October 2010
1 post
What to do at the scene of an accident
Here are five steps to take after a car accident. This short video can also be a discussion starter with your teenage or young adult driver that may be listed on your policy. So even though we all think that we know what to do in case of an accident- some drivers in our household may not. Let us know if the video was helpful!
September 2010
4 posts
10 Million Fisher Price Items Recalled
This morning Fisher-Price announced massive recalls today of toys, tricycles and high chairs. Safety concerns with these products were highlighted after several injuries were reported. Six children injured on the Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles required medical attention. To learn more about these recalls and what specific products are affected, please visit...
Do you know what types of water damage are covered...
This informative video mentions the importance of purchasing flood insurance, even if you do not live in an area officially labeled as a “flood zone.” According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the most common natural disaster in the US. If you want to learn more about how to protect your home through the right policies, call us, your local insurance agency, today. ...
Traffic deaths reach lowest point in 60 years.
According to the Department of Transportation, Americans are driving more miles with fewer accidents. Traffic fatalities fell 9.7%, according to last year’s statistics. With over 30,000 deaths recorded in 2009 though, keeping safe on the roads is still a big priority. Remember to always wear your seat-belt and stay alert when you get behind the wheel. Source:...
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. How...
Feel free to “quiz” us about our knowledge of life insurance and how the right policy can benefit you and your family. Leave a comment below or call our agency today to find out more!
August 2010
5 posts
If you have children going back to school this...
Check out the video for tips on doing a simple “home inventory” and remember to ask us if you have any questions about making changes to your existing policies.
This award-winning video is a great reminder of...
Seat-belt use reduces the risk of serious injury by 45% (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). A decision that takes two seconds to make could change your life, and the lives of those you love, forever. Please share this video with your friends and help increase awareness of this issue.
The 5 Most Common Mistakes People Make When...
What mistakes have you made when purchasing insurance? Share your story below. If you have questions about any of these five mistakes, contact us so that we can make sure you get the right coverage without breaking the bank.
Confused about life insurance? It may be...
A humourous look at the excuses people make when it comes to purchasing life insurance. Click “Like” below if you think life insurance really does matter.
Summertime. Swimming pools. Remember- safety...
Here’s an excellent article from the Insurance Information Institute about safety considerations when you own a swimming pool. Insurance Information Institute reminds us that there are over 3400 fatal drownings every year in the United States, and simple safety tips could help reduce that number. Among other things, remember that you should have a full fence surrounding the pool- one that...
March 2010
3 posts
Washing Machine Safety
It is important to check your washing machine hoses since they are one of the top five sources of preventable water damage in a home. By inspecting these hoses, homeowners can avoid thousands of dollars in damages.
When inspecting your washing machine:
-Check often for signs of leaks, bulging, or cracking in the hoses.
-Allow at least four inches of space between the machine and wall to...
Teaching Children About 9-1-1
Would your children know what to do in an emergency? Would they know who to call for help? Follow these tips, when teaching your children about 911.
-Always refer to the phone number as 9-1-1, not 9-11. In an emergency your children may be confused.
-Make sure your children know their home address so they can tell the operator. -Children should be told the operator is their friend and they can...
Smoke Detectors
Most home fire deaths happen in the middle of the night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. A smoke detector can save your life by waking you up and giving you time to escape.
When you purchase a smoke detector, look for one that is approved by an independent testing facility.
The best places for your smoke alarms include: -On every level of your home, including the basement -Outside of every bedroom...
February 2010
4 posts
Avoiding Deer Collisions - chapter 4
-Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. If a collision with a deer is eminent, then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
-If you do strike a deer, and are uncertain whether or not the deer is dead, then keep your distance, as this is an injured, wild...
WatchCar Seat Instructions - Booster with No Back.
Avoiding Deer Collisions - chapter 3
-Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns, and fast moving vehicles. Sometimes they stop in the middle of the road when crossing. Sometimes they cross quickly and come back. Sometimes they move toward an approaching vehicle. Assume nothing, slow down, and blow your horn to urge the deer to leave the road. If the deer stays on the road, stop, put on...
Avoiding Deer Collisions - chapter 2
-When driving at night, use high-beam headlights when there is no opposing traffic. The high-beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway. Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. High-beam headlights will not necessarily frighten a deer, so do not rely on the high-beams to deter deer, but rather rely on them to better illuminate...
January 2010
4 posts
Avoiding Deer Collisions - chapter 1
-Stay alert, awake, and sober. Always wear your seatbelt and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions. Deliberately look for deer, particularly when driving during peak collision times.
-Most deer-vehicle collisions occur in the months of October, November, and December. Peak times for collisions are the last week of October and the first two weeks of November. Highest-risk periods are from...
WatchCar Seat Instructions - Booster with Back.
Protect Yourself from Home Fires - chapter 4
Since most fires start between midnight and 4 a.m., the key to survival is being awake and alert. Working smoke detectors save crucial time in responding to a blaze and also saves lives.
Smoke alarm safety
-Install at least one smoke detector on each floor and one near each bedroom area. -Check detectors regularly to make sure they are working. -Change the batteries twice each year. An easy way...
Protect Yourself from Home Fires - chapter 3
Fires cause an estimated 3,500 deaths and nearly $4 billion in property damage in the United States. By taking a few precautions, you can prevent your home and family from a devastating blaze.
Cooking safety
-Keep the stove clean and free of grease. -Keep the handles of pots and pans turned inwards. -Keep flammable material (including shirt sleeves) away from burners. -Keep a fire extinguisher...
December 2009
4 posts
Protect Yourself from Home Fires - chapter 2
Fires cause an estimated 3,500 deaths and nearly $4 billion in property damage in the United States. By taking a few precautions, you can prevent your home and family from a devastating blaze.
Electrical plug safety
-Don’t overload wall outlets. -Don’t use fuses rated too high for your home’s circuits. -Don’t use frayed electric cords. -Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
...
WatchCar Seat Instructions - Rear Facing Convertable.
Protect Yourself from Home Fires - chapter 1
Fires cause an estimated 3,500 deaths and nearly $4 billion in property damage in the United States. By taking a few precautions, you can prevent your home and family from a devastating blaze.
Home heater safety
-Keep flammables, such as drapes and furniture, away from space and portable heaters.
-Hire a certified chimney sweep to regularly clean and inspect the chimney.
-Inspect heating...
Nighttime Driving
Drivers should be cautious regardless of weather or road conditions, but should be especially cautious when they are driving at night. It is important to pay attention to these simple tips when taking it to the street at night:
-Reduce speeds
-Increase the distance in between your car and other vehicles
-Make sure headlights and windows are clean
-Drivers should have their vision checked...
November 2009
5 posts
New Automobile Purchases - Safe In Silver
Before you take the plunge to purchase a new car, you may want to consider an important factor when it comes to safety-color.
A recent study by the University of Auckland in New Zealand found that silver cars are involved in far fewer crashes than cars of other colors.
Why? Researchers suggest silver cars are:
-More visible on roadways -Less likely to be hit by other vehicles
If silver...
WatchCar Seat Instructions - Normal Car Seat.
Life Insurance and Women - chapter 2
Women without children still have reasons to take out a life insurance policy. This policy may take care of burial and funeral expenses, estate taxes and outstanding debts. Whatever the case, the policy can provide valuable assistance to their families as they cope with these costs.
Whatever the situation, life insurance is a necessity, and more affordable than you may think. Life insurance...
Life Insurance and Women - chapter 1
Women today have more lifestyle and career choices than ever before. However, whether a woman is married or single; a stay-at-home mom or climbing the corporate ladder, most are underinsured. No matter what lifestyle a woman chooses, it is important to know that any lifestyle is costly to replace.
The estimated annual cost to hire someone to cook, clean, and take care of children full-time is...
Home-Based Business Insurance - chapter 2
Office equipment, inventory, and computers are just some of the items business owners need to think about when it comes to their insurance.
Their homeowner’s policy may cover these items, but on a limited basis. Additional coverage would cover these items completely if there were a loss.
What to consider when you operate a home-based business:
-How much will your homeowners insurance cover...
October 2009
4 posts
WatchA warning about Identity Theft in the store.
Home-Based Business Insurance - chapter 1
High-tech communications and the Internet are making it possible for more people to become self-employed by offering services out of their basement or spare room.
A home-based business creates a unique need for business personal property and business liability insurance. Most standard homeowner’s policies do not extend adequate coverage for a home-based business located in a person’s home.
...
Home Market Value vs. Replacement Cost - chapter 3
Replacement Cost is determined by:
-Local construction costs for materials and labor -Square footage of the home -Year built -Exterior Features (i.e. walls, roof, exterior trim) -Style of house (i.e. ranch, two-story) -Number of bathrooms -Special features (i.e. fireplace, arched windows, any custom building) -Recent home improvements -Central air conditioning -Attached garage -Additional costs...
Home Market Value vs. Replacement Cost - chapter 2
Market Value (or selling price) is determined by:
-Age and size of house -Physical condition -Location -Cost of the land -Market value may only represent one-half or one-third of the cost to rebuild
Copyright 2006 Erie Indemnity Company
September 2009
4 posts
WatchA warning about Identity Theft in the workplace.
Home Market Value vs. Replacement Cost - chapter 1
A home is one of the largest investments you will make during your lifetime. It is important to protect this investment with up-to-date and adequate coverage. There are several changes that could affect your home’s insurance coverage:
-Refinishing or remodeling -Changes in the economy -Inflation
To make sure your home is adequately covered at a time of a loss, it is important to know the...
Be On The Lookout For Mold - chapter 3
In order to prevent your home from suffering mold damage, take these preventative actions:
-Reduce humidity-keep humidity levels in the home between 30 to 60 percent by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
-Use exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
-Do not install carpets in damp areas such as bathrooms or basements.
-Use mold-reducing products to clean bathrooms.
-Add...
Be On The Lookout For Mold - chapter 2
Mold is usually found where humidity and moisture levels are high, such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. Leaky pipes, roofs or windows can also become a breeding ground for mold.
It is important to understand that standard homeowner’s policies specifically exclude water damage such as mold, rust, rot and mildew, and only cover such occurrences on a limited basis if they are a result of...
August 2009
5 posts
WatchA warning about poisons and children. In an emergency, you should call 911, or you may also call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Be On The Lookout For Mold - chapter 1
As a homeowner, you know how important it is to protect your investment. If there is mold growing inside your home, there could be more to the problem than you think. Musty smells and watermarks on walls and ceilings are early signs that fungus is developing and if left untreated, structural damage can occur.
It is important to keep the areas prone to mold clean and dry. The most effective...
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Your furnace—and any heater that burns fuel—can leak carbon monoxide. Although it is a natural byproduct of the incomplete combustion that makes your furnace work, carbon monoxide can be deadly. The Centers for Disease Control estimates it leads to the deaths of more than 500 Americans each year.
-Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
-You cannot distinguish carbon monoxide in...
Avoiding a Furnace Fiasco - chapter 4
Eliminate hazards
-Keep the area around your furnace clean and free from debris. Keep a 36” clearance around the furnace.
-Never store combustible materials such as paint thinner or gasoline near your furnace or vent pipe.
-Never drape clothes over your furnace to dry.
Copyright 2006 Erie Indemnity Company
WatchMotorcycle helmets. Use them. A sobering reminder.
July 2009
4 posts
Avoiding a Furnace Fiasco - chapter 3
Annual furnace inspection, part 2
-The flue assembly should be properly aligned and rigid.
-The flue should be securely attached to the furnace collar.
-The wiring near the flue should be tight.
-The flue pipe, fuel lines, safety controls and burner should be clean and in good working condition.
-If the owner’s manual calls for it, the technician should oil the motor and bearings. Increase...
Avoiding a Furnace Fiasco - chapter 2
Annual furnace inspection, part 1
-The exhaust vent should be clear of obstructions such as leaves or animal nests.
-The blower motor should be clean.
-The V-belt and pulleys should not show any wear.
-The air intake should be clear so air can pass freely to the furnace.
-The thermostat should be clean and in good working condition.
Copyright 2006 Erie Indemnity Company
Avoiding a Furnace Fiasco - chapter 1
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during winter, and trails only cooking equipment the rest of the year. Protect your home and family by having your furnace cleaned and inspected every year and installing a carbon monoxide detector.
Copyright 2006 Erie Indemnity Company
WatchLead Foot? Lighten Up. A funny reminder for all of us.
June 2009
5 posts
Home Inventory Made Simple
A house fire is traumatic enough. Not having a good record of your belongings can only add to the misery. Keeping a home inventory of the items you have and their values will help you when the rebuilding starts. There are free downloads available from the Insurance Information Institute to serve as a guide to homeowners in order to have record after a loss.
A few simple steps can help when...
Common Dangers In and Around the Home - chapter 4
Pool safety rules, part 2
-Don’t allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to swim in the pool.
-Never dive into an above ground pool. Always check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool.
-Don’t allow your children to let their friends use the pool without your permission and supervision.
-Don’t allow glass bottles or other potential hazards into the pool area.
...
Common Dangers In and Around the Home - chapter 3
Pool safety rules, part 1 There are several safety rules that pool owners should follow to prevent accidents and decrease potential liability exposure.
-Install a fence around the pool area. This will help prevent people from using the pool without your knowledge and keep small children and animals out.
-In addition to the fence, door alarms, locks and safety covers create a barrier of...