Q. Our association wants to hire a small landscape company that provided an acceptable quote, but the company has been slow to provide evidence of insurance for their business. What sort of insurance documentation should we require before hiring this type of vendor?

M.R.

Naples

A. First, the contractor should have a workers' compensation policy in its own name. Contractors who use corporate exemptions, employee leasing companies, and insured subcontractors may be in compliance with the law, but they are not supplying workers' compensation coverage. These arrangements are nearly impossible to police and leave the association with substantial exposure for liability and workers' compensation claims. Forged Certificates of Insurance are not uncommon. Even after verification, it is difficult to monitor for cancellation and nonrenewal for most insurance coverage, but the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation's free website includes a proof of coverage database that is an easy way to verify and monitor worker insurance. Go to https://apps8.fldfs.com/proofofcoverage

• Cooking fires are the most common type of fires in U.S. households. By paying attention while cooking, you can prevent a kitchen fire
• If you decorate with candles, keep them away from decorations, evergreens, or other combustible materials. Never place candles on trees.
• Keep lights out of reach of children who might be tempted to play with them. The bulbs can break, which can cause cuts and electrification or choking hazards.
• If you buy an artificial tree, make sure its label says "fire resistant."
• If you purchase a real tree, keeping it fresh will make it less of a fire hazard.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home, including near sleeping areas.
• Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, laundry room, and garage. An extinguisher with an ABC rating can fight fires caused by paper, wood, cloth, flammable liquids, and electrical short circuits.