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Washington Mutual Insurance Association affiliates with Wayne Mutual Insurance

WOOSTER, Ohio (September 14, 2009) – Washington Mutual Insurance Association in Lakeville, Ohio has signed an affiliation agreement with Wayne Mutual Insurance Company. The agreement, which has been approved by the Ohio Department of Insurance, authorizes the existing Wayne Mutual board of directors and company officers to lead both companies.

“Washington Mutual has a proud heritage of meeting the insurance needs of its policyholders,” said Tod J. Carmony, who serves as chairman, chief executive and president of both companies. “We have the highest regard for the talented and dedicated staff at Washington Mutual and are confident that, working together, we can provide our policyholders with a broad range of insurance products and services to meet their individual needs.”

Washington Mutual provides insurance protection for homes, farms, personal property, livestock, machinery and other valuable items. The company provides protection against financial loss by fire, windstorms, or lightning and offers extended-coverage policies for additional perils as well.

Washington Mutual Township & Fire Insurance Association was founded in 1878 to benefit area farmers. The company hired its first agent in 1890. Agents and directors worked from their homes until 1925, when the first office was constructed near Lakeville. Since its inception, Washington Mutual has continued to grow with very little change in philosophy. Washington Mutual remains a mutual company, owned by its policyholders.

"This affiliation is an ideal move for our company, our policyholders, and our agents," said Blaine E. Budd, general manager of Washington Mutual. "Being part of another successful insurance organization will enable us to combine our strengths and provide a broader and deeper range of insurance solutions."

With the affiliation now approved, the two companies will begin working closely together, but will continue to operate as separate entities.

Safety tips for lawnmower use

With the arrival of spring, lawnmowers will once again be pulled from garages and storage barns to help keep our lawns trimmed. While lawnmowers make the chore of cutting grass much easier, they can cause severe injury if not used properly. Here are a few safety precautions to follow when using a lawnmower:

• Before you mow, pick up any sticks, toys, stones or other items that may be hidden in the tall grass. Trim any low hanging branches. Remove or mark any immovable objects such as pipes, large rocks or tree roots to prevent hitting these objects and shattering the blade.

• Wear protective boots or leather shoes, long pants and close-fitting clothes. Goggles, gloves and hearing protection are also recommended. Never operate a lawnmower while barefoot.

• Keep children a safe distance from the lawnmower and never permit children to ride as passengers on a mower.

• Never point the discharge chute at anyone and do not run the mower over gravel or mulch.

• Handle fuels carefully. Do not fill the tank on a mower that has been operating and is hot. Wipe up any spills. Never smoke while filling the tank.

• Use caution on inclines. Always push walk-behind mowers across slopes. Drive riding mowers up and down slopes.

• Never insert your hands or feet beneath a running mower to remove grass or debris.

• Always shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug before servicing the mower. Wear gloves to prevent burns on a hot cylinder head or muffler.

• Do not mow wet grass. Wet grass can cause the mower or operator to slip and can cause the engine to stall.

• Do not mow during inclement weather or in insufficient light.

• Turn off the mower before leaving it unattended.

• Make sure that all safety equipment on the mower is in good condition. Do not remove or disable any of the mower’s safety devices. Keep your blade sharp.

• Never run a lawnmower in a garage or confined area to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide from the exhaust.

• Never consume alcohol before or while using your lawnmower.