Mission Statement

"Our mission is to create peace of mind and build enduring relationships."

Bob Lancaster Insurance's mission statement is the core of our culture. Our customers always come first, and we strive to provide them with the products and service that best respond to their needs. Building trust and fostering loyal, long-lasting relationships are the essence of who we are and fundamental parts of our company values.

Putting our mission statement to work

Our employees work hard to connect with our customers on a very real and personal level. Find out what Bob Lancaster’s mission means to them and how they carry it out every day.

Bob Lancaster Insurance, serving Florida's insurance needs since 1964. Contact us today at 321-725-1620 - see what we can do for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS!

Friday, December 27, 2019

What's in a name—a brand name, that is

Jewelry brand names carry an aura of high quality, of exclusivity. But today few items of jewelry are unique creations. A little history tells the story.

Historical roots

Some brands have a reputation based on a history of excellence, of craftsmanship or invention.
Cartier, for example, has been one of the most prestigious jewelry manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1847, when Louis-François Cartier took over the workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard, Cartier jewelry soon gained a reputation among the wealthy and the aristocracy.
Edward VII of Great Britain called the company "the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers". For his coronation in 1902, he ordered 27 tiaras from Cartier. The courts of England, Russia, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Siam officially granted Cartier their royal patronage.
Cartier created the first "purpose-designed" watch, a wristwatch for pilots, in 1904. Until then wristwatches were worn only by women, while men wore pocket watches. But a pioneer aviator complained to Cartier of the impracticality of pocket watches while flying. Cartier designed for him one of the first wristwatches for men, and Cartier wristwatches became a status symbol for the rich.
Panther brooch created by Cartier
In 1949 the Duke and Duchess of Windsor purchased the famous Cartier panther brooch, which featured a 152-carat Kashmir sapphire. In 1987, sale of the brooch and other jewelry owned by the Duchess of Winsor was a major publicity event and gave another boost to the company. Advance media coverage included histories of the major pieces, along with descriptions of signed pieces by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.
These and many other "firsts" and custom-designed pieces have gone into making the Cartier name highly regarded for innovation and craftsmanship—and display of wealth. It's been said that Louis-François Cartier built his reputation on knowing how to satisfy the most extravagant desires.
The Cartier family retained ownership of the firm until 1964.
Today Cartier is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Richemont Group. Richemont owns several of the world's leading companies in the field of luxury goods, specializing in jewelry and watches but also including clothing, writing instruments, firearms and ammunition.
Cartier operates more than 200 stores in 125 countries. The unique pieces that built the Cartier reputation are now supplemented by more bread-and-butter designs at prices more people can afford. 
Tiffany has a similar path. The first store (then known as Tiffany & Young) opened in 1837 as a stationery and fancy goods emporium in New York. All items were marked with non-negotiable prices, an innovation at the time. The first day's sales totaled $4.98. It's come a long way since then.
The company soon introduced the iconic Tiffany Blue Box with its distinctive white bow, published its first catalog, and captured attention for its silver designs. It also introduced the 6-prong diamond solitaire engagement ring, a design that raises the stone up and into the light. Still today the design is known as the Tiffany setting.
Tiffany Diamond
In 1878 Tiffany acquired a 287.42ct rough fancy yellow diamond and had it cut into a 128.54ct polished gem. The astonishing gem was set into a necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in publicity photos for Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961, and it became known as the Tiffany Diamond. Publicity around this diamond set Tiffany's reputation as the ultimate luxury destination.
Like Cartier, Tiffany gained prominence and publicity because its jewelry was owned by famous people, by prominent families in society, and by Hollywood stars and entertainers. Most recently, Lady Gaga wore jewelry with the famous Tiffany Diamond at the 2019 Academy Awards.
As of 2018, Tiffany operated 93 stores in the US and 321 stores worldwide.   
From its humble beginnings as a stationery store, it passed through several hands, including a brief ownership by Avon, the cosmetics company. In November 2019, LVMH announced its acquisition of Tiffany & Co. for $16.2 billion.
LVMH is a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate headquartered in Paris. It controls 60 subsidiaries, which include, besides jewelry, wine and spirits, fashions, leather goods, perfumes, and cosmetics. The conglomerate is said to operate over 2,400 stores worldwide.
Bloomberg News reported that LVMH would probably expand Tiffany's presence around the  world "while boosting exclusivity and prices."  According to another source, LVMH's current business plan is to tightly control the brands it manages in order to heighten the perception of luxury relating to their products.

The take-away

The perception of luxury is a huge factor for selling prestige brand-name merchandise. A perception of quality and exclusivity allows brands to maintain higher price points.
The image of prestige is based on publicity, on celebrity clientele, and on a history of unique creations at stratospheric prices. One imagines the jeweler craftsman bent over his table working into the night to produce the perfect piece.
However, when the brand sells at hundreds of outlets, as well as on the internet and in the auction market, it is apparent that most jewelry items are not unique designs of the kind that make the news and linger in the public's consciousness. The purpose of having many outlets is to lure a vast clientele, and this is accomplished by creating multiples at more affordable pieces. Industrial facilities worldwide produce attractive jewelry pieces in great numbers.
Tiffany's manufacturing facilities produce about 60% of the merchandise sold, while the balance, including its rose-gold jewelry, comes from third parties overseas.
This is not an argument against the quality of Tiffany or Cartier or any brand-name jewelry. We are just pointing out to insurers that brand name jewelry often carries a higher price than a piece of the same quality purchased elsewhere.
This was, in fact, at issue in the Tiffany-Costco suit involving Costco's sale of  diamond rings in a Tiffany setting. What was at stake in the suit was use of the Tiffany name (the prestige factor), not the quality of the jewelry sold by Costco.
To a company like Tiffany or Cartier, the name itself has value. The issue for insurers is: When your coverage promises replacement with like kind and quality, does that include brand — especially on items made for but not by the branded company?
You may wonder how a seller justifies charging, say, $60,000 for a piece of jewelry available elsewhere for $40,000 — and  why a consumer is willing to pay it. The increased price might be looked at as payment for the luxurious shopping experience, or the thrill of receiving that little blue box, or the pride of owning a brand-name item.
These experiences are not the jewelry. They are the jewelry's "sentimental value," which is not insurable.
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Monday, December 23, 2019

Mitigate Elf Mischief Risks This Holiday Season


Broken light fixtures, dented drywall, syrup-coated appliances—these are classic examples of holiday magic gone wrong. With the season in full swing, more and more homeowners are waking up each morning to a new dose of destruction brought by a well-intentioned but sometimes overzealous houseguest: the Elf on the Shelf.
What began in 2005 as a client reconnaissance operation for Santa Claus—elves sent from the North Pole to monitor children’s behavior for Naughty or Nice List consideration—is now wreaking havoc on an increasing number of households around the globe. Santa employed more than 11 million scout elves as of 2017, and experts say the current elf workforce could easily be double that figure, with independent entrepreneur elves and a new wave of elf babies joining the ranks.
No longer content to sit idly on a bookshelf or mantle, today’s average Elf on the Shelf is engaged in moderate to severe mischief-making after midnight. According to reports, elves have dismantled furniture, defaced countertops with permanent marker, rummaged through personal files and exposed home office networks to hackers.
Many individuals cannot afford these elf-related expenses during an already budget-breaking time of year. The average American family spent $885 on holiday gifts in 2018 and holiday spending has already broken records this year, with overall online sales of $72.1 billion since November 1.
Despite growing unease among parents, ridding a household of its assigned elf is a near impossibility due to the notoriously strong connection forged between shelf elves and the children they observe. With that in mind, experts are urging elves and their hosts to obtain insurance coverage to help protect their assets against potential elf mischief-related losses. Consider the following areas of top concern.

1. Property damage – when magic gets messy

Property damage inflicted by an Elf on the Shelf can lead to significant replacement and repair expenses, emphasizing the need for adequate Homeowners Insurance coverage. Although typically characterized by elves as accidental, incidents of elf misconduct are often defined as acts of vandalism and the associated expenses can be covered under a Homeowners Insurance policy.
Elves are notoriously drawn to shiny objects and prized possessions, so any big-ticket items in the home should be covered by a Personal Articles Floater policy.
Elf mischief often involves play with kitchen utensils and appliances, which can pose serious fire hazards. In fact, in one highly publicized case, an elf caught fire in an oven—though parental forgetfulness was the cause rather than elf mischief. Additionally, water backups and flooding have been reported by parents who found elves tampering with faucets and flushing pillowcases.
Elf-related property concerns affect homeowners, those who have a home under construction, and renters. In Canada, where rental housing growth is outpacing home ownership, renters insurance is an important consideration. The same goes for American households, 36 percent of which are renter-occupied. Condominium owners, who could be held liable if their elf damage affects their neighbors, should ask their insurance brokers or agents if they have the appropriate Condominium Unit Coverage.

2. Elven prank-related injuries

The holiday season is a time of frequent gatherings with family and friends, who are tempting targets for an Elf on the Shelf fond of pranks and the riskiest forms of mischief. Some of the most common elven pranks involve spilled hot cocoa, syrup on shoe soles and blanketing hardwood floors with glitter. Falls resulting from such pranks can lead to injuries, especially for older adults, with 3 million older people treated in U.S. emergency departments for fall injuries each year.
Elves who engage in extreme pranking on commercial property should prompt business owners to consult their brokers or agents about investing in Commercial General Liability Insurance and Excess Liability Coverage. Even unsuspecting mail carriers or home contractors could be subject to an injury caused by elf mischief. While coverage for injury-related expenses at home can often be included in a Homeowners Insurance policy.
With Elf on the Shelf-related incidents evolving each year, homeowners would be well served to discuss with their insurance brokers or agents the potential exposures and liabilities that can come with hosting one of these magical creatures. While some elves will never cause a problem, the desire to become the next viral sensation has driven many otherwise conscientious elves to engage in increasingly extreme mischief-making.
More and more elves and homeowners are finding that investing in Personal Umbrella Insurance to cover property damage and liability expenses above and beyond the coverages included in their existing policies is a necessity to fully protect themselves and their assets.

3. Cyber safeguards for home offices

One of the most pressing concerns among those who conduct not only personal but professional business using their home Wi-Fi network is how Elf on the Shelf mischief may expose that network to hackers. Elves have unprecedented access to correspondence, banking and credit account information, invoices, medical records and any other data readily available using equipment in hosts’ homes and home offices.
Elves are inordinately fond of sharing photos and videos of themselves on social media and ordering equipment to order trade-specific tools and clothing from online retailers, all activities that leave networks vulnerable to cybersecurity risks, especially when the same email address and passwords are being used across multiple sites.
Cybersecurity experts advise any individual who lives with an Elf on the Shelf—especially those who work or conduct business from home—to make cybersecurity a top priority. Cyber and Privacy Liability Insurance can help shore up cyber protections and cover costs of recovering from a network breach, including ransom, business interruption, public relations and privacy violations.

4. Considerations for elven entrepreneurs

Today’s status-conscious elf culture may be partially to blame for the escalating mischief-making being reported in homes. As elves work to outdo their colleagues with the most outlandish and creative tableaus, some enterprising elves have taken their mischief to new heights by interfering with construction projects.
Investing in Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability and Architects & Engineers Errors and Omissions Insurance policy coverage is vital. Such coverage can help businesses stay afloat in the wake of the substantial expenses they might incur when things go wrong, from design flaws to equipment failures, to worker accidents and errors at the hands of an unskilled elf.
In response to the growing complexity of Elf on the Shelf activities, Santa and his North Pole associates have compiled a comprehensive employee handbook outlining clear standards and practices regarding shelf elf behavior and responsibilities.
Given the range of exposures they face as employers of mischief-making elves in various sectors, Claus and company should consult their insurance brokers and agents to evaluate whether they have the appropriate Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and Directors & Officers Liability Insurance (D&O) policies in place, should Santa make an unlikely yet costly error in judgement or his employees’ mischief-making take a turn toward decidedly less magical realm of legal liability.
Products Liability and Manufacturers Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O) should also be a consideration for Santa and entrepreneurial elves engaged in crafting anything from shelf elf homes and hideouts to toys to elf tableaus. Investing in such coverage will help them stay afloat as they manage the fallout from a product failure and field calls from disgruntled elves and human toddlers alike.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

8 Things Every Holiday Traveler Should Have On Their Checklist

It was a dark and stormy night. And, you weren’t home. Wait, what? That’s right, you were on holiday vacation…with your family…having the time of your life.
Do you know why you were having the time of your life? No, it’s not because your great aunt actually gave you a practical gift or that your kids are truly on their best behavior. It’s because you took the time to make sure your home would be safe, even on the dark and stormy nights.
We feel it’s important to aid our policyholders when disaster strikes, and help protect their homes before potential danger threatens. Are you headed out for the holidays? Review our checklist of home protection “to dos” to create an even jollier holiday vacation.
1. Assign someone to spy on your home. Find a neighbor you trust to watch over your home while you are away. Ask them to periodically pay a visit, just to make sure things are running as they should.
2. Ask someone to collect your bills. This person could be the same friendly spy you’ve asked to check on your home. Putting a hold on your mail or leaving it to pile up can alert burglars of your extended absence. Asking a friend to collect your mail as it comes in helps to keep the façade that you are home.
3. Share your agent info. By sharing your insurance agent’s information with your trusted neighbor, you’ve allowed for a head start on your claims process if the need arises. If during one of their periodic visits your neighbor comes across a busted pipe, with one call the restoration can begin and ease your homecoming claims process.
4. Lay off the newsfeed. Wait until you return from your vacation to post all your family-fun photos. If you’re posting in real time from North Carolina, then every person you’ve added on your favorite social media site (yes, even the ones that you thought “I think I know them, but I can’t remember where from”) can see you aren’t in Kansas anymore.
5. Let there be light! Invest in a timer for certain lights in your home. Having them cut on and off while you’re away gives the impression that someone is controlling them from within the house.
6. Use the sun’s power. By placing solar lights around your home you are illuminating your property with the power of the sun! Place these energy saving lights at windows and entryways to steer away those “things that go bump in the night”.
7. Put a cork in it. Depending on the upcoming weather conditions and your length of stay, you should consider shutting off the main water supply to help reduce the risk of water loss damage.
8. Stop the surge! Unplug small appliances such as lamps (the ones without timers), televisions and toasters. Not only will you save energy but in the event of a lightning storm, you can help to prevent the need for replacement.
A vacation should be a vacation and the last time we checked, worrying about the well-being of your home was not on the itinerary. By checking off this list prior to hitting the road, you’re ensuring a more peaceful vacation experience and an even better homecoming.
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance
                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Water Damage – Prevention is Key

Water, our most basic source for survival.  It’s also a dangerous culprit in the destruction of many of our homes and businesses. Did you know that water damage is the second most frequently filed insurance claim? So, while we can’t control rainfall, floods and other natural water disasters, we can do our best to protect our homes and businesses from possible water damage.
The best way to prevent water damage is to ensure that the inside and outside of your home is well maintained and ready to withstand whatever may come its way. Follow these tips to keep your home protected against water damage:
  • Inside Your Home
    • Regularly inspecting appliance hoses, faucets, showers and tubs for any leaks that may lead to leaks or drainages.
    • Checking for leaks regularly also prevents long-term damage caused by mold and mildew.
    • Knowing the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home will ensure you can quickly address a damaged hose or burst pipe before it enters your home.
  • Outside Your Home
    • Much like the inside of your home, you’ll want to regularly inspect the sprinklers and irrigation systems surrounding your home.
    • Clearing out any accumulated debris in your rain gutters and downspouts (or installing gutter guards) helps direct the flow of water away from your home.
    • Being mindful of the plants and trees thriving in your yard can also prevent water damage. Many plant roots tend to wrap around water pipes and destroy them. Landscaping away from utility pipes should always be taken into consideration.
  • Upgrade, Install and MonitorWater loss in the home can also be caused by older, leaking washing machine hoses. Upgrade your hoses periodically and check the water pressure in your home to ensure they don’t break down under pressure.
    • Installing water detection devices near water heaters, sump pumps and dishwashers can detect when slow leaks and low moisture levels emerge.
    • After upgrades and installations, make sure to monitor your water bill to expose any possible leaks that might be lurking around your home.
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance
                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

How to Ride Your Motorcycle Safely in a Group


Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you’re part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to spend time doing what you love.

However, group riding has its own risks. This is especially true when you have a group with a wide mix of skill levels and riding experience. This can create unpredictable, stressful, and dangerous situations for not only other riders, but all drivers on the road. So be sure to never try to ride beyond your ability.

To help you stay safe while riding in a group, see the following safety tips.

Communicate first. Get together before your ride to outline the basics of your trip such as how far you’re going, how often and where you’ll stop, who the leader will be, and other considerations. Plus, make sure everyone has tools, a first-aid kit, a full tank of gas, is wearing a helmet, and has performed a basic maintenance check on their bike.

This is also the time to determine your line order. Put the most experience rider in the lead, with the least experienced rider lined up behind the leader. The lead rider will determine the pace, which should suit everyone in the group, as well as alert those behind of brake lights, objects in the road, traffic backups, and other perils.

Hand signals. It’s worth learning a dozen or so key hand signals to help you communicate while riding. This can help keep you safer on the road, ensure your group stays together, and give you greater peace of mind.

Ride in formation. There’s a sweet spot to group riding that should always be maintained. You want to be close enough to each other to make it easy for other motorists to see you. But you want to give each other enough space in front and back so you’re not tailgating, and enough on the side so you’re not in danger of swerving into another rider if you need to quickly avoid something on the road.

The most effective formation on the highway is to stagger your bikes. That means the leader is on the left side of the lane, the next rider is behind in the right side of the lane, the third rider is on the left side, and so on until the last rider. And once you’re in formation, be sure to stay there so everyone knows where the other riders are. Bear in mind you may need to be in a single-file formation on curvy roads, or roads with rough surfaces, so staggering is not always possible. But when it is, it’s the preferred method.

Stay in formation while passing. When passing other vehicles, do so one at a time, starting with the leader, and then return to your staggered formation.

Take your time. Unless you’re going for a short ride, be sure to plan plenty of rest stops. To make the most of them, try planning your breaks around scenic viewpoints or other points of interest along your route. Taking plenty of breaks also helps you stay alert, maintain proper concentration, and enjoy a more relaxing outing.

Whether riding in a group or solo, carrying the right motorcycle insurance is always important. To learn more protecting yourself and your bike


Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance


                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Assignment of Benefits Reform legislation goes into effect July 1, 2019



Assignment of Benefits Reform
June 19, 2019
Florida lawmakers concluded the 2019 Legislative Session after passing HB 7065, which provides meaningful reforms that will help Citizens reduce unnecessary litigation and assignment of benefits (AOB) abuse that are driving up rates for policyholders.

The bill, signed by Gov. DeSantis on May 23, and effective for assignment agreements (commonly referred to as AOB contracts) entered into on or after July 1, 2019, places limits and requirements on AOB assignees, such as contractors, roofers and water mitigation companies, and establishes requirements for insurers for claims that involve assignment agreements. Below are some of the important aspects of the legislation.

Assignment agreements:
  • Must be in writing and signed by assignor (the person, normally the policyholder, who assigns post-loss benefits) and the assignee
  • Must include various provisions, including a provision that allows the assignor to rescind the assignment agreement without a penalty or fee by providing the assignee with a signed, written notice of rescission within specified timeframes
  • Must include an itemized per-unit cost estimate of services to be performed
For policyholders who have elected to participate in Citizens’ Managed Repair Contractor Network Program, such assignment agreements do not modify or eliminate any term, condition or defense relating to the managed repair arrangement.

New duties also are established for assignees and insurers. 

For lawsuits related to assignment agreements, the legislation:
  • Eliminates use of the one-way attorney fee statute in awarding fees to assignees
  • Provides for a reasonable attorney fee award to the insurer, the assignee or neither party based on the percentage difference between the judgment obtained by the assignee and the insurer’s presuit settlement offer
The legislation also bars Citizens from implementing rate changes in 2019 for Citizens Homeowners 3 – Special Form (CIT HO-3) and Dwelling Property 3 – Special Form(CIT DP-3) policies unless the rate filing reflects projected rate savings from the legislation. Citizens also is required to inform policyholders of projected rate savings. Look for more details about the postponed September 2019 rate changes later this year.  

Policyholder Communications
Citizens will mail all current policyholders a letter in a staggered basis until June 30 that outlines the new rules for AOB agreements. We’ll also mail it to new policyholders on a monthly basis until our policy packets can be updated with new policy forms. 

Resources
Agents and the public can Search Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Agents should log in to access agent-level information. Enter AOB in the Search field.

Citizens currently is updating its website and brochures with information about AOB reform. Look for updates in July.

Citizens will share more AOB information as it becomes available.

If you have any questions about AOB, reply to this email, call us at the number below or log into the Agents site and complete the form on the Contact Us page, choosing Other on the Topic drop-down menu.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

WORK COMP WEDNESDAY - Safety Lessons Learned

Real-Life Examples of Avoidable Workplace Accidents
Names have been changed to ensure confidentiality

June 4, 2019
One of the most important factors of running a business effectively is keeping employees healthy and safe. Safety Lessons Learned is a series designed to provide examples of workplace accidents that result in injury or even death to help employers recognize hazards and put the proper preventative measures in place.
Lack of Training Causes Injury to Forklift Operator

Joe drives a forklift and operates other heavy equipment at ABC Warehouse in Austin, Texas. While completing a project, he discovered that he needed to adjust the width of the forks, but no one had ever shown him how. Joe decided to spread the 80-100 pound forks with his fingers. He ended up crushing his pinky, which resulted in a fracture. 

Safety Lesson:
  1. Train new, inexperienced or transferred workers on the equipment they will be using.
  2. Provide employees with structured coaching.
  3. Obtain feedback that verifies employees understand the work tasks, the associated hazards, and the processes and procedures to mitigate those hazards.
landscaper
Landscaping Worker Suffers Fatal Heat-Related Injury


Tim works on a landscaping crew in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The crew was working on a hot summer day when temperatures peaked over 100 degrees. Tim did not drink enough water or take the appropriate amount of breaks during the day and suffered fatal heat-related injuries. 

Safety Lesson:
Remind crewmembers to prevent heat-related illnesses by following these simple steps.
  1. Drink, drink, drink. Employees should drink four cups of water every hour in 15-minute increments.
  2. Take frequent breaks. Employees need to take breaks to allow their bodies to recover.
  3. Hang in the shade. Employees can cool down quickly by standing in shaded or air conditioned areas when possible.
Extreme heat, especially in climates like Florida, is both uncomfortable and dangerous. Other ways to stay safe while working in the heat include wearing light colored clothing and a hat, wearing sunscreen and reporting symptoms of heat-related illnesses immediately. For more safety tips on working in the heat, click here.
roofer
Experienced Roofer Skips Harness and Falls to His Death
 
Brian has owned his own roofing company for 25 years. Because of his experience in the industry, he rarely uses a harness, although he requires his team to use protective equipment. While working on a roofing job in New York City, Brian reached for a tool, slipped, and fell to his death. 


Safety Lesson:
Always wear fall protection when working on roofs or any other heights where the distance to the ground is more than six feet. Remember, just because you have done this before without getting hurt does not mean you never will. Falls remain the biggest cause of worker deaths in the construction industry. Situations like this not only have a physical impact on the injured employee, there is also a financial and emotional implication for all those involved.
Five Ways to Create a Safety Culture in Your Workplace
  1. Focus more on coaching and less on rules.
  2. Do not succumb to organizational complacency.
  3. Engage workers in meaningful safety conversations.
  4. Let integrity lead your workforce. Do things right no matter who is watching.
  5. Teach employees how to do their jobs correctly and then hold them to a high standard.

 

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Monday, June 3, 2019

Five Hurricane Hacks

Are you ready for Hurricane Season?  These 5 hacks will ensure you are!



With hurricane season in full effect, it is important to be well prepared. While some people gather their belongings and devise an evacuation plan, others prepare their homes in efforts to wait it out and ride the storm. For those of you who don’t have evacuation plans and prefer to stay in your homes during this hurricane season, here are a few super easy and fun hacks to help you prepare.

1. Washing Machine Cooler

If in need of additional cooler space, here is an efficient option for you. When at the  grocery store picking up essentials, grab a couple of extra bags of ice for your washing machine. Fill your machine with water jugs or any other items to keep them cold add the ice and close the lid. This makeshift cooler will keep things cold for several hours, dependent on how often lid is opened. Don’t panic when the ice melts, washing machines are designed to drain excess water.

2. Cup and Coin

The cup and coin tip helps ensure that your food is safe to consume during a power outage.  For this hack all you will need is a cup of water and a coin. Freeze the cup of water and place a coin on top, then place it back in your freezer. When experiencing a power outage, the placement of the coin within the cup will determine if the food in your freezer is safe for consumption. If the coin is found frozen within the cup this tells you that the water had melted at some point. If the water in the cup melted then refroze, the same can be said for the food in the freezer. So, you may need to reconsider that yummy steak dinner you’ve been saving.

3. DIY Candle


Don’t be stuck in the dark during a power outage.  If picking up candles happened to have slipped your mind, look around the house for these useful household items. Grab a can of Crisco and string to create your own candle. A can of Crisco can burn for up to 45 days. If this isn’t an item in your cabinet, use a crayon instead. A single crayon will burn for up to 30 minutes. Other useful household items that can double as a candle during an emergency are liquid oils, butter, oranges, lard, canned meats or fish in oil, cheese wax, and Vaseline. As for the wick, almost anything that will pull wax or oil into the candle flame can be used, cotton or linen works best. Always pre-prime your wicks with melted wax before making the candle, this will help with the burn quality.

4. DIY Sink

Save  the laundry detergent jugs after using the last drop.  These jugs are useful during a hurricane since water is not always readily accessible. Fill the jugs with water and have soap and paper towels handy to form a makeshift sink/hand washing station. The spout on the jug will allow for easy access to keep your hands clean.

5. Pet Potty Place

Pets are a major part of our families as well, so let’s make sure  they are hurricane ready just like you. When the storm starts to blow, your pets will need a dry, safe place to go. Create a “potty place” for your pets with a few simple items. Putting pieces of sod in a kiddie pool creates a safe place for your dogs to potty during the storm. A kiddie pool and some sod can also create the illusion that your pet is doing its business outside.
So, whether you decide to evacuate your home or wait it out, be sure to be prepared for anything the storm throws your way. Share your favorite hacks with us below, or let us know if you have hacks of your own in the “comments” section.
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Work Comp Wednesday - First-aid best practices for outdoor workers


Employees that work outdoors are exposed to hazards that can result in injuries and illnesses, especially during the summer months. High temperatures can cause heat stress and related illnesses, while equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and hand tools pose risks if precautions are not taken. Common outdoor injuries include trips and falls, fractures, sprains, lacerations, insect bites, and sunburns.
OSHA regulations may vary by industry, but general standards require all employers to:
  • Ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on occupational health matters
  • Have adequate first aid supplies readily available
  • Ensure there are one or more people in the workplace adequately trained to provide first aid unless there is a hospital, clinic, or infirmary for treating injured employees in close proximity (within 3 to 4 minutes for life-threatening emergencies)
By providing a first aid kit, employers are giving employees and medical personnel the tools to treat minor injuries or control problems until professional medical attention is obtained. Therefore, it is essential that these kits include the right supplies. The minimally acceptable number and type of supplies for first-aid kits, as defined by OSHA 1910.266, include: gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches), two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches), box adhesive bandages (band-aids), one package gauze roller bandage (at least 2 inches wide), two triangular bandages, a wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes, scissors, at least one blanket, tweezers, adhesive tape, latex gloves, resuscitation equipment (such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask), two elastic wraps, a splint, and directions for requesting emergency assistance.
Employees should be able to identify and locate first-aid supplies in case of an emergency. Management may also provide first-aid certification training to staff members as an additional safety measure. Since the exposures of outdoor worksites are generally more difficult to control, safeguards must be in place for employees in these conditions. The checklist below outlines basic steps businesses can take to improve their first-aid practices.
First-aid checklist for small businesses:
  • Keep a first-aid kit in each company-owned vehicle
  • Provide basic first-aid training to employees
  • Require employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate
  • Instruct workers to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated when working in extreme heat
  • Develop written safety programs for first-aid, heat stress prevention, and bloodborne pathogens

Sources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Business and Legal Resources
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance
                                                     Serving Florida since 1964