Personal Perspective

Employees are entitled to a safe work environment. Any unwelcome sexual conduct, including slurs, physical assaults or interference with work, is considered harassment and violates federal law. If you or someone you work with is the victim of sexual harassment, learn how to tell your co-worker to stop.

Take it Seriously

Any incident of sexual harassment is a big deal. Don’t dismiss the little touches on the arm or the subtle innuendo. Every incident of sexual harassment is illegal and wrong. Plus, it’s degrading and negatively affects office morale, and if you let it ocntinue, the offender can argue that you were okay with it, which could hurt your case.

Write It Down

Documentation of sexual harasment is important. Whether the incidents happened a minute or a year ago, record as much about them as you can in a formal letter. It should include when the incident happened, where you were, who was involved, what was said and the witnesses. Keep a digital and paper copy of the letter in a safe place for future reference.

Confront the Offender

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends that you address sexual harassment as soon as possible to show the offender that you have taken a stand against harassment. This step is important if you decide to sue later and removes any argument that the harassment isn’t a big deal.

When confronting a sexual harasser, be professional, firm, direct and specific. Tell him or her what you don’t like and how it makes you feel. If you need support, ask someone you trust to participate in the conversation with you. You should also send the offender a copy of your documentation letter, the company’s sexual harassment policy and a clear statement asking him or her to cease the offending behavior.

Maintain Distance

Stay away from the offender as much as possible. If you work with him or her every day, continue your professional relationship but avoid unnecessary contact.

File a Complaint

If the harasser doesn’t listen when you confront him or her, follow EEOC protocol and file a complaint with your employer. Follow every detail of the company’s sexual harassment reporting policy, save a copy of your compliant and record when you filed it and with whom.

Go to Court

Your employer is obligated by law to investigate any sexual harassment complaints, but the harassment may continue. In this case, contact the EEOC and file an administrative charge. The EEOC will review the documents and then authorize you to sue, set up mediation between you and your employer or dismiss the claim.

Sexual harassment is illegal and wrong. If you’re the victim, confront the offender. Talk to your HR manager for more information as you create a safe workplace environment.

When you’re excited to move into the perfect apartment or need a new home fast, you may overlook key red flags about a potential apartment or landlord. Learn more about apartment rental scams and how to avoid them before you sign your next lease.

Phantom Rentals

You see an apartment ad that features amazing views, low rent and large closets. The problem is that the landlord wants the deposit and first month’s rent right away. You want the apartment, so you send the money. Unfortunately, the landlord conveniently disappears after your check is cashed, and you’re out the money and the home. Chances are high that the apartment wasn’t even real and you’ve become the victim of a phantom rental scam.

Multiple Rentals 

After you find and tour a great apartment, you decide to pay the deposit and first month’s rent. However, several other renters have the same idea. The landlord takes your money and runs, leaving you to deal with the aftermath of a multiple rental scam.

Renting for the Owner

You find an apartment you like and ask for a tour. The person who shows you around claims to have the landlord’s permission to rent the apartment. You hand over the deposit and rent, but the actually apartment owner has no clue about the transaction, the tour guide skips town and you become the victim of a renting for the owner scam.

How to Protect Yourself From Rental Scams

Avoid these and other creative rental scams when you take these steps.

1. Search for the property online. In a few minutes, discover if the apartment is listed on multiple sites and verify the legitimacy of the apartment and the seller.
2. Never wire money. Legitimate landlords ask for a check.
3. Sign a lease before you send payment. It’s a legal document that ensures the landlord is legally able to rent to you and that you are the legal tenant.
4. Meet the landlord. Instead of trusting the contact person, insist on meeting the actual landlord. If he or she lives far away and refuses to contact you, pass on the deal.
5. Don’t share personal information. There’s never a reason for a potential landlord to know your social security, bank account or credit card numbers.
6. Avoid doing business with anyone who claims to be affiliated with Zillow. It’s a legitimate online real estate database with no involvement in the actual apartment rental process.
7. Report any potential scammers to your local police and the Federal Trade Commission.

Apartment hunting can be stressful, but take your time and avoid these scams. Once you do find your next home, contact your insurance agent for renter’s insurance that protects you and your belongings.

Marty McFly rode a hoverboard in the 1989 move “Back to the Future II”, and today’s version was one of the hottest gifts of 2015. If you received one or know someone who did, learn more about insuring your new toy.

What is a Hoverboard?

Basically, a hoverboard is a battery-powered skateboard without wheels. To operate it, you place it on the ground, stand on it and use your body’s balance to propel yourself around your driveway, down the sidewalk or around town. Balancing can be tricky until you get the hang of moving forward, backward or to either side.

The hoverboard is small enough to place in a duffle bag or locker and weighs only 20-25 pounds. It’s made from a metal alloy and features an anti-slip foot grip. Some models support up to 200 pounds and can go up to 15 miles per hour. Certain models hold a charge that lasts 10 hours and allows you to ride for miles. You can purchase the toy for $200 to $2000.

Hoverboard Safety Risks

Despite their popularity, hoverboards have faced criticism over their safety.

Batteries

The very batteries that give the hoverboard its power can also overheat. Some have been known to catch on fire after being ridden short distances and others have ignited while being charged.

Obstacles

You need to navigate sidewalk cracks, bumps and other obstacles to remain on your hoverboard. Watch out for other people, too, because you don’t want to lose control and collide with anyone.

Balance

Riders need a strong core and abdominal muscles to handle their hoverboard successfully. Without these two physical traits, you’ll lose your balance and could suffer from a concussion or break your elbow, wrist, tailbone or ankle.

Riding Tips

Stay safe on your hoverboard when you:

• Know where you can ride them. Many cities, colleges, stadiums and other public places have banned hoverboards.
• Wear a helmet and knee pads.
• Do exercises that strengthen your core and abdominal muscles.
• Practice balancing on flat surfaces and take short rides before trying to master uneven terrain or longer treks.
• Stay with your hoverboard as it charges.
• Supervise kids and make sure they can and do ride safely.

Insuring a Hoverboard

Your insurance agent will assist you in insuring your hoverboard under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. If your hoverboard malfunctions, contact your agent. He or she will want to record any evidence and assess the damage before you toss the toy or clean up the mess.

Catastrophes happen every day. Whether they’re natural disasters like floods, tornadoes and hurricanes or man-made like vandalism, fires or poor maintenance, you and your home could be at risk. Be prepared with several personal catastrophe planning tips.

Identify hazards in your home. Is your heating system up-to-date? Do you keep flammable materials in a safe location? Are rodents living in your attic? Do you see exposed wires? Are the steps and railings in good repair? These and other hazards affect the safety of your home, family and visitors.

Develop an emergency evacuation plan. Make sure you and your children know how to escape your home if there’s an emergency. Map an escape route, practice using the escape ladder to get out of the second story bedrooms, know how to stop, drop and roll, and be prepared with a meeting spot in case you need to evacuate. Ask a relative in another city to serve as a contact, too, to handle communications in case you and your family are separated.

Teach your kids their address and phone number. Kids as young as three or four should know their personal information in case they get separated from you or lost.

Learn CPR and first aid. Knowing these skills can save someone’s life. Stay updated on your trainings, and store supplies in a waterproof bag along with your other emergency supplies.

Maintain emergency supplies. In a large, waterproof barrel, stock emergency supplies for any situation. Ideas include a flashlight, batteries, lantern, rope, tape, tools, medications, gloves, blankets and first aid materials.

Stockpile water. Experts recommend you store enough water for up to three days. You’ll need at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, bathing and sanitation, and store the bottled water in a cool, dark location such as your basement.

Store enough food. Non-perishable food can sustain you if the power goes out or you otherwise cannot access fresh food. Options include canned meat and fruits, granola bars, peanut butter, dry cereal and preserved fruits. Remember to stock a manual can opener, napkins, plates and utensils, too.

Remember your pet. Along with your family’s water and food supply, store a small bag of dry food, potable water, identification and proof of current vaccinations for your dog.

Practice for catastrophes at least once every six months. Make time to refresh everyone’s memory on what to do in an emergency, and tweak anything that needs to be changed.

You don’t know when a catastrophe will hit, but you can be prepared. Update your insurance coverage and follow these tips.

Homeowner’s insurance protects your home’s structure and belongings since it can pay for costly repairs or liability after a natural disaster, break-in or accident. You’ll be stuck with a huge bill, though, if you don’t have enough home insurance. Follow these steps as you make sure your home insurance is adequate for your needs.

Determine the Home’s Value

When you first purchased a homeowner’s insurance policy, you told the agent how much your home was worth. That figure might have changed since then. Use a recent tax assessment and an independent contractor to give you a current and accurate value for your home.

Switch to Replacement Cost

Actual cash value calculates an item’s worth as the amount you originally paid for it minus depreciation. Replacement cost pays you to replace the item at today’s cost. Update your policy to replacement cost and give yourself more coverage for a few dollars more.

Inventory Your Home’s Contents

Over time, the contents of your home have probably grown, so take time to update your inventory list. Include all the valuable artwork, jewelry, electronics, firearms or collectibles you’ve acquired. Take pictures of your valuables, too, and include the receipt from its purchase, if possible, a written description, serial numbers and other identifying details.

If one of your valuables is super expensive, purchase an additional endorsement. It’s designed for items of significant value.

Consider an Umbrella Policy

Say you install a pool in your backyard or add an addition to your home. Check into an umbrella policy. It provides additional liability coverage that accounts for your home’s upgrade and protects your assets.

Check Into Flood Insurance

Most regular homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood insurance. Add this valuable coverage if you live in a flood plain or if there’s any chance that your home could be flooded.

Insure Your Dog

Certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, are not insurable, and your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover liability if one of these breeds bites someone. Tell your agent if you’ve purchased or adopted one of these breeds.

Check Your Condo Coverage

In case you live in a condo, read the association policy to understand what part of your building you must insure. Usually, that’s the contents of your home and any improvements you make to your condo.

Do an Annual Review

At least once a year, review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure your coverage is adequate for your current needs.

Homeowner’s insurance is one way you protect your valuable home, belongings and other assets. Make sure you have enough coverage when you talk to your agent today.

Tenants who rent apartments or houses have the right to live in housing that’s habitable. That means landlords must complete any repairs that prevent the tenants from living there. Sometimes, though, the repairs are minor or cosmetic. Who is responsible to make those fixes?

What Must a Landlord Fix?

To keep the rental habitable, the landlord must ensure that it’s structurally sound. It should also have hot and cold water, a non-leaking roof and safe electrical, heating, plumbing and ventilation systems. A landlord must also pay to remove pest infestations unless it’s caused by a tenant’s poor housekeeping or other wrongdoing.

What Does a Landlord Not Have to Fix?

Certain minor problems in a rental property are not a landlord’s responsibility to fix. Examples include running toilets, leaking faucets, small carpet holes, torn window screens and dirty grout.

There are only three times when a landlord must fix these minor or cosmetic repairs.

1. These repairs are included in the rental agreement as the landlord’s responsibility.
2. The landlord promised verbally or in writing to fix the repairs.
3. State and/or local building codes mandate that the landlord make minor repairs that otherwise are not his or her responsibility.

How to get a Landlord to Make Repairs

While most landlords are responsible, some do slack on their duties to make repairs. Tenants have several options.
First, do not withhold rent or make the repair yourself and take the total out of the next month’s rent. You could be evicted rather than see the repair get done.

Instead, put your repair request in writing. Outline the exact reasons why you want the repair and why it would benefit the landlord. Include details to show the landlord that by not repairing a minor problem it could pose a safety risk that ultimately costs him or her more time and money in the future.

Mediation would be the next step. Find a free or low-cost mediation service in your area and sit down with the neutral party and your landlord to discuss a resolution.

You could report your landlord to the building or housing code, and the authorities will inspect the property. If violations are found, the landlord will be required to make repairs.

A lawsuit would be the last resort. You have to prove that the problem caused the rental value to decrease, and your win will likely end your relationship with your landlord forever.

If you rent a property or are a landlord, understand who’s responsible for making repairs. Make sure both parties have adequate insurance, too, as an extra layer of protection.

There are many good reasons to carpool. Maybe you share rides with co-workers to save money on fuel costs or to reduce your carbon footprint. Or you and other parents might carpool your kids to school, sporting events or activities. You might even carpool with friends to the mall, book club or vacation. No matter why you carpool, it could affect your auto insurance rates.

Personal or Business Coverage?

Many personal auto insurance policies include a restriction that voids liability coverage if you use your personal vehicle for livery or public conveyance. Simply put, that means you can’t use the liability coverage on your auto insurance if your vehicle is in an accident while you rent it out or use it to operate a taxi service.

This restriction against commercial or business use is in place because commercial drivers are at greater risk for accidents. They drive more miles, are exposed to heavier traffic flows, regularly navigate poor weather conditions and face increased pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines compared to drivers who use their vehicles solely for commuting, errands, vacations or other personal uses.

However, this exclusion does not apply to carpools, driver groups or ride share situations. Even if you accept money in exchange for rides, your carpool is typically not considered a commercial enterprise because that cash pays for fuel and upkeep on your car.

Do You Have Enough Liability Coverage?

Accidents do happen, and your liability will be even higher after a carpool accident because you have passengers for whom you are responsible. Increase your liability coverage and purchase an umbrella policy to protect your financial assets in case you’re in an accident and are sued by one of your passengers. The cost is relatively small compared to the protection and peace of mind you receive.

Consider increasing your medical payment coverage, too. It pays for medical treatments your passengers need after an accident. Increase coverage based on the number of passengers in your carpool.

Bump up your underinsured and uninsured coverage as well. That coverage goes into effect if you or any family members are injured while riding in a carpool driven by someone else. After that driver’s policy limits are reached, your underinsured and uninsured coverage can pick up the difference.

You’ll also want to make sure that anyone who drives your vehicle has your permission to do so. That way, your liability coverage will pay for any accidents that driver causes.

Carpooling gives you several benefits. Before you get started, talk to your insurance agent and make sure your auto insurance policy covers your carpool.

Outdoor play on icy ponds can be fun for kids of all ages as you ice skate, play ice hockey or slip and slide for fun. March temperatures fluctuate, though, and the ice might not be as safe as you think it is. Take precautions and follow several safety tips.

Test the Ice’s Thickness

Even though the pond appears frozen, the ice must be at least four inches thick to support your weight. To test the ice’s thickness, make a small hole with a chisel or auger and insert a tape measure into the hole. Because ice freezes unevenly, you’ll want to make at least one hole every 150 feet to ensure the entire pond is covered with enough ice.

You should also look for other details about the ice as you determine if it’s strong. New ice is stronger than old ice. Additionally,
clear ice is twice as strong as white or snow-covered ice. If the pond is covered in white ice, it should be at least eight inches thick before you walk or play on it.

Dress Appropriately

Any winter outdoor activities require appropriate clothing. You’ll want to wear a base layer that absorbs moisture, a middle layer that provides insulation and an outer layer that protects you from the weather. You also want to wear shoes or boots that offer traction and a helmet that protects your head.

Take a Buddy

Playing on the ice is dangerous even if it’s deep enough, so always take a friend. Also, stay no more than 10 feet apart so that you can help your friend if one of you falls into the water.

What to do if You Fall Through the Ice

Despite following all the safety tips, you may still fall through the ice. Know what to do as you increase your chances of surviving.

• Use your safety tools. A whistle allows you to signal for help, and you can use an ice pick to secure your way back onto the ice.

• Stay calm. Panic consumes valuable energy and time. Plus, flailing around could push you away from the surface you need to grab onto. Try to be intentional and slow about your movements as you move toward the safety of solid ice.

• Don’t stand up when you get out of the water. This action could cause further cracks in the ice. Instead, stay on your stomach or side to distribute your body weight evenly. Then push yourself further onto solid ice and safety.

Playing on the winter ice is fun. Use these safety tips to ensure everyone stays safe while playing, too.

Planning a vacation is hard work. You want all the details to be just right so that you can enjoy your well-deserved time away. Travel insurance can protect your investment. Learn more about whether it’s a necessary purchase for your vacation or if you can skip it. What is Travel Insurance? If you need to cancel, postpone or cut your domestic or international trip short for any reason, travel insurance reimburses your deposit. It can also pay for medical care you need while traveling or cover rescheduling fees if your flight is cancelled. Without insurance, you’re at the mercy of travel companies and vendors who are often unwilling to change travel reservations or refund payments. Is Travel Insurance a Smart Investment? Most travel insurance policies go unclaimed. Trips go off without a hitch, and no change of plans is necessary. However, you’re not guaranteed the same good fortune. Ask yourself these questions as you decide if travel insurance is a smart investment for you.

1. Can you afford to lose your deposit? If so, you may not need travel insurance. However, if the trip deposit is a significant amount of your travel budget or would take years to repay, purchase the policy and peace of mind.

1. Is your trip expensive? Travel to a nearby destination, and you probably don’t need travel insurance. It could be a good idea, though, if you’re taking an expensive trip across multiple cities, across the country or around the world.

1. Do you have health concerns? A pregnancy, chronic medical condition or other health concerns could require you to postpone your trip or cut it short. You could also experience a medical emergency that requires treatment once you arrive at your destination. Insurance will cover necessary schedule changes or medical treatment that affects your trip.

1. Do you already have travel insurance? Check the insurance policies you already before you purchase travel insurance. Your homeowner’s policy may cover stolen luggage, your auto policy might cover your rental car and your health insurance may pay for emergency medical treatment. You should also find out if your credit card company will offer reimbursement for plan changes that you charged. In these cases, you don’t need to purchase duplicate coverage.

Where do you Buy Travel Insurance? Your travel agent might offer insurance. Check the rates for coverage from your auto club and independent agent, too. For the lowest rates, purchase your policy no more than two weeks after you book your trip. You should also read the fine print to make sure all the details of your trip are covered. Travel insurance provides you with peace of mind. Consider purchasing a policy as you plan your next trip.

Every state in the U. S. except for New Hampshire requires drivers to purchase insurance before they drive. Unfortunately, as many as one in five drivers do not purchase auto insurance reports the Insurance Research Council (IRC). If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, you get stuck with the financial costs. Protect yourself with these tips.

Purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM) Insurance

Uninsured Motorist insurance, also known as Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) insurance, pays medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. It can also reimburse you for lost wages or if you’re a hit-and-run accident victim or a pedestrian who’s hit by an uninsured driver.

Purchase Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Coverage

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage insurance covers vehicle damage. It may also cover property damage depending on the state in which you live. In most cases, UMPD coverage will not cover hit-and-run accidents.

Purchase Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Protection

Sometimes, at-fault drivers do have insurance, but their policy includes low limits that are insufficient to fix your vehicle repair. Your UIM policy will pay the difference and fix your automobile.

Report Accidents

After an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be asked not report the accident or file an insurance claim. Resist the temptation to cut the driver a break. You could be stuck with any bills related to the accident, particularly since your insurance company will probably not pay the claim if you don’t report the accident.

Always document accidents and damages. Include who was driving both vehicles and who was at fault. Get the other driver’s name and phone number as well as his or her driver’s license number and the vehicle’s registration, plate number, make and model.

If You’re the Uninsured Driver

Maybe you are the driver who cannot afford auto insurance because you need to pay the rent or put food on your table instead of buying insurance. Your state may have a program that assists low-income drivers in obtaining the coverage they need. You can also shop around and compare coverage from several insurance agents, including agencies that specialize in insuring low-income drivers. Whatever you do, make sure you buy at least minimum insurance coverage.

You can’t control the type of insurance coverage other drivers purchase. However, you can make sure you have enough coverage to pay for medical injuries and damages if you’re in an accident. Your agent will assist in you in purchasing the insurance you need.