Dining Out During a Pandemic

Denise Gillin Business Insurance, News

Shared from the National Restaurant Association  Research conducted by the National Restaurant Association indicates that the restaurant industry has lost $120 billion in sales during March, April, and May due to the impact of coronavirus in the United States. As state mandates allow for restaurants to reopen, jurisdictions that require face coverings in public spaces present a new challenge: guests refusing to wear masks. The Association’s Law Center partnered with Jackson Lewis P.C. to develop guidance for restaurateurs when dealing with confrontational customers or those who forgot their masks. Highlights include: What if a guest refuses to wear a mask on Constitutional grounds? Guests and employees have no constitutional free speech rights in a private business or workplace. The First …

Liability Immunity Offered by PREP Act

Denise Gillin Business Insurance, News

By Amy G. Mitchell, CIC, CISR, Vice President, Commercial Solutions Are you manufacturing products to support the COVID-19 solution? Respirators, face shields, face masks, etc. You may be eligible for Liability Immunity offered by the PREP Act that was made effective February 4, 2020, by the Department of Health & Human Services for products used for COVID-19. “The PREP Act authorizes the Secretary to issue a declaration to provide liability immunity to certain individuals and entities (covered persons) against any claim of loss caused by, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the manufacture, distribution, administration, or use of medical countermeasures (covered countermeasures). Under the March 10, 2020, declaration, covered countermeasures are any antiviral, any other drug, any biologic, …

Reduce the Potential for Water Damage and Severe Weather Claims

Denise Gillin Business Insurance, Home and Auto Insurance, Risk Management

The insurance industry pays many more claims for water damage than they do for fire damage! And, the number of losses spike during the cold winter months. Do you know how to reduce the potential for water damage from: Wind-blown rain, sleet and snow from severe storms Ice damming Flooding and damage from surface water Accidental activation or damage to piping containing water Roof collapse   For more information and to access the Water Damage Prevention Inspection Checklist >>>  

Preparing for New Cyber Threats

Denise Gillin Business Insurance, News, Risk Management

According to an article by Jody Westby, CEO of Global Cyber Risk, published on Leader’s Edge website, as companies look to the year ahead, they should make sure they are prepared for the types of cyber attacks they might encounter in 2019. The cyber threat environment is more sophisticated than ever, and nation-states have increasingly played a role, often in coordination with other actors. Even the best chief information security officers are evaluating their programs against current threats and beefing up.   Tell me more >>>

Easy Steps To Reduce Cast Iron Boiler Failures Due To Thermal Shock

Amy Mitchell Business Insurance, Insurance, News

By William P. Desrosiers in “Business, Energy Efficiency, Equipment Care” Thermal shock leads to many cast iron boiler failures, but boiler manufacturers set operational limits to avoid the cumulative conditions that lead to thermal shock. By following manufacturer’s specifications and scheduling consistent, coordinated servicing, cast iron boiler owners can reduce the risk of thermal shock. Tell me more >>>

Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Kimberly Warner Business Insurance, Insurance

This information is from the FCC’s Cybersecurity Hub. Broadband and information technology are powerful tools for small businesses to reach new markets and increase sales and productivity. However, cybersecurity threats are real and businesses must implement the best tools and tactics to protect themselves, their customers, and their data. Visit www.fcc.gov/cyberplanner to create a free customized Cyber Security Planning guide for your small business and visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect to download resources on cyber security awareness for your business. Ten key cybersecurity tips to protect your small business.  

Mind the Insurance Gap

Mary Lyons Business Insurance, Health Benefits, Insurance, Voluntary Benefits

Is your business unprotected? “Of course not,” you probably say. But how sure are you? Almost 40% of small companies would likely go out of business if the business owner unexpectedly died, according to a new report, the New York Life Small Business Insurance Gap. Tell me more >>> If you would like more information about protecting your business, contact Mary Lyons, GBA, Insurance and Benefits Sales Consultant, Health Benefit Solutions.

Data Breach Preparedness: Critical Risk Management Priority for Small and Mid-sized Businesses

Amy Mitchell Business Insurance, Insurance, News, Risk Management

After hearing a lot lately about big companies suffering data breaches, it is important to remember that, according to inc.com, half of all cyberattacks target small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Based on a 2016 State of SMB Cybersecurity Report, CNBC reported that in the prior 12 months half of all SMBs in the U.S. had been hacked. Read the full article >>>

Why Small Business Owners Shouldn’t Underestimate the Risk of Power Outages

Kimberly Warner Business Insurance, Insurance, News

By Alexander Huls for The Hartford When the electricity goes out at home, it’s often a simple inconvenience. Usually you can remedy this temporary situation with a flashlight and a good book or some board games. But for small business owners, the cost of power outages due to bad weather, accidents, or construction, can be severe – especially if they don’t have business insurance. Tell me more >>> If you have questions about protecting your small business during a power outage, contact Kimberly Warner, Small Business Solutions, Murray.