D Winters Insurance Services
  • Home
  • About
  • Carriers
  • Ask the Agent
  • Contact

Severe weather season is upon us.​                      What To Do During A Tornado

4/21/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture


In a House With a Basement 
Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some sturdy protection (heavy table or workbench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where hefty objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall through a weakened floor and crush you. 

In a House With No Basement  
Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bathtub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should surround yourself with some thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.) to protect against falling debris if the roof and ceiling fail. 

In an Apartment, Dorm or Condo
If you live in an apartment on the upper floor, immediately get to the lowest level of the building that you can; this could be an underground parking garage or a neighbor's first-floor apartment. Then move to the most interior area possible, away from windows. 
If you live in a high-rise apartment building, you may not have enough time to get to a lower level, so picking a place in the hallway in the center of your building is the best idea, such as a stairwell.  If that is not available, then a closet, bathroom, or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado.  Expect power loss during a tornado storm, so avoid elevators and keep a flashlight handy.

In an Office Building, Hospital or Store
Follow instructions from facility managers. Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building — away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost. 

In a Mobile Home
Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes, and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy, permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can blow onto you. 

In a Car or Truck
Vehicles are hazardous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive away from its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible — out of the traffic lanes. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can accelerate the wind while offering little protection against flying debris. 
​
In The Open Outdoors
If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and facedown on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may blow onto you in a tornado. 
 

0 Comments

Hey Retirees, Turn Your Talent Into a Home-Based Business!

4/15/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by Pexel

Your golden years are for devoting yourself to the passions and activities you love. All that free time also opens up new opportunities for generating income if you aren’t ready to stop working yet. Starting a home-based business is a great option, especially if mobility issues have slowed you down physically. Here are the steps needed to turn your talent into a business of your own.
 
1. Assess Your Skills
You gathered many skills while working and probably became an expert at a few of them. Share your talent with others through a consulting or coaching business. Transform a room in your home into an office space to meet with clients or do consultations through video calls.
 
Hobbies transition easily into a virtual business. Many painters, photographers and artists sell their products online. Writers can offer their services as freelancers to create social media posts, marketing material, blogs and articles or complete the next great American novel.
 
2. Create a Plan
Create a business plan to detail the steps needed to launch your new endeavor. Be realistic about the time commitment involved and how much money you need for start-up costs. It is wise to factor in enough funds to support your business until it becomes profitable.
 
You may be surprised to discover you don’t need a large amount of money to begin. Often, all that is needed is a way to sell your product or promote your service online. You can hire a freelance web designer to create a web page for your business or sell your wares on an established e-commerce site such as Etsy.
 
3. Analyze Your Funds
Make sure you have the necessary money you've identified in place before you start your business. If you need additional funds, share your business plan with friends or family members and invite them to invest in your company. Talk to your local bank about obtaining a small business loan or contact the Small Business Administration about securing a microloan.
 
4. Protect Your Assets
At this stage in your life, it is important to protect your personal assets. Setting up your business as an LLC will provide the protection and flexibility you need along with tax advantages, and it doesn't cost a lot to set up. Learn how to start an LLC in MN and file the paperwork yourself to save money instead of hiring a lawyer. You also will find companies on the internet ready to handle the entire process for you.
 
Set up a separate checking account for your business and only use it for company-related expenses. Borrowing from it for personal needs opens you up to legal and financial issues since it negates your LLC's liability protection.
 
5. Promote Your Business
The last step is to get the word out about the products and services you are offering. You can ask a retired friend with a marketing background or hire a freelancer to help you create a logo for your company and some marketing materials.
 
Following these steps gives you your own home-based business and extra income doing what you love. Being your own boss may make your retirement even sweeter.
 
Whether you need auto, home, or life insurance, D Winters Insurance Services can handle all your needs. Call (612) 325-3516 or send a message.

Author Tina Martin ​http://ideaspired.com/
0 Comments
    Picture

    David Winters

    Independent Insurance Agent

    Archives

    June 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    April 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    April 2019
    March 2019

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
(612) 325-3516
(612) 430-9170
EMAIL US
D Winters Insurance Services
13312 Inverness Rd
​Minnetonka, MN 55305

Picture
  • Home
  • About
  • Carriers
  • Ask the Agent
  • Contact