-------------------------------
“Ask Jeff" is a weekly post made on the RyanAgency.com Blog.
Submit an insurance-related question to “Ask Jeff”.
-------------------------------
What You Need to Know About Lightning Safety
June 29, 2018
July is Peak Lightning Season - Let's Stay Safe
Lightning strikes never get as much press as hurricanes or tornadoes, but they are still a grave danger to life and property. When and Where?
Though lightning events are much more common in the summer, it is something that can happen any time. Most lightning strikes happen in the month of July, and usually in the afternoon (between noon and 6pm). Casualties and Damage
Anyone is at risk, but the National Weather Service has noticed a few interesting statistics about the people who suffer lightning injuries. Perhaps being struck by lightning isn't as random as you think. Eighty-five percent of lightning strike deaths are men, which basically means that a man is five times more likely to be hit by lightning than a woman. Younger adults also are at more risk. Around 40% of people hit by lightning are between the ages of 15 and 34.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire crews responded to 22,600 fires each year between 2007 and 2011 that were started by lightning strikes. On average, there were 9 deaths and more than $450 million in property damage each year during that period as well. Outdoor areas were the most frequently damaged but nearly 20% were homes. Cars, businesses, and non-residential structures make up the rest of the damage reports. Avoiding Lightning
So how do you stay safe? There are some common-sense safety tips you can remember once a storm hits and you start to hear thunder.
Once you start to see lightning, count between the flash and the thunder. If you can't make it to 30, it's time to go inside. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the final thunder roll. If you can't get in a building, a car will do even though the rubber tires are not going to protect you. The frame of the vehicle will, as long as you are not touching the metal. A tent is not really "indoors" and it won't offer any protection.
When stuck outside, stay away from high areas as well as large open spaces. Also, tall individual trees are likely to be struck so don't take shelter under them. A grouping of lower trees is much better.
Stay away from water or anything wet and/or metal. That includes wet ropes, fences or poles. Water and metal will conduct electricity for long distances, and can be dangerous even if the strike itself isn't immediately close.
Believe it or not, one third of all injuries from lightning happen indoors. So even though you are safer inside, there is still some risk. When riding out a lightning storm inside, you should stay away from electronic equipment, plumbing fixtures, and corded phones. Close curtains or blinds. If you are able to get inside before the lightning gets bad, unplug all electric devices you can.
Have more questions about avoiding everyday risks? We LOVE to help! Please feel welcome to call us at 607-324-7500
If you are boating in a small craft with no cabin, you are at serious risk and there is little you can do. It is smarter to take care with weather reports before going out in the first place. Drop anchor, and lie low in the boat if you can. Larger boats with cabins are much safer as long as you avoid touching the metal of the frame.
Even Indoors
Believe it or not, one third of all injuries from lightning happen indoors. So even though you are safer inside, there is still some risk. When riding out a lightning storm inside, you should stay away from electronic equipment, plumbing fixtures, and corded phones. Close curtains or blinds. If you are able to get inside before the lightning gets bad, unplug all electric devices you can.
This summer, stay safe and don't become a lightning statistic.
Have more questions about avoiding everyday risks? We LOVE to help! Please feel welcome to call us at 607-324-7500
This article may have been originally published at Quora.com.
To see Jeff's Quora.com profile click here.
Insurance fraud is a significant problem, exceeding $300 billion annually, with the Property and Casualty sector contributing nearly $50 billion to that total.
Living in New York, you might have a stack of insurance documents—auto, homeowners, health, or life insurance policies—filed away somewhere. But how long should you keep those documents, and specifically, what papers should you hold on to?
The year 1962 was marked by historic events—from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the passing of Marilyn Monroe. But while the world focused on these headlines, Lee A. Ryan was working alongside his brothers on my grandparents' farm when an unexpected opportunity arose—an invitation to join the insurance business. With no prior experience, no clients, and limited resources, my dad took a leap of faith and partnered with Nationwide Insurance to start an agency from scratch. Operating out of his home on Karr Valley Road in Almond, NY, he built his business one relationship at a time (some of whom are still clients!), laying the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy.
“Am I covered if I drive someone else’s car?” Or, “Am I covered if someone else drives mine?”
Many don’t realize that the insurance industry is one of the country's most regulated business segments, especially in New York State. The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYS DFS) wields significant control over the insurance business and has a stated goal of protecting consumers.
Most property insurance companies offer Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost settlement options. Typically, insurance companies will require that you insure the property to the settlement value you choose. If you select Actual Cash Value, the amount you may be required to insure the property for will be less than the corresponding Replacement Value.
In that spirit, the Ryan Agency is sponsoring a Stearns BBQ Dinner pickup at our office on 57 Broadway Mall in Hornell on September 12th from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Today, an individual’s credit history can play a more significant role than any one of those traditional factors. Good Credit Scores lead to a Positive Insurance score. A good Insurance Score greatly influences what someone will pay to insure their vehicles.
Insurance companies offer various discounts for which their policyholders may qualify.
Great Eight number Six (6) suggests taking a look at removing Comprehensive and Collision on Older Vehicles.
