Cleaning and Disinfection of Households Amid COVID-19
This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of households where persons under investigation or those with confirmed COVID-19 reside or may be in self-isolation. These guidelines are focused on household settings and are meant for the general public.
This article compiles expert guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Important terms to know:
Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
General Recommendations for Routine Cleaning and Disinfection of Households
Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and electronics (see below for special electronics cleaning and disinfection instructions) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
For electronics, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection of Households With People Isolated in Home Care (e.g., Suspected/Confirmed to Have COVID-19)
Household members should educate themselves about COVID-19 symptoms and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in homes. CDC recommendations include:
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets and sinks).
In the bedroom/bathroom dedicated for an ill person: Consider reducing cleaning frequency to as-needed (e.g., soiled items and surfaces) to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill person.
As much as possible, an ill person should stay in a specific room and away from other people in their home, following home care guidance.
The caregiver can provide personal cleaning supplies for an ill person’s room and bathroom, unless the room is occupied by child or another person for whom such supplies would not be appropriate. These supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants (see examples).
If a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as practical after use by an ill person to clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces.
Household members should follow home care guidance when interacting with persons with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 and their isolation rooms/bathrooms.
Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Households Hard (Nonporous) Surfaces
Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available here. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time).
Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite, or concentration of 5%–6%) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least one minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of room temperature water, or
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of room-temperature water.
Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
How to Clean and Disinfect Soft (Porous) Surfaces
For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items, and dry items completely.
How to Clean and Disinfect Electronics
For electronics such as cellphones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls and keyboards, remove visible contamination if present.
Other recommendations include:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
Consider the use of wipeable covers for electronics.
If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
How to Clean and Disinfect Linens, Clothing and Other Items That Go in the Laundry
Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person, and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Here is additional guidance:
If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands afterwards.
If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air.
Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items, and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner inside that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.
Hand Hygiene and Other Preventive Measures
Household members should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Household members should follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including recommended hand hygiene and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or preparing food
After contact with animals or pets
Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child)
Other considerations:
The ill person should eat/be fed in their room, if possible. Non-disposable food service items used should be handled with gloves and washed with hot water or in a dishwasher. Clean hands after handling used food service items.
If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands after handling or disposing of trash.
Consider consulting with your local health department about trash disposal guidance, if available.
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Wildfires are a natural and essential part of a healthy forest’s life cycle, helping to recycle nutrients and allow vegetation to spread and diversify. However, wildfires also pose a threat to both the lives and property of anyone who lives in or near a forested area. On average, more than 100,000 wildfires clear 4 to 5 million acres (1.6 to 2 million hectares) of land in the U.S. every year. Being prepared for wildfire season could save your home and your family.
If you weren’t personally effected by a California wildfire last year, odds are you know someone that was. The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season on record in California, with a total of 8,527 fires burning an area of 1,893,913 acres, the largest amount of burned acreage recorded in a fire season, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
What Causes Wildfires?
Nearly
85 percent of wildfires in the U.S. are caused by humans. Often, these fires
are the result of unattended campfires, the burning of debris, equipment use
and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of
arson. The remaining wildfires are typically caused by lightning or other
weather events.
Whatever
the cause, these wildfires can spread to communities and force people to
evacuate their homes. While firefighters will do all they can to prevent the
spread of a wildfire, their limited manpower and resources may prevent them
from defending your home.
Although you may not be able to reduce the risk of wildfires occurring in your area, there are measures you can take to be prepared for a wildfire and reduce the risk of your property being lost to a wildfire. This guide includes methods for reducing the chances that a wildfire will damage or destroy your home.
Getting Prepared For Wildfire Season
Wildfires are unpredictable, and preparation is key. While specific, preventive action is the primary way to protect your home from the elements, there are some additional, up-front steps to consider:
Evaluate
your home and vulnerabilities—Every property is different and has its own
set of unique risks. As such, it’s critical for homeowners to have a thorough
inspection done to better understand the risks specific to their property.
Inspections, when completed by a certified professional, can provide valuable
insight into your property’s ability to withstand a wildfire.
Work with
a qualified insurance broker—While wildfires pose a real threat to your
property, many of the risks can be addressed through the proper insurance. To
get a better understanding of your options, it’s important to meet with a
qualified insurance broker. They can provide a review of your unique exposures
and the policies available to you.
Reach out
to your local government—In many cases, your local government can prove
invaluable when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. Government
websites, public works organizations, utility companies and building
departments can all provide expertise and tips on protecting your home.
When completing the above steps, it’s critical to take any home protection advice you receive seriously, whether it be securing additional property insurance or completing an inspection to help you improve your home’s defenses. Only then can you begin taking steps toward protecting your home from specific wildfire risks.
Wildfire risks can vary depending on the location and makeup of your property. While you cannot relocate your home, there are steps you can take to protect your home and be prepared for wildfire.
Be Prepared For Wildfire: Clear the Zones Around Your Home
Wildfires rely on heat and embers moving between fuel
sources in order to spread. Accordingly, one of the most effective ways to
prevent the spread of a wildfire to your home is to provide less fuel for the
fire to spread. You can achieve this by creating cleared zones around your
home. This entails moving or removing vegetation and other sources of fuel from
close proximity to each other in a way that makes it difficult for a fire to reach
your home.
First Cleared Zone: 30 Feet Surrounding Your Home
The area immediately surrounding your home, or about 30 feet
in any direction from your home, is the most important zone to clear from
anything that a wildfire could use as fuel. Flammable species of plants, such
as pine, spruce and juniper trees, should not be present in this zone at all. If
you are unsure about the flammability of various plants, contact your local
fire department for more information.
In addition to vegetation, it’s important to keep this area
clear of other objects that might easily catch fire. Regularly clear your yard
and gutters of sticks, leaves and other debris that might collect there, move
any piles of firewood away from your house, keep grass cut short and avoid
using bark mulch or pine needles for decoration. Debris can also collect
beneath stairs, in pots or barrels and underneath decks. While these may seem
like small hard-to-reach places, it only takes a single spark to start a
dangerous fire.
Additionally, there are ways that you can prepare your home
to withstand a fire, such as using fire-resistant materials and protecting
compromised areas from sparks and embers. For example, windows should be
tempered and double-paned, doors should be fire-rated with a good seal and
solid shutters, and metal fire screens can provide additional protection for
windows and doors. Wooden fences or boardwalks should have a metal gate to slow
the advance of a fire. Vents can be screened with wire mesh, and eaves can be
fitted with soffits and fascia to reduce the chances of embers and heat
reaching wooden rafters. As for the largest surfaces of your house, the roof
and siding, below are some fire-resistant materials to consider:
Roof
Metal
Asphalt
Clay
Composite rubber tiles
Siding
Stucco
Metal
Brick
Concrete
Fiber cement
Second Cleared Zone: 30 – 100 Feet Surrounding Your Home
Slowing or stopping the spread of fire in the area between
30 and 100 feet of your home can greatly reduce the chances of a fire spreading
closer to it. In this zone, fire can spread easily between trees. Accordingly,
it’s important to prune trees and clean up fallen branches, leaves and needles.
Space trees in this zone at least 10 feet apart, measured by the outermost
branches of each tree, and prune all tree branches that are within 6 feet of
the ground. This helps prevent fire from spreading from tree-to-tree, as well
as ground fire from moving into the treetops. To avoid damaging a tree, never prune
more than a third of the canopy, and leave the main trunk and bark of the tree
intact when pruning branches.
Third Cleared Zone: 100 – 300 Feet Surrounding Your Home
For any area between 100 and 300 feet around your home, the
goal is to create an environment where fires will be less intense and easily
extinguished. To do this, continue to thin and prune trees as in the second zone,
creating firebreaks that make it difficult for fires to jump between trees and
other vegetation. If your house is on a hill, consider extending this zone
further since fire moves quickly uphill. If you do not own the property within
300 feet of your home, talk to your neighbor about agreeing to follow these
methods to keep each other’s houses safe from a wildfire.
Avoid Becoming the Source of a Wildfire
Large wildfires can be started by a single small accident, and all the preparation to the area around your home will be for naught if your property is the source of a wildfire. Make sure your chimney is up to current building code requirements and includes spark arrestors. Keep burn barrels and fire pits away from buildings and at least 10 feet away from woodpiles and other materials that may catch fire. Burn barrels should also be properly ventilated, covered with a screen and never unattended. Clear vegetation from possible sources of fuel, such as propane tanks and power lines. Keep fire extinguishers, garden hoses, sprinklers, shovels, rakes, axes and other tools on hand that could be used to put out or cut off a small fire before it grows into a wildfire. In the event of a fire at your property, do not hesitate to contact local fire officials.
Wildfire-related risks can affect your home unexpectedly,
often leading to major property damage. While you can’t always predict the
movement and spread of a wildfire, the proper insurance can go a long way
toward protecting your finances. To learn more about the specific policies
available to you, it’s important to work with a qualified insurance broker.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive home insurance quote!
Everyone knows that name-calling, teasing and other bullying behavior is unwelcome in the workplace. But what if the comments are veiled in humor? Jokes about “old farts” or “screen-obsessed millennials” might seem like acceptable office banter to some, but these comments may amount to ageism and could seriously impact an organization—and should be quickly snuffed out when noticed. It’s important to make generational jabs in the workplace unacceptable.
This article explains some of the ways offhand comments or generational jabs can affect a workplace and outlines steps employers can take to combat their spread.
The Scope of Ageist Comments
Ageism is a prejudice against people of certain ages. These views are typically seen in flippant comments that call attention to someone’s age. In practice, these prejudices can limit productivity, stifle communication and expand interpersonal rifts. Like other prejudices, ageist comments should not be tolerated in the workplace. And, given the labor market forecast, employers should be acting now.
There will be 42 million workers over the age of 55 in the workforce by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers who wait to address ageism issues will be significantly disadvantaged among this population.
What Ageist Comments Look Like
Just like accusations of racism or sexism, some individuals may have different interpretations of an ageist situation. In other words, it’s sometimes difficult to prove that a comment or action was related to prejudiced views.
Regardless, employees should never have to question whether a comment or action was prejudiced—such behavior should be clearly defined as inappropriate. As such, here are some examples of ageist comments:
Using the phrase “OK, Boomer” in response to a colleague’s comment
Attributing a co-worker’s mistake to their age
Using phrases like “they’ve been around the block,” “at your age” or similar offhand remarks (no matter how innocuous the comments may seem)
Changing topics in a conversation and explaining it’s because one of the listeners won’t understand due to their age
Legal Considerations
Beyond interpersonal issues, seemingly harmless comments can leave room for age-discrimination cases. Age discrimination is a serious accusation, since age is a protected employment status (for workers ages 40 and older). Even though the burden of proof is on the employee, being faced with a lawsuit—regardless of fault—can be financially crippling. That’s why employers should do everything they can to address ageism and other discrimination periodically. Briefly addressing these issues in onboarding training may not be sufficient for protecting an organization from potential discrimination claims.
What Employers Can Do About Generational Jabs
Prohibiting ageist comments can help discourage their proliferation, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll vanish. Prejudiced viewpoints may persist even if individuals aren’t speaking their minds. That’s why training can be valuable for reinforcing appropriate communication behavior.
Some employers are requiring workers to complete conflict resolution training as a way to combat ageism and other discriminatory views. In these trainings, employees can role-play and learn to see comments from other perspectives.
Other organizations are focusing on implicit bias training. This training focuses less on resolving apparent conflicts and more on informing participants of biases they may not know they have. This perspective can be especially valuable among diverse teams who are experiencing issues but are unsure as to the cause.
Generational Jabs in Your Workplace
Getting employees to stop cracking jokes isn’t likely to happen. However, thoughtful training can make them understand how damaging some jokes can be.
Don’t risk a potential age-discrimination claim. Assess how your organization addresses workplace prejudices and consider areas that need expanding.
Speak with GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. for more information on this and other workplace topics.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is new, and what we know about it changes rapidly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed interim guidance for how health care providers, laboratories and public health staff should use antibody tests. These tests look for the presence of antibodies, which are proteins made in response to infections.
This article will provide an overview of using antibody tests for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
What are Antibodies?
Antibodies are detected in the blood of people who are tested after infection; they show the body’s efforts to fight off a specific infection.
Antibodies start developing within one to three weeks after infection. The CDC doesn’t currently have enough information yet to say whether someone will definitely be immune and protected from reinfection if they have antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 Antibody Tests
In general, a positive antibody test is presumed to mean a person has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, at some point in the past. It does not mean they are currently infected.
Health care providers who use antibody tests must know how the different tests work and use caution when interpreting test results:
If someone tests positive for COVID-19 antibodies but does not really have those specific antibodies, the result is a false positive. Similarly, if someone tests negative for COVID-19 antibodies but does really have those specific antibodies, the result is a false negative.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized antibody tests for this virus that have been submitted for their review. But these tests are not 100% accurate, and some false positive results or false negative results may occur.
A higher percentage of positive results may be false positives when these tests are used in people who live or work in an area where very few people have had COVID-19.
Antibody Test Results
People who receive positive results on an antibody test but don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 or have not been around someone who may have COVID-19 are not likely to have a current infection. They can continue with normal activities, including work, but should still take steps to protect themselves and others.
People who receive positive results on an antibody test and who are currently or recently sick or have been around someone with COVID-19 should follow
According to the CDC guidance, employers and employees should do the following:
Until scientists get more data on whether antibodies protect against reinfection with this virus, everyone should continue to take steps to protect themselves and others, including staying at least 6 feet away from other people outside of their home (social distancing), even if they have had a positive antibody test.
People who wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at work should continue to wear PPE, even if they test positive for antibodies to the virus.
Employers and employees should adhere to the following rules in regard to antibody tests:
Antibody test results should not be used to determine if someone can return to work.
Antibody test results should not be used to group people together in settings such as schools, dormitories and correctional facilities.
Employers should reference federal, state and local guidance related to viral and antibody testing for COVID-19.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business.
Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!
Your home is one of your greatest assets and a significant long-term investment. As such, it’s vital to protect your home and its contents with adequate homeowners insurance. Nevertheless, recent research found that many homeowners lack proper coverage. In fact, nearly 2 out of every 3 homes in America are underinsured—which means that the home is protected to an extent by a homeowners policy, but that policy doesn’t have sufficient limits or coverage features to cover the full expense of a potential claim. What’s worse, the average underinsurance amount is over 20%, with some homes being underinsured by as much as 60%. Read on to find out how to avoid underinsuring your home.
Don’t let your home become another statistic and suffer the devastating consequences of inadequate coverage in the event of a loss. Review the following guidance to ensure your homeowners insurance policy meets your unique needs and can offer the best possible protection when disaster strikes.
Coverage Elements to Consider to Avoid Underinsuring Your Home
Homeowners insurance offers financial protection in the event of an unexpected disaster or accident involving you, your home or your personal property. However, homeowners insurance policies consist of several different types of coverage. With this in mind, it’s important that you review each form of coverage included on your policy to make sure you avoid underinsuring your home and specific risks.
Here are some key coverage elements to look out for:
Dwelling coverage is the portion of your homeowners insurance policy that can offer compensation for the cost of repairing or rebuilding the physical structure of your home if it gets damaged or destroyed by a covered event (e.g., a fire, a windstorm or vandalism). To secure proper dwelling coverage:
Make sure you have enough coverage to compensate the full cost of rebuilding your home in the current market—including construction expenses (e.g., labor and materials) and the associated costs of making sure your home is compliant with any new or updated building codes within your community. Many homeowners make the mistake of only purchasing enough coverage to compensate the real estate value of their home—which is typically far less than the cost of rebuilding.
Don’t forget any important features of your home’s structure when determining the cost of rebuilding. This includes the flooring, countertops and the type of or quality of materials used throughout the structure. Further, avoid making a rough estimate when determining the cost of rebuilding. Be as exact as possible and consider getting assistance from a qualified property valuation expert to ensure a correct calculation and adequate coverage.
Be sure to recalculate the cost of rebuilding your home and review your coverage needs whenever you make changes to your home—such as renovating the bathroom, remodeling the kitchen or adding an attached garage.
Other structures coverage is the portion of your homeowners insurance policy that can help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding any detached structures on your property (e.g., a shed or fence) if they get damaged or destroyed by a covered event. Similar to dwelling coverage, it’s crucial to ensure that you have enough other structures coverage to compensate the full cost of rebuilding any of your detached structures. In addition, be sure to reevaluate your coverage needs whenever you make changes to any of your detached structures or add a new detached structure to your property.
Personal property coverage is the portion of your homeowners insurance policy that can provide reimbursement for the cost of stolen or damaged items inside your home, such as furniture or electronics. To ensure adequate personal property coverage:
Review your policy to ensure you have the best form of coverage for your unique needs. At a glance, there are two forms of personal property coverage—replacement cost and actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage can offer compensation for the cost of replacing your stolen, damaged or destroyed property with a brand-new version (as long as it’s similar in kind and quality) following a covered event. Actual cash value coverage, on the other hand, can offer compensation for the depreciated value of your property. This value is determined by the age, condition and expected remaining useful life of your property prior to the covered event. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each form of coverage before making a final selection.
Maintain an up-to-date home inventory checklist (be sure to include photos) of all of your belongings and their original value, as well as an estimate of their current value. This practice will help you better determine just how much coverage you need to fully protect your personal property. However, keep in mind that certain high-value items—such as jewelry, collectible items or fine art—won’t be covered by your homeowners insurance policy and will require specialized coverage.
Loss of use coverage is the portion of your homeowners insurance policy that can help pay for temporary living expenses in the event that you have to move out of your home while it’s being rebuilt or repaired due to a covered event. Loss of use coverage typically equates to up to 20% of the insured value of your home. That being said, make sure you consult your broker if you are concerned that such a value won’t offer enough financial protection for your temporary living arrangements. Also, remember that if you conduct business within your home, this form of coverage will not protect against any loss of income related to your business. You will need to secure specialized coverage for business-related risks.
Liability coverage is the portion of your homeowners insurance policy that can offer compensation for the expenses that may result if you are found liable for injuring another person or damaging their property. These expenses include medical payments, pain and suffering settlements, lost wages, legal costs and death benefits. Because these expenses can be significant, it’s vital that you have adequate liability coverage tailored to your specific risks. Otherwise, a liability claim could wreak serious havoc on your assets and financial well-being. Most homeowners insurance policies typically offer a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage. But, depending on your personal risk profile, you may need to consider securing additional coverage. After all, various property features (e.g., having pets, a trampoline or a pool) can increase your liability risks and require further protection. You may even want to consider purchasing personal umbrella insurance, which can provide additional compensation if your liability coverage is exhausted following a covered claim.
Lastly, keep in mind that some events—including overland floods and earthquakes—are not always considered covered events on your homeowners insurance policy. If you live in an area that has an elevated risk of these weather-related catastrophes, you will need to obtain additional, specialized coverage. Also, don’t forget that you will usually (with the exception of liability coverage claims) have to pay a deductible before your homeowners insurance kicks in. What’s more, each form of coverage is subject to a limit, which is the maximum amount your policy will pay for a covered claim. Be sure to review your coverage limits to ensure maximum protection and to avoid underinsuring your home.
We’re Here to Help
There are a variety of factors to consider to make sure your home is properly insured. GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is here to walk you through your homeowners policy and help you secure ultimate insurance protection for your personalized risks—ensuring full coverage in the event of a claim. For further insurance guidance, contact us today.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business.
Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive home insurance quote!
Flexible Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates During COVID-19 – FMSCA Notice
On July 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a notice to assure motor carriers that they will be able to test drivers at a lower rate if they can prove that a deviation from current random testing rates was necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing flexible drug and alcohol testing rates, the FMSCA makes it easier during the pandemic.
The notice is significant because the FMCSA doubled the testing rate for controlled substances in 2020 to 50 percent. The FMCSA is issuing this notice because the agency is aware that the pandemic has created, and may continue to create, major disruptions in the motor carrier industry.
Random Testing Rates
The FMCSA requires employers to test a percentage of their driver positions each year at random.
The number of tests an employer conducts depends on the testing rate and the average number of driver positions for the employer.
2020 Rates
Drug Testing: 50 percent
Alcohol Testing: 10 percent
Flexible Enforcement
While COVID-19 disruptions persist, employers may select drivers at a rate of less than 50 percent of their average number of driver positions for controlled substances, and 10 percent for random alcohol testing during the 2020 calendar year. In addition, enforcement flexibility will also be given to the requirement of spreading random testing throughout 2020.
However, the FMCSA notice also warns that employers must comply with current random testing rate requirements if they are able to do so.
Conditions for Flexible Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates
To qualify for this flexible approach to testing rate requirements, carriers will need to document:
The specific reasons for noncompliance; and
Any actions the employer took to identify alternative testing sites or resources.
Employers that fail to document their inability to comply with testing rate obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be subject to the full enforcement of this requirement.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business.
Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!
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