the Gas Still Good?

Especially when your bike has been in storage for more than a couple of months, it is important to check any fuel that remained in the bike while it was stored. After opening the bike's filler cap, visually ensure that the fuel is clean and its consistency has not changed. If there is any question about the quality of the fuel, drain the fuel tank, fuel lines and carburetor before starting the engine to avoid costly repairs.

Rubber to the Road

Inspect both tires for holes, cracks, misshapen areas or foreign objects. Once you ensure that your tires are in good shape, check air pressure and add air, if needed. If you notice any damage to the tires, transport your bike to a repair location. Do not attempt to ride a bike with questionable tires – a blowout could be devastating.

Greasing the Gears

Even if you changed your bike's oil before putting it in storage, check its level and quality. Consider changing your oil and filter as part of a general service check pre-ride. Most shops complete a general safety inspection with an oil change, and with that behind you, you can ride more securely.

All Revved Up

If you trickle-charged your battery during storage, it should be ready to go. If not, make sure your battery is fully charged and reliable before depending on it for your first ride. Whether charged or not, check your battery for signs of wear and clean off any corrosion.

Once Around the Neighborhood

After completing your inspection, take a test run on your bike. A steady but short ride near your home or storage unit allows fluids to circulate, ensures the battery is holding a charge and alerts you to any unaddressed issues such as a rough idle or other potential problem. Carefully test all your bike's moving parts, fluids and electronics. Make sure everything is topped off, moving smoothly, and working properly. Repair any cracks or leaks, replace burned-out bulbs and lubricate where needed to avoid jams. If the test run goes well, strap on your safety equipment and enjoy the season!

Lessons From The World’s First Indoor Hailstorm

Pauline Hammerbeck — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:45 +0000

Who would take the time to fashion hailstones from a mix of tap water and seltzer water in a special laboratory, and then fire them at a variety of roofs, windows and doors from air cannons? Isn't that painstakingly detailed work? Of course. But the scientists at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, Fla., decided to do just that as part of a major study to help homeowners, manufacturers of home products and others better cope with this natural disaster.

Orchestrating an indoor hailstorm

The IBHS has a huge indoor facility measuring a half-acre across and 70 feet high at its existing research center in South Carolina. It sent scientists into the field to study hailstorms in six states to gather a variety of data, as hail varies in size, shape and hardness. Then, in February, after creating hailstones that closely mimics those produced by Mother Nature, it orchestrated the first-ever full-scale indoor hailstorm. Within a four-minute time span, the IBHS used ice and air cannons to fire 9,000 pieces of man-made balls of ice (some as large as 2 inches in diameter) at top speeds of 76 mph at a test house featuring different roofing and siding materials, windows, and doors, along with a car and outdoor furniture to replicate a residential setting. IBHS Hailstorm Demonstration Highlights from IBHS on Vimeo. The goal was to achieve conditions present in a typical super-cell thunderstorm known to produce hail. While IBHS has only begun to analyze the results, it has found that the damage was confined mostly to roofs, and particularly to soft areas with less coverage, similar to what researchers found during “real” outdoor hailstorms in the field. This spring, the Institute is collecting more data, and it plans to bring back damaged housing parts to its research center to determine their longevity once hail has wrecked havoc. Spring Means Hail Season Hailstorms are common in the spring, because of the season's frequency of thunderstorms with strong, tilted updrafts, which are known for producing hailstones--some as big as marbles and balls. But they can happen anywhere, and at any time. According to the IBHS, the U.S. experiences more than 3,000 hailstorms a year, resulting in more than $1 billion in damages. "Hail Alley” -- which runs from Texas north through the middle of the country to the Dakotas -- is particularly prone. Hail Preparedness Tips for Homeowners So, what can you do to prepare for the next hailstorm? According to the IBHS, you should consider these precautions:

As soon as a hailstorm starts, if it's safe, move vehicles under cover and move outdoor furnishings indoors.
During a hailstorm, stay indoors and stay clear of windows; they may break.
After a hailstorm, inspect your property for signs of hail damage; snap photos to document the impact.
If you plan on a replacing a roof, the IBHS recommends using materials that are “impact resistant,” specifically those with a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratories' 2218 standard. (Siding, window and door products aren't yet graded this way.)
Be sure to hire a reputable contractor. Before you hire anyone, check references; ask for proof of certification or licensing, and be sure they’re bonded and insured, too. “Some ‘storm chasers’ are not reputable, demanding money up front, then disappearing,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the IBHS.

It can also be a good idea to stay on top of changing weather. Sign up for email or text weather alerts, or get a weather radio, to alert you to emerging weather hazards and reports of hail in your community. Recommended by the editors:

Not All Smoke Alarms are Equal: Knowing the Difference Could Save Your Life

Admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:08:11 +0000

You change the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year, and test them every month. But do you know what type of smoke alarms you have? Or, that having one kind over another can make a difference in getting out safely in a home fire? There are two chief smoke alarm types, and each has a sensor that detects smoke and fire differently depending on the origin of the fire.

Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke alarms

The most common smoke alarm type, Ionization alarms are generally more responsive to a flaming fire ( for instance, when a lit candle tips over and ignites a towel), according to Underwriters Laboratories. These alarms use "ions," or electrically charged particles, to detect smoke in the air. UL says that, because they are inexpensive, ionization detectors are the most commonly found smoke alarms in North American homes. The second type of detector is the photoelectric smoke alarm, which uses a light beam to detect the presence of smoke. According to UL, these alarm types are more effective at sounding when a fire originates from a smoldering source, like a lit cigarette that falls into a couch cushion. Smoldering fires can fill a home with dangerous gases before a fire ever erupts.

Which smoke alarm type is best?

So, which alarm to choose? While both types of smoke detectors are designed to detect any house fire, no matter the source, each technology has its advantages and can offer an earlier warning over the other, depending on the origin of a fire. The challenge is that it's impossible to predict which type of fire could erupt in your home, which is why the National Fire Protection Association says the best protection is offered by having both alarm technologies in your home. There are a couple of ways to get this done. If your existing detectors are ionization smoke alarms, you can purchase photoelectric smoke alarms and install one next to each ionization unit. If you don't know what type you have, check your owner's manual. (Or, try this tip: Take the smoke alarm down and look at the back. Because ionization alarms all contain a trace amount of a radioactive material, Americium 241, they contain a warning about the material on each alarm. If you see this warning on your device, you have an ionization unit.) Another option: If budget allows, consider replacing all of your existing smoke alarms with dual-sensor devices, which combine both ionization and photoelectric technologies in a single unit.

Maintenance is key, regardless of type

Knowing the type of smoke alarm you have is clearly an important part of fire safety, but experts also warn that, regardless of type, smoke alarms won't protect you if they're not working properly. According to UL, an estimated 20 percent of homes have detectors that do not work or are missing batteries, and two-thirds of reported residential fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, or with no smoke alarms at all. So, start by making sure you have the right number of smoke alarms in the right places. The NFPA recommends a smoke detector in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home (smoke rises, so install them high on the walls). Then, set reminders to swap out the batteries on each unit at least once a year, and to test the units monthly. Are your smoke alarms ready to alert you to a home fire? Recommended by the editors:

Don’t Get Stuck in the Muck: Follow These 6 Critical Off-Road Driving Tips

Doug Howlett — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:53 +0000

You might be a dedicated “mudder” who operates a big-tired, four-wheel-drive truck and looks for the biggest mud holes you can find, or a weekend warrior who must occasionally navigate a soft, rutted dirt road following a soaking of rain. Either way, all drivers who venture off the asphalt must know how to tackle the muck and avoid getting stuck. Most basic soft-ground situations are navigated easily—even in a two-wheel-drive vehicle—by simply keeping forward momentum going with a little gas and working the wheel back and forth when necessary for additional traction. But to deal with deeper or softer-than-usual mud or sand or deep-rutted muck, remember the following advice: 1. Slow and Steady – When approaching a stretch of visibly muddy road or ground, maintain a slow but steady speed. Land Rover offers this advice to drivers: “Drive as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary.” Never speed through mud, as the slippery surface can make it easy to lose control and hit a tree or other nearby obstacle. 2. Maintain Control – Keep the wheels straight as you enter the muck and for as long as your momentum continues. Racking the wheel back and forth can be useful when you start to bog down, as it helps the tread on the edge of your tires grab. However, as long as you are moving forward at a steady speed, turning the wheels will only slow momentum and increase your odds of getting stuck. 3. Lock It In – If you have four-wheel drive, lock it in before entering the mud. If you wait until you need it, it may be too late. More tires turning with power through soil will improve your chances of making it through and will also reduce tire spin, which merely digs deep ruts in the road. 4. Walk It First – In the case of deep mud or water holes, get out and walk the ground before driving through it, poking the bottom with a stick to make sure it isn’t too deep for your vehicle. 5. Avoid Ruts – It’s better to blaze your own path in a deep mud situation, as ruts caused by other drivers can reduce steering ability and can be next to impossible to pull out of. They also tend to hold the softest, wettest portion of mud and reduce the amount of clearance between the ground and bottom of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of getting seriously stuck. 6. Let Some Air Out – If necessary in mud and almost always when driving on sand, reduce the amount of air pressure in tires to allow more tread to make contact with driving surface. Offroaders.com suggests that for “most four-wheeling purposes, a tire pressure of 18 to 20 (pounds per square inch) will be adequate.” Sometimes the best way to avoid getting stuck is knowing when to simply turn around and go another way. Remember to always drive within your abilities, and whenever possible, only tackle mud, sand or other non-pavement driving situations in the company of someone in another vehicle—just in case you need them to pull you out.