West Bend Provides a Silver Lining.

West Bend celebrates Childcare Provider Appreciation Day

In recognition of Childcare Provider Appreciation Day, West Bend was pleased to show our appreciation to Milestones, Programs for Children at Indian Hill School in River Hills by donating planters, plants, and gardening supplies. In addition to providing the donation, West Bend associates joined Milestones staff and children to plant their new flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Not only does the garden enhance the center aesthetically, but the activity of planting creates a hands-on, outdoor learning activity for the children and provides a source of fresh, healthy food options.

Milestones is just one of the thousands of daycare and childcare centers West Bend insures throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. We’re proud to work with so many phenomenal childcare centers that provide loving and educational environments to children and peace of mind to their working parents.

Our unique understanding of the childcare industry enables us to provide expert services for both designing a specialized insurance program that’s right for your business and handling any claims that may arise.

If you own or operate an in-home daycare or childcare center, we might have the insurance program for you. Find out more click here or talk to a West Bend independent insurance agent today!

Dehumidifier safety

Spring and summer are prime seasons for increased humidity. Basements, crawl spaces, and indoor pool or spa areas are key locations that may be effected by moisture in the air. When not addressed, excessive humidity can result in mold, musty scents, uneven floorboards, and stains on walls and ceilings. Dehumidifiers can do a great job of minimizing moisture and protecting your home, but there may be some risk involved.

Over the last 15 years, there have been a number of high-profile dehumidifier recalls from several name-brand manufacturers after faulty units caught fire. In some cases, these fires were devastating to the homeowners. Before you turn on your dehumidifier, please make sure it hasn’t been recalled.

Check out these West Bend Cares blogs for more information.

Dehumidifiers can overheat and catch fire. Do you have one?

A faulty dehumidifier could burn your house down

Then, if you want to learn more about dehumidifier operation and maintenance, as well as dehumidifier components and common failure modes, read Dehumidifier Fires – Expert Article on Forensic Investigations.

It's a jungle out there!

Jungle gyms, slides, swings, teeter-totters, and climbing walls are staples of neighborhood playgrounds. Playgrounds offer hours of fun for children of all ages. They’re great for exercise and fresh air, as well as sparking endless opportunities for creative play and developing strength, balance, and other gross motor skills. Unfortunately, these benefits are accompanied by some risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries each year. More than 20,000 of these children are treated for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion. In addition, about 56% of emergency department visits are for fractures, contusions, or abrasions.

While it’s probably impossible to completely eliminate the chance of an accident occurring, there are things you can do to protect your loved ones. Use these simple tips to navigate the playground safely.

• Supervise your child using playground equipment.
• Choose the right play area for your child’s age and ability.
• Look for hazards, such as broken equipment.
• Ensure safe surfaces beneath and around equipment.

Visit kidshealth.org for a comprehensive article on playground safety, including general safety and a breakdown of things to consider for each type of equipment commonly found on playgrounds.

Also, check out this tip sheet on playground safety and concussions from the CDC.