Lauren Sullivan, Author at The Prewitt Group

August 16, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

College campuses are gearing up to welcome a new class of first-year college students eagerly awaiting to discover their purpose in life. It can be a very emotional time for parents who have teenagers embarking on their college journey and into a world of unknowns. Parents of first-year students also worry about how their teen will adapt to living outside the home for the first time or how they will manage the new college environment. Along with those challenges, parents also worry about safety while their child is away from home.

Our partners at Frankenmuth outline seven tips for staying safe on a college campus:

Become familiar with the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods. Make sure students know the perimeter footprint within the campus. They need to know where their classes will be, where their dorm is as well as where the dining hall and library are located. It also is a good idea to locate the Campus Safety Office or the Campus Police Station and keep their number handy in case of an emergency.
Don’t walk alone at night. The buddy system is the best system when navigating a college campus at night. Never walk in unfamiliar areas alone. Carry a flashlight, pepper spray and whistle in your bag. Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Use safe transportation methods. Most college campuses offer a shuttle service. Familiarize yourself with these transportation methods and their routes. If you drive your car, make sure it has been checked out and is reliable. Never, ever ask someone you don’t know for a ride.
Protect your personal property. Don’t leave expensive items out in public. Never leave your personal property unattended. When you leave your dorm, lock the door.
Small appliance safety. Small appliances such as microwaves, space heaters, fans and toasters can make dorm life easier, however, students need to make sure they know how to use these appliances properly. Colleges also have strict rules on which appliances are allowed in a dorm room, so familiarize yourself with what is acceptable. Colleges take their small appliance allowances and safety rules very seriously and some campuses even levy fines for rules violations.
Fire hazards. Extinguish fire hazards before they become a problem. Leave the candles at home and opt for alternatives such as flameless candles, string lights and scented wall plugs. Know where the fire exits are and memorize the emergency evacuation routes.
Life insurance. As a way to proactively prepare for your future, it is a good idea to purchase a life insurance policy while you are young and healthy.

A note for parents: Most of a student’s property in their dorm will probably be covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy. It’s a good idea to discuss this and the other insurance needs with one of our associates. The Prewitt Group would like to wish new and returning students all the best for a safe and happy year at college!

July 26, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

Hurricane season typically lasts at least six months, from June 1 to November 30. If you live along the Gulf Coast, it’s especially important that you and your family are always prepared before and during hurricane season. Although predictions may vary on how many storms there will be in any given season, do you know what to do should one strike?

Our partners at Travelers offer several articles on how to prepare for hurricanes as well as articles that debunk myths on how to prepare yourself for a hurricane.

MYTHS:

Question: Will taping a big “X” on my windows prevent them from breaking?

Answer: No, taping a big “X” on your windows will not prevent them from breaking during a hurricane.

Question: Should I only safeguard and board up the windows that are facing the water?

Answer: No, during extreme wind velocity, outdoor items can become airborne and break any window in your home.

Question: If I lean against a door during a hurricane, can I prevent it from blowing inward?

Answer: No, it’s extremely dangerous to be in front of doors and windows during a hurricane. Please safeguard yourself and your family by going to the innermost interior room or safe space on the lowest level of your home. Another tip is to close all interior doors and brace any exterior doors before the storm hits.

Question: Should I open my windows to alleviate pressure?

Answer: No, according to our partners at Travelers and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, no house is built airtight and an over-pressurization to this degree is not possible. Opening windows presents the danger of flying objects entering your home. Therefore, all windows should be closed and shuttered during a hurricane.

Now that you are aware of the myths, how prepared are you for a hurricane?

The best way to be prepared is to have a plan in place before the storm hits. Travelers outlines a full list to help you safeguard every area of your home. The following is a brief list to get you started:

Survival Kit – Have a bug-out kit ready to go complete with important papers, non-perishable food, medications, prescription glasses, a first aid kit, cell phone chargers, a flashlight, batteries, and a portable weather radio. Also, have a kit for your pets, food, water, pet carriers and any pet records.
Evacuation Route: If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. Gas up your car before you leave.
Content List: Make a list of all of the items in your home or business.
Outdoor Objects: Secure outdoor objects before the storm; do not store propane tanks in your home or garage.
Generator: Make sure your emergency generator is functioning and the fuel tank is full. Store fuel in a safe place and not in your home.

The American Red Cross also offers a thorough Hurricane Preparedness Checklist at this link.

If you live along the Gulf Coast and need to ensure you have the proper hurricane coverage for your personal or business assets, contact Derek Meyer in the Florida Panhandle area.

July 17, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

Summer heat can be brutal and combined with a job requiring people to work outside doing physical labor, like on a construction site, can lead to heat-related illnesses. Working in high temperatures, humidity and direct sunlight with no breeze is a cocktail that will put employees at risk for heat exhaustion, heat cramps or, even worse, heat stroke.

Protecting employees from heat stress should be a top priority while they are working on the job site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a safety blueprint to help protect and keep employees safe during extreme heat conditions:

PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESSES:

Be prepared- establish a complete heat illness prevention program and make sure everyone on the job site is prepared to handle heat-related illnesses.
Provide training about the hazards that may lead to heat stress and heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them.
Provide access to cool water near the job site. It is recommended to provide 1 pint per hour for workers. Drink water every 15 minutes before becoming dehydrated.
Modify work schedules and plan for frequent rest periods in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Help workers adjust to extreme heat by changing up their workloads. For new personnel, gradually introduce new personnel to the job so that they can adjust to working in the heat.
Have a foreman or designated person monitor workers when temperatures are hot.
Consider requiring protective clothing that cools. Make sure workers wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

STEPS TO TAKE IF AN EMPLOYEE FALLS ILL FROM HEAT:

Call 911 and call a supervisor, if one is available.
Stay with the ill worker until help arrives.
Move the worker to a cool or shaded area.
Remove outer clothing and mist or fan the worker.
If the worker is able to drink, give them water.

Companies also need to ensure that their commercial insurance policy is up-to-date especially your Workers Comp policy. Consult with one of our trusted advisors to review the policy.

June 27, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

Now that summer is officially here, many of us are looking forward to spending time on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2022 there were 5000 recreational boating accidents causing $63 million in property damage.

The U.S. Coast Guard and our partners at CHUBB outline several boating safety tips that we encourage you to review before pulling away from the dock.

Life Jackets: Make sure everyone onboard has a properly fitting life jacket and that they wear it. No matter how skilled you are at swimming, not wearing a life jacket can be detrimental especially if there is an emergency. Life jackets help you float, keep your head above water and can protect against hypothermia should you be involved in a boating accident. In addition, you will want to make sure that you are using the right life jacket for the size boat you are on as well as have a throwable flotation device.
Avoid Alcohol: Just as drinking and driving is dangerous so is drinking and boating. Sixteen percent of boating fatalities are caused by boaters who are under the influence, and nearly 40 percent of boating accidents are caused by those who have been drinking. Alcohol impairs your judgment. Staying alert while driving a boat is critical to your safety.
Boating Safety Courses: Check your local area for a boating safety course. Navigating a boat is different from driving a car. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron and others, sponsor many courses, and many state boating agencies also provide classes. You can receive a National Boating Safety Certificate by taking one of these courses.
Cell Phones: Distracted boating is increasing because more and more drivers are texting or looking at their phones. Please put down your cell phone while driving and keep your eyes on your surroundings.
Check the Weather Forecast: While on the water, it’s a good idea to keep a check on the weather forecast. A pop-up storm can unexpectedly occur. Also, have and review your boating storm safety plan and be ready to act. Make sure you have a workable radio onboard so you can use it in case of an emergency.
Carbon Monoxide: Internal engines emit carbon monoxide, so you will want to be sure you have a detector onboard and that you are aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is undetectable to the human senses but is deadly. The symptoms can be similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication.
File a Float Plan: It is always encouraged to tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back when boating. If an emergency occurs, the Coast Guard or other officials will be able to find you.
Free Boat Inspection: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron offer Boat Safety Checks at no cost. Certified examiners can check your boat’s equipment and provide you with safety information before you go out on the water.

It’s also a good idea to review your boat’s policy and coverage with one of our trusted advisors before hitting the water this summer. We wish you a summer filled with safe and happy boating!

May 24, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

With the sunny days of summer and rising temperatures comes that time of the year when more and more people get out and enjoy the water. Whether you just want to wade in the water, swim in a lake or pool or slip-slide in a water park, now is an excellent time to review how to stay safe.

According to the CDC, 4000 people unintentionally drown every year for an average of 11 drowning deaths per day while 8000 people nearly drown for an average of 22 per day.

The National Safety Council (NSC) found that of the 3709 drownings in 2017, 12 percent were children aged four or younger. Seventy-four percent of drownings of children under 15 from 2015-2017 occurred in residential locations.

While it’s extremely fun to be around the water, it also can be extremely dangerous. At The Prewitt Group, we want you and your family to remain safe in and around the water this summer. We offer these safety tips from the NSC:

Don’t go into the water unless you know how to swim. One of the best ways to remain safe is to learn how to swim. Swimming lessons are offered by a number of community organizations and at swimming schools.
Never swim alone. The buddy system is the best system.
Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
Swimming in lakes and rivers is much different than in pools. Lakes and rivers have currents. Make sure you are comfortable swimming in bodies of water with currents. In addition if you get caught in a current don’t panic; flow along with it or swim parallel to the shore until you can get free.
Don’t push or jump on others.
Don’t dive into unfamiliar areas.
Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards.
Don’t drink alcohol and swim.
Never leave children alone in the water.
Never let children play around the drains or suction cups.

Have fun, enjoy all that the summer season offers, and most of all, stay mindful of safe practices!

May 16, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

With summertime quickly approaching, it typically means more and more people will be hitting the road. In fact, The Vacationer estimates that approximately 100 million people will be road-tripping 250 miles or more when the summer travel season begins Memorial Day weekend. So before you “get your motor running and head out on the highway,” The Prewitt Group recommends that you check your auto insurance coverage to ensure you are prepared should something unexpected happen.

When trying to decide what auto insurance coverage plan is right for you, do you know the difference between Comprehensive and Collision coverage?

According to our partners at The Hartford, Comprehensive and Collision insurance coverages are defined as:
Comprehensive insurance protects your car from damages you can’t control like fire, hail, wind, theft, vandalism or even hitting a deer.

Collision insurance protects your car in accidents and will pay for vehicle repairs or even the replacement of your vehicle.

COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE:

Comprehensive Insurance is optional and will help pay for non-collision damage to your car that is out of your control. It covers damage from:

Natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes
Vandalism
Theft
Fire
Falling objects
Civil Disturbances such as a riot.
Hitting an animal
Glass

Comprehensive insurance does not cover damage to your car from a collision, medical expenses, legal fees, loss of income for you or your passengers, damage to another person’s car or property stolen from your car.

COLLISION INSURANCE on the other hand, covers:

A collision with another vehicle or an object like a fence or tree
An accident involving only your car, like a rollover accident
Someone crashing into your parked car
An accident in a car you’ve rented

If you have an accident, both types of insurance require that you meet your deductible before coverage pays for repairs to your car. To find out what coverage you need or to review your current auto insurance coverage, schedule a review with one of our associates or personal lines team.

April 25, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

According to the National Safety Council, 96 percent of people believe that texting or emailing on a cell phone is a threat to driving safely, and 87 percent believe that talking on the phone is a threat. Yet, 60 percent of the people still talk on the phone and 44 percent still respond to texts while driving. Did you know that talking on a cell phone while driving is more dangerous than talking to your passengers or listening to music?

As April (and Distracted Driving Awareness Month) comes to a close, The Prewitt Group wants to remind you that it doesn’t mean you can now go back to being distracted while driving. Our partners at Frankenmuth Insurance offer eight tips on how to avoid driving distracted so that you will arrive safely at your destination:

Familiarize yourself with your car’s features: Learn everything you need to know about how your car operates so that you can access features without taking your eyes off the road.
Know where you’re going: Before you place your car in drive make sure you have set your navigation system and it is voice activated.
Pick a perfect playlist: Instead of fooling with tuning the radio while you are driving, why not set up the perfect playlist so that you are not distracted trying to find the right music for your journey?
Place your cell phone in the center of your console: Drivers are six times more likely to get into an accident while talking on their cell phones. Place the phone where you are not tempted to dial while driving.
Silence your notifications: When a phone is constantly notifying you, you will become distracted. Messages can wait until you arrive at your destination safely.
Sip through a straw: Eating and drinking while driving can be very hazardous. Sometimes drinking during a road trip is necessary, but if you drink from a bottle, you have to tip your head back, which takes your eyes off of the road. Drinking through a straw will alleviate the head tip.
Download an app to reduce distracted driving: Consider downloading an app that blocks calls, emails, texting and your camera while you are behind the wheel. Once you arrive safely at your destination, you can turn off the app until you’re on the road again.
Sign a pledge to keep roadways safe: You can pledge to become a more attentive driver by signing the National Safety Council’s pledge to help make the roads safer for you and other drivers.

The Prewitt Group wants to help you protect yourself and the ones you love through safe driving habits. Having a good auto insurance policy is an important measure to keep you on track. Review your plan with one of our risk consultants by booking an appointment at this link.

April 17, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

Now that spring is in full bloom, construction projects and sites are becoming busier than ever. As a reminder that with the warmer weather, these sites can also be faced with a different set of safety challenges. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Safety Council offer a number of tips to help keep you on top of workplace safety, especially on construction sites.

The Prewitt Group wants to help you and your team prepare for any unexpected challenges and help you mitigate your risks onsite by offering a few reminders regarding workplace safety, especially during the spring months:

Make Sure Everyone Is Prepared: During the spring, outside temperatures can fluctuate between cold in the mornings to warmer or even hot in the afternoons. You will want to encourage your workers to have the proper attire for transitioning with the rise or fall in temperatures. Rain and mud are also more likely to be a problem in the spring, so you will want to make sure everyone is prepared for any sudden landscape changes.
Make Sure You Have a Plan for Severe Weather: The weather can change on a dime during the springtime. It may be sunny one minute and stormy the next. It is important to maximize the safety and welfare of your workers by having a severe weather evacuation plan for outdoor job sites that everyone is aware of and can put into motion relatively quickly. Workers should be encouraged to evacuate a site immediately if thunder and lightning occur.
Inspect Onsite Equipment: As mentioned before, rain and mud can be more prevalent in the spring. As such, we encourage routine inspection of equipment to clean off any mud that may have accumulated on surfaces or heavy equipment entry points to avoid slips and falls.
Avoid Slips and Falls: Standing water, especially on a construction site, increases the chances of workers slipping and falling. Make sure that standing water is eliminated in areas that may be prone to creating dangerous situations.
Proper PPE: Make sure workers are properly equipped with the appropriate PPE and are prepared for being outdoors. Safety goggles are a must in the springtime because the wind can pick up and debris can start flying. In addition, workers’ boots must have good traction for slippery areas.
Proper Training: Ensure that your workers are properly trained to work in outdoor conditions by keeping them trained and informed of OSHA’s construction site safety guidelines.

For 49 years, we have helped businesses keep their associates safe. Ensure that you have the appropriate commercial coverage and workers compensation by scheduling a review of your policies with one of our risk consultants.

March 27, 2023March 24, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

Over the last 49 years, The Prewitt Group has grown into one of the largest firms in the Southeast. We remain true to our legacy of service excellence in our present-day offerings through partnerships with our network of top-rated insurance carriers – all aligned to provide our customers with an unmatched portfolio of custom insurance products. As we continue to grow, our promise is to never lose sight of our dedication to our clients.

We are pleased to announce new associates that have recently joined our firm:

Raine Satter joins The Prewitt Group as a Commercial Account Executive. She has 12 years of experience in the insurance industry and looks forward to continuing to hone her skills in the industry to help meet client needs.

Jackie Samford joins as a part-time Commercial Lines Associate. She has been working in the insurance industry for over seven years and is looking forward to serving The Prewitt Group’s clients.

Michael Tyner brings a wealth of sales experience to The Prewitt Group and will be working as a Risk Consultant. As the nephew of Johnny and Andy Prewitt, he is joining other family members at the firm and is excited to get to know clients. Michael enjoys golfing, listening to music and spending time with his wife, Grace.

Join us in welcoming them to The Prewitt Group family. They look forward to connecting with you and working to help you find the right coverages to fit your needs.

March 13, 2023 by Lauren Sullivan

Chubb has bestowed its Cornerstone designation on The Prewitt Group. Of the approximately 2,400 personal lines insurance agencies and brokerages that partner with Chubb North America Personal Risk Services, fewer than 12 percent have earned the Cornerstone designation.

Chubb is a premier provider of personal insurance and is known for its Masterpiece® products and services designed for the owners of custom and historic homes, luxury automobiles, yachts, fine arts, antiques, other valuable possessions and excess personal liability.

“We are honored to receive this Cornerstone designation, which shows our dedication to the insurance industry and our commitment to serving our clients, who have a unique set of property and liability exposures associated with their lifestyle,” said Johnny Prewitt, President of The Prewitt Group. “As an agency, we have set the standard in the Southeast for providing our clients with the best coverage, giving them peace of mind.”

As a Cornerstone agency, we receive several benefits that enable us to address our clients’ risk management needs faster and more efficiently. Our associates work with Chubb’s most experienced underwriters and risk consultants. Chubb also designates an assigned claim specialist to our agency. In addition, our associates have preferential access to educational Chubb seminars to enhance their client service and agency management skills.

Over the last 49 years, our firm has grown into one of the largest in the region. Our legacy of service excellence is synonymous with who we are. Aligning with award-winning partners enables us to provide our clients with an unmatched portfolio of custom risk management solutions to manage any need that may arise.

Tips for Staying Safe on a College Campus