The official start of winter on December 21^st is a good reminder to prepare your Lodge for winter weather. Depending where your Lodge is located, this means different preparations. If you live further south in the United States where snow is infrequent, consider stocking up on ice melt to be prepared in the event of freezing rain. If you are located somewhere that receives several feet of snow per year, arrange snow removal.

No matter where your Lodge is located, preparation to prevent common winter weather claims like slips and trips is important.

Avoid Common Winter Weather Claims—Slips and Trips

Unsurprisingly, ice is one of the most common causes of winter weather claims. Whether your Lodge sees ice once or once a week during the winter season, it is critical to take […]

With the New Year, many are reflecting on 2018. Unfortunately, 2018 saw many natural disasters in the United States. From hurricanes to wild fires, many homeowners and business owners were required to clean up and rebuild.

As 2019 begins, it can be beneficial to reflect and reevaluate the measures your Lodge has in place, should something similar occur where you reside. Take the time to evaluate your Lodge’s natural disaster preparation plan because a few simple steps can help you make the best of a terrible situation:

How to Prepare your Lodge

Your buildings are likely your Lodge’s biggest assets, and can also be the most costly to repair. With these tips, your Lodge will be better prepared and protected.

• Risk Assessment – Start by evaluating the natural disasters that your Lodge […]
  

A surprising number of claims come from an unexpected source: metal folding chairs. Collapsing chairs are dangerous and often collapse during normal use. Many injuries can occur from a chair collapse, including:

• Heavy bruising
• Smashed fingers
• Broken arms and wrists
• Fractured pelvises
• Severe lacerations
• Concussions

Injuries associated with deteriorating folding chairs may require corrective surgeries, hospitalization and significant recovery times. They are extremely expensive to both the injured and your Lodge, as medical expenses alone can easily top tens of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Folding Chairs to Prevent Collapse

To avoid an injury and costly claim, perform a thorough and in-depth safety review of all chairs—whether they are folding or standard design. Questions to ask when determining if a chair should be retired:

• When was the chair purchased? If it’s over 10 […]
  

With the holiday season fully upon us, many Lodges are ready to decorate. During this joyous season, it is important to consider holiday decorating safety. Whether your Lodge decorates a small Charlie Brown tree or goes full Chevy Chase, keep your Lodge’s property and members safe with these tips:

Indoor Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

• If your Lodge purchases a live tree, check for freshness as a fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Because heated rooms dry live trees, fill the tree stand with water each day.
• If your Lodge has an artificial tree, ensure it has a fire resistant label. If not, consider purchasing one that does.
• Artificial or real, be sure to place your tree at least 3 feet away from all […]