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Driving safely is a full-time job. Yet many believe the car is another place to do business, return calls and answer texts and questions. When we take attention away from driving, we increase our risk of a crash. Distraction falls into three distinct categories – each category of distraction alone is a hazard. Some activities have multiple categories of distraction. Hands – This is when you are manually using your hands to adjust controls on the radio, comfort system, reaching for an item or manipulating a device. Your hands are not on the wheel and often your attention is now directed at the manual task. Eyes – This is when you take your eyes off the road. It can be looking at a passenger, a navigation device, reading a text or looking for something inside the or outside of the vehicle. Your eyes are not focused on the road ahead and you are at risk of a crash. Looking away to read a text message or e mail is a high-risk behavior. Mind – you take your mind off driving to focus on another subject. Cognitive distractions can be your talking on your cell phone, processing the discussion at your last meeting, talking to your passengers, or daydreaming about your vacation. Your mind is not focused on safe driving. Texting involves all three types of distractions. You are manipulating the device, looking away to read and processing the message and your response. This is a crash waiting to happen. More states are making texting while driving a primary traffic violation. You do not have to violate any other traffic laws to be cited for texting while driving. Here is a short video you can share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6uepXw9gZA#action=share What you should do: Everyone can make the choice to use do not disturb feature on their phone. You can decide to adjust music and entertainment systems when stopped. Ask your passengers not include you in discussions or other exchanges that would take your mind or eyes off the road. Avoid eating and drinking while driving. You make the choice to focus on safe driving. Employers should have a company policy that cell phone use and texting during vehicle operation is not permitted. If you have drivers of commercial motor vehicles, these restrictions are part of the DOT regulations.

Ice dams are most common in cold climates. They occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it is common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, walls, and contents. The graphic below shows an ice dam on a roof. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building and its contents. There is no way to guarantee an ice dam will not damage your home, but you can take the following steps to cut the chances of an ice dam forming in the first place: Thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your home's gutters and down spouts. This allows melting roof snow to flow into gutters and through down spouts. Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called "roof rakes" let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off of your roof reduces the chances for both ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight. All winter long, keep gutters and down spouts clear of snow and icicles. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Consult the Building Code for minimum R values (R value is a numerical indicator of insulation effectiveness , the higher the number the more insulating value) for your location. Good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof. Consult a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about these improvements. If replacing your roof, make sure that ice and water shield is used along the edges and at least 48 inches up from the edge of the roof. Code minimum is 24 inches, but the extra width is nominal in cost for the protection it provides.

Smoke detectors entered the codes in 1971. Smoke alarms were to be installed on the main floor of the residence. In the early 1980’s some fire department went door to door installing smoke alarms. The use of detectors went up significantly in the 1980s and the fire death rate in home reflected this change. Data from Trends and Patterns of U.S Fire Loss – January 2017, Marty Ahrens, National Fire Protection Association In 1993, the code required that smoke alarms be installed inside bedrooms and outside the bedroom area of the home. A significant addition to the protection provided. In 1995, the 10-year battery was introduced. This eliminated the missing or dead battery scenario that has been a major factor in smoke alarm performance. In 2002, codes required that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years of service. This recognized that the sensors in smoke alarms were subject to age and loss of sensitivity. During the period of 1971 to today there has been another shift in the fire safety picture. The change in the fuel package present in homes. Underwriters Laboratories conducted fire tests of “legacy” furnishings from 25 years ago and modern furnishings. The results were dramatic. Modern furnishings had fire growth that created a fatal environment in 3 minutes. The older materials would take over 25 minutes to reach this same level of fire involvement. You can watch the fire test here. https://youtu.be/LsReYgKpHbE During 2019 the NFPA reported 75% of fire deaths and 73% of fire injuries were in home fires. The danger is real and the hazard is more aggressive. Have you updated your home’s smoke alarms? Added additional detectors to the bedrooms? Replaced smoke alarms over ten years old? Do you have a home escape plan? With the reduced time to escape a fire, you need to stack the deck in your favor. Updating your smoke alarms and fire safety plan is a great way to do this. We encourage you to update your protection. If we can assist you in any way, please reach out to us at 513-977-6860 or contact us at www.driehausins.com We protect what you love…