817-341-4400
M-F, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
930 Hilltop Dr, Suite 100
Weatherford, TX 76086

817-341-4400
M-F, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
930 Hilltop Dr, Suite 100
Weatherford, TX 76086

With school back in session and daily routines getting back to normal, families are beginning again to cook at home more.  With this being the case, we thought we would share some Cooking Fire Safety measures with you.

Cooking has long been and continues to be the most common cause of home structure fires and home fire-related injuries. Whether preparing for a family dinner or a quick snack, practicing safe cooking behaviors can help keep you and your family safe.

  • Never leave your range or cooktop unattended while cooking. If you have to leave the room, turn your range or cooktop off.
  • Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can hang down onto hot surfaces and can catch fire if it comes in contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
  • Keep your cooking area clean and free of combustible materials. Food wrappers, oven mitts or other materials left on or near the stove may catch fire.
  • Be sure to clean up any spilled or splattered grease. Built-up grease can catch fire in the oven or on the cooktop.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher readily available. Having an extinguisher nearby is important, but you also need to have the correct type of extinguisher and know how to properly use it.
  • Never throw hot grease in the garbage as it can ignite combustible materials. Be sure to let grease cool and dispose of it in an old can, such as a metal coffee can.
  • Do not store food or other items in your oven. It can be easy to forget there is an item in your oven, and this could catch fire while preheating.

What to Do If a Cooking Fire Flares Up

By exercising caution at all times in your kitchen, you can help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. But if a fire does flare up, you need to be prepared.

  • Your safety should always come first. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to fight the fire, leave the scene, call 911 for help, and let the fire department control the fire.
  • If a small fire flares up and you are going to attempt to extinguish it, call 911 for help first. A fire may grow out of control more quickly than you anticipate. It is safer to have help already on the way.
  • Smother a grease fire – never throw water on a grease fire. The super-heated water can change to steam, and can cause severe burns. Oil also can splash and spread the fire. If a grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding the lid – while wearing an oven mitt – over the pan. If safe to do so, turn off the heat source. Do not move the pan, and keep the lid on until the fire is out and the pan is completely cool.
  • If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat source. Keeping the door closed will help smother the flames. Do not open the door until the flames are completely out.
  • If a fire starts in your microwave, turn off the microwave and do not open it until the fire is completely out. Unplug the microwave only if you can safely do so.

If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you've probably thought about spending some evenings on the water — especially in the summertime.

It's a great thought, of course. But, when you're boating after dark, you need to think about staying safe, even as you enjoy the stillness of the water and the starry sky.

Here are seven things to keep in mind, both before you hit the water and once you're out cruising around:

  1. Have a plan — and tools to help if it goes wrong.
    Don't go boating at night in an unfamiliar place. You can't see as well, obviously, so stick to where you know the ropes, so to speak. And because things look different in the dark, make sure you have the correct navigational tools in case you get lost.
  2. Share your plan.
    Always give a friend or family member your "float plan." Include where you're going, your boat's description and registration information, who's with you and when you'll be back.
  3. Check – and dress for – the weather.
    On top of the other difficulties of boating at night, you don't want to get caught in a storm if you can help it. And you want to be comfortable, so be sure to bring clothing appropriate for the forecast. A sweatshirt, blanket and extra towels may come in handy, even in the summertime.
  4. Do a pre-trip inspection.
    This is good advice for daytime boating as well, but at night it's crucial that your navigation lights work, for starters. You also need a horn, plenty of fuel, a radio, a flashlight, flares, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all passengers.
  5. Slow down.
    Speed is a factor in many boating accidents, and the limited visibility at night makes the water even more dangerous. Remember, you aren't going to be the only one on the water at night, so know the right-of-way rules.
  6. Pay attention.
    Know how to monitor the navigation lights of other vessels to recognize which direction they are going. Be particularly cautious about small vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, as well as anchored or drifting boats. Their lights can be easily confused with lights onshore.
  7. Don't get distracted — or drunk.
    It's never okay to drink and operate a boat, so be sure you have a designated driver. And, though you're out there to have fun, make sure you can still hear the sounds from approaching vessels. Keep the stereo low and your ears open.

While these tips are important, there's nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage. If you're a new boater or just in an unfamiliar vessel, you may want to put in more hours during the day before tackling an area at night. Even then, start with short evening outings and work your way up to a moonlight ride. And don't forget to turn on the lights at the dock before you go!

Safeco Insurance has recognized Paschall Insurance Group, as a Safeco® Elite Agent based upon outstanding performance and our commitment to serve customers as a trusted advisor.

Fewer than 10% of independent insurance agencies that sell Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor.

At Paschall Insurance Group, we are pleased to be among the top agencies in the country!

As a Safeco Elite Agent, Paschall Insurance Group will receive access to special resources and programs that will support us in serving our customers even better with expert advice.

We strive to provide our customers with trusted guidance, so this Safeco honor makes us extremely proud.

There are many ways to purchase an insurance policy these days, whether it be online, over the phone, or in person.  Ultimately, you will obtain insurance directly from an insurance company or through a licensed insurance agent.

Let's look at the benefits of using an independent agent vs. a captive agent.

In this day and age, it's all about CHOICES and OPTIONS.  This is where the value of an independent agent comes to light.  Put simply, independent agents have the ability to offer more choices than a captive agent.

Independent agents represent dozens of insurance companies.  This means they can look at your personal situation and shop your needs with multiple insurers to make the best recommendation for you.

In contrast, a captive agent by nature only sells insurance for a single (1) company.  An example of a captive agent would be State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, etc.  They only have one insurer/company to offer, so therefore they only have one quote to offer you as well.

If you are insured with a captive agent, you would be led to believe that your premium is the best rate available, because within their company - it is.  They have no other options or choices for you.  Now, I have seen a captive agent reduce coverage amounts as a means to lower the premium - making the client think that they had "shopped" their insurance.  I am not saying this is a typical practice but just something to potentially be aware of.  FYI...  You should never reduce your insurance coverage solely as a means to lower your premium unless you are out of other options.

Independent agents also have a "leg up" on the renewal process as well.  When a policy renews with an Independent agency, they have the ability to re-shop your rate with any of the insurers they represent and move your policy if necessary.  An independent agent can ensure you're getting the best rates available year after year.

On another note, occasionally consumers can be unsure of going with an independent agent simply because they don't recognize some of the insurance companies that the agent represents.  Don't let anyone convince you that if you don't go with one of the well-known "brands" of insurance that you're taking a risk...  This is simply not true!  Every insurer/company is governed by an associated State Department of Insurance to ensure their best business practice.  Additionally, you can research the insurer's financial strength (rating) to gain more knowledge and understanding.  A multi-million dollar national advertising campaign should not be a guide for your insurance decisions (after all, who do you think is paying for that advertisement... hmmm).

What are you waiting for...  Get to know your local independent agent today!

 

It's one of the most important things associated with owning a boat, but insurance policies can be confusing.  Here's what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

1. What should a boat insurance policy include?

Coverage for the boat, engine, boating equipment, dinghies, and trailer. Medical payments coverage for onboard injuries and liability coverage for any property damage or bodily injury you are legally responsible for.

2. What does "Actual Cash Value" or "Agreed Value" mean?

Policies are written as either "Actual Cash Value" or "Agreed Value."

Actual cash value:

For total losses, your payout is based on the current market value of your boat. For partial losses, you receive the value of the loss less depreciation and the deductible.

Benefit:  You pay less up front.

Downside:  You pay more to get back on the water after a loss.

Agreed value:

For a total loss, you are paid an agreed policy value, which means you know how much you'll get in the event you lose your boat. Partial losses are subject to the deductible and some items will also be adjusted for depreciation. All losses on boating equipment are replaced "new for old" after the deductible. For example, if your 5-year-old GPS is stolen, it will be replaced with a brand new one (of like kind and quality).

Benefit:  You pay less out of pocket in the event of a partial loss and you know exactly how much you would receive in the event of a total loss.

3. Is the trailer covered?

If your boat has a trailer, don't assume it will automatically be covered under your boat policy. Physical damage to the trailer is covered under the policy; however, third-party property damage or bodily injury that happens while trailering is not. This is usually covered under your auto policy — check with your auto carrier.

4. What happens if the owner isn't driving and there's an accident?

If the boat is being operated by a family member or other person using the boat with your permission, and without compensation, they are covered under the conditions of the policy. If you "rent" or "lease" your boat to others, then coverage does not apply. Also, liability coverage is not provided for a paid captain or crew.

5. Additional options are available:

Personal effects coverage:

For non-boating equipment such as personal computers or clothing, and for boat-related items not considered boating equipment such as fishing or watersports equipment.

Depreciation waiver:

For boats less than 10 years old, you can eliminate any depreciation that otherwise would have been applied to a claim.

Ice and freeze damage:

Where freezing is a common occurrence, this endorsement protects boats against damages that may occur if the boat is not properly winterized.

Guide coverage for boats under 27 feet:

For those operating a fishing guide service, make sure you are protecting your business and clients with the proper coverage.