Category: Safety

Stay safe with expert tips on a wide range of topics, from home safety to disaster preparedness.

Farm & Ranch Coverage During Oklahoma Harvest Season: FAQ

Harvest season in Oklahoma is one of the busiest—and riskiest—times of the year for farmers and ranchers. With heavy equipment on the move, unpredictable weather, and added labor needs, even a small coverage gap can lead to big losses. To help you protect your livelihood during this critical season, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about farm and ranch insurance.

Q1. Which vehicles and equipment are most often underinsured?
A1: Combines, tractors, grain trucks, irrigation systems, and ATVs/UTVs are often underinsured because their replacement costs rise faster than policy updates.

Q2. What risks are unique to Oklahoma farms and ranches?
A2: Oklahoma faces hail, windstorms, drought, and wildfires—risks that vary by region and require local expertise to insure properly.

Q3. How can farmers prepare for unpredictable Oklahoma weather?
A3: Keep detailed inventories, secure crop storage, and ensure hail, wind, and wildfire coverage.

Q4. What are the most common coverage gaps during harvest season?
A4: The most common gaps involve equipment in transit, temporary workers, and livestock in transport. Many farmers/ranchers assume these are automatically covered, but exclusions are common.

Q5. How do liability issues change during harvest?
A5: Liability risks increase as more people, equipment, and vehicles are in motion. Farm vehicles on public roads lead to higher accident potential

Common liability issues include:

  • Injuries to seasonal or temporary employees
  • Collisions with other drivers while hauling crops
  • Delivery-related accidents on farm property

Having adequate farm liability coverage during harvest can prevent uncovered losses.

Q6. Does farm insurance cover accidents involving farm equipment on public roads?
A6: Yes—farm policies can extend coverage to accidents involving tractors, combines, and grain trucks on public highways, but limits vary. Without proper endorsements, some damages may not be covered. Farmers should confirm with their OKFB agent that roadway use is included in their policy.

Q7. What are the most frequent insurance claims during harvest?
A7: We see more equipment collisions, grain bin/auger accidents, weather damage to crops, and livestock escape or injury. Claims can also rise from hitting power poles or damaging buried utility lines while plowing or moving heavy equipment, so checking maps and marking utilities is critical.

Q8. How often should policies be reviewed?
A8: Farmers should review policies at least once a year and whenever new machinery or vehicles are purchased. Local OKFB agents understand Oklahoma-specific risks and can tailor coverage better than national carriers.

Q9. How can I schedule a complimentary policy review?
A9: Contact Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance for a free farm and ranch and auto policy review before harvest season.

Every farm and ranch has its own rhythm, and Oklahoma’s harvest season brings both opportunities and challenges. Your OKFB agent is here to walk alongside you, helping you spot coverage gaps and keep your operation protected.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Holiday Safety Tips You Need to Know

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration! However, it’s also a time when we need to be extra vigilant about safety in our homes. Here is a list of 8 holiday safety tips to ensure your season remains merry and bright–don’t forget to check it twice!

Manage Your Electrical Outlets

While it’s tempting to create elaborate light displays just like Martha May Whovier in Whoville, be careful not to overload your electrical outlets. Too many devices plugged into one outlet or power strip can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. Use multiple outlets spread around your home instead of concentrating everything in one area.

Lights Out When You’re Out

Not only can overloading outlets be dangerous, but lights can also be a fire hazard if left unattended for a while. Always turn off the lights before going to bed or leaving the house. This simple habit can prevent potential electrical fires and save energy too. Check out more holiday safety tips to prepare your home for the holidays. 

Tree Safety is Key

Whether you have a real or artificial Christmas tree, proper placement is crucial. Keep all trees at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters. If you have a real tree, check its water level daily and keep it well-hydrated to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Not sure how to dispose of your real tree after the holidays? Find out here!

Fireplace Do’s and Don’ts

Your fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere, but it’s not a disposal unit. Never burn wrapping paper, wreaths, or trees in your fireplace. These materials can burn too quickly, potentially causing a chimney fire or releasing toxic fumes into your home.

Prepare for Winter Travel

If you’re planning to travel for the holidays, take the time to winterize your car. This includes checking your battery, brakes, and tires, as well as ensuring your antifreeze levels are adequate. A well-maintained car is crucial for safe driving through a winter wonderland!

Pack a Winter Storm Emergency Kit

Whether you’re traveling or staying home, a winter storm emergency kit is essential. Include items like blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. This kit can be a lifesaver in case of long power outages or if you get stranded while traveling!

By following these holiday safety tips, you can help ensure that your holiday season remains joyful and safe. From all of us at OKFB Insurance, we wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

6 Things to Do Before You Use Your Fireplace

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a warm, cozy fireplace. However, before you light that first log, it’s important to ensure your fireplace is safe and ready for use. Here are some essential fireplace safety tips to keep in mind!

Clean Your Chimney

Start the season right by having your chimney cleaned. A clean chimney prevents dangerous creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. Regular cleaning also ensures proper ventilation, keeping your home safe from harmful gasses.

Open the Damper or Flue

Always remember to open the damper or flue, which allows smoke to escape through the chimney, before lighting a fire. Forgetting this step can quickly fill your home with smoke and potentially dangerous fumes!

Check Your Detectors

Next, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they still have working batteries. You might also want to test them regularly to make sure they’re working properly.

Use a Fireplace Screen

If you don’t already have one, you might want to invest in a fireplace screen. This barrier prevents sparks and embers from escaping the fireplace and potentially igniting nearby flammable materials.

Don’t Overload the Firebox

While it might seem convenient to stuff the firebox full of logs all at once, this can actually be dangerous. Overloading can cause the fire to burn too hot, potentially damaging your fireplace or chimney. Instead, add logs occasionally as needed. This approach not only is safer but also allows for better fire management.

Manage Your Ashes

After each fire, clean out the ashes once they’ve cooled completely. Too much ash in your fireplace can cause more smoke. A good rule of thumb is to keep the level of ash at the base of the fireplace to one inch or less to avoid too much buildup and smoke.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace while keeping your home and family safe. Remember, a well-maintained fireplace is a safe fireplace.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Confined Spaces Safety Tips for Farmers and Ranchers

As farmers and ranchers, you understand the importance of safety in your daily operations. One often overlooked hazard is confined spaces, like silos and feed storage. Keep reading for some confined spaces safety tips for your farm or ranch.

Identify Confined Spaces

The first step in ensuring safety is recognizing potential hazards. On farms and ranches, confined spaces are more common than you might think. Labeling these areas clearly is crucial for awareness and safety. Some examples include:

  • Grain and feed grinders, mixers and driers
  • Silos and corrugated steel bins
  • Manure storage tanks and transport vehicles
  • Bulk transport vehicles and sprayer tanks
  • Fuel storage tanks and containment areas
  • Wells, cisterns, and septic tanks
  • Forage and silage dump wagons

Evaluate Hazards

Once identified, it’s essential to evaluate each confined space for potential hazards. This assessment should include considering possible chemical reactions and byproducts that could create dangerous atmospheres. Develop and implement procedures to address these hazards before anyone enters the space.

Conduct a Training

Proper training is key to preventing accidents. If you have farm or ranch hands, ensure that all workers understand:

  • Never to enter a confined space before hazards are identified and addressed
  • The importance of reviewing and following safety procedures
  • How and when to exit a confined space
  • The necessity of a safe means of entry and exit, like ladders

Develop an Emergency Plan

Having an emergency plan can also help you be more prepared in the case of an accident. Develop a comprehensive emergency action plan that includes:

  • Procedures for quick removal of workers from confined spaces
  • Clear instructions for both on-site personnel and local responders
  • Regular review and updates of the plan
  • Effective communication of the plan to all workers

By implementing these confined spaces safety tips, you can help reduce the risks associated with confined spaces on farms and ranches. Stay safe!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.