Prep the plumbing system for winter:

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• Remove or bypass any filters
• Drain the fresh water tank
• Drain and flush the gray and black water tanks
• Drain the water heater (be sure to open the pressure release valve first)
• Turn on all faucets, including the toilet and outside shower
• Open the drain lines and let all of the water drain out
• Flush the toilet to clear water from the lines
• Close the drain lines
• Bypass the hot water heater and the fresh water tank
• Close all of the open faucets
• Use an external water pump or the inlet pump you have disconnected from the fresh water tank to pump approximately three gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze (this should be pink in color) through the entire system.
• Starting with the faucet closest to the pump, open the hot and cold valves until antifreeze appears
• Repeat this process on every faucet in the RV
• Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears
• Turn off the water pump and open a faucet to relieve the pressure in the system
• Pour a small amount of antifreeze into each drain
• Pour antifreeze into the toilet and flush into the holding tank
• Close all valves and faucets
• Note: If you chooses to avoid use of antifreeze due to allergy concerns, a specialized air hose and adapter can be purchased that can be used to blow out all of the drain lines

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Prepare the RV for storage:

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• To protect the engine, top off with gas to prevent condensation in the fuel lines and add fuel stabilizer
• Relieve pressure on the suspension and tires by following the manufacturer’s recommended process for raising the vehicle for an extended period of time
• Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior
• Close every vent and window, including roof vents and vents for plumbing and air conditioning
• Have roof and sealants inspected for leaks
• Remove all food and beverage from the RV
• Unplug and remove batteries from any electronics in the RV
• If the RV does not have an automatic battery disconnection system, ensure the cables are disconnected from the battery
• Deep cycle batteries should be fully charged before disabling
• Cover the RV with a specially-made fabric cover for RVs
• Periodically check inside the RV to ensure there is no evidence of damage from water or vermin
• Prevent buildup of snow on the roof as water could find its way inside the RV when melting

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Don’t forget that our RV insurance product offers a temporary storage coverage that can save you money when you’re not using your RV. Request  a quote a new RV policy today.

Coverage
Our law enforcement liability product provides coverage for bodily injury, personal injury or property damage that is caused by a wrongful act committed while conducting law enforcement activities or operations. Key features include:

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• Coverage for authorized activities or operations (includes moonlighting if approved by law enforcement agency)
• Coverage for violation of civil rights protected under any federal, state or local law
• $25,000 additional payment per policy period for physical damage to personal property of others in your care, custody and control at time of arrest
• Coverage for liability arising out of providing first-aid during medical emergency
• Professional and premises coverage for jail operations

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Risk control services
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• Staff of risk control specialists, dedicated to servicing public entities
• “Fundamentals of Risk Management for Law Enforcement” conferences geared toward leadership and training officers
• Model law enforcement and jail policies and procedures
• On-site reviews and consultations of law enforcement operations and corrections facilities
• Workshops to help reduce distracted driving among law enforcement personnel
• Please contact me to discuss how we can work together to help local cities and counties manage all of their risks, including law enforcement liability.

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Please contact us to discuss how we help your city and county manage all of your risks, including law enforcement liability.

Authorities say a central New York convenience store’s surveillance cameras caught a man purposely pouring soda on the floor and then faking a fall so he could file an insurance claim against the business.

Insurance fraud investigators say the store’s security videotape shows Barnes pouring soda on the floor. Officials say “injured” filed a claim with the stores insurer and later withdrew the claim.

Paperless Comment: all business owners, are encouraged to install security cameras, and it doesn’t cost much these days. Those cameras can be setup to record only when there is movement detected. With development of technology, 24/7 access via internet or cellphone does not cost extra. This can help to avoid fake liability and workers compensation claims, as well as property damage and theft. In fact, one of our insureds has installed cameras on the loading dock and recorded 90% decline in Workers Comp. claims and the thefts of property (he sells large granite stone plates) were 100% decreased…

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. today announced the formation of its Renewable Energy Unit to address the unique and evolving needs of the rapidly growing renewable energy industry. The new unit will provide specialized underwriting and a full suite of property and casualty insurance products and services for makers, builders and operators of renewable energy.

“We are pleased to launch The Hartford Renewable Energy Unit as the latest example of our strategic focus on providing tailored solutions for specific customer segments,” said Juan Andrade, president of The Hartford’s Commercial Markets. “With the infusion of billions of dollars from investors, venture capitalists and the U.S. government, the renewable energy industry is poised to become a sizeable source of economic activity and important market for insurance products.”

The Hartford has appointed James Gardiner to lead the Renewable Energy Unit. Gardiner will be responsible for the unit’s overall execution and management with a focus on business development. Gardiner has played a key role in The Hartford’s expansion into the renewable energy industry. He has represented The Hartford on the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) since 2009, serving as co-chair of its risk management working group and a member of the finance and investment committee.

Gardiner is also collaborating with the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) to understand the risk management needs of and potential solutions for early stage renewable energy companies, and his team has contributed to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study.

The Hartford also announced that John Davison has joined the company as renewable energy underwriting director, reporting to Gardiner. Davison brings more than 30 years of underwriting experience in the energy and related industries. He will be responsible for shaping The Hartford’s underwriting position and helping to deepen relationships with specialist distribution partners. Most recently, Davison served as senior underwriter in the global energy division of Zurich Insurance. He will be based in The Hartford’s Houston office.

The Renewable Energy Unit will be based in The Hartford’s Southwest Regional office, under the leadership of Regional Vice President Tim Nelligan. Gardiner will work closely with Nelligan in establishing The Hartford’s renewable energy field distribution strategy, with an initial focus in Texas, California and New Jersey this fall and a broader rollout planned for 2011.

“Our Southwest Regional office is well-equipped to serve as the hub of our renewable energy practice,” said Andrade. “The Renewable Energy Unit will work closely with our sales team to identify opportunities for collaboration with agents and brokers in serving the needs of customers in this growing industry.”

The Hartford has been insuring renewable energy risks for more than 20 years, with broad expertise in loss control, underwriting and claims management for this industry.