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A Comprehensive Guide to Hours of Work and Required Break Periods in California

This Employment Law Summary provides an overview of hours of work and required break periods in California.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, we want to ensure you are informed on the topics that are important to you. That’s The Conrey Difference. Give us a call at 877-450-1872 or visit our website.

As Daylight Savings Comes to an End, Put That Extra Hour to Good Use

Soon, we will be setting the clocks back by one hour signaling the end of daylight savings time. Though most will be excited for the extra hour of sleep, falling back provides an opportunity to get a few extra tasks done around the house in preparation for shorter, colder days and nights. Here are a few easy but important tips for using that extra hour of time:

Light Your Walkways

As it becomes dark sooner, it will be important that outdoor lights are in working order. This will not only prevent you from fumbling with your keys but will also reduce your likelihood of tripping and help improve your overall safety and visibility. If your bulbs are burnt out, simply replace them with new ones, and if your walkway is lacking in light, you may consider purchasing simple pathway lights such as these.

Check Your CO₂ and Smoke Detectors

Checking the batteries in your CO₂ and smoke detectors only take a few minutes, yet can be a lifesaver. It’s recommended that the batteries are changed twice a year; the beginning and end of daylight savings make great markers.

Maintain Your Car

Make sure that headlights and windshield wipers are in working order, as fall back means that you may find yourself driving in the dark more often. Though rain is relatively rare in California, it may be slightly rainier in the fall and winter months, so it is worthwhile to make sure your windshield wipers work well.

Stock Up on Common Medications

With cold and flu season fast approaching, it is important that you stock up on medications for common illnesses. Nobody wants to leave the house to buy medicine while they are sick, so it is easier and more convenient to grab some before it becomes a problem and have it on hand for emergencies.

Prevent Negligence; Check Up on Vents and Appliances

Dirty filters, vents, and coils can create fire hazards, yet they only take a few minutes to clean and check. You can use your vacuum wand to clean dust from the coils of your fridge (you can use this guide if you’ve never done it before). You should also inspect heating and AC filters and replace them if needed, and take the opportunity to look at your vacuum and water filters. Finally, we recommend you vacuum your dryer’s filters and vents in order to prevent fires caused by built up deposits of lint.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we believe that prevention is as important as proper protection. Insurance may not cover claims made as a result of negligence or improper maintenance, so doing your part to maintain a safe environment is important. Maybe we should start a new trend and remind everyone also to do an insurance coverage check-up as part of their fall back routine. We’re always here to help, so call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

Leave the Scares to the Movies: Protect Yourself on Halloween

Halloween is the season for scares, however, most people would rather be scared by decorations, haunted houses, and movies than by liability. When you leave your lights on during Halloween night, trick-or-treaters become invited guests, meaning you may be liable for any injuries sustained while on your property. That doesn’t mean you need to stop welcoming costumed kids for candy; you simply need to take a few steps to childproof your house and limit your risks. Here are a few simple things to do to provide a safe environment on Halloween:

  • Keep Walkways Clear – by clearing walkways of toys, decorations, and other tripping hazards, you create a safer environment for trick-or-treaters.
  • Don’t Let the Dogs Out – no matter how sweet, dogs can easily become overwhelmed by a large number of strangers passing through. Combined with young children that often have poor judgment around animals, dogs are better kept restrained.
  • Water Hazards – pools, spas, and ponds can become drowning hazards, particularly after dusk. Make sure bodies of water are closed off, covered, or visibly marked.
  • Help Guests Make Responsible Choices – if you are serving alcohol at a Halloween party, do not let visibly intoxicated guests drive themselves.
  • Make Sure Your Yard is Well Lit – making sure that your yard is well lit will help ensure that many hazards are highlighted and able to be avoided.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers, we remember the joy that comes from trick-or-treating, candy, and dressing up. We strive to continue these good memories for the next generation; that’s The Conrey Difference. You don’t need a holiday to make sure you’re properly protected. We can review your coverage any time of year. Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

Is your Swimming Pool Putting you at Risk?

During hot summer days, nothing is more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool. Many people believe that swimming pools are safe, so long as everyone is behaving well and there are other people around. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case, and last year swimming pool drownings led to the deaths of 163 people during the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day alone (U.S. CPSC). For this reason, it is important to be informed about how to prevent drownings and keep safe at the pool.

  • Restrict Access to the Pool

Young children are the most at risk group in pool drownings. It can be easy for children to slip away from sight and on a hot summer day, the pool can seem alluring. Putting up a safety fence to prevent young children from accessing the pool on their own can help prevent drownings.

  • Know the Signs of Drowning

All too often, people believe drowning is apparent; in movies and TV, it is often depicted as flailing and yelling for help. In reality, drowning tends to be silent and can often be quick. Among the most common signs of drowning are gasping, sudden quietness, and trying to swim but getting nowhere. To read a full list of signs from Medical News Today, click here.

  • Learn How to Swim

Whether learning how to swim yourself or making sure any little ones know how to, knowing how to swim can save lives and reduce the risk of drowning. To find a class near you, visit the Red Cross’ class finder page.

  • Be Careful Around Alcohol

While drowning in swimming pools is much more common in children than adults, Pool Safely reports that 51 adults drowned in pools in 2016. One of the most common factors in these deaths was the involvement of alcohol. Watch intoxicated adults similarly to toddlers, and be on the lookout for signs that they are in distress.

  • Don’t Assume Someone Else is Watching

All too often, when someone drowns others around them will claim that they thought someone else was watching. Make sure that when around pools, someone is acting as a lifeguard and pay careful attention to swimmers that are at the highest risk. Never leave young or incapacitated swimmers alone in the pool and be extra alert if it becomes suddenly quiet.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we know the importance of keeping loved ones safe and we want to help. For more pool safety tips, visit The American Red Cross. For those homeowners who have a pool or are considering one, contact one of our agents in order to learn more about your liability and make sure that you’re properly protected so you can play the day away without worry.

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.