Agri-City Insurance

Ensuring Life's Moments

1/14/2021

Click the image above to watch a video on Life Insurance & how it can help offset the cost of assisted living from EMC National Life

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Still Need to Do

12/29/2020

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December 29th is Still Need to Do Day! What's on your list for the end of the year? What's on your list for the beginning of the year?

If insurance is on your to-do list we can help! Our agents are here for you for a variety of insurance needs. Life, home, auto, crop, business, even pet insurance! Our knowledgeable agents can help find the right coverage & the right price for you! Feel free to call, email, or even text us today to get started on your insurance to do list!

Columbus 402.564.5000
Norfolk 402.371.0550
Schuyler 402.352.2483

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Wishing you a Happy Holidays......

12/17/2020

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With the holidays looking a bit different this year we wanted to let all our customers know we are grateful for your continued business & we are sending you all a virtual Happy Holidays.

Thank You & Happy Holidays from Agri-City!

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Text Us

12/16/2020

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Texting is now available for all three of our locations! Now you have the option to email us, call us, or text us! We want you to be able to reach out to us in whichever way is easier, more convenient, & preferred by you!

*As with any email, voicemail, text message, etc. you can not bind, alter, or change your coverage just by leaving a message.

Columbus 402.564.5000
Norfolk 402.371.0550
Schuyler 402.352.2483

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Winter Fire Safety

12/2/2020

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Hundreds of fires a year occur during Winter Holiday Months, here are some helpful safety tips to help prevent a tragedy from happening to you.

1. If you have a live Christmas Tree make sure to water it every day. If you have an artificial tree make sure it is fire resistant.
2. Never use frayed lights or lights with broken sockets, throw them away.
3. Unplug your lights if you are leaving or going to bed.
4. Place burning candles away from flammable items & never leave them unattended.
5. Place holiday decorations, trees, candles, etc. away from heat sources such as heaters, fireplaces, heat vents.
6. Never leave a space heater plugged in unattended or while you're sleeping. You should buy a space heater with tip-over protection & overheat protection.

Now is also a great time to make sure all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working! Test them out & replace batteries as needed.

No one ever really knows when a fire will happen, so it is best to be prepared. In addition to having an evacuation plan it is a great idea to take pictures & create a list of all your belongings just in case.

Have a Happy & Safe Holidays!

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National Hand Washing Awareness Week

12/1/2020

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If we've learned anything this past year it is Wash Your Hands!

The first week of December is National Hand Washing Awareness Week! 80% of communicable diseases can be spread by touch, these include the common cold, the flu, pneumonia, and Covid-19. So how often should you wash your hands? Always wash your hands before & after you eat, after you use the restroom, after you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose, & honestly, several times throughout the day. How long should you wash your hands? Wash them for at least 20 to 30 seconds in order for them to actually get clean; you can sing a favorite song while you wash! If you do not have access to water & soap you can use hand sanitizer, just make sure you use enough & allow it to dry in order for it to kill germs! Won't all this hand washing & hand sanitizer dry your hands out especially during these winter months? You can & should use moisturizing lotion on your hands to prevent them from becoming chapped! Now more than ever it is important to wash your hands & wash them correctly!

Basic Hand Washing:
1. Get your hands wet with clean, running water, turn off the water to save water, & apply soap.
2. Lather up by rubbing the hands together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Sing a song to help you keep track of time.
4. Rinse under clean, running water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air.

Help stop the spread of germs & wash your hands!

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National Seat Belt Day

11/9/2020

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National Seat Belt Day is November 14th! Wearing a seat belt is the best way to protect yourself in a car accident. In 2017 seat belts saved 14,955 lives while 2,459 more lives could've been saved had they been wearing seat belts. In 2019 study showed that 90.7% of people used seat belts in the US! Wearing seat belts correctly while in the front seat reduces your chances of a fatal injury by 45%!

Some people may think "Oh I have air bags, that'll be enough." Well unfortunately that's wrong, your air bags are designed to work with your seat belt. If you're not wearing your seat belt you could be hurled into your air bags causing injuries or death. Without your seat belt there is also a chance you will be thrown from the car completely which almost always results in serious injuries or death.

Some people may think "Oh it's a quick trip, just running to the store I don't need my seat belt." Most fatal accidents happen within 25 miles of your home with speeds under 40mph. Any trip in your car, whether it be 3 blocks away or 3000 miles away can result in a crash, it's best to just always wear your seat belt.

For kids it's not enough to just wear a seat belt, make sure kids are in the recommended car seats or booster seats for their age, weight, and height!

Head over to https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts to read more about seat belt safety.

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Tricking-or-Treating in the time of Covid

10/28/2020

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Like many things in 2020 we are left wondering, what does Halloween look like in a pandemic? The CDC is recommending avoiding trick-or-treating altogether along with haunted houses and costume parties. So what could trick-or-treating look like this year???

1. Traditional trick-or-treating - Probably the least safe option out there, even with masks it's hard to social distance on side walks & in crowds. Some states & cities are already ruling the option out completely this year.
2. Leaving a bowl of candy outside for kids to pick out of - While that may be safe for the homeowner it's not so safe for the kids that are sticking their hand in that same bowl.
3. Creating a chute or other socially distanced contraption - Pretty safe option, as long as there isn't a line up of kids.
4. Hiding candy around your house whether inside or outside - A fun & safe way to celebrate, similar to Easter plus you can still dress up!
5. Staying home with your own bag of candy - Probably the safest option, as long as you don't eat it all in one sitting! You can dress up in costumes, watch family friendly Halloween themed movies, & make it a whole event!
6. Having trick-or-treaters stand outside their houses & driving by parade style - Safe but you'd have to get your whole neighborhood on board!

Maybe you can start a new Halloween Tradition with your family! Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

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Distracted Driving

10/5/2020

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U Text. U Drive. U Pay. Campaign is geared toward keeping distracted drivers off the road & takes place between October 5-12, 2020. Nationally, distracted driving is the cause for 9 deaths per day, approximately 3,500 deaths a year.

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving, this includes eating, drinking, grooming, talking or texting, messing with your navigation or radio, & even talking to passengers. Texting has fast become the most popular of these distractions, it's estimated that 26% of all car crashes involve a cell phone! In the five seconds you take your eyes off the road to read a text you could be involved in a deadly accident. Keep your eyes on the road & off distractions.

So how can you avoid driving with distractions?
-Avoid multi-tasking while driving! If you're on the road make sure the only task you're doing is driving.
-Avoid eating or drinking, eat before, after or pull over & eat, just don't eat while driving
-If you are feeling drowsy then pull off to the side of the road or parking lot & take a quick nap
-Avoid using your phone while driving, put it out of reach so you're not tempted & if you must make a phone call then pull over before doing so
-Have your pets in carriers or otherwise secured, don't allow them to roam free
-If you're needing to use your navigation to get you somewhere make sure to plug in all the info before you start the road trip

Keep your eyes on the road & your hands on the wheel & drive safe!

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Car Seat Safety Check

9/21/2020

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National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is September 20-26th, 2020! Now is a great time to check that your car seats are properly installed in your car!

Every 33 seconds a child under the age of 13 is involved in a car crash. 33 seconds! With the correct use of car seats, boosters, seat belts those accidents can lead to less injuries & deaths.

Luckily we have evolved from the ways of our parents & grandparents & now have stricter car seat laws. In Nebraska, children 2 & under must be rear-facing & all children under the age of 8 must ride correctly secured in an approved child safety seat. It's not enough to just have your child in a car seat or booster but to make sure it is properly installed & your child is properly buckled in!

If you're involved in a car accident, whether your kids or in the vehicle or not, it is best & highly advised to replace your car seats. Even if they don't look like they have been damaged they could be compromised & be less reliable about keeping your child safe!

Head over to safekids.org for more car seat safety tips. & if you're concerned about installing your car seat correctly you should be able to stop at your local fire or police station where they will gladly do a safety check & help teach you how to properly install it!

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Every Farmer Counts

9/21/2020

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This week is National Farm Safety & Health Week & this years theme is Every Farmer Counts because well every farmer does count! Farm Safety & Health Week takes place every year during the third week of September to align with farmers heading out to their fields to get their crops in for the year! Unfortunately it is also this time of year when most farm accidents happen as well. On average 400-500 farmers are killed & 30% of farmers are injured every year, which means the agricultural sector is the most dangerous in America!

While every year we should acknowledge our farmers, this year more than ever we should be celebrating them. The past few years, especially in Nebraska & Iowa, our farmers have experienced hardship after hardship, with flooding, the pandemic, & the Midwest Derecho, farming has come with its share of challenges. Through it all though our farmers have continued to show up & work hard to provide the American people with the food & supplies they need. So this week let's make farmers safety & health our priority!

All you farmers make sure you're staying safe & thank you for all you do! Please go out & thank a farmer this week!!

For more information head to The National Education Center For Agricultural Safety

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National Preparedness Month

9/7/2020

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Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today.

September is National Preparedness Month are you prepared? After the events of September 11th 2001, the Department of Homeland Security, specifically FEMA, knew they needed to educate the public on the importance of disaster preparation not only in their homes but also their communities. September then became National Preparedness Month, a month long campaign to encourage everyone to learn about safety measures in cases of emergency and helps educate about how to handle disasters when they come. All month long there are different topics to educate yourself on and things you should be doing. Day 1 generally is making sure your insurance policies are up to date and checking out what your coverage is. It's easy to forget about that when faced with an emergency, the number one thing on your mind at that point is your family and your safety. So think ahead, prepare yourself for an emergency or disaster.

In Nebraska you should plan ahead for tornadoes, fires, and flooding. Have an emergency escape plan, have important documents and pictures backed up digitally or on a portable hard drive, & have emergency funds stowed away.

For more information head to ready.gov/september now! You can also download the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

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National Life Insurance Awareness Month

9/1/2020

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September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, if 2020 has taught us anything it should be Expect the Unexpected. With that lesson in mind why not protect your loved ones if something unexpected happened to you? The best time for life insurance was yesterday, the second best time is today, so what are you waiting for? Call and talk to one of our agents about protecting yourself and your family for all of life's unexpectedness.

So what's the big deal with life insurance, why do you need it? if you have debt and no life insurance your financial responsibilities then fall to your family, with a life insurance policy your debts won't be a financial burden. If you have dependents it helps financially provide for them in the case you're no longer around. Funeral and burial costs can be expensive, your life insurance could be used to pay for those things rather than a family member possibly be going into debt to afford it. The earlier you buy it (like your 20's) the lower rates you generally lock in, so if you know at some point in your life you are going to need/want life insurance then plan ahead for it and lock in lower rates earlier on in life.

Many think a major life change triggers the need to get life insurance, while those are good times to purchase life insurance really the best time for life insurance is now, no matter what life stage you're in.

Call our agents at our 3 locations
Norfolk at 402.371.0550
Columbus at 402.564.5512
Schuyler at 402.352.2483

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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

8/19/2020

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This national campaign goes into effect August 19th through September 7th this year.

On average there are 30 deaths a day in the US caused by drunk driving, that is one every 50 minutes. Every year on average about 10,300 people die in these accidents while about 345,000 are injured. Nearly 1/3 of all traffic fatalities in the US involve drunk drivers. In every single state it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher.

Based off of statistics on drunk driving it's been deduced that the average drunk driver had already driven under the influence around 80 times before their arrest. 80 times! That's 80 chances of a car accident that could result in injury or death of themselves or others. About 1 in every 3 people will be involved in an alcohol related accident. Alcohol-impaired drivers are behind the wheel more than 300,000 times every day. However, only around 2,800 are arrested.

Drunk driving accounts for over 50% of all fatal highway accidents.

If you plan to drink make sure to have a designated driver or a ride service to get you home and if you see a friend drinking then about to drive take away their keys and get your friend home safely.

For more information and solutions check out MADD.org

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National Simplify Your Life Week

8/6/2020

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When you think simplify your life you might think of cleaning out your closet, tidying-up your house, or cutting things out of your schedule. One aspect you may not consider is decluttering your mind and worries. Why not get one less concern about life off your mind? Today is a good day to get your insurance policies in order or look into new coverage.

Accidents happen all the time don't you want to know that if you get in a car accident you're covered? Don't you want that peace of mind that if a tree hits your house you're covered? Don't you want that sigh of relief when you know that your hospital bill won't put you into debt because you're covered? In as little as a
5-minute conversation with your insurance agent you could Simplify Your Life by making sure you're covered for all of life's unexpected and often unpredictable moments. So call us now & free up some space in your head knowing that we've got you covered.

Columbus location at 402.564.5512
Norfolk location at 402.371.0550
Schuyler location at 402.352.2483

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Stop on Red Week

8/3/2020

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Stop on Red Week kicks off today August 2nd & goes until August 8th.

In 2017 there were about 132,000 people injured and 939 people killed in red-light running crashes, which was a 10 year high! On average 2 people died every day due to these crashes in the US in 2017. The drivers that run the red-light make up only 35% of the deaths, while pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants in vehicles make up for over half the deaths caused by running red lights. 28% of the crash deaths that occur at signalized intersections are the result of a driver running through a red-light. It's not just running red-lights that contribute to accidents, sliding through stop signs is among the most common causes of accidents on the road as well. Red-light running and sliding through stop signs are both completely preventable by paying attention and safe driving. Most red-light running is a caused by distracted drivers or aggressive drivers.

While most people know running a red-light is irresponsible and unsafe they still do it. So the next time you think you can make that yellow light just slow down and stop instead. You may save a life, even your own.

For more info head to ncsrsafety.org

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Headed to the Lake?

7/20/2020

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Summertime generally means water time! Going to the lake for boating, jet-skiing, or kayaking is a great way to spend the hot summer days, but as with most activities boating does bring risk.

According to the data, there were 4,168 boating accidents that resulted in 613 deaths and 2,559 injuries in 2019 in the US. 79% of boating fatalities were drownings while 86% of those were not wearing life jackets. Alcohol was the leading known contributing factor where the primary cause was known at 23% of deaths. Also in 2019 property damage totaled about $55 million! Open motorboats made up 48% of the fatalities, kayaks 14%, and canoes at 8%, you should always be aware of your surroundings and wear a life jacket. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons but the top five are the operator not paying attention or their inexperience, mechanical failure, improper lookout, excessive speeding, and of course the operator being intoxicated.

Be safe and aware when out on boats, jet-skis, and other watercraft. Wear a life jacket and have a sober, experienced operator in control. It is highly suggested that before operating a boat you take a nationally approved boating safety course. And of course make sure to have all watercraft insured as well!

Click here for more boating safety tips.

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National Pet Fire Safety Day

7/15/2020

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National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15th, while you aren't able to talk to your pets about fire safety there are things you can do to reduce the chance of your pet getting hurt or worse during a house fire.

Pets can unfortunately be the culprit of the fire, on average 1,000 fires a year are started because of a pet. Make sure you keep electrical cords out of reach of pets and remove or cover stove knobs when not home because stove or cook top fires are the most common fires started by pets. You should also consider flameless candles so pets can't accidentally knock them over or start their own tails on fire. Although pets can sometimes be the cause they can also be the fire heroes! There are thousands of stories about the household pet either warning the family or getting the family out during a fire!

Every household should have a fire evacuation plan and should practice it regularly, make sure to include your pets as well! If the pets are small designate someone to carry the pet otherwise have someone set to walk the pet to safety. Have pet carriers or leashes in a convenient location that can be accessed easily in case of an emergency. If you are unable to locate your pet during a fire, exit the house and leave a door open while calling for your pet from a safe area. About 40,000 pets die in fires every year, that number can be reduced if you have a fire plan set out and stick to it.

It's smart to get a Pet Fire Safety Window Cling for your house so firefighters are aware of pets in the house and can look for them to get them to safety. These window clings are especially important if you're not home and can't inform the firefighters of your pets being inside! Update the window clings as you add more four-legged members to your family and if you move be sure to remove the old cling! There are several websites that will send you a free window cling all you have to do is pay shipping and handling. To help firefighters get to your pets when you're not home it's a good idea to keep them in a room or area near an entrance to the house and to leave their collars on them.

To end this on a heartwarming note, several animals that are rescued by the firefighters end up being adopted by either the firefighter who rescued them or even the entire fire house, like the two below! Can't be more of feel good ending than that!

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100 Days of Summer

7/6/2020

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Known as the 100 Deadliest Days for Drivers, the months of June, July, and August, between Memorial Day and Labor Day carry the highest risk of vehicular accidents. So what is it about these weeks as opposed to others that make them so dangerous? It ultimately comes down to the higher number of vehicles on the road and the distances that many drivers are going. Summertime usually means vacation time and to do that many people take to the road. While all age groups from 16 on up are involved in these crashes there is one age group that is involved more than others, TEENS.

More than 8,300 people died in crashes involving teen drivers from 2008-20018 between Memorial Day and Labor Day, that means there were on average 7 deaths each day. 60% of these crashes are due to distracted driving, such as checking a text message or giving passengers in the car their attention instead of the road. Summertime this year may see even more of a spike in crashes as schools and activities are closed and cancelled, summer jobs may not be open, and coronavirus restrictions are lifting, resulting in more teens having free time to hit the road with friends. Now is the best time to talk to your teen about safe driving habits and what behavior to avoid! Parents should also lead by example. Want your teen to always wear their seat belt or obey the speed limits? Well they are more likely to mirror your behavior behind the wheel, so buckle up and slow it down! While a seat belt won't prevent a crash it may prevent a major injury or death because of an accident, make sure your teen understands that!

You can head over to AAA for a guide to help prepare your teen driver and yourself!

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How to Stay Safe While Celebrating the 4th of July

7/1/2020

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Fireworks are fun to watch and of course are a key part to any 4th of July celebration, but they can be dangerous. in 2018 there were more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries and at least 5 deaths. Most of these injuries are to the hands and fingers, legs, and even eyes. Almost all of these injuries could be prevented with basic firework safety.

Here are some firework safety tips to help you safely celebrate Independence Day!
-Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should have adult supervision
-Never light fireworks indoors, use them away from people, houses, and anything flammable
-Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited
-Don't point fireworks at people or animals, even as a joke
-Never have any part of your body directly over a firework while lighting
-Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or to put out ones that don't go off
-Dispose of your used fireworks properly, make sure they are not still hot before throwing them away. It's best to douse/soak them in water before discarding them.
-Always observe local laws

Many people love sparklers and think they are safe but they are a lot more dangerous than you think! They burn hot enough to melt some metals and can quickly ignite clothing. Sparklers make up more than 1/4 of firework related injuries in the ER and for children under 5 sparklers account for nearly half the total estimated firework injuries! If you feel the need to use sparklers keep a close eye on children or consider other much safer options such as glow sticks.

Think about keeping your pets safe as well! Animals have sensitive ears and can be easily frightened or stressed because of fireworks. It's best to keep pets indoors to keep them safe from injury or running off.

This isn't just about keeping yourself and others safe from firework injuries, fireworks can also start fires which can cause major damage. Local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks a year!

Have fun celebrating our nation's birth but also remain safe! Have a Happy 4th of July!

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June 28th - National Insurance Awareness Day

6/26/2020

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Are you covered? This day was created as a day to review your insurance coverage.

Here at Agri-City Insurance we offer a wide array of policies to fit your needs. We offer insurance for both personal and business lines, such as crop and hail, farm, life, health, home, auto, and trucking insurance.

Today is a good time to think about any changes that have happened since your last policy.
-Have you bought a new car?
-Has your family grown?
-Do you need flood insurance?
-Will your life insurance policy cover all your debts and funeral costs?
-Are you thinking about purchasing a new home?

While an insurance plan may have given you enough protection years ago it might not be the right choice for protection now. It's important to go over your insurance plan on a regular basis.

How can you celebrate Insurance Awareness Day? By talking with your insurance agent and getting new quotes or better understanding your current coverage! You can also talk to your family and friends to make sure they have their insurance policies in order as well!

Fun and Weird Insurance Policies
-Julia Roberts insured her smile for $30 million and Gene Simmons insured his tongue for $1 million, many other celebrities have insured other body parts as well!
-You can get alien abduction insurance also know as UFO Insurance! Since 1987 UFO insurance has been available in US, one company in Florida sells it to cover up to $10 million and they have actually paid out claims for it!
-Starbucks pays more for employee health insurance than it pays for coffee!
-An insurance policy exists for death by excessive laughter while at a movie theater!
-A Scottish whiskey company once offered a cash reward to anyone who could capture the Loch Ness Monster, they then insured the competition in case they had to pay out the reward. The insurance company that offered them coverage had just one request, Nessie would become their property!
-The largest life insurance policy ever written is $201 million for a billionaire in Silicon Valley!

While we don't insure alien abductions or Heidi Klum's legs we are here to help with any of your more typical insurance needs or questions.
Norfolk 402.371.0550
Schuyler 402.352.2483
Columbus 402.564.5512

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Life Happens, Are You Prepared?

6/24/2020

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Life Insurance Awareness Month is usually observed in September but with the reality check that the current pandemic has given us we should think & talk about life insurance now. The best time to have life insurance is yesterday, the second best time is today, so why are you waiting?

For more information on life insurance go to lifehappens or call us at our Norfolk location at 402.371.0550, our Columbus location at 402.564.5512, or our Schuyler location at 402.352.2483 to talk to one of our agents about protecting yourself & your loved ones.

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National Lightning Safety Awareness Week

6/22/2020

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National Lightning Safety Awareness Week was started in 2001 to draw attention to one of the deadliest weather systems in our country. Prior to 2001 there were on average 50 lightning fatalities a year, however that has dropped to about 30 since National Lightning Safety Awareness week has been observed.

Since lighting can strike from over 15 miles away there really is no safe place to be when you're outdoors during a thunderstorm. "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!" - If you can hear the thunder you are within striking distance so seek shelter immediately, delayed actions have led to many of the lightning injuries and deaths.

To minimize your risk of being struck plan ahead! Consider postponing any activities if a thunderstorm is predicted or have a plan in place to get to safety quickly. Sheds, tents, soft-top vehicles, dugouts, open sided shelters, etc are not safe from lighting strikes. Hard-topped vehicles or a substantial building are the only safe places. Make sure to wait about 30 minutes after the last strike or thunder before going outdoors, as you are still at risk until then.

If someone is struck they may require immediate medical attention. Call 911, monitor the victim, and if needed start CPR. Lightning victims are safe to touch as they do not carry electrical charges.

Here are some facts about Lightning Strikes
-About 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the US each year.
-Only about 10% of those struck by lightning are killed, but the other 90% often have varying degrees of discomfort and disability, sometimes permanently.
-Vast majority of victims each year are male.
-Typical lightning flashes are about 300 million volts and 30,000 Amps compared to a household current which is 120 Volts and 15 Amps.
-Contrary to the myth lightning does strike the same place repeatedly. The Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times a year.
-Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are 1/1,222,000. Odds of being struck by lightning in your lifetime are 1/15,300.
-Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela receives the most lightning strikes. Massive thunderstorms occur on about 150 nights per year with an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute lasting up to 10 hours at a time. That's as many as 40,000 lightning strikes in one night!
-Earth is hit by lightning an average of 1.4 billion times a year!

For More Information
Check out www.weather.gov or go to www.lightning.org for more information on how to protect yourself.

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Men's Health Month

6/15/2020

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The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

On average, men die 5 to 7 years earlier than women and they die at higher rates from 9 out of the top 10 causes of death. Women are twice as likely to go to the doctor than men and men are also less likely to be insured than women are.

So what can you or your loved one do to ensure they are around for years to come?

-Get a physical! Most things that contribute to men's shorter lives are preventable! The best prevention means seeing a doctor on a regular basis and being honest about your health.
*This also means having a solid health insurance to help you better afford healthcare!

-Get physical! Getting active is the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes it's hard to motivate yourself, so find a partner or a group to get fit with! Even a daily bike ride or walk can help keep you healthy!

-It's also important to know your family's health history. Does a disease or heart problem run in your family? Know your history and let your doctor know!

-Know your diet! Just being active may not be enough to keep you healthy. Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet every day. Be aware of what you're eating and try to add more healthy items on your plate.

-Know when to seek help! This isn't just about physical health, your mental health is just as important! Find a therapist, a loved one, a buddy, or even a group that you feel comfortable with talking about the things on your mind, be open, be honest.

-If you have a man in your life that you care about let him know you care! Men tend to put their health on the back-burner while they take care of everyone or everything else. Let him know that you need him to be alive and healthy for as long as possible.

-On Friday, June 19th Wear Blue to show your support for raising awareness about men's and boy's health issues! Take pictures and share them on social media using #ShowUsYourBlue or #WearBlueForMen or #MensHealthMonth

-And as always continue to educate yourself about leading a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.

For more information check out menshealthnetwork.org and menshealthresourcecenter.com
For a check list, for both men and women, on what you should get checked and at what age visit GetItChecked

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Fall is the best time to winterize your home.

9/27/2018

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Protect your home from winter weatherGet your home ready for freezing weather hazards with these simple tips
Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences to your home—and to your household budget. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid the expense and inconvenience of winter damage—and even help you save on heating costs. Get started when the leaves begin to turn so your home is well prepared when the cold, harsh weather hits.

Winter weather prep for the outside of your homeWhen temperatures drop dramatically and the snow flies, you'll be glad to have taken these measures to safeguard your house.

Clean out the gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, which is what happens when water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls.
Install gutter guards. Gutter guards prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and, wind could cause weak trees or branches to break free and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property.
Repair steps and handrails. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.
Use caulking to seal cracks and wall openings to prevent cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in.

Winter weather prep for the inside of your homeFrigid temperatures, snow and ice can wreak havoc on water pipes and tax heating systems. Ensure all your home's internal systems are "go" for winter safety and efficiency.

Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. Water then can refreeze, leading to more ice build-up—and may even lead to ice dams that can damage your roof. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes. Consider insulating garages and other unfinished areas to keep pipes from freezing.
Provide a reliable back-up power source. In the event of a power outage, continuous power will keep you warm and help to prevent frozen pipes, or a frozen battery operated sump-pump. Consider purchasing a portable power generator to ensure safety—and be sure to follow all guidelines for safe operation.
Have your heating system serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage.
Check pipes closely for the presence of cracks and leaks. Have any compromised pipe repaired immediately.
Protect pipes in attics and crawl spaces with insulation or plug-in heating cable. Be sure to purchase UL®-listed models of heating cables with built-in thermostats; these will turn on the heat on when it is needed. When using the cables, always follow manufacturers instructions closely.
Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect the system against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
Move combustible items away from near any heat sources that you'll likely be using. This includes fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only do residential fires increase in the winter, but so does carbon monoxide poisoning—so regularly check that your detectors are in working condition.
Know where your pipes are located and learn how to shut the water off. If your pipes freeze, speed is critical. The quicker you shut off water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better your chance of preventing major damage.
Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is found, have all necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.
Take steps to prevent flooding. Your licensed contractor can also advise you about measures to prevent flooding from melted snow and ice runoff. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other improvements can prevent water damage to your home and belongings.
Consider insuring yourself for a sewer backup. Flooding related to melting snow can overburden sewer systems. Raw sewage backed up into the drains in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Sewer backup is not covered under standard homeowners insurance or renters insurance policies, nor is it covered by flood insurance but can be purchased as either a separate product, or an endorsement.

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Safety Matters

Our blog will feature posts not only from Agri-City Insurance staff, but also from Wayne State College Students on various topics related to safety, risk management, and loss prevention.

While we take care to ensure that the information provided is accurate and relevant to the topics, we will use many outside resources and therefore can not guarantee the information provided from other sources.

Each business is responsible for ensuring their own compliance with OSHA, State, and local regulations.

The information that is provided by Agri-City is for your use in conjunction with your safety program and is not a replacement for your safety committee, written safety program, or safety training program.

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How to Stay Safe While Celebrating the 4th of July

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Thank You & Happy Holidays from Agri-City!

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Columbus 402.564.5000
Norfolk 402.371.0550
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