Find Your Advantage

“The key is SECURA’s initiative to insure golf courses, because coverage of that specific type hadn’t been available in the past,” said Rollie. “Not everyone understands our business, but SECURA has insight into what a golf course needs.”

As a member of the Midwest Golf Course Owners Association, which participates in SECURA’s Association Advantage^SM program, the country club received a policy discount and other benefits in addition to those unique coverages — as well as the exceptional claims service our policyholders expect.

When Rollie filed a claim for the trees destroyed by the storms last summer, he knew he had selected the right policy. He contacted his agent after strong winds, rain, and hail damaged trees and turf along the front nine holes of the golf course, and SECURA claims consultant Jake Jensvold was ready to help.

“The response from SECURA was very quick,” said Rollie. “Jake stayed close to us and our agent, and he was right there on the spot to help us understand the damage and the claims we filed.”

The claim was settled quickly, allowing business at the country club to continue without a hitch and proving that SECURA’s service makes the difference.

“Everyone can sell insurance, but not everyone can provide quality service in a prompt manner,” said Rollie. “SECURA really knocked it out of the park.”

Like many of us, Indy 500 drivers will cover some serious miles — 500 to be exact — Memorial Day weekend.

Believe it or not, we can learn plenty about safety from drivers who’ll reach speeds of more than 200 mph at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Here are just a few practices the field of 33 drivers will employ that can keep those hitting the highway for vacation safe as well:

•  Buckle up. True, a minivan probably isn’t equipped with a five-point racing safety harness (unless it’s the coolest minivan ever), but we’re positive it has a seat belt. Use it.

•  Use your mirrors. While it’s unlikely that we’ll see Helio Castroneves look over his shoulder before changing lanes, you can bet he’s checking side mirrors constantly. Indy car or road car, they all have blind spots, so checking those mirrors often is important at any speed.

•  Leave space. Indy drivers realize the importance of giving their fellow drivers a little space —though some are better at it than others. All drivers appreciate the courtesy of room to maneuver. Share some space, especially in high-traffic or construction zones.

•  Slow down for emergency vehicles. When emergency vehicles are on the track at IMS, the yellow flag comes out and all drivers give safety personnel a brake. They’ll also give them that extra space we talked about above. On the highway, we need to do the same. Slow down and move over to the side of the road for emergency vehicles.

•  Stay cool. Overly aggressive driving on track will get a driver (we’re talking to you, Paul Tracy) black-flagged or into even bigger trouble. On the highway, it’s just as dangerous. Stay cool and arrive at your vacation finish line stress free.

•  Obey speed limits. No speed limits for Indy drivers? Think again. The speed limit on pit road at IMS is 60 mph (actually 55 with a 5 mph cushion). If the guys and gals going 200+ mph can obey a speed limit, we can, too.

For additional driving safety tips and other information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at http://www.nhtsa.gov.

With safety being a focus this month (May is National Bicycle Safety Month), it’s important to note the unique safety precautions trail riding requires. At the top of that list, as our friend Jim can attest to, is a firm understanding of the trail and what it demands from riders. Choose trails that match your riding abilities. Highly technical
trails require many more skills from riders than just pedal power.

Other tips to ensure your trail experience is a good one:

To find trails in your area, visit the sites below.

www.dirtworld.com

www.traillink.com

How often have you heard that phrase?

It’s a common saying, but it’s not a true one. Lightning can hit anywhere more than once – in fact, according to stormhighway.com, the Sears Tower in Chicago is hit roughly 40-90 times in a year.

There are countless other beliefs about storms that are not only false, but dangerous if trusted during severe weather. Here are four common myths and the truth behind them:

Myth: Rubber tires on your car will protect you from lightning.

Truth: Tires have nothing to do with it. Your car, however, will protect you by dispersing the electric charge from lightning to the ground around you. But the electricity can transfer to metal inside your car, such as a steering wheel or stick shift, so turn off your vehicle and keep your hands in your lap until the storm passes.

Myth: If you’re caught outside in a storm, lie down flat on the ground to avoid lightning strikes.

Truth: You’ll only create a larger surface to hit. Instead, find a low-lying area, crouch as low as you can, tuck your head between your legs, and cover your head with your hands. You want to become the smallest target and have as little contact with the ground as possible.

Myth: Go to the southwest corner of your home for safety during severe weather.

Truth: No corner is safer than any other – in fact, your best option is to move to the center of your house on the lowest level, away from windows. Choose a small room such as a closet or bathroom if possible.

Myth: Open your windows during a tornado to equalize the pressure inside and outside your home.

Truth: Opening windows will only allow the strong winds to cause internal damage to your home. Plus, letting the wind in from outside will push up on your roof, increasing the chances of lifting it off the house.