Blog

Winter Weather Preparation

We know that your business’s safety this winter is dependent on being prepared for whatever winter might bring. Below are a few of the steps you can take today to address the most common problems that cause property damage in winter.

What do you need to do?

Cold air in enclosed spaces

• Visually inspect concealed spaces for gaps in wall materials; water pipes in these areas can freeze if unprotected
• Keep these spaces warmed to at least 50° F or use certified heat tape

Sprinkler systems and related equipment

• Keep building temperatures at 50° F for wet-pipe systems, including the enclosures housing a riser equipped with a dry pipe valve
• Dry pipe systems should be drained at the low point prior to the onset of cold weather
• Service and inspect all hydrants, tanks, fire dept. connections and sprinkler systems accessories before the onset of cold weather

General building protection

• Inspect vacant buildings or unoccupied areas of the building during cold weather to be sure heating systems are functioning properly
• Identify sources of cold air infiltration and repair leaks or seals
• Inspect roofs to be sure they can withstand snow loads; remove snow from roofs if roof strength is in question
• Keep gutters, downspouts and roof drains clear to avoid clogging and freezing

Preventing ice dams

• Increase insulation above ceilings inside the building
• Consider the use of heating cables to prevent ice dams
• Increase ventilation in attic spaces
• Inspect roofs for evidence of standing water (mold, mildew, vegetation) that might indicate future problems, and address the situation with a roofing contractor
• SAFELY remove snow with a roof rake or stiff-bristled broom when ice dams have been a problem (always follow OSHA guidelines for worker safety during roof work)

Responding to a heat loss event

• Drain any equipment that contains water that could freeze if the temperature drops
• Investigate sources of temporary heat to be prepared for low temperatures
• Train security or maintenance/facility personnel in how to close automatic sprinkler valves if a leak or break should occur.

Where can you find more resources?

View the full lists of precautions you can take to help reduce the likelihood of winter weather damage. Or visit Risk Solutions’ Severe Weather page for more details.

New Jersey Cell Phone Penalties Will Be Enhanced on July 1, 2014 NJSA 39:4-97.3

Beginning on July 1, 2014, revisions to NJSA 39:4-97.3 will result in enhanced penalties. The penalties include increased fines, possible suspensions for a subsequent offense and mandatory suspension for a third offense. A cell phone ticket will now result in 3 motor vehicle points.

Falls are the Leading Cause of Death in the Construction

A reminder that the next NNJFS&H Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4^th, 2014 at the PSE&G Conference Center, 234 Pierson Ave, Edison, NJ 08837. Registration is at 8:30 am and the meeting begins at 9:00 am. To register, please e-mail: lento.lou@dol.gov   We need the names of those who will attend along with the organization they are affiliated with.  Enclosed you will find information that explains the OSHA 2014 Fall Prevention Campaign. We are requesting that you participate in the “National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down” during the week of June 2^nd to 6^th, 2014. One of our meeting agenda items will address Fall Prevention and the Safety Stand-Down.

In addition, the NNJFS&H Council and the Atlantic OSHA Training Center will be offering an OSHA 10 Hour Construction Certificate Program. The two day program (5 hours each day) will be offered on Wednesday, July 30^th and Thursday, July 31^st, 2014.

The location for the training will be: PSE&G Conference Center, 234 Pierson Ave, Edison, NJ 08837. The hours are 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. The cost is $5.00 per person which covers the cost of the card processing. If you would like to register or obtain additional information, please e-mail: lento.lou@dol.gov

Please register asap as the maximum class size is 30 participants. Thanks and stay well,

Click HERE for the Falls Stand-Down Outreach Letter

Preventing Heat Illness In Outdoor Workers (Water, Rest, Shade)

Preventing Falls in Construction (Plan, Provide, Train)

Lou Lento, CAS

USDOL-OSHA-HHAO

Ph: 201.288.1700 x 1003

Worldwide Cyber Breach Puts Information of Millions at Risk

Click for more information

Enjoy longer days and warmer nights while protecting your investment.

Summertime is the best time to be outside enjoying the weather. Make sure your deck or patio is ready for the summer sun by keeping in mind the seasonal maintenance tips below.

• Check deck or patio for possible deterioration and safety hazards such as loose boards and protruding nails.
• Check electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
• Check all window and door locks to ensure correct functioning. Make sure all locks are secure and there are no holes in any of the screens.
• Inspect recreational equipment for proper operation and possible dangers (e.g., Are swing sets secure, and do they contain any rusty bolts?).
• Carefully inspect your toilet. Look for the erosion of plastic floater valves, and check all pipe connections.
• Clean or replace your furnace filter.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust and pieces of material.
• Inspect washing machine hoses periodically, and replace hoses that show signs of wear or leakage.
• Have your roof inspected by a professional once every few years to identify areas of potential leakage.

Flood Insurance and Mitigation Helpline is Now Available

The number for New Jersey residents with questions about the NIFP is 1-877-287-9804. People who need information about flood insurance, the latest maps, or other mitigation topics and issues may call this number.  Policyholders with questions or concerns about their claims may also speak with NFIP specialists.

The helpline operates from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.  Additional information is available at www.floodsmart.gov.

More information on New Jersey disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4086 or www.state.nj.us/njoem.

Tri-County Chamber of Commerce

P O Box 2420
Wayne, NJ 07474
Tel: 862.210.8328 Fax: 973.882.0464

On May 1st, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) began accepting applications for the Stronger NJ Business Grant program. This program provides up to $50,000 per impacted location and up to $250,000 per entity to eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations which sustained a minimum of $5,000 in physical damage from Superstorm Sandy. Governor Chris Christie has asked the NJEDA to administer $460 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support the recovery of storm-impacted businesses. Of this total, $260 million will fund the Stronger NJ Business Grant program. For more information regarding the Stronger NJ Business Grant program, including eligibility information and application instructions, please visit: http://application.njeda.com/strongernjbusinessgrant.The NJEDA Office of Recovery Superstorm Sandy hotline is also open at 1-855-SANDY-BZ to answer any questions you may have regarding the program and application process. The NJEDA also approved $25 million to fund a tourism marketing campaign to assist Superstorm Sandy-impacted communities and promote the state’s tourism assets.

PIA’s Winter Storm Info Central available to help agencies prepare for snowstorm

PIA important bulletin—Feb. 7, 2013

PIA important bulletin

PIA’s Winter Storm Info Central available to help agencies prepare for snowstorm

As the Northeast braces for what some are reporting as potentially one of the worst blizzards in memory, PIA has placed its Winter Storm Info Central Toolkit prominently on the PIA website for your easy access and use.

Click here to review PIA’s Storm Info Central before the storm, as it includes state-specific Insurance Department information; consumer materials for your agency to use in pre- and post-storm communication with your insureds and relevant information in the form of QuickSource documents and Ask PIAs on business and personal coverages for topics such as:

• ·         snowplowing;
• ·         business interruption;
• ·         loss of use; and
• ·

Members who have prepared by using  PIA’s Agency Preparedness and Recovery Plan may want to review their customized document as well. Contact PIA’s Industry Resource Center at resourcecenter@pia.org or use the Ask PIA button on the PIA home page at www.pia.org for additional questions.

PIA will continue to keep you apprised of these and other issues as they arise. If you have additional staff you would like to receive these types of business-related alerts, be sure to send their names and email addresses to: publications@pia.org.

Your PIA staff is working on your behalf to help you be prepared and wishes you a warm and safe weekend.

2/13

Think PIA first

After the Storm

Valuable Contacts

• FEMA Disaster Survivor Line: 800-621-3362
  Apply for assistance
  Disaster Declarations
  Disaster Recovery Centers
  Sign up for FEMA updates
• American Red Cross: 877-733-2767
• Agility Disaster Declaration Hotline: 877-364-9393

SAFETY:

• If you have evacuated, wait until authorities tell you it’s safe before returning home.
• Be alert for tornadoes, which are not unusual after a hurricane with certain weather conditions.
• Stay away from flood waters.
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns to examine the premises. Do not attempt to turn the lights on until you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and evacuate. If you have any concerns, have the gas system checked by a professional.
• Do not touch wires or outlets; Check for frayed cords and for cracked or broken prongs and plugs.
• Turn off the main electrical circuit switch. Be careful to stand on a dry surface and do not touch the metal handle of the switch box. Use a piece of heavy rubber, plastic or a piece of dry wood to open the metal door and throw the switch. Share your concerns with a licensed electrician.
• If your home has been flooded, check for animals that may have entered the property.
• If your car has been submerged, let it dry out thoroughly before trying to start it.

CLEANING UP:

• Before you start cleaning up debris, prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. If you can, videotape or photograph the damage.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Clean up any flammable or poisonous materials that may have been spilled.
• Pump water gradually from flooded basements to avoid structural damage.
• Shovel out mud while it is still moist.
• Clean out heating and plumbing systems.
• Boil any water you use for drinking or food preparation until the water supply is declared safe.
• Throw out any food or medicine that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Take wooden furniture outside to dry, but keep it out of direct sun-light to prevent warping

CLAIM PROCESS:

• Hold off on permanent repairs until you’ve received approval for reimbursement.
• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster, and do not sign agreements with contractors or anyone else until you have a chance to meet with your insurance adjuster.
• Keep a written record of everyone you talk to about your insurance claim, including the date of the conversation and a summary of what was said.
• Keep all receipts and Take photos
• Your pre-disaster home inventory will be of great assistance to you at this point. After you’ve examined everything and determined the extent of damage, call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible to file a claim.