Archive for the ‘Safety Tips’ Category

As of today, February 16th, New York Drivers will receive a 2 point penalty on their driving record if found guilty of driving while talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device (in addition to the $100 fine).  As of November of 2009, texting was also declared illegal and punishable with a $150 fine and 2 points on your driving record. 

Both penalties can result in higher insurance costs.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced the change this week.  “By strengthening the current law, our hope is that motorists will become even more aware of the potential consequences of their actions if they use a cell phone while driving”
                - J. David Sampson, DMV executive deputy commissioner

At least one in five crashes in New York are caused by driver distraction, officials say.  Each year over 300,000 tickets are issued statewide for cell phone violations according to Insurance Journal.

While our good old groundhog friend, Punxsutawny Phil, gives us much needed hope that warmer weather is ahead of us, we are not in the clear… just yet.

It has been a very long and cold winter, which has posed problems for everyone.  Freezing pipes, collapsing roofs, and sidewalks laden with ice and snow are just a few of the risk factors that many property owners and managers have had to deal with.

To lighten the burden, we would like to provide tips and tricks to help you prevent some winter disasters that may be avoidable:

Winter Tips and Tricks:
1.  Cold Weather Checklist
2.  Prevent Your Sprinkler System From Freezing
3.  Snow and Ice Removal Tips
4.  Snow and Ice Removal Log
5.  Snow and Ice Incident Report

Bed Bugs have been staking their claim throughout NYC and the surrounding areas with infestations spotted in various and unexpected establishments such as movie theatres, schools, retail stores, and other businesses.  While these pests aren’t known to carry diseases, they bring with them remediation costs, battered reputations of the infested and possible lawsuits.  For more information, check out the links below.

Bed Bug Prevention and Control
Resources:
Information: New York State Bed Bug Disclosure Law
Property Managers Bed Bug Guide- Click Here
NYC Dept. of Health- Bed Bug Control- Click Here
New York State Housing Authority- Stop Bed Bugs Safely- Click Here
WSJ- Bed Bugs Put Bite in Co-op Deals- Click Here
Dateline NBC- What to Know About Bed Bugs- Click Here
The Cooperator- Bed Bugs, Lead Paint and Graffiti- Click Here
Mackoul Blog Posting- Click Here

Please click the link below for a list of safety tips to keep your family and friends safe this Halloween.

Click Here

1.  Prepare an Emergency kit-
   Of the utmost importance is a flashlight, extra batteries, and bottled water.
   Follow the link for a sample emergency kit- 
   www.nyredcross.org/?nd=hurricane_safety_guide
2. Put away or secure outdoor furniture-
   Secure anything that could become a projectile in heavy winds- including garbage cans. 
3. Clear debris from gutters.
4. Trim dead tree branches that could fall during the storm.
5. Anchor heavy objects that may float away such as fuel tanks.
6. Avoid driving in storm conditions-
   If you must drive, avoid flooded streets, fallen wires and falling trees.
7. Stay informed of weather conditions- tune into the following websites
   www.nhc.noaa.gov or www.weather.com for current conditions.

Despite the forecasted weather, we wish you all a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend.

 Your Friends at Mackoul & Associates

* Please note that our offices will close at 1pm tomorrow in observance of the holiday.

Habitat Magazine’s June issue includes an article on the new EPA rule surrounding lead paint entitled, “Licensed to Paint.”  Click the link below to view the June Issue of Habitat Magazine, as well as hear comments on this article and the insurance implications entailed from Mackoul & Associates’ President, Edward J. Mackoul.
(Click Here For June Issue of Habitat)

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is enforcing new guidelines requiring, “lead safe work practices to reduce exposure of lead hazards created by renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing and child-occupied housing facilities.” 

Click link for RRP Regulations- www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

Click link for ABC News Coverage of RRP Regulations- http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=10438913

A damaging winter storm, nicknamed “February Fury,”  has been forecasted to hit the northeastern region of the United States by weather.com.  The rain has already started and is forecasted to turn to snow by 6pm on Thursday, February 25th. 

For the most recent weather updates, visit www.weather.com
Latest News and Developments: http://www.weather.com/newscenter/topstories/newsdevelopment0224.html
“February Fury Doubles Up On The Northeast”: http://www.weather.com/newscenter/stormwatch/
Travel Impacts: Airports and Interstates
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/feb-snow-travel-impacts-NE_2010-02-24

That’s right everyone.  While you are flipping those burgers and trying to be the host with the most, avoid getting heat for holding an unsafe barbecue at your residence by following our Top 10 Barbecue Safety Techniques.  Below are just a few, but you will have to visit our website to read the whole list:

1.  Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand when grilling!!! 
     It is also helpful to have a garden hose or bucket of water or sand nearby.

2.  Check with your local ordinance codes to see grilling restrictions for your residential property.

3.  Establish a safety zone around the grill.  Keep children, pets and ball games well away from this safety zone.

4.  NEVER keep a filled gas container in a hot car or car trunk.  Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase causing the relief valve to open, allowing gas to escape.

Read the full article here: http://www.mackoul.com/page.asp?pageID=12