Safe Gift-Giving Guide

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about choosing safe and age-appropriate toys to prevent accidents and injuries.

Safe Gift-Giving Guidelines

Follow these tips to prioritize safety when selecting toys:

 

  • Check Age Recommendations: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended age range on toy packaging. Toys intended for older children may have small parts or other features that pose risks to younger ones.

 

  • Inspect for Hazards: Avoid toys with sharp edges, small detachable parts, and strings longer than 7 inches, too.  These strings could pose strangulation risks.

 

  • Choose Non-Toxic Materials: First verify that the toy is made from non-toxic, lead-free materials. This is especially important for younger children who are likely to put objects in their mouths.

 

  • Look for Quality Certifications: Check for labels like “ASTM” or “CE” that indicate compliance with safety standards.

 

Despite best efforts, accidents can still happen. This is where liability insurance becomes crucial. If a child is injured by a defective toy or due to negligence, liability insurance can cover medical expenses, legal fees, and other costs associated with the incident, as well.

 


The Role of Liability Insurance in Toy-Related Accidents

 

For Manufacturers and Retailers: 

  • Product liability insurance protects businesses from claims related to defective or unsafe products. This coverage ensures financial stability and while safeguarding their reputation in the event of a lawsuit.

 

For Parents and Gift Givers: 

  • Personal liability coverage is often included in homeowners or renters insurance policies. It can offer protection if you’re ever held liable for an injury involving a toy you gifted. 

In short, be sure to follow these safe toy-giving guidelines. We want to ensure that the holidays remain a time of joy, not accidents.

 


At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we always go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most to you. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Staying Safe During Spring Severe Weather

Spring weather in Hopkinsville can be unpredictable. Raymond Nelson Insurance wants to prepare you for sudden weather changes with these severe weather tips:
Getting your home ready
  • Ensure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned. Heavy rains should flow freely off your roof and drain well away from your home.
  • Prune tree limbs and branches.
    • In high winds, these branches can snap off and damage your home or power lines.
    • Tree Trimming Tips
  • Secure patio furniture and other yard items that could become projectiles in heavy winds.
    • Outdoor trampolines can be blown several yards away and cause damage to property and people.
  • Keep blinds and curtains closed to help protect against broken glass.
  • Protect your vehicle from hail damage by tying down heavy blankets over it.
Emergency kits:
  • A basic kit should include the following:
    • Flashlight with fresh batteries
    • Battery powered weather radio
    • First aid kit*
    • Sanitizing wipes
    • At least a 3-day supply of canned or dried food and water.
    • *The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a list of emergency supplies.

 

Homeowners Insurance
  • Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage and damage from hail and wind-driven rain that gets inside your home.
  • Make sure you’re covered before these spring storms hit.
  • Speak with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent to ensure you have the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built and the people you love.

Our agents have over 100 years of combined experience helping people protect their businesses, homes and families. We provide all lines of coverage and pledge to use our expertise to find you insurance that is both affordable and gives you the complete coverage you need. Our top priority is compassionate, personalized service.

We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Tips for a Safe Labor Day Weekend

Whether you’re traveling or wrapping up summer chores this Labor Day weekend, Raymond Nelson Insurance has some helpful hints to stay safe.

Road Trip

The Labor day weekend is one of the busiest on the road. If you’re planning a weekend excursion, follow these tips:

  • Make sure you’re well rested
  • Plan for frequent rest stops
  • Divide driving duties if possible
  • Have your vehicle checked to avoid a breakdown
  • Pack a vehicle emergency kit with:
    • Flashlight
    • Jumper cables
    • Tool kit
    • Tire gauge
    • Flares 
Fireworks

An estimated 15,600 fireworks injuries were treated in US emergency rooms last year.

Here are some precautions to take:

  • Only light one at a time
  • Never allow any horseplay while fireworks are being set up or ignited
  • If a firework malfunctions, don’t re-light it
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Go here for more firework safety tips
Boating

Make sure you keep it safe.

Hydration and sunscreen

It’s the end of the summer, but it’s still hot outside! Make sure you apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

 

Remember – an accident is never planned, but keeping these safety tips in mind may help prevent one.

Speak with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent to ensure you have the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.