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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 fireplaces and candles

Candles and fireplaces can offer comfort and cheer during the cold Ohio winters. But precautions must be taken to make certain that cozy fire or the warm glow of a candle doesn’t lead to damage or injury. Here are a few safety precautions to consider when using fireplaces and candles:

Fireplaces

• Use only seasoned wood that has been dried for at least 6 to 12 months

• Never burn trash, cardboard boxes, piles of paper, or Christmas trees in your fireplace. To prevent the release of toxic chemicals, do not burn magazines, colored newspapers or wrapping paper.

• Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. Regular cleaning will remove any buildup of creosote that could lead to a chimney fire. Inspections can detect obstructions or cracks in the chimney.

• Keep the area around the fireplace clear of debris, decorations or other flammable materials.

• Trim any overhanging branches or large trees near the chimney.

• Do not use charcoal or flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene in your fire.

• Build smaller, hotter fires that bum more completely and produce less smoke. Do not overload your fireplace.

• Use a proper fireplace safety screen to protect against flying sparks or rolling logs.

• Always open the flue or damper completely before lighting your fire. Never close your flue or damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.

• Do not leave a fire or smoldering embers unattended. Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.

Candles

• Place candles well away from curtains, furniture and drapes and out of drafts.

• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach of children and pets.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Keep candles away from hair, clothing and other combustible material

• Place candles upright on a heat-resistant surface in suitable, nonflammable holders.

• Completely extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the house

• Candle holders may become hot. Handle carefully.

• Trim wicks to ¼-inch before lighting and always keep candle flames below one inch.