Bibby Brilling News

Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:25:29 GMT

When purchasing a trailer in Texas or elsewhere, stay within recommended capacity guidelines. When determining capacity, remember to include the weight of fuel and accessories in addition to the weight of the craft.

Trailers come with closed or open frames. Closed frames help protect the wiring, but problems can be more difficult to locate and repair. Open frames leave the wiring exposed, but make it easier to spot and repair potential problems. Open frames also drain water more easily and efficiently, so keep in mind that when you dip that trailer into lakes, or elsewhere.

Consider the method of personal watercraft (PWC) support, the frame strength and construction, whether lights and wiring are approved for marine use, whether rollers and bunks are properly positioned and attached to the main frame for proper suspension, and the durability of the finish. (Powder-coated or galvanized finishes are more durable than baked-on enamel.)

Purchase good quality tie-downs with the right hooks to attach to your trailer. Before each use of your trailer, check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs, etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares

Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length of the car and trailer when turning and passing, and allow extra time for stopping.

Pull off the road periodically to check the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for signs of overheating, check the lights and test the tie-downs.

Before Leaving Shore

At the Launch Ramp:

It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don’t rush, but don’t linger longer than necessary.
Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other boats, debris, etc.
Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

Contact Us!

Tornadoes Happen Every Year - Are You Prepared?

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:52:36 GMT

You don't have to be directly hit by a tornado in Texas to experience damage. Taking some time to prepare could save you thousands of dollars and hours of clean-up.

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

In an average year, 800 are reported nationwide, but in April of 2011 alone, 875 tornadoes were reported. Oftentimes, homes and businesses close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Check with us to see if your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.

If you can’t live in your home, see if your policy will pay additional living expenses. We can review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.

Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs. Bibby Brilling recommends you work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and make sure you chat with us about your business or home’s unique features.

You Can Take Action to Reduce Damage

You can’t make your home or business tornado-proof, but you can take steps that improve the odds of surviving the high winds. Ideally, you may want to call on professionals for the more technical jobs.

Start at the top – your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high winds.
If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.

If a Tornado is Headed Your Way

If you are in a building, move to an underground shelter, an interior room or a hallway on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows and corners.
If you’re in your car, get out immediately and find safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.
Flying debris causes most injuries and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Additional Resources

Check out some of these additional resources or let Bibby Brilling find the right insurance protection for you:

It’s necessary to get the right insurance protection for you. For more information on your policy or if you’d like to ask about additional coverage, please contact us or give us a call at 214-521-8030.

4 Reasons Why Buying Life Insurance is a Smart Investment

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:50:33 GMT

Life insurance is an investment that you will want to make. By paying to secure monthly coverage options, you will be putting yourself and your loved ones in a better place of financial security. Life insurance provides specific benefits which make the investment a prudent one to have.

Here are 4 reasons why securing coverage is a smart investment overall:

1- It provides income with the loss of a provider. Should the primary provider for a family die, the survivors can usually expect a loss of standard of living. Life insurance can provide cash to compensate for the loss of income and aid in stabilizing a situation.

2- It covers medical and funeral expenses. When someone passes away, there are often high costs involved with medical care they were receiving, as well as the cost of a funeral. By providing the funds to cover these elements, the policy lessens the effect on the family.

3- It also funds specific goals. Life insurance funds can be used to help pay for college, a home, or a business for those who have been affected by a loss.

4- It pays for taxes and debt while preserving estate. Estate law can be tricky for those who have suffered a loss, especially due to the taxes and fines which may need to be paid in order to retain the estate. As such, life insurance can provide the cash needed to cover these things and make it so that the estate is undeniably left to the family.

When it comes to taking care of yourself and your family, these benefits can make all of the difference. Planning ahead allows you to take control of the future and ensure better stability for everyone involved.

Spring is Coming!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:41:22 GMT

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, we're starting to think about spring. (Or at least hoping that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether spring arrives on time, we've got you covered with tips to get you ready for the season.

Get Ready for Spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in Texas changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (see the full list)

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition (stay safe doing that!), and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

Beat the Wintertime Blues

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting before spring.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

Contact Us !

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year – sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Bibby Brilling we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just contact us or give us a call at 214-521-8030. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

5 Types of Insurance you Must Have

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:19:15 GMT

In today’s world, you will need a lot of different insurance coverage in order to be as protected as possible. There is no way to fully predict what life will throw your way, but you can preventively have things taken care of, so that your needs will be met no matter what.

Here are 5 types of insurance that you should have:

1- Home Insurance. Those who own a house should make sure to get home insurance, so that the financial cost of damages and repairs and accidents can all be taken care of.

2- Auto Insurance. This coverage is required by law in most places, and makes it so that damages inflicted on a car or caused to others will be covered appropriately.

3- Disability Insurance. Should you get hurt and find yourself unable to work, disability insurance will be an important part to having your financial needs taken care of.

4- Health Insurance. This insurance type is also important because it covers your most important asset, namely your career.

5- Life Insurance. Lastly, life insurance is the coverage attained when you need it most, if your life is in danger. With this coverage, your family will be taken care of.

Each of these insurance types has its own place and purpose in your life. We encourage you to get the comprehensive coverage you need in order to be as protected and safe as possible. Come in and let us work with you to find the best options for your situation!

5 Tips for Living a Long Healthy Life!

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:05:40 GMT

We all want to live long and healthy lives, while being as happy as we can be. Achieving this goal brings with it a better sense of satisfaction and contentment that is difficult to replicate! Here are some easy tips for living longer and being happier.

1- Exercise your Body. Working out on a regular basis helps to improve heart rate and metabolism, as well as triggering important neurotransmitters that lead to feelings of wellness and contentment.

2- Lose Weight. Losing weight and slimming down is linked to increased energy levels and having a generally more positive feeling present during the day.

3- Drink Water. Staying hydrated is essential for good health. It helps the body regulate itself and stay viable.

4- Spend Wisely. Living within ones means is important for reducing stress levels. Those who borrow too much or push their finances have been proven to have higher stress levels, which in turn may impact their health in a negative way. Being responsible keeps the mind clear and stress levels low.

5- Exercise your Mind. Last of all, keeping your mind stimulated with reading and interesting projects is a great way to find context and satisfaction in life, as well as keeping things exciting for you.

When you treat your body well and do not overwhelm yourself with stress, it makes it so that your mood and happiness levels are able to improve along with your physical health. There is a real link that exists between these two things, and working on both elements at once should lead to better contentment for you!

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:39:26 GMT

This is a list of the top five leading causes of auto accidents. Learning about these causes and the best forms of prevention may help you to drive safer.

Distracted Drivers: No matter what the distraction is, distracted driver are dangerous drivers because they cannot fully focus on the road and the drivers around them. While you are driving you should be sure that you are focusing solely on the road in front of you and the drivers around you. Make sure that you eat before you drive, leave your phone untouched while driving and minimize the times that you change your music or fiddle with your radio.
Drunk Driving: When a driver drives drunk they have impaired judgment and reaction times. Drunk drivers have a much higher chance of getting in an accident than those drivers that are sober. Whenever you know that you are going to drink find someone to be your designated driver or take a cab out so that you are forced to take a cab home.
Being an Aggressive Driver: When you are on the road you should be defensive but never aggressive. Aggressive drivers may have inhibited judgment. If you struggle with driving aggressively you may want to take a defensive driving course to help change your general attitude of driving.
Road Rage: When a driver get angry easily and takes it out on other drivers there can be negative repercussions. Cutting someone off, speeding and tailgating are common results of road rage. Finding ways to channel your anger and avoid road rage will ensure that you never have the impaired judgment that comes with a quick temper.
Regular Car Maintenance: When brake lines, tires or engines fail at importune times they may cause an accident. Take time to have your car worked on consistently to ensure that it is in tip top shape while you are driving.

Managing the Cold Chain

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:40:54 GMT

Protect your restaurant, your customers, and your reputation

Restaurant and foodservice owners across Texas know the importance of managing “the cold chain” and how seriously it needs to be followed to prevent food borne illnesses to keep from hurting your reputation and your bottom line. That is why we at Bibby Brilling team up with Loss Prevention professionals who are technical experts in cold chain systems. They can help you implement a process which reduces your exposure to those pesky microbes that can “ruin your lunch” – and your lunch crowd.

Refrigeration is the key

Restaurants and food stores across Texas need to maintain the integrity of perishable goods throughout the entire shipping, storing, cooking and retailing process. From “farm to fork,” the temperature of perishable food must be maintained, and refrigeration is the key. Bibby Brilling has resources that can help you make sure you are following the proper temperature controls to keep your food fresh. They can also make sure your coverage is up-to-date for the type of food retail operation you own.

Receiving perishable goods

Trust your distributor, but it’s always best to verify the temperature of the food before accepting delivery. Many refrigerated trucks have a data log for temperature during the trip. Ask to see it – most perishables should be maintained at 41 F or below. Bibby Brilling encourages you to know the science behind the food. We can help you obtain the proper training for you and your staff on safe temperature controls for food.

When storing perishables at your restaurant or store

From your walk-in to your reach-in, you need to be sure you have adequate space, temperature controls, and properly working doors and seals on all your food storage equipment. Keep temperature logs or alarms on your equipment as mechanical refrigerators can malfunction and you may not even know it! Whether you lease or own your refrigeration equipment in Texas, contact us to be sure you have the right policy that covers you and your business should that equipment fail.

“Managing the Cold Chain” tools for restaurants and food services

Bibby Brilling has many resources for you and your business. We work with some of the most knowledgeable loss prevention specialists in Texas. They will work with you and train your staff on how to maintain a healthy and safe food service operation.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business and your employees, contact Bibby Brilling at 214-521-8030 or agency [at] bibbybrilling [dot] com today!

Simple Road Rules to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:30:41 GMT

If you are the parent of a teen driver, then you understand that having them on the road can leave you a bit worried and stressed. The road can be a dangerous and unpredictable place, especially for those who might not be that experienced yet. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you create a set of rules to keep your teen safe.

1- Always buckle up. This may be a given, but buckling up your seatbelt exponentially reduces the risk of injury during any kind of accident. The best way to enforce this rule is to always buckle up before turning on the car, so that positive habits can be created.

2- Keep the number of passengers low. Every new person in a car serves as a distraction which reduces the driver’s ability to process important information. For teen drivers, these distractions should not be allowed until they get more experience.

3- Drive during the day. Night driving brings with it a certain series of dangers unique to the situation, and experience is needed to get through safely. By insisting on daytime driving, parents will protect their kids from many possible issues that mainly happen during the night.

By setting up these rules ahead of time, both the parents and the teen are able to establish a safety net of trust to keep them safe on the road. By taking the time to have a mature conversation with your teen, you can create a positive set of guidelines to make a real difference.

Choosing Between Term and Whole Life Insurance

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:33:16 GMT

One of the most important decisions you can make as an adult concerns whether you will select term or whole life insurance. Both options have pros and cons, and it is ultimately up to the individual to pick out the best options for them.

Term life insurance is a policy that gives the person the full benefits of a life insurance policy for a set period of time. This term is a set amount of years, wherein the person decides how long their policy will extend, and when it will end.

Full life insurance is acquired with the understanding that someone will pay into their policy for as long as they live, while receiving the full benefits form their plan during that time.

The main difference between the two options (besides the differences in time span) is that the term life insurance will only pay out death benefits once someone has passed, while full life insurance will offer large cash amounts to beneficiaries as well. Term policies are going to be cheaper with their premiums, while full options will have more perks to them.

It comes down to pricing and available perks, as well as the ability to renew or pay into different funds, based on how long someone has lived for.

Essentially, the choice is yours, as you look to give your loved ones the best possible situation when it comes time for these benefits to help them. There is no perfect answer for anyone, but there are the options that will best suit their situation.