Featured stories

Father and daughter shoveling snow outside home

Tips for safe snow removal

This time of year, Mother Nature brings snow to many parts of the country. While children often eagerly look forward to snow because of the possibility of a day off from school or the opportunity to get out and enjoy winter activities like sledding and building snow forts and snowmen, it means something entirely different to many adults. For adults, it means dangerous driving conditions and clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways. Whether you use a shovel or a snow blower, there are risks associated with clearing snow, such as hypothermia, slippery pavement, back problems, heart issues, and operation of mechanical equipment. Please keep these tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in mind when you’re removing snow.

In addition, it’s important to remember the sometimes-forgotten insurance impacts of snow removal. Click here to learn more.

Lawyer sits behind a Lady Justitia scale and looks over paperwork

Lawyer insurance: We can protect your legal practice

Successful lawyers understand that expert knowledge, trustworthiness, reputation, and proven results are all cornerstones of operating a thriving law practice. These are keys to West Bend’s business model as well.

As a lawyer, your expertise and ability to deliver are how you draw and retain clients. As you’re focused on protecting your clients and securing the best possible results for them during challenging times, you need an insurance company that can do the same for you.

West Bend can help! We understand your business is unique and requires specialized attention. Our skilled insurance professionals will work with you to design a comprehensive insurance program tailored specifically to your business needs. Our business insurance offerings include Property, General Liability, Business Technology, Cyber, and more.

If something were to happen, you’ll receive professional and experienced customer service from our knowledgeable claims team. Knowing you’re protected by a West Bend insurance policy allows you to focus on protecting your clients and their interests.

Click here to learn more or contact one of our independent insurance agencies to get a quote.

Space heater safety

As winter takes hold, there’s a chill in the air across much of the country. This time of year, people often turn to space heaters to supplement central heating. While portable and stationary space heaters can help keep heating costs down during winter, they also present potential fire hazards.

According to a December 2022 report released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), during 2016-2020 space heaters were most often responsible for home heating equipment fires, accounting for one-third of the fires, as well as most of the civilian deaths (88%) and injuries (80%) in home fires caused by heating equipment. During this five-year span, NFPA estimates space heaters caused 14,600 fires, 420 civilian deaths, 1,100 civilian injuries, and $584 million direct property damage.

NFPA urges people to follow precautions when using space heaters. Check out this tip sheet for more information on basics steps you can take to protect your family and home when using a portable space heater. Then visit energy.gov for more detailed information on types of portable space heaters including how they work and guidelines for use.