Page 6 - AAA Akron Auto Club – AAA Now! – Summer 2019

INSURANCE MATTERS
Grill Safely This Barbecue Season
TRAVEL
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It’s grilling season, but before firing up your grill, consider some important information and tips. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 5,700 grill fires take place on residential properties every year. Most are caused by malfunctioning gas grills. These fires cause an average of $37 million in damage annually to properties, structures and possessions, including gazebos, sheds and lawn furniture. And thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year because they’ve burned themselves and others while grilling.
Grilling season is a great time to enjoy friends, family, food and the outdoors, but accidents can happen. Before you barbecue, take a few minutes to review grilling safety tips and to ensure your equipment is working correctly.
SAFE BARBECUING TIPS
• Before grilling, read and follow the owner’s manual
• Place your grill at least 10 feet away from walls and deck railings to prevent fires from igniting buildings. Keep your grill away from decorations, such as hanging plants and umbrellas.
• Never grill indoors or in confined areas; charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide fumes that are fatal in unventilated areas.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Never leave a grill burning unattended.
• Grease can cause flare-up fires. Keep your grill
clean by removing grease and fat build-up
from the grill and grill trays.
• If the flame on your gas grill goes out, turn the
grill and gas off. Wait at least 15 minutes before relighting and always make sure your grill lid is open before igniting.
GRILL MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• When setting up at the start of grilling season, check grill hoses for cracks, holes, and blockages. Blockages cause by food drippings or insects
can be cleared with a wire or pipe cleaner.
• Run a soap solution – one-part liquid soap, one-part water – along hoses and at connections. If the solution bubbles, then there is a gas leak that needs repair.
• Store propane tanks outside and away from your home. Always check to ensure that valves are turned off.
WHAT YOUR INSURANCE COVERS
Following the tips above might help prevent a grill fire spreading to your home, but if a fire does occur, a standard homeowners policy typically covers the following:
• Damage to the primary residence
• Damage to personal possessions, such as tables
or lawn chairs
• Damage to insured structures on your property,
such as sheds or gazebos
• Injuries to a guest, under the liability portion of
the policy
To find out more about homeowners, condo, or renters insurance call 330-762-0631 or visit your local Downtown AAA Akron Branch today to see what discounts you may be eligible for and what type of coverage you might need.
Insurance Team Spotlight - Getting to Know our Agents
Meet Pamela Baier
Education:
Pam attended the University of Akron. She obtained her insurance license in 2000.
Background:
Pam is a life-long
resident of Alliance.
She started working at AAA Akron in 2009 as a licensed customer service representative and agent.
What do you love most about your job:
“I love being able to interact with our members. Every day is an opportunity to provide quality service that meets and exceeds their changing needs. Insurance enhances the value of member- ship and allows our dedicated team the chance to positively impact our member’s lives.”
Hobbies:
Spending time with my granddaughters, shopping and traveling.
Please contact Pam for all your insurance needs.
6 CALL, CLICK OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA OFFICE
SUMMER 2019
Now!