As the fall sale season brings increased foot traffic, business owners must balance welcoming customers with minimizing risk. Advocate Brokerage shares essential tips to ensure your business and home stay safe during this busy time.

Business Safety Tips: Minimize Risk and Maximize Profit

Enhanced Security Measures
The first step in safeguarding your business is enhancing security. Start with a foot traffic analysis to monitor peak times and adjust your security presence accordingly. Ensure your security staff is trained to handle potential threats with discretion and consider adding additional alarms and audiovisual equipment to protect valuable merchandise.

Check Your Insurance Coverage
Reviewing your insurance coverage before the holiday rush can save you from future headaches. Speak with your insurance advocate to understand policy limitations or exclusions that could impact your business, especially with the influx of temporary employees and customers during peak shopping periods.

Safety First
Protecting your employees and customers is paramount. Implement crowd management strategies and ensure emergency exits are unobstructed and clearly marked. Entrances and exits should remain easily accessible, and key staff should be trained in emergency response. All employees should be familiar with the company’s emergency preparedness plan to handle incidents like theft swiftly and discreetly.

Optimize Inventory Tracking
With an increase in product movement during the fall and holiday season, it’s crucial to ensure your inventory tracking system is functioning properly. This prevents inventory discrepancies and ensures products are available, keeping customers satisfied and protecting your reputation.

By proactively enhancing security, reviewing insurance, and prioritizing safety, business owners can keep their final quarter profitable while mitigating risks.

For more information on business insurance solutions, contact Advocate Brokerage.

Home Safety Tips: Prepare Your Home for Winter

With colder months approaching, Advocate Brokerage emphasizes the importance of home safety to avoid potential hazards.

To Reduce the Risk of Fire

  • Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning.
  • Check oil or propane levels to avoid fuel shortages.
  • Ensure HVAC equipment is in peak condition by scheduling annual maintenance.
  • Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary, or consider installing a Central Station Fire alarm.
  • Place fire extinguishers in key areas such as the kitchen, near fireplaces, and on every floor of your home.

To Reduce the Risk of Slips, Trips, or Falls

  • Stock up on ice melt, salt, or sand.
  • Inspect and service snow removal tools like shovels and snow blowers.
  • Ensure adequate lighting around entryways and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

To Reduce the Risk of Water Damage

  • Clear gutters of leaves and debris, ensuring water flows at least 3-4 feet from your home.
  • Turn off exterior faucets, drain hoses, and make sure everyone in the home knows how to shut off the main water valve.
  • Flush the boiler if you use steam heat.
  • Test your sump pump and check for debris on the roof.
  • Properly insulate and ventilate your attic to prevent ice dams.
  • For optimal protection, install a whole-house water leak detection system to alert you if a pipe bursts.

Preparing your home for winter not only helps prevent costly damage but also ensures a peaceful and relaxing holiday season. Advocate Brokerage is always available to answer questions and review your home insurance coverage.

At Advocate Brokerage, we make sure you’re insured and protected. Call today to speak with one of our home and auto insurance experts.