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. […]

As recent events prove, life is full of uncertainty. Only a couple months ago, Moose Lodges across the country were preparing for their regular spring and summer activities. While things will get back to normal soon, the COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that things don’t always go according to plan.

While it is important to plan for our futures, it is also important to prepare for the unexpected. Uncertainty can lead to added stress and worry, which can have a negative impact on all involved. One way to prepare for the unexpected is insurance. The importance of insurance for Lodges comes down to three factors: protecting what you have built, minimizing the risks you face and proactively addressing the challenges of uncertainty.

Importance of Insurance: Protecting What You Have Built

Your Lodge and […]

Once life at your Lodge returns to normal, old and new volunteers will likely be looking for ways to give back. To prepare for the volunteers, examine your Lodge’s volunteer training and safety precautions.

1. Update your Lodge’s emergency contacts

If there’s an emergency during an event, your volunteers will need to know how to reach you. On the other hand, a situation may arise where it’s you who needs to get in touch with a volunteer. Make sure everyone has the necessary phone numbers to facilitate important communication.

2. Send communications

Whether you use social media, email or texting for volunteer and guest contact lists, take time to craft a new message and send updates on the state of your Lodge. Share upcoming events they may be able […]

Renting out Lodge facilities and property for a special event is a great way to earn money for the Lodge and help serve the local community, but it is not without risk. Property damage, personal injuries and other claims can arise. Prepare your Lodge for special events with these tips:

Have a Risk Management Plan

Safety is best ensured and problems are best avoided by having a risk management plan before you begin hosting events. You can greatly reduce the risk of a claim by:

• Identifying any potential hazard risks for your event.
• Assessing the severity of the risk and the potential impact.
• Controlling the risk exposure by taking appropriate precautions.

Prepare for Inclement Weather

Weather is always a factor in any event planning. Whether the event must be cancelled or postponed, or […]

Each year there are thousands of injuries involving putting up and taking down holiday decor. You can reduce the risk to your members, guests and volunteers as you put Lodge decor away this season (keep this post in mind as you decorate for other holidays, too) by following these holiday decor safety tips:

Live and Artificial Trees

• Purchase a fresh tree to minimize the fire hazard and maximize long life.
• Cut off the bottom 2 inches of the trunk base for better water absorption.
• Water a live tree daily by filling up the tree stand basin.
• Install all trees at least 3 feet from all heat sources.
• Make sure the tree does not block doors or walkways.
• Ensure artificial trees are labeled as fire resistant.
• Take trees down before they […]