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Fire

Ordinance or Law Insurance Coverage

Generally, Ordinance or Law insurance coverage provides limited protection for costs associated with repairing, rebuilding, or constructing a structure when physical damage to the structure by a covered cause of loss triggers an ordinance or law.

According to Adjuster’s International Disaster Recovery Consulting, compliance with ordinances and laws after a loss can add 50% or more to the cost of the claim*.

Insureds should take a proactive approach to their insurance program and the coverage provided by the program. Learning about important exclusions and limitations after a catastrophe strike will cause the Insured to experience frustration and anxiety. Insureds should always read their policies, and in some states, may be required by law to do so.

Ordinance or Law Exclusion

Most property insurance policies will have an Ordinance or Law exclusion. The exclusion applies to both physical damage and time element coverage.Read More »Ordinance or Law Insurance Coverage

Emergency Loans for Drought Available for Small Businesses in California

Drought Loans CaliforniaSmall businesses in a handful of counties in California are now eligible to apply for low interest federal loans to help offset the costs of prolonged drought.
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that non-farm businesses may qualify for loans up to $2 million.
Agency director Tanya Garfield says eligibility will be determined on financial impact of the drought and not on any property damage.
Drought loans bear interest rates of 4% for businesses and roughly 2.6 percent for non-profit organizations.
Applicants may apply online at the Small Business Administration website.

Read More »Emergency Loans for Drought Available for Small Businesses in California

Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety

commercial grade kitchen equipmentOperation of a commercial grade kitchen, many safety considerations should be addressed, including food safety, employee and volunteer safety, and fire safety. This blog post addresses the specific issues associated with providing adequate fire safety for your kitchen.

Commercial cooking operations are defined as kitchens that have cooking equipment that produce grease and grease laden vapors. This includes flat grills, char broilers and deep fat fryers. The typical residential range (electric or gas) would not be considered a grease producing appliance. Other equipment, such as ovens, microwaves and steam kettles also fall into the non-grease producing appliance category. The following is information regarding two of the most common types of equipment that produce grease and/or grease laden vapors.

Deep Fat Fryers

Deep fat fryers are a major cause of kitchen fires. Oil can splash and easily come into contact with an open flame from an adjacent piece of cooking equipment, such as a gas-fired range top. A 18-inch clearance must be maintained between the deep fat fryer and the open flame cooking equipment. If a 18-inch clearance is not possible, a vertical steel barrier extending 12 inches above the top of the deep fat fryer or open flame appliance(s) can be used as an alternative means of protection.Read More »Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety

Candle Safety

candle with smokeAccording to Underwriters Laboratories (UL): “Fire statistics show that one out of every three candle fires occurred when candles were left unattended or were inadequately controlled. One out of four fires occurred when a combustible material, such as curtains or a pillow, came too close to the candle.”

As part of your organization’s risk management program, the first duty is to eliminate possible exposures. This includes the use of candles. Unless your traditions require the use of candles, it is recommended that they not be used, or that flameless candles be substituted. Flameless candles are very realistic, battery operated, widely available, and some even come with timers. As with all electrically powered devices, ensure that electric candles are UL listed, so not to trade one fire hazard for another.Read More »Candle Safety