safety

As winter sets in, many households turn to various heating sources to keep warm, from space heaters to fireplaces and furnaces. While these options provide much-needed comfort during colder months, they also come with safety risks if not used properly. Here's a guide to help you stay warm and safe this winter with essential tips for home heating safety, covering everything from space heaters and fireplaces to carbon monoxide awareness.
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In our modern homes, various appliances play crucial roles in enhancing comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. Many of these appliances rely on filters to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Filters help remove impurities, contaminants, and debris from air, water, and other substances, ensuring that our appliances function effectively and our living spaces remain healthy and comfortable.
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If the hood of your car unexpectedly pops open while you're driving, it can be a dangerous situation and should be handled with caution. Here's what may happen and what you should do:
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Those in colder climates don't have to hibernate in the gym all winter to break a sweat. Instead, with the right gear and know-how, you can take your workouts outdoors for the ultimate mind-clearing energy boost. Here are some tips for braving – and actually enjoying – outdoor exercise in the snowy season.
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Let's face it... the days of soaking up the sun for that "healthy tan" are clearly over. Fears of skin cancer – namely melanoma – have overridden most peoples' desire for sun-kissed skin. But in the summer, when outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and water sports beckon, many tend to spend a lot of time in the sun doing what they love.
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For nature lovers, many of the most memorable moments take place in the great outdoors, whether it's catching your first trout on a fly rod or summiting a peak. This is also where people often find the most solace, as time in nature can bring a sense of peace. Unless, of course, things go wrong.
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Little in life is as important as healthful, restful sleep, and lots of it. But little in life seems to evade American adults as pervasively. Insufficient sleep, health, lifestyle impacts nearly two-thirds of Americans. And, according to a recent study by the CDC, one in three adults doesn't get enough sleep on a regular basis.
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For many, summer ushers in sunny afternoons spent lounging by pools, floating lazy rivers, and taking the boat out for waterskiing, fishing, and all things wet and wonderful in Illinois. And, whether by a backyard kiddie pool or a local pond, children are particularly enamored, making water safety a foremost concern for parents.
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It's one of those things that's overlooked until it's absolutely necessary: a first aid kit. Whether you're relaxing at home, navigating five-o-clock traffic, or summer adventuring in your new RV, having a simple first aid kit can mean the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency.
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Summer's generally agreeable weather and extended daylight hours in Illinois make it an ideal season to tackle renovations, remodels, and other household fix-its. Still, these projects aren't without inherent challenges and risks. A little due diligence at the onset can do much to minimize unhappy surprises and make for successful, stress-free (or, at least, as close as it gets) renovations.
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As winter thaws into spring blossoms, summer beckons with backyard cookouts and campfires under the stars. Like many people in Illinois, spring also means an overhaul of all the recreational toys and gear that make those summertime adventures comfortable, including the family camper. Here are some considerations when readying your RV for all the camping and travel expeditions ahead.
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While the bluster and bite of winter may still reign over much of the country, spring melts and the months of outdoor recreation they usher forth are just around the corner. Now is the time to survey summer gear and prepare for the active months ahead. Boating, camping, and cycling gear can all benefit from a seasonal tune-up. Here are some recommendations for fun summer adventuring.
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The pandemic changed many things for many Americans, from how we work to how we socialize. One potentially positive shift is that it accelerated the already growing field of telehealth. Suddenly it became easier and made more sense to see your doctor online for basic ailments and routine check-ins. But is telehealth all it's cracked up to be? Here are some common questions you may have about telehealth:
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The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.
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As youngsters, the more serious-minded among us were vigilant about making the Scout motto "Be Prepared" a reality. Now with the latest round of fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, the old adage is more relevant than ever. Even in Illinois, we all have the potential to encounter the occasional unpredicted mishap. But few events can be as unpredictable, or devastating, as natural disasters: hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, severe storms, tornadoes, and landslides, many of which we've been faced with lately.
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Recreational Vehicle (RV) sales soared during the pandemic, as stir-crazy families across the U.S. realized that road trips might be the safest and only way to get out of the house. And according to recent consumer reports, the trend shows no signs of slowing.
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This year, many of us got a much more up close and personal relationship with our families, our houses, and our things. And many of us realized: we have way too much of all three. While you can't get rid of your 6-year-old or your spouse, there are plenty of places you can go to unload excess stuff.
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In many cases, a warranty can seem like a sneaky way for manufacturers to squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers. In some cases, purchasing a warranty might actually be a good idea. Whether you're thinking about signing up for a warranty on a major purchase, or deciding whether to pay a few extra bucks for a warranty on a small appliance while standing in line at Target, here's what you need to know in order to make the best decision.
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"Call before you dig" is a refrain you may have already heard from Public Service Announcements on the radio or TV. But many homeowners still ignore this basic advice, sometimes with deadly results. If you're planning to dig anywhere on your property, here's what you need to know--and do--to get the job done safely.
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Although motorcycle enthusiasts in certain areas of the country are able to ride year round, spring and summer is when most bike owners are finally able to get out there on the open road. Before you take that first ride, make sure that your bike is up to the task and ready to go. Motorcycle maintenance and safety go hand-in-hand, and keeping your bike in great shape will ensure a great ride.
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Many parents rightly experience a strong anxiety when turning over the car keys to their new teen driver. There are a several things a parent can do to make sure that the teenage driving experience is a safe one. First, teenagers need to understand that driving is a privilege, not a right. With privileges come certain responsibilities. It is best to make those responsibilities and the consequences for not meeting them as clear as possible. One way to do that is with an actual contract between parents and teenagers built around the concept of graduated licensing and restrictions for high risk situations.
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Spring is here, and summer is close behind. Time to start daydreaming about driving off into the sunset...
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We all know the benefits of participating in youth sports: they provide exercise, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging, while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork, disappointment and persistence, among other things. Nowadays, however, it's hard to ignore the research on concussions in youth sports, and the fact that participating can have potentially serious, long-term consequences. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
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Winter sports are all about making the most of the frigid temperatures. But because conditions can be so unpredictable, there are also some serious safety concerns that go along with being active outdoors this time of year. Here's how to stay safe and get the most out of your favorite winter sports from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, hockey, sledding and snowshoeing.
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According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. Falling disproportionately impacts adults age 65 and older, and can lead to serious injury, further health problems, decreased quality of life, and a loss of independence.
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Smart home technology is quickly becoming commonplace in Illinois, and also affordable to the average consumer. The increased quality and availability of high-tech security devices means that anyone can safeguard their property and belongings. If you're looking to protect your home, family and property, here's an overview of some smart home security tools that might work for you:
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Every single day, sexual violence impacts hundreds of Americans. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and whether you are male or female, there are things you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones from sexual violence. Here's what you need to know:
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They may be your own, or they're your grandkids or your friend' kids, but driving with kids is a task that should always be taken seriously. Having kids in the car can be quite distracting. Perhaps they are fighting in the back seat, or maybe one is asking you for a snack while the other has to make an urgent bathroom stop. Paying attention to the road and to the kids is a trying experience. Read these tips to find out how to keep your pint-sized passengers safe and sound, for any trip at any age.
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In early February, the U.S. celebrates the truly American sport of football. Recently we've heard some pretty tragic stories about the effects of head injuries on professional football players but did you know that regular people who play contact sports or participate in activities like skateboarding or snowboarding are also at risk? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about sports-related head injuries and how to reduce your risk:
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With the days getting colder, at least for those in the northern part of the country, you might be starting to regret not taking a closer look at the insulation in your home during the summer months. But it's not too late to make your home more efficient, and cozy, for winter!

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June is National Safety Month and a great time to review your personal safety profile to find out how you can minimize the risk of accident or injury. Due to multiple factors, summer is a time of year when the risk of many common hazards increases.

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Headlines announcing the spread of Zika virus have probably been showing up on your news feed for months. But what is Zika? And should you be worried about it?
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Spring break is on the way and summer will follow soon after. If you're planning to take a road trip, long or short, make sure you and your vehicle are safe and ready to go by following these recommendations:
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Everyone in Illinois agrees that cyber safety is important, but what, exactly, does it mean to be "safe" online? And what do parents really need to know? Here are the top five things you can do to teach your kids how to become responsible digital citizens:

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We all want to be the one to find a gift that makes the holidays unforgettable for that special child in our lives. Whether you're a parent, aunt, neighbor or godparent, don't let your quest for holiday magic steer you towards a purchase that might be unsafe or inappropriate.
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Summer in Illinois is coming and with it is the opportunity to experience all kinds of warm-weather mishaps. Here are some common summer dangers and how to avoid them.

Top 10 Summertime Accidents:

1. Car accidents: More teenagers are killed in motor-vehicle accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day than at any other time of year. If your teen is licensed, don't let that carefree summer attitude spill into his or her driving habits. Review safe driving rules, don't allow your teen to drive with too many passengers, and limit trips to only the essentials.
2. Heat stroke: Being active or just spending too much time under the hot summer sun can cause your body to overheat, leading to a serious condition called heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks, and wear loose fitting clothing to allow your body to cool properly.
3. Water accidents: It's not surprising that the rate of drowning and boating accidents spike in the summer. Don't let kids play in the water unattended, and make sure young children and adults wear life jackets while boating or swimming in the lake or ocean.
4. Bike crashes: Whether you're riding a motor or manual, bike accidents can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Always wear a helmet when riding bikes or motorcycles, and be sure that your kids wear them, too.
5. Sunburns: A long day in the sun can cause burn injuries severe enough to warrant medical treatment, and also increases your risk of skin cancer. Stay safe by wearing adequate sunscreen and protective clothing, and hang out in the shade whenever possible.
6. Food poisoning: Warmer weather combined with more opportunities for outside dining is a recipe for foodborne illness. Store meat, fish, and poultry separately from fresh and non-perishable foods. Keep all perishables at appropriate temperatures, and always use a meat thermometer when cooking outdoors. If there is any indication your food may be contaminated, don't think twice: toss it.
7. Playground mishaps: Playgrounds get more use in the summer months, and they also send many kids to the emergency room. Most playground injuries occur on public playground equipment, so make sure the playgrounds your children use are safe, and never let them use equipment unsupervised.
8. Bug bites: Mosquitoes, bees, ticks and other insects are out in full force during the summer, increasing the chance of bites, stings, and allergic reactions. Always wear protective clothing when recreating outdoors, apply insect repellent and, if you're allergic, keep antidote medicine close at hand.
9. Fireworks: Fireworks injure thousands of people each year, and approximately one quarter of those are under the age of 15. In addition, the misuse of fireworks causes over 15,000 fires every year. Use fireworks carefully and responsibly, and always have a safety plan.
10. Pet hazards: Don't forget our furry friends. In summer, dogs and cats are at an increased risk for many of the same dangers as humans: ticks and bug bites, heat stroke, getting hit by a car, or being poisoned as the result of eating dangerous foods. Never leave your pet unattended or off leash, and make sure she is getting adequate food, water and care.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Atlas Insurance Brokerage today.

A Christmas tree is a non-negotiable tradition for many families during the holidays. But even those who look forward to those twinkling lights and strings of popcorn may have a small child or mischievous cat that makes having a tree difficult and sometimes even dangerous.
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As winter starts to set in most of us will be spending more time indoors. Now is a good time to review this checklist for safety, comfort, and savings. Around your home...
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No matter where we live we all need to be aware of the extra precautions necessary to safe winter driving. Those of us living in climates where winter is non-existent or an infrequent visitor may need to take special heed. We don't get much practice driving on ice or in snow but business trips or vacations may require us to drive in foreign conditions. It's better to prepare ahead rather than rely on a crash course (sorry for the pun).
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While the vast majority of products and toys produced for infants and children are safe, that is not always the case. In March of 2005, for instance, Graco agreed to a record 4 million dollar fine for failing to report deaths and injuries related to recalled goods or products about to be recalled. Each year, about one-third of the 350 or so products recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission are intended for infants and small children. Small children are particularly susceptible to inherently unsafe products so it is a good idea to review recall information periodically.
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