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From texting and scrolling through social media to driving while fatigued or under the influence, there are countless distractions that take our minds and eyes away from the road.  Each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.

April is recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. All of the “it was just a glance” or “it was just one drink” or “I needed to reply” excuses for taking your attention from the road are not worth the risks and consequences of a car accident.

Here are 7 ways to cut distractions from your commute and just drive:

  1. Turn off your phone, put it out of reach, or use the “do not disturb” setting: Taking these measures will help you avoid interruptions from any notifications and the temptation to check your phone. You can also block out driving time on your calendar or set automatic responses to let people know you’ll be driving.
  2. Program your route before you leave: Need directions? Enter the address into your GPS before hitting the road. Be sure to turn the volume on and position the device where you can easily see it without taking your eyes off the road.
  3. Stop using your hands-free device: While using a hands-free device keeps your hands on the wheel, studies show that talking on the phone reduces your field of vision and your ability to process moving imagery. If you need to take or make a call, find a safe place to pull over.
  4. Pullover to eat: Eating and driving can be just as dangerous as texting and driving. Make a pit stop at a rest area or restaurant if you need a bite to eat.
  5. Turn down your music: Keep the stereo volume low enough to be aware of your surroundings. Loud music can cause you to lose focus on the road or miss other potential warning signs of an accident.
  6. Don’t drive fatigued: Driving while fatigued raises your chance of a crash by increasing reaction time and impairing your ability to make quick decisions. Be sure you are well-rested before hitting the road.
  7. Get ready at home: Doing your hair or makeup while driving might save you a few minutes in the morning, but it could cost you your life. Finish getting ready at home or at your workplace.

Join The Prewitt Group as we raise awareness of these distracted driving dangers, make adjustments to your driving routine, and pledge to drive free from distractions today.

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The Prewitt Group Awarded 2020 Agency of the Year

Frankenmuth Insurance bestows award to recognize top performance, profitability, growth and policy retention

Birmingham, Alabama, March 23, 2021 – Frankenmuth Insurance has named The Prewitt Group, a risk management and insurance firm headquartered in Birmingham, the 2020 Agency of the Year. The award is presented annually to one agency with overall top performance in profitability, growth and policy retention. The Prewitt Group has been a part of Frankenmuth Insurance since 2010. “Each year, we look forward to recognizing our top performing agencies for their dedication and commitment to serving our mutual customers,” said Fred Edmond, president & COO of Frankenmuth Insurance. “The Prewitt Group’s outstanding performance earned our highest distinction. It is an honor to present this award to the team.” The Prewitt Group is a family owned and operated full-service risk management firm, serving the Birmingham area since 1974. “Our agency is grateful to be recognized as Frankenmuth’s Agency of the Year for 2020. We are proud to have honored our commitment to our clients and partners in what was a challenging year for so many. Our team, like a family, stands together to bring the expertise and service needed to mitigate the risks of life and business for our clients and we appreciate the recognition from Frankenmuth Insurance for these efforts,” said John R. Prewitt, III, President of The Prewitt Group. To learn more about The Prewitt Group, find them on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or visit prewitt.group.com

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About Frankenmuth Insurance Insurance exists to provide peace of mind, and Frankenmuth Insurance has been protecting individuals, families and businesses for more than 150 years. We truly care about the people we serve and strive to be your insurer of choice. We partner exclusively with nearly 700 independent agents to customize business, home, auto, and life insurance policies and surety bonds. Headquartered in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and doing business in 15 states, Frankenmuth Insurance is financially sound, with $1.8 billion in assets. The company has an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). For more information visit fmins.com. 1 Mutual Avenue, Frankenmuth, MI 48787-0001 Tel: 989.652.6121 www.fmins.com Fax: 989.652.6231

About The Prewitt Group J. R. Prewitt & Associates was founded in 1974 by John R. Prewitt, Jr. on the basis of offering clients a wide array of risk management services including commercial, personal, life and health, professional liability, workers compensation and bonds. In 2018, J.R. Prewitt & Associates transitioned to The Prewitt Group, one of the few family-owned agencies in the southeast serving over 4,000 clients and representing over two dozen insurance carriers. The Prewitt Group is committed to understanding the customer’s needs and delivering custom insurance solutions in order to obtain the highest level of client satisfaction. For more information on The Prewitt Group visit www.prewitt.group.com

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Ms. Gasque brings a wealth of insurance industry knowledge and relationship building to her new role with The Prewitt Group. Her successes in the industry are evident as her tenure with New York Life produced two successive years of award-winning work. She is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and serves as a local ambassador to the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. She also serves as the vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Mountain Brook/Homewood. Originally from Utah, Ms. Gasque is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University.

Please join us in welcoming Deb to the Prewitt Group family as an Employee Benefits Advisor!

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Last week, our team partnered with American Red Cross to hold a blood drive in downtown Birmingham at The Theodore. As many businesses and events have closed or began working remotely during this time due to COVID-19, many blood drives have also been cancelled or postponed. Blood drives fulfill a vital need in many hospitals each day and without regularly scheduled blood drives, there has been a shortage.

Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

To put into perspective the needs in measurable statistics, American Red Cross provides the following facts:

  • Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
  • Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
  • Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
  • The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
  • The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
  • Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
  • According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
  • A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

During our blood drive, we were able to collect 52 units of blood and 28 first time donors participated in our drive.

Dane Usry, Senior Account Manager for American Red Cross Alabama and Mississippi Chapters said “The only place we typically see that many first time donors is at a high school, when a group of students has finally met the age requirement. Even then, 28 is a stretch. This drive was phenomenal in every way and we are truly grateful to have partnered with you. Blood drives like yours are what will allow us to ensure our hospitals have an adequate blood supply.”

Thank you to our partners and donors for making our blood drive a success. Our business is built upon the relationships we have made over the last 45 years and we appreciate the continued support of our community. We look forward to building our partnership with American Red Cross, so be sure to look for future opportunities to give back with us! You can also visit our social channels to view recent photos from our blood drive and updates from The Prewitt Group.

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Amid the continued concerns of COVID-19/Coronavirus, please rest assured that The Prewitt Group is committed to keeping our clients and partners protected, prepared and informed. Therefore, we are sharing the following information that has been provided by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Please use the following information to help prepare your team:

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan for and respond to COVID-19. The interim guidance is intended to help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

OSHA recordkeeping requirements mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA300 log. While exposure to common cold and flu are specifically exempt, incidents of employees contracting coronavirus at work are a “recordable” incident.

COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties. However, employers are only responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if certain criteria are met https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html

Regarding employers with employees that could potentially be exposed to novel coronavirus, you can view Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) site for information that may apply to employee’s exposure to novel coronavirus.

  • OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), which require using gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection.
  • When respirators are necessary to protect workers, employers must implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program in accordance with the Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
  • The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker “employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”

As always, The Prewitt Group is available to navigate the uncertainties and questions related to your business and industry. Our team of risk management advisors are ready and available to talk through specific concerns you may have. Please contact us at (205) 933-9207 or email your consultant directly.

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Copy of Life Insurance Awareness Month

One of the added benefits of insuring your home with The Prewitt Group is knowing that your valuable possessions are protected when you’re away. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays to be with friends and family or taking a much-needed vacation to warmer weather, the following tips can help put you at ease and ensure an enjoyable return to your home.

  • Leave faucets dripping if temperatures dip below freezing where you live.
  • Set your thermostat to 65 so you won’t be unnecessarily heating your entire home while you are away.
  • Leave porch lights on to deter potential thieves. If you have access to timed lighting, which can turn on and off to make it seem like someone is home, use this added step to prevent theft during the holidays.
  • For those with a live Christmas tree, make sure it’s properly watered, turn the lights off and unplug them before leaving.
  • As online shopping increases each year, many of your gifts may be delivered during the season. If packages might be delivered to your home while you’re away, many carriers will allow a delayed delivery for your return. You might also have a friend or neighbor bring them inside for safekeeping.
  • Double-checking that all windows and doors are secured is essential. Additionally, for those who have a home security system, setting it before you leave is the last step to making sure you feel comfortable during the holidays away from your home.

Last holiday season, a record-breaking 112.5 million travelers hit the road. That means the risk associated with sharing the roadways increases. The following tips will aid in preparation for your own holiday travels.

  • Keep presents, or anything of great value, hidden away in the trunk or covered.
  • Have your car serviced a few days before traveling to make sure it’s in tip-top shape.
  • Keep in mind that traveling earlier in the day will allow access to service stations, or if necessary, use roadside assistance to provide fixes for troubles you may have without hindering much of your progress.
  • Make sure you have warm blankets and a few snacks in case there are delays due to traffic during your travels, or if a flat tire leaves you waiting in the cold for longer than expected!
  • Always have a phone charger in your car.
  • Lastly, share your itinerary with family so they know when to expect you. Having an alternative route to combat any excess traffic or delays can ensure you arrive before dinner is on the table.

The Prewitt Group extends warm wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

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As the leaves change color and the temperatures cool down, the likelihood of certain insurance claims increases. According to Property Casualty 360, car collision and accident, auto and home theft, house fire and water damage claims increase during the fall and winter seasons. Before you get caught up in the busyness of fall, check out these safety and property maintenance tips.

  1. When driving, be aware of changing road conditions and hazards that come with the changing season.
  • Drive slowly and decrease speeds on wet, icy or leaf-covered roads.
  • Avoid sun glare, which intensifies near sunrise/sunset and aligns with east/west roadways near the autumnal equinox.
  • Keep a safe distance between the car in front of you when driving in the rain.
  • As temperatures drop, look out for icy patches on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas.
  • Most wildlife-related accidents tend to occur between October and December, so watch out for animals on the roadways.
  • Parking lot-related claims also increase between October and December, so avoid tight spots, dark parking lots and cart return areas.
  1. Theft increases each year around the holidays. Take some preventative actions to reduce the chances of being a victim of auto or home theft.
    • Don’t leave packages, briefcases or electronics visible in your car.
    • Take photos of high value items when you purchase them and keep your receipts to prove ownership.
    • Make sure doors are locked and windows are closed when you leave the vehicle.
    • Keep lights on a timer and use motion detectors for the outdoor lights around your home.
    • Use an app, like Ring, to remotely monitor your home.
    • Store your valuables in a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box.
  1. Enjoy fall-scented candles, fireplaces, wood stoves and heaters with caution. Fireproof your home by:
    • Annually inspecting and cleaning your chimney.
    • Annually inspecting and cleaning your heating system.
    • Replacing furnace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Keeping candles away from flammable items and unruly pets. Don’t leave them lit in unoccupied spaces.
    • Checking electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
    • Keeping a fire extinguisher handy.
    • Testing your smoke alarms regularly.
  1. Colder temperatures increase the likelihood of frozen or burst pipes and roof damage. Prevent water damage by:
    • Checking the condition of your pipes and cleaning out backup water valves.
    • Insulating water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
    • Turning off the main water supply before going out of town for an extended period of time.
    • Keeping your drains and gutters clean.
    • Inspecting your roof at least twice a year.

All in all, be aware of the threats that arise with the fall and winter seasons and make home maintenance a part of your fall routine to identify potential problems before they arise. Plus, with the right insurance coverage in place, you’re on your way to a safe and happy fall!

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Cybercriminals target municipalities blog

Ransomware attacks are on the rise and a concern for anyone on the internet, but especially municipalities, according to the FBI. Is your city covered?

Ransomware attacks lock up the victim’s files until a ransom is paid. CBS recently reported that “26 percent of cities and counties say they fend off an attack on their networks every hour.” In the article, the FBI’s Mike Christman emphasized that cybercriminals know governments are likely to pay because they can’t afford not to.

In fact, the city of Leeds, Alabama was hit with a ransomware attack in 2018 and forced to pay the hackers $12K to regain control of its computers. Mayor David Miller never suspected that his town of 12,000 people would be a target. Learn more about Mayor Miller’s experience by reading or watching this segment on 60 Minutes: How Cybercriminals Hold Data Hostage…And Why the Best Solution is Often Paying a Ransom

The Prewitt Group offers a comprehensive cyber liability program that is currently used by municipalities of all sizes across the state of Alabama. Because cyber attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent and threatening, it is important to be aware of and obtain cyber coverages before your city falls victim to these crimes.

If you’re interested in learning more or obtaining cyber coverage, contact a consultant at The Prewitt Group today!

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National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote disaster and emergency planning. It reminds us to be prepared for disasters and emergencies in our homes, businesses and communities. This year’s theme is “Be Prepared, Not Scared.”

We’ve all heard the saying, “Preparation is the key to success,” and it certainly applies to disaster and emergency planning. While we still hope for the best, preparing for the worst can mitigate your expenses and protect your assets.

Be Prepared in 3 Steps:

  1. Create an emergency fund. First and foremost, recovering from a disaster can be financially burdensome. It’s vital to prepare for emergency expenses. Create an emergency fund for your family, home and business so that the money is there when you need it.
  2. Make emergency plans. Inform your family and/or employees of the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Create a fire evacuation and severe weather plan, and then communicate it clearly to your household and workplace. Planned procedures and processes will keep your family and employees safe.
  3. Purchase proper insurance policies. Having the right insurance policies in place is an integral step in disaster preparation. Meet with an insurance consultant to make sure you have the proper coverage for the disasters and risks your family, home and business face. There are many different types of coverages, which are all subject to limitations and exclusions, so make sure you understand your deductibles, the limits of your insurance and the nature of your coverage.

Since 1974, The Prewitt Group’s mission has been to expertly handle all of your insurance needs whether personal or professional, with the utmost attention to detail and comprehensive protection from anticipated risk. We strive to protect our clients from danger, risk and unpleasant experiences. That’s “The Power to Mitigate Risk.”

We offer various commercial, personal and life and health coverages to fit your unique needs. Contact a risk consultant to review your current coverage or purchase additional policies as a step in your disaster planning process.

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Brian

We are excited to welcome Brian Fleury to the team as a Personal Lines and Small Commercial Distribution Leader! In this role, Brian will lead the personal lines and core business unit teams in strategies for new business development, retention practices and book of business analysis to maximize profitability. To learn more about Brian, check out this Q&A:

Q: How did you get into the insurance industry?

A: I started as an Allstate agent in 2009 and later transitioned to Chubb as a marketing/sales representative in 2012.

Q: Are you seeing any new trends in the industry?

A: An increasing number of insurance agencies are selling to large multi-national brokers and private equity backed firms. These organizations are often focused on large commercial accounts, and typically, don’t show much interest in providing insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. This creates a fantastic opportunity for a local, independent agency like The Prewitt Group to step in and tailor insurance coverage to this growing segment of the population.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working for The Prewitt Group?

A: It’s absolutely the people that make up the agency. Everyone takes a lot of pride and accountability in their work – it shows great dedication to our clients daily.

Q: Who’s your biggest role model?

A: My dad has always set a tremendous example as a family leader and hard worker. Plus, he is always available as a friend and mentor.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: Always work hard and put forth your best effort, but also remember to work smart. Harder is not always better. Sometimes harder is just harder.

Q: What are three words that describe you?

A: Perseverant. Committed. Analytical.

Q: What’s something most people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I’m originally from Connecticut and moved to Birmingham in January 2005 to work in minor league baseball for the Barons. It was supposed to be a temporary assignment, but instead I met my now wife a few months into living here and never left.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.” – Wade Griffith

Q: Favorite travel spot/vacation?

A: New York City

Q: Favorite spot to hangout in Birmingham?

A: Pretty much any golf course in town.

Q: Hobbies?

A: Enjoying time away with my family at Lake Martin, playing golf and other sports activities.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My wife Courtney and I have been married for 9 years and have two kids, a 3-year-old daughter, Kate, and a 10-month-old son, Jamey.