Unwanted pests are a common problem for facilities, where insects, rodents and other small animals seek easy access to food, water and shelter. With warmer weather returning, pests may become a problem at the Lodge.

These pests can be a problem for your Lodge in more ways than one. Some pests carry diseases which can cause illness to members, guests and volunteers. Others can cause significant property damage to your building. To reduce the risk to your Lodge, make sure you are up to speed on common pest infestations and prevention.

Common Pest Infestations and Prevention 

Stinging Insects  

• Stinging insects can sting you, your members, guests and volunteers. Some people are allergic to these stings, resulting in medical emergencies, so it’s best to keep these pests away from […]
  

If your Lodge hosts events where alcohol is served, you may face risks that other organizations don’t have to think about through dram shop laws. In some cases, you can be sued for the damages caused by an event attendee who’s had too much to drink.

To protect your Lodge, it’s important to know what liquor liability laws apply. However, compliance can be tricky because the law varies quite a bit from state to state. Read on for an overview of the state liquor liability laws, also known as dram shop laws.

What to Know About Liquor Liability and Dram Shop Laws

Alcohol-related injuries and deaths remain all too common, with more than 10,000 lives lost each year. States have enacted laws to combat the problem, allowing victims […]

Insurance can be a confusing topic. Unlike other purchases you make for the Lodge, no instruction manual comes in the box. This can make it hard to know how to use your new insurance, when to make changes and what options you have at renewal.

Our customer service team loves hearing from our clients and answering your questions. Some of the most common questions we hear can be answered right here, without clients having to pick up the phone.

Here are your top 5 most frequently asked questions about Lodge insurance with our answers.

Q: Do we need a certificate to be covered for all events?

Answer: No, your Lodge coverage from Lockton Affinity automatically extends to your activities and special events on and off premises.

When you […]

Every claim is unique, but some kinds of claims come up more often than others. That’s the case with many liquor liability claims, which tend to fall into 3 main categories. If your Lodge hosts events where alcohol is served, you face a higher risk for these liquor liability claims.

Here’s what your Lodge should know about the 3  common liquor liability claims and the steps you can take to prevent them.

3 Common Liquor Liability Claims: #1 Alcohol Served to a Minor

It’s prohibited by law to serve or sell alcohol to a minor under the minimum legal drinking age of 21. Even so, underage drinking is still common. According to a 2019 report from the Department of Health and Human Services, around 20% of those under 21 report consuming alcohol.

For […]

Volunteers help contribute the skills, manpower and enthusiasm your organization needs to succeed without breaking the bank. But bringing new volunteers into your Lodge also presents risk, and that’s why all Lodges need to screen volunteers.

We would all like the believe volunteers get involved in causes and organizations for the right reasons, but this isn’t always the case. Poor decision-making, dishonesty and criminal misdeeds by your volunteers can seriously impact your organization. Your Lodge could be a victim of crime, suffer public relations issues or be held liable for a volunteer’s actions.

Here are 8 tips to follow when looking for volunteers for the Lodge. Follow these guidelines on how to properly screen volunteers to reduce your risk so you can focus on your mission.

1. Create an application process—Having a […]
   

Every insurance claim is different, but some common fraternal claims come up more often than others. For Lodges, general liability claims, property damage claims and liquor liability claims come up over and over. Your Lodge is at a higher risk from these common claims, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re fully covered and take the right steps to minimize your chance of a claim.

General Liability Claims

General liability claims are common fraternal claims that can happen when you least expect it. General liability claims often involve accidents, injuries or damages to the property of third parties.

Such as when someone at the Lodge :

• Has a slip-and-fall injury due to a wet floor
• Ends up with car damage in the parking lot from a storm
• Becomes ill from […]
  

It’s the height of summer, and many people are excited to be spending more time outdoors after COVID-related closures. But along with the fresh air and sunshine there is extreme heat that can be dangerous to your health.

As your Lodge schedules activities outdoors this summer, take the heat into account. It could mean the difference between a memorable outing and a medical emergency.

Help your Lodge members, volunteers and guests stay safe in the heat with these tips.

What to Know About Extreme Heat

Each year, extreme heat results in significantly more weather-related fatalities than extreme cold according to NOAA. Here’s what to remember:

• Temperatures can rise to extreme levels quickly and sometimes without warning.
• High humidity, measured with the heat index, makes it feel even hotter outside.
• Full sun exposure may […]
  

It’s not always easy to tell what’s wrong when you don’t feel well. Some symptoms can go unnoticed, while other signs of serious illnesses are so common we may ignore them. Knowing the signs of serious illnesses like heart attack and stroke helps protect your organization and community and can prevent an otherwise tragic outcome. Here’s what to know:

Signs of Serious Illnesses: Heart Attack

It’s not always easy to tell if something’s wrong with your heart. Everyone has aches and pains, but it’s important to know when discomfort could be a sign of something more serious.

1. Chest discomfort

Chest discomfort can include sensations of pain, tightness, pinching, burning, or pressure. The pain doesn’t go away after a few minutes and may worsen. This is a common sign, but it’s not universal.

2. […]