ALE Solutions https://www.alesolutions.com/ Mon, 13 May 2024 17:52:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.alesolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ale-favicon.jpg ALE Solutions https://www.alesolutions.com/ 32 32 Safeguard Your Home this Wildfire Season https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/safeguard-your-home-this-wildfire-season/ Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:13 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=70960 This year’s wildfire season can begin as late as July. You still have time to create a defensible space around your home and protect it by using fire resistant building materials.

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Wildfire season typically runs from May to September, but according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, this year’s wildfire season can begin as late as July and run through November. 

This means you still have time to create a defensible space around your home and protect it by using fire resistant building materials. Home Hardening means using ignition-resistant materials on and around your home to help it withstand flying embers and radiant heat. Defensible Space is the buffer created by removing dead plants, grass, and weeds to help keep a wildfire away from your home.

Harden your home from wildfires

Roofs, chimneys, vents and windows, walls and decks, and rain gutter and water supply are areas of your home you can safeguard against fire. Focus on stopping potential flames from reaching your home, protect it from the heat, and block it from flying embers. Use the same ignition-resistant materials on patio covers as those on your roof.

Roof safeguarding tips:

  • Material choice: The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire. Opt for composite, metal, clay, or tile roofing to resist fires. 
  • Ember sealing: Close off gaps under roof tiles and shingles to block wind-blown embers. 
  • Debris removal: Regularly clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof to prevent ignition. 

Chimney safeguarding tips:

  • Chimney screening: Cover your chimney and stove pipe outlets with a non-flammable screen. Use metal screen material with openings no smaller than 3/8-inch and no larger than 1/2-inch to prevent embers from escaping and igniting a fire.  
  • Keep closed seasonally: Close the fireplace flue during wildfire season when the chimney is not being used. 

Vent and window safeguarding tips:

  • Mesh screening: Install 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch metal mesh over vents to block embers. Avoid fiberglass or plastic meshes, which can melt. 
  • Advanced venting: Consider installing ember- and flame-resistant vents, known as WUI vents, for enhanced protection. 
  • Dual-pane installation: Fit dual-paned windows with at least one tempered glass layer to withstand fire-induced breakage. 
  • Size consideration: Limit the size and number of windows facing large vegetation areas to reduce radiant heat exposure. 
  • Screen addition: Add screens to all operable windows to catch embers and reduce heat. 

Wall & deck safeguarding tips:

  • Material selection: Avoid flammable siding. Preferred materials include stucco, fiber cement, or specially treated wood. 
  • Full coverage: Ensure the selected materials extend from the foundation to the roofline for comprehensive protection. 
  • Material selection: Avoid flammable siding. Preferred materials include stucco, fiber cement, or specially treated wood. 
  • Full coverage: Ensure the selected materials extend from the foundation to the roofline for comprehensive protection. 

Rain gutter & water supply safeguarding tips:

  • Regular cleaning: Keep gutters free from plant debris to prevent ember ignition. 
  • Drip edge installation: Add a noncombustible metal drip edge to protect the roof’s edge from ember exposure. 
  • Gutter guards: Use noncombustible gutter covers to keep out debris and reduce maintenance. 
  • Hose availability: Install long garden hoses at your property that can reach all areas, including roofs and decks. 
  • Supplementary water sources: Consider installing pumps for pools or wells to increase water availability during fires. 

Create a defensible space from wildfires

This area, free from flammable materials and vegetation, significantly lowers the risk of fire reaching your property. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property. You want to create and maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space from your home. This includes ensuring all combustible materials are located at least 30 feet away from your home, and grass maintains a maximum height of four inches. 

One of the best ways to create a defensible space is landscape choices. You can incorporate fire-resistant plants in your landscaping to enhance your home’s wildfire defense. 

Here are key plant traits to consider when choosing plants with fire prevention in mind: 

  • Moisture content: Opt for plants with leaves that retain moisture, as they’re less likely to catch fire.
  • Waxes and oils: Plants high in waxes, oils, and resins can be more flammable.
  • Growth structure: Open-growth plants may have lower fire risk than dense ones.
  • Growth speed: Fast-growing plants need more space and maintenance.
  • Height potential: Know how tall a plant can get to ensure it fits your space.
  • Shedding habits: Plants that shed bark or leaves need frequent cleanup to reduce fire hazards.

You can adapt your wildfire preparedness season by season. Spring is the time to prepare for dry conditions.

  • Clear dead vegetation and create a buffer zone around your home.
  • Remove trees affected by pests to prevent spread. Insect activity increases in the summer.
  • Remove or cover cut wood to avoid attracting beetles and other pests. Keep it away from healthy trees.
  • Water valuable trees sparingly, following best practices, and plant new trees if there’s enough water.

Have a fire evacuation plan

Sometimes you do everything right, but when it’s time to go, go! When urgent evacuation is necessary, these steps will guide you to leave safely and quickly. 

  1. Review your evacuation plan checklist
  2. Monitor wildfire updates
  3. Put your “go-bag” in the car
  4. Wear the right clothes
  5. Get your pets ready to evacuate

Remember, if you’re part of a mandatory evacuation, do not return home until you are given the all-clear to do so by emergency responders.

If you need to file a homeowners’ claim for damage to your property due to a wildfire loss, contact your insurance provider. If it’s determined you need temporary housing, your adjuster will contact a temporary housing provider like ALE Solutions. Learn more about what ALE Solutions has to offer.

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Introducing Joff Romoff, Lodging Payments Group President, Corpay https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/introducing-joff-romoff-lodging-payments-group-president-corpay/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:12:46 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=66732 Meet Joff Romoff, Group President of Lodging Payments at Corpay. Bringing nearly two decades of experience in the hotel and travel industry.

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Meet Joff Romoff, Group President of Lodging Payments at Corpay. Bringing nearly two decades of experience in the hotel and travel industry, Joff oversees CLC Lodging, TA Connections, and ALE Solutions. In 2023, each business introduced exciting enhancements and collectively booked more than 30 million room nights. Joff is looking forward to leading the team into 2024, meeting our existing customers, and bringing our advanced tools and technologies to even more people.

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FLEETCOR Announces Rebranding to Corpay https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/fleetcor-announces-rebranding-to-corpay/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:16:19 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=64545 FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. a leading global payments company, announced today its plans to rebrand the Company to Corpay.

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Adopting New Ticker CPAY on March 25, 2024
 

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar. 7, 2024– FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FLT) (“the Company”) a leading global payments company, announced today its plans to rebrand the Company to Corpay. The name change better reflects the Company’s current portfolio of corporate payment solutions. This name change will take effect on March 25, 2024 when the Company’s stock begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol CPAY.

“The Corpay name better represents what we do now, which is provide corporate payment solutions. We will use Corpay as the go-to-market brand for our Corporate Payments segment, and retain our existing popular go-to-market brands in our Vehicle Payments and Lodging Payments segments,” said Ron Clarke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FLEETCOR.

Corpay Facts

  • S&P 500® company
  • Serves over 800,000 business customers globally
  • 2023 revenues of $3.75 billion
  • Number one B2B commercial Mastercard® issuer in North America
  • Named to Newsweek’s list of Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces®


About Corpay 
Corpay (NYSE: CPAY) is a global S&P500 corporate payments company that helps businesses and consumers pay expenses in a simple, controlled manner. Corpay’s suite of modern payment solutions help its customers better manage vehicle-related expenses (such as fueling and parking), travel expenses (e.g. hotel bookings) and payables (e.g. paying vendors). This results in our customers saving time and ultimately spending less. 
Corpay – Payments made easy. To learn more visit www.corpay.com

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How to Prepare for Winter Weather https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-winter-weather/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:37:43 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=55198 Winter weather has arrived! If you haven’t taken precautions to protect your family and home for the season, there’s still time to prepare.

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Winter weather has arrived! If you haven’t taken precautions to protect your family and home for the season, there’s still time to prepare. Follow our tips and recommendations below, starting with:

  • Keep your vehicle full of gasoline so that its fuel line will not freeze.
  • Install (or inspect previously installed) storm windows to help insulate your home.
  • Have your chimney and heating system inspected and cleaned.
  • Find a reputable contractor who can test the integrity of your roof.
  • Weather-strip your doors to prevent cold air and rain from getting in.
  • Clean out your gutters to prevent debris from clogging and rain from overflowing onto your roof.
  • Insulate your pipes with plastic to conserve energy and keep heat from escaping your home.
  • Stock up on supplies before a storm hits (see recommendations below).

If a coming storm has the potential to keep you indoors for days, you’ll want to stock up on at least one gallon of water for every person in your household. Also, have at least three days’ worth of food that will not spoil. To be extra prepared, have these items on-hand as well:

  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications
  • Hygiene products
  • Tools
  • Charged smartphones
  • A hand-crank radio

Additionally, just before the severe winter weather hits, you may want to have all your faucets drip; dripping faucets can keep pipes from freezing. Know how to turn off your water valve as well in case a pipe bursts.

Finally, discuss with your family what to do before a storm hits. Everyone should have a copy of an emergency contact list and know what to do before, during, and after a major storm.

It’s also worth downloading the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app so that you can receive the latest weather alerts and warnings.

You can learn additional home and weather safety tips at our ALE Solutions blog.

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5 Tips to Prevent a Christmas Tree Fire Hazard https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/5-tips-to-prevent-a-christmas-tree-fire-hazard/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:22:28 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=53197 Read these 5 tips to help prevent a Christmas tree fire during the holidays. You’ll learn about tree fire hazards and be sure to watch how quickly a Christmas tree fire can spread.

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Christmas trees may be merry and bright, but they can also pose a serious risk of fire hazard in your home. U.S. firefighters respond to around 200 Christmas tree fires per year, according to the National Fire Research Laboratory at NIST. 

Watch How Quickly A Christmas Tree Fire Spreads


Here are five steps to increase your Christmas tree fire safety this year.

 

Step 1: If selecting a live tree – pick one with fresh needles

Be picky! It’s essential to choose a tree with green, flexible needles that don’t easily fall off. This means the tree has been freshly cut and will last longer. When you put it in your tree-stand, make sure the stand has a large water reservoir. Check it every day to make sure the water level stays consistent. When the tree trunk stays moist, the needles will stay healthy and strong.

Step 2: Keep the tree watered daily

A dried-out Christmas tree in a home is a fire hazard waiting to happen — constant moisture is key, about a gallon of water a day. If you discover a lot of needles falling to the ground, that’s a sign the tree isn’t getting enough water. According to the NFPA, a parched tree can burn faster than a newspaper. 

Step 3: Keep your tree away from heat sources

Finding the perfect spot in your house to place your tree can be tough. Ensure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents. It should go without saying, but never use lit candles to decorate your tree! While it may look pretty, they can easily fall over as they melt, and no Christmas tree is fire retardant.

Step 4: Check the lights before you string them

A live, lit Christmas tree can look beautiful even without any ornaments decorating it. Only lights labeled for indoor use should be used. Examine all strands and keep an eye out for any frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. If you spot signs of damage or wear, the lights should be replaced. Make sure to turn the lights off before you go to bed or leave the house.

Step 5: Get rid of the tree after 30 days

To avoid a Christmas tree fire hazard, plan to take the tree out of your house four to five weeks after you get it. Never put tree branches or needles in an indoor fireplace. Call or check online to find out if your city offers free tree pickup as part of their regular garbage service. If so, simply drag your tree out to the curb on the designated pickup day.

At ALE Solutions, we understand being displaced from your home at any time is devastating, but during the holidays is especially difficult. ALE works with insurance adjusters at the First Notice of Loss to quickly move policyholders into temporary housing. For more information, please visit alesolutions.com

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Homeowner Fire Safety for the Holidays https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/homeowner-fire-safety-for-the-holidays/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:00:23 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=49528 Stay safe during the holidays with key fire prevention tips for homeowners. Learn to avoid hazards and find emergency housing with ALE Solutions.

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Thanksgiving is the first celebration of the holiday season. It’s a time to be with family, friends, and other loved ones to give thanks for being together. It’s also a time to eat! Thanksgiving is considered the biggest meal preparation day of the year. You’re chopping, peeling, sautéing, using the stove, the oven, the sink, and the counters. Maybe you even have a group of people in the kitchen with you. Things are hectic, people are going in and out, and nobody notices the smoke beginning to rise. What do you do?

Microwave and oven fires

You can handle flames that erupt in your microwave or oven in three easy steps:

  1. Keep the door closed.
  2. Turn off the appliance (unplug it if you can).
  3. Let the fire burn out in the enclosed space.

Stovetop fires

If a fire starts, grab the lid or cookie sheet that you have handy and cover up the flames until they smother out.

Oil or grease fires

As with a stovetop fire, cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet. Leave the cover on until it has cooled.

When to call for help

Ask yourself these questions to determine if you need to call 911:

  • How large is the initial fire?
  • How fast is the fire growing?
  • What is feeding the fire?
  • Will anything in the proximity of the fire feed it?
  • Is anyone in the home that depends on you to evacuate?

If any of these factors are in play and you feel the situation is dangerous, assist others to get out of the house and then call 911.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, accounting for 43 percent of all reported home fires! Note: The NFPA recommends avoiding the use of gas-fueled turkey fryers, even if properly used outside. The amount of cooking oil necessary to cook the turkey poses a significant safety risk.

Exercising fire safety is important every day of the year, not just Thanksgiving. Prepare ahead of time, and stay alert to help avoid disasters!

ALE Solutions is the leader in temporary housing, whether you’ve been displaced by a house fire or other natural disaster. Learn more here.

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ALE is the Temporary Housing Provider of Choice for Catastrophic and Everyday Disasters https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/ale-is-the-provider-of-choice-for-catastrophic-situations/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:23:32 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=49630 ALE Solutions is known as the leader in temporary housing for all kinds of CATs. But did you know our team also handles a variety of disasters that can happen in everyday situations?

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ALE Solutions is known as the leader in temporary housing for all kinds of CATs: tornados, wildfires, hurricanes, and more. But did you know our team also handles a variety of disasters that can happen in everyday situations? From a gas leak to a house fire and even busted plumbing, we work with adjusters to handle temporary housing for displaced policyholders when there are unforeseen housing emergencies. 

ALE manages and secures temporary housing from the First Notice of Loss to the family’s return to their home. Read below about the different ways we support adjusters in their policyholders’ time of need.

Immediate Hotel Placement and Booking

ALE can secure a convenient, cost-effective hotel accommodation for your policyholder, typically within an hour of the First Notice of Loss. We also manage every part of the hotel stay, including fielding all calls from the policyholder. If the family needs an extension due to delayed repair timelines, an ALE representative will work with the policyholder and reach out to their designated adjuster for approval.

Cost-Effective Property Solutions

For policyholders that need longer-term housing, ALE specializes in locating and negotiating rates for  extended stay hotels and rental properties. Extended stay hotels may include a fully equipped kitchen, helping families who are displaced for longer than 30 days save on meals out. They also offer more home-like furnishings than typical hotel rooms. ALE also works with landlords to negotiate short-term leases on properties that match the unique needs of the policyholder. 

Accommodate Unique Needs

Upon initial contact with the policyholder, we ask about any special requirements the family may need. We can accommodate first floor hotel rooms, pets, kitchens, and assistance setting up utilities and furniture rentals (upon request).

Adjuster Portal

The MyALE online claims management portal gives adjusters a simple way to submit and manage short term and long-term claims from any device. All of your temporary housing assignments can be managed through an easy-to-use, consolidated dashboard. Adjusters also receive time-sensitive email notifications, access invoices and manage policyholder receipt submissions.

Boots on the Ground Team

In the event of a catastrophic disaster, our “Boots on the Ground” team arrives at an impacted area typically within 24 hours. Our network of partners and our “Boots on the Ground” strategy allows us to quickly secure much-needed properties and hotel rooms in a “first come, first served” environment.


Learn more about ALE Solutions’ disaster response here.

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Your Top Search Questions on Severe Weather Answered! https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/your-top-search-questions-on-severe-weather-answered/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:35 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=47495 Don't fall for the myths surrounding severe weather. Get the facts about lightning, floods, and tornadoes in this eye-opening post by ALE Solutions.

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To help keep your family and home protected, it’s important to know the facts about severe weather, so you can take appropriate action when needed. We researched some of the most common questions homeowners have about severe weather, and found the answers and solutions.

Q: Can lighting strike in the same place twice?

Yes, it can. The Empire State Building gets struck by lightning about 100 times every year! During a thunderstorm, buildings can get struck by lightning multiple times. Therefore, if you’re out in a storm, don’t run to the last spot you saw lighting strike for protection—there’s no guarantee it won’t hit the same spot again!

Q: Does being inside a building protect me from being harmed by lighting?

Lightning can strike telephone lines, electrical wires, plumbing, and metal door frames. So while it’s definitely better than being out in the open, you still need to seek protection inside a building by staying away from these areas. Also, avoid using phones or taking a bath or shower. 

Q: If the weather looks clear am I safe from lighting?

Many people attribute lighting to gray clouds and rain, but lightning isn’t confined to just storms. Even if the sky is clear, lightning can still strike from miles away. In some cases, lightning has hit buildings or people from up to 15 miles away from an actual storm.

Q: If I own a truck or other large vehicle can I just drive through flood waters?

Some people believe that a larger vehicle can drive through deeper water. Unfortunately, a vehicle, even a very heavy one, can float away in just two feet of water. Never drive through floodwaters during a storm!

Q: Do flash floods only occur along streams?

No, flash floods can occur in dry creek beds, urban areas, and even locations where no streams are present. They are extremely dangerous and can happen in areas far from waterways.

Q: What direction do storms and tornadoes move?

Thunderstorms and tornadoes flow in different locations based on the wind and the atmosphere. While it is more common for a storm to move from the west to the east, tornadoes are especially erratic. They can change direction at any moment, so you should never try to outrun a storm in your vehicle.

Q: Can I wait out a tornado under a concrete highway overpass?

Overpasses will actually concentrate a tornado’s winds. This makes the wind stronger under an overpass than it would be somewhere else. If the overpass does not withstand the storm, falling concrete and building materials pose a serious threat to anyone underneath. Find a place to wait out the tornado, ideally below ground level, such as a ditch.

Q: Will opening the windows in my house prevent the glass from exploding during a tornado?

While some people expect an open window to lower the pressure in the homes, it is unlikely to have any positive effect. Homes are not airtight, therefore closed windows do not stop the flow of air. In reality, the violent winds of the tornado and flying debris are the most common causes of building damage. Stay away from windows and exterior walls to keep yourself safe from any flying debris.

Q: Does the amount of damage from a hurricane depend on the wind strength?

While a hurricane’s winds can have a devastating effect, it can cause damage in other ways. Storm surges and flooding are responsible for half of the serious injuries (and worse) from a hurricane. Even if the hurricane is not significantly windy, storm surges can cause excessive damage.

ALE Solutions monitors weather activity 24/7/365. In anticipation of a storm’s path, ALE reserves hotel rooms in advance to ensure availability in periods of high demand. Learn more about ALE Solutions disaster response.

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Stay Ready & Safe: How To Use A Fire Extinguisher https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/stay-ready-and-safe-how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:42:29 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=46986 Stay prepared for emergencies with our guide on how to use a fire extinguisher. From basic maintenance to proper usage, ALE Solutions has you covered.

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Did you know there are many different fire extinguisher types? They are known as fire extinguishers ABCDK. Many people have at least one fire extinguisher type in their home, but most don’t know how to use them properly or how to determine if they are in working order. Let’s discuss the different types, when they should be used, and where they should be stored in your home. 

Types of Fire Extinguishers: ABCDK

There are several types of fire extinguishers in the United States, and they are classified based on the types of fires they can extinguish. 

  • Class A extinguishers can put out wood, cloth and paper fires.
  • Class B extinguishers are for fires involving flammable liquids and gases. 
  • Class C extinguishers are made to put out electrical fires. 
  • Class D extinguishers are for putting out fires involving flammable metals.
  • Class K extinguishers are used in kitchens, because they can put out large oil and grease fires.

The majority of fire extinguishers used in households are types ABC, which are equipped to address a wide range of fires.

How to Use A Fire Extinguisher

Before fighting a fire, be sure your extinguisher can handle it. If the fire is bigger than you are, you probably will not be able to extinguish it. If this is the case, evacuate your home and call 911. Additionally, make sure the fire extinguisher type you are using is appropriate for the type of fire you are trying to put out. ABC fire extinguishers can handle kitchen fires, but they can also damage your stove.  Alternatively, you can also put out a kitchen fire with baking soda or a pot lid if it is small (never use water).

Once you are ready to use your fire extinguisher, use the fire extinguisher PASS method.

Step 1: Pull the pin in the handle
Step 2: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Step 3: Squeeze the trigger
Step 4: Sweep the extinguisher from side to side

It is important that you aim at the base of the fire to smother it at its roots. Once extinguished, be sure to monitor it so that it does not rekindle.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Storage

Most fire extinguishers will work  for 5 to 15 years, and they have indicators that tell you if they have enough pressure. If indicators are in the green zone, you have plenty of pressure. However, if indicators are not in the green zone, you will need to get it recharged by a fire extinguisher service professional

You should recharge an extinguisher after you have used it, even if it is still in the green zone. Once a month, along with verifying pressure, you should make sure that the hose or nozzle are clear and in good condition, the locking pin is secure, and the body of the unit is free of dents and rust. Replace or get your fire extinguisher serviced if there is any damage or low pressure.

Where you store a fire extinguisher is also important. You will want to make sure that it is in a place that is easy to access since seconds matter when there is a fire. Place extinguishers near areas where fires are most likely to start, such as your kitchen. You should also have one for each level of your home. If you store your extinguisher in a closet, make sure it is placed in the front so it is easily accessible, and if the fire extinguisher is in the kitchen keep it a fair distance away from the stove.

  • To learn more about how to use a fire extinguisher, please contact your local fire department or visit NFPA.org. 
  • To find and purchase a fire extinguisher near you, check your nearest big box store, such as Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Ace Hardware, and more. 
  • To take a fire extinguisher class and get an online certification, go to OSHA Fire Safety Training. 
  • To get your fire extinguisher inspected, contact your local fire department who can either perform the service for you or recommend you to another service.


You can learn more fire safety preparedness tips at our ALE Solutions blog.

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ALE Employee Spotlight with Mary Jaeger-Hunter https://www.alesolutions.com/blog/ale-employee-spotlight-with-mary-jaeger-hunter/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:58:22 +0000 https://www.alesolutions.com/?p=35904 Mary Jaeger-Hunter has been leading the ALE Solutions CAT Logistics team for over seven years, with her tenure at the company at 13 years this month! Here she shares biggest lesson she’s learned from her time at ALE.

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The ALE Solutions CAT (Catastrophe) Logistics team plays an integral role in the company’s success. Mary Jaeger-Hunter has been leading the CAT team for over seven years, with her tenure at the company reaching 13 years in 2023. Here she shares with us what she’s most proud of, the characteristics she looks for when building a CAT team, and the biggest lesson she’s learned from her time at ALE.

You began your career with ALE in Special Projects. Tell us more about how that transitioned into your current role.

My first big assignment as a Special Projects Coordinator was to find housing for the clean up crews for the Deep Horizon oil spill that occurred in 2010 in Louisiana. I was on that special project for a couple of years, assisting the military, fish and wildlife teams, and other groups sent to assist in the oil spill that needed housing. Not long after that project, I was offered the manager position on the National Account Management team. Later on when ALE was asked to house the adjusters that were deployed to assist with national disasters, they offered me the position to build and run the CAT Logistics Team.

Congratulations on your 13-year anniversary with ALE. What do you think is the key to longevity within the company?

For me, the longevity has been the result of a combination of things: my work ethic, the company’s culture, and the opportunities that were offered to me to grow within the company that ALE had built.

What do you consider to be your busy seasons and why?

Customarily, our busy season is June 1st to November 30th, which coincides directly with the hurricane season. The biggest amount of movement happens during a hurricane, because it usually requires thousands of deployed adjusters. This year has been uniquely different because there were a lot of spring storms, and there have been a lot of summer storms. So, what we would normally consider our quiet time has been relatively busy as well. The weather really dictates what our busy season is.

What characteristics best describe your team members?

Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of characteristics I think make up a very successful team of catastrophe service specialists. They are: problem solving skills, resilience, collaboration, team work, adaptability, strong communication skills, empathy and compassion, and most of all–a sense of humor! They also need to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the area they are deploying people to. 

These characteristics collectively contribute to a successful team; however, every team member isn’t expected to have all of them. When I build a team I try to find people that have strengths in these different characteristics. Some are more compassionate, while others may have a good sense of humor. By working together and collaborating with all these types of characteristics, that’s what I think makes a successful team.

What is something you’ve worked on in the CAT dept that you are most proud of?

I would have to say my ability to build a team that really connects with each other. The role that we serve here at ALE Solutions is an important one because we need to be able to work together collaboratively. Specifically in a time of need when our customers rely on us. They depend on us to make sure we can get them to the scene of a CAT first. I’m proud that my team is successful and we get so much positive feedback from the insurance companies that we were able to find rooms where there were no rooms.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned after your time with CATs?

I’ve been managing the CAT Logistics Team for over seven years now, and every year I learn an important takeaway. Every hurricane or every catastrophe is different, there are never two that are the same. What I’ve learned from one CAT doesn’t necessarily correlate with the next CAT. What may have worked in one area, may not work in another. Some areas may have more hotels, and others less. The area impacted mandates the resources we are able to pull together and how successful we are in that endeavor.

My team and I always have post-CAT meetings where we try to prepare for the next time, and then we just simply aren’t able to use the strategy we came up with. What I’ve learned the most is to expect the unexpected!

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