Keep a Job Site Safe and Secure
A recent report by Verisk Analytics showed that total reconstruction costs, including materials and retail labor, were up 8.12% from April 2020 to April 2021, in all states. The material with the most significant impact on this rise in cost was lumber at a staggering 84.71% price increase.
With the value of these already desirable materials skyrocketing, thieves may be targeting job sites to steal unsecured materials and equipment – putting Contracting businesses at an increased risk of job site thefts.

Now, more than ever, contractors must be vigilant about material and equipment theft. Selective offers the following strategies and solutions to help deter criminals from stealing from job sites.

Secure Equipment Daily

• Anchor equipment with chains and lower any blades or buckets. 
• Park large machines in a circle, with smaller portable equipment in the middle, creating a barrier to protect the smaller items 
• Store equipment keys in a locked safe on-site, or take off-site
• Install GPS or LoJack devices to help track and recover stolen equipment
• If possible, store equipment in an area monitored by cameras 

​Keep an Equipment Inventory

• Keep a detailed inventory of equipment, including the year, manufacturer, model, serial number, and any unique features of each machine 
• Take photos of machines from multiple angles and keep prints in the inventory catalog
• Develop a procedure for checking materials on and off the job site daily
• Develop a Security Policy with Employees
• Train workers to properly secure the job site
• Reinforce that security is a top priority to deter internal, employee theft
• Make it clear that when equipment is discovered missing, it should be reported as soon as possible

Properly Light and Fence-In Job Sites

• Consider installing light towers to deter theft and vandalism, especially near an office trailer, equipment storage trailer, sheds, and equipment
• If possible, enclose the entire job sit in sturdy fencing with one or two access points
• Have employees park their personal vehicles in designated areas to minimize the thefts of tools and materials

 
National Equipment Registry (NER)
Selective policyholders benefit from our partnership with the industry experts at National Equipment Register (NER), a national database of heavy equipment and owners. NER offers several great services which help law enforcement recover stolen items:

• IRONcheck® – lets users search the nation’s largest database of stolen construction equipment to verify that equipment is not stolen before purchasing
• IRONwatch™ – offers real-time GPS tracking devices to help locate and recover your stolen construction equipment
• HELPtech® – an equipment ownership database that helps users with registered equipment deter theft and increase the chances of recovering stolen equipment

For more information or additional equipment and material theft prevention guidance, contact our team of Safety Management experts at SafetyManagementServices@Selective.com.

Spontaneous combustion may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to hazards around your home or business, but this hidden fire hazard is more common than you may think. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that on average, there are 14,070 fires per year caused by spontaneous combustion or chemical reaction.

Combustible substances are found frequently in homes and in certain types of businesses, like oil based paints for staining wood, or gasoline for lawn mowers, generators, and other small machinery. So whether you have a home or a business with combustible materials around, here is some important information you need know about spontaneous combustion.   

​The Science
In case your elementary science knowledge is dusty, spontaneous combustion is when a substance ignites in flames due to the components mixing with oxygen (oxidation). Substances like gasoline, lacquers, paint thinner, and other flammable liquids all release fumes and heat as they evaporate. When rags that are soaked in these liquids are left in an unventilated area, the fumes and heat buildup enough to reach the point of ignition, known as spontaneous combustion.

Our Safety Management team understands the potential risks that could impact your business. Learn more about our Safety Management services and the benefit we can provide to your business.

With more than 1500 species of rodents cataloged, rodents comprise more than two-thirds of all the mammals on earth. The vast majority of rodents,  though, do not hibernate.

Mice, rats and tree squirrels are three common pests that do not hibernate. These rodents nest and gnaw and will dig their way into almost any soft material, like insulation or upholstery, which will supply a warm comfortable environment for their young. This can be destructive to your house and belongings. 
 
If not prevented, these animals can cause damage to your home. This means that rodents, once inside your home, could attack your joist, beams, pipes and wiring in order to stay alive. This can, over time, cause severe structural damage. Rodents gnawing on pipes and wiring can also lead to flooding and fires. 

How to prevent damage
There are only two ways of preventing or minimizing the damage that rodents can cause to your home. The first way is to prevent gaining entry. The second is to eliminate rodents if they have already found their way inside.

If you do see a rodent in your home or find their droppings, contact a professional extermination service immediately. In order to have well-rounded protection for your home, start with homeowners insurance from Selective. Find an agent today to learn more.

Enjoy the picturesque icicles that come after winter snow and ice storms. But take them as a signal to prevent damage to the roof and gutters of your house.
 
Icicles and ice dams form under the natural thawing and freezing cycles that follow winter snow storms. But while icicles add visual appeal, ice dams can be a hidden risk to the roof and gutters as well as the attic and interior walls.
 
How Do Ice Dams Form?
Ice dams are “thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves,” according to homeowners website ThisOldHouse.com. Ice dams form because heat in the attic warms the roof but not the eaves. As the snow on the roof of a house melts, it runs down the roof where it hits the colder roof section above the eaves and freezes.
 
Through one or more thaw-and-freeze cycles, the ice thickens in the gutter and backs up onto the roof. Then, additional snow melt on the warm roof gets caught under the shingles and seeps through the roof. The water drips inside the roof into the attic and down the interior walls of the house.
 
The water damage that results from ice dams can be significant to roof, shingles and gutters and to attic insulation, contents and interior walls.
 
Any significant snow accumulation on the roof can put a home at risk for ice dams.  Real estate website HouseLogic points out: “The more snow, the larger the heat loss [into the attic from the house], and the longer the subfreezing temperatures remain, the higher the likelihood that ice dams will materialize.”
 
How Can Homeowners Avoid Ice Dams?
To reduce the risk of ice dams, here are prevention tips from ThisOldHouse.com:

• Use heated cables on the roof above the eaves and along the gutters and downspouts. Typically installed before the winter season in regions with significant snowfall, these can keep the snow melt from freezing.
• Use a “roof rake” – a long-handled upside-down scoop – during or after a snowfall to pull snow off the roof above the eaves.
• Over the long term, homeowners might need to have a contractor check the insulation of the attic and address any heat loss from the house into the attic.

 
What Can Homeowners Do If Ice Dams Form?
According to ThisOldHouse.com, there are three potential remedies homeowners can take if ice dams form:

• Use a roof rake to pull snow off the roof above the eaves.
• Deice the roof by placing ice melt crystals (such as calcium chloride, bundled up in nylon stockings or panty hose) perpendicular to the gutter and hanging over the gutter.
• Blow cold air into the attic with an attic fan or box fan.

 
Homeowners might be tempted to use a ladder to reach or climb on the roof, then pull off snow or chip away at ice. But doing so can be risky given the snow and ice conditions on the ground and roof and in the gutters. And chipping away at ice can damage the gutters or shingles.
 
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damages from Ice Dams?
At Selective, homeowners policies typically cover damage to an insured’s dwelling that resulted from ice dams (under the coverage for “weight of ice and snow”). Homeowners coverage for the contents of the house (including items stored in the attic) damaged by either the weight of ice and snow or the resulting melting and leaking is available through Selective homeowners policies. To get coverage, contact one of our local independent agents. 

​The weather is cooling down and the heat is being turned up. Many homeowners opt to use fireplaces as a cost efficient supplement to their main heat source. Since it's getting colder out, we’ll look at different types of fireplaces and the dangers and maintenance associated with each one.

​A fireplace is a cozy addition to any home and can help lower the cost of traditional heating methods. Consider the options carefully before choosing the right one for your home, and regularly maintain your fireplace for maximum safety and efficiency.  

With winter weather in full swing you might encounter some dangerous driving conditions. The Weather Channel, a national forecast provider, states that about 1.2 million car accidents are caused by weather each year. The organization notes severe winter storms that hinder visibility, ice and slick roads are among the greatest threats. 

Let's take a look at how you can keep yourself, your family and your vehicle safe when the roads become hazardous due to extreme weather. 

Black Ice
The Western Slope Driving Institute, an automotive education organization, explains that black ice is extremely dangerous because it is nearly impossible to see. By knowing how to anticipate black ice and what to do when the car encounters it, drivers can remain safe. First and foremost, drivers need to be aware that shaded areas of the road, as well as all parts of highways late at night during winter, will be more prone to black ice. 

Every vehicle is prone to losing control when encountering black ice. The type of automobile, tires or brakes you have do not make much of a difference. To help you stay safe on icy roads, what will make a difference is knowing what to look for and how to react.

If you encounter black ice, do not hit the brakes as this can cause an immediate spin, notes the Western Slope Driving Institute. Instead, slow down by taking your foot off of the gas. Downshift if you have a standard vehicle. Always keep the steering wheel pointed straight ahead. Try to identify areas that have more traction, such as spots of the road with sand or road salt. 

Driving in Snow
If you have to drive in the snow, it is important to stay alert, slow down and stay in control. Here are a few tips to navigating in snowy conditions: 

• Reduce your speed and remain a safe distance away from the car in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to stop quickly should you need to.
• Make sure your windows are defrosted and that your car is clear of ice and snow. 
• Avoid spinning your tires by gently pressing your gas pedal to accelerate.
• Prepare to slow down at least three times sooner than you normally would when turning or stopping.
• Be cautious of snowplows and salt trucks on roadways. 

Vehicle Preparations
There are some preparations you can make to prevent other threats presented by major winter storms. Keep tires at the recommended level of inflation, check fluid levels more frequently and get wipers replaced as soon as they show signs of wear. 

In the event of an emergency that leaves you and your family stranded, you will also want to keep a survival kit in your car. Drivers should keep flashlights, blankets, extra clothing, water, a shovel, a bag of sand and a windshield scraper/brush on hand whenever driving in the wintertime. 

Cyber-attacks can impact businesses of all sizes, so every business owner must be conscious of cybersecurity risks. In fact, more than 43% of cyber-attacks are made against small businesses. Fortunately, having the right coverage in place can help you reduce the potential impact of cybercrime on your business.

Below are five questions business owners and nonprofit organizations may have about cyber-attacks. 
 
What types of breaches are possible?
Businesses of all sizes can be impacted by a wide range of cyber-attacks, including ransomware, malware, denial of service and phishing attacks, and much more. In some cases, cyber criminals may steal personal information from your systems, which they can use for identity theft.

How much could cyber attacks cost a business?
Estimates of the financial impact of a cyber-attack can vary greatly. The size, type of business, and industry are major factors in determining the extent of the costs that may be incurred. However, one source has calculated the global average cost of a data breach in 2020 as $3.86 million.  

Do hackers target small businesses?
Criminals often consider small businesses to be easier targets than large companies. This is because most entrepreneurs and smaller companies don’t have the resources – such as full-time information technology personnel – or know-how to protect their sensitive data. As a result, these smaller organizations are more likely to have exploitable vulnerabilities and less surveillance of threats. 

​What can you do to protect yourself?
Cybersecurity is a never-ending war of measures and countermeasures.  There are some things you can do to help protect your business.  For example, the FCC recommends the following 10 Cyber Security Tips for Small Business:  

1. Train employees in security principles. Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. ​
2. Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks. Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available. 
3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection. A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system's firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall. 
4. Create a mobile device action plan. Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment. 
5. Make backup copies of important business data and information. Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud. 
6. Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee. Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel. 
7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router. 
8. Employ best practices on payment cards. Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don't use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet. 
9. Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software. Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission. 
10. Passwords and authentication. Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account. 

A smart home, by definition, is one equipped with linked home appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, entertainment systems, or security systems, that can be conveniently accessed and controlled remotely. Complete home automation provides 24/7 access to the equipment you need to control your home.
​
​Today, homeowners can choose from a number of systems, which can make finding the right one for your unique lifestyle difficult. These systems range from do-it-yourself equipment like a smart thermostat that learns your routine, to those that combine interactive security and smart home automation into one comprehensive package. 
 
Smart home technology has become so commonplace that home appliances can now be purchased separately, with capabilities to connect to your home’s hub without any special tools or knowledge. Simply follow the instructions provided in the owner’s manual and your system will be up and running.
 
As great as the strides have been in home automation, is now the right time to convert your home into a smart home? Selective has the answer. Smart SecureSM is an integrated smart home protection solution that combines interactive security, intelligent automation, and advanced video monitored into one around-the-clock, discounted home monitoring solution.

Below you will find a few reasons why Smart Secure can make all the difference.

Smart Secure Benefits 
Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy automatically applied discounts on your Selective Homeowners Policy for choosing to protect your home with Smart Secure. (Discounts applied vary based on equipment packages.)
 
Interactive security: Emergency response, unusual event alerts, arming reminders, and more help you monitor activity in and around your property, and alert you to potential security concerns. 
 
Energy management: Control your energy costs with smart lighting and thermostat equipment that optimizes heating and cooling system efficiency.

Intelligent Video Capture: Smart Secure cameras are equipped with real-time HD video capture and advanced video solutions that distinguish people from other objects. You even receive video clips and instant alerts sent to directly to your Smart Secure mobile app.
  
Superior Connection: To ensure uninterrupted systems operation, all Smart Secure equipment communicates using an encrypted 4G LTE cellular connection that is backed by a reliable Wi-Fi signal.

Excellent Value: Save on this comprehensive smart home and security solution with budget-friendly monthly plans that often cost less than traditional home security and DIY smart home security combined.

The thought of all your belongings going up in flames is a frightening one indeed, but every year, that's exactly what happens to hundreds of thousands of Americans. In 2018 alone, there were more than 379,000 house fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).  

Below are some common causes of residential fires in the United States along with some helpful tips on how to reduce your risk. Avoid being another statistic by following this home fire safety checklist. 
 
1. Cooking 
The most trafficked area in the house is the kitchen, which is also the one place where fire danger is most likely to be. In fact, the USFA estimates that in 2018 cooking was the leading cause of home fires, with approximately 50% of residential building fires starting in the kitchen. 

If you are using a Crock-Pot, air fryer, or any other counter top cooking appliance, make sure that outlets appear normal and avoid plugging in cords that are damaged, whether they're frayed, loose, or bare. If any of the cords are damaged, or if any of the hardware isn't secure, do not use it until it’s repaired. Additionally, it is imperative that only one heat-producing appliance (microwave, coffee machine, space heater, etc.) be plugged into the electrical outlet. 
 
While the kitchen is usually bustling with family and friends, accidents happen most when the room is vacant. Fire officials recommend always having someone in the vicinity when food is cooking.

2. Heating 
When the temperature drops and harsh winter sets in, it's time to dial up the heat in the house. Keeping warm, however, can occasionally lead to accidents, sometimes due to improper maintenance. For example, failure to clean creosote buildup in chimneys could result in heating fires. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that attaches to the interior of chimneys over time, especially when homeowners use their fireplaces as a primary source of heat.

It’s recommended that homeowners have their chimneys serviced on an annual basis by having a qualified professional clean the highly flammable creosote buildup.  
It's also important to keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from any heat source, portable or fixed. When using a space heater, it is critical to turn it off when leaving the room or going to bed for the evening. An unattended space heater has the capability to cause faulty wiring to overheat and combust.
 
3. Cigarette smoking 
Kicking the habit once and for all reduces the risk of residential fires, because smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire tragedies. In 2018, an estimated 12% of all fatal residential building fires  stemmed from careless cigarette usage. Fire officials recommend smoking outside the home to avoid exposing various items in your home to a smoldering cigarette and hot ashes. Before walking away from a previously extinguished cigarette, ensure it is all the way out and dispose of the remains in an ashtray or bucket with sand. 

4. Candles 
There's nothing like the "welcome home" smell of a scented candle, so inviting that it can often lead homeowners to forget that one is lit. Nationwide, 21 home candle fires are reported to fire officials on average per day. From 2014-2018, candles annually caused an average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in direct property damage.   
 
Homeowners should never leave a room unattended where a candle is burning, especially if there are curious young children or energetic pets present. Candles should also be placed in sturdy holders to reduce the risk of them tipping over and not placed close to anything combustible. Or you may simply choose the equally as effective alternative, flameless candles. They smell just like the real deal without the risk. 

5. Safety Equipment 
Taking the right fire safety precautions can go a long way. Unfortunately, sometimes even the best laid plans fall short. If disaster does strike, here are some proven fire safety essentials all homeowners should use. 

Smoke alarms are an indispensable safety feature that homeowners often take for granted. However, the Nation Fire Protection Association reports that from 2012 through 2016 approximately 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were the result of faulty or absent smoke alarms. As such, they should be properly tested each month and, even if still functioning, replaced with a new one every 10 years.  

If a manageable fire does occur in a home, a reliable fire extinguisher can make all the difference. A majority of homeowners may find themselves wondering how often home fire extinguishers should be replaced. The short answer is anywhere between 5 to 15 years, dependent on a variety of factors. Some tell-tale signs that an extinguisher should be replaced or serviced are a cracked hose or nozzle, a missing or unsealed locking pin, and a low pressure gauge. 
​ 
Want to learn more on how to make your home fire safe? For more information and resources, be sure to consult the National Fire Protection Association, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration.