Pet Blog Up and Running

I would like to let everyone know that Bark, Purr and Insure is finally back up and running. Visit our pet blog at www.barkpurrandinsure.com

Mini-Physical Exam
Make the home checkup an extension of the normal attention you pay your dog, and he will not even know that he is being “examined.” It doesn’t matter where you perform the exam, as long as both you and your dog are comfortable.
Skin and Coat
Weekly grooming provides a good opportunity for evaluating the health of the skin and coat. Pass your hands over your dog’s body, feeling for swelling, asymmetry, or sensitive areas. Call the veterinarian if you discover patches of hair loss, the black flecks that signal the presence of fleas, scabby or reddened areas, or skin bumps. With your dog facing away from you, gently lift the tail and take a quick peek at the rear end. If you see tan-colored rice-size objects, you are probably looking at packets of tapeworm eggs, which require veterinary treatment. Next, use a moist paper towel to clean away any feces. In long-coated dogs in particular, feces can get caught in the fur and, if trapped against the skin, can cause serious problems. If the hair has become matted, use scissors to carefully cut out the mats yourself, or, better yet, take your dog to a vet or groomer, who can use clippers to remove them.
Ears
With our dog facing you, gently pull up on the earflap and look at the inner surface and down into the ear canal. The ears should be clean and light pink in color. Any discharge, redness, swelling or odor is abnormal. Never insert anything into your dog’s ear canal- doing so can aggravate an ear condition or even cause trauma or infection.
Eyes
Face your dog head-on and examine the eyes. They should be bright, and both pupils should be of equal size. There should be little if any tearing at the corners of the eyes, and the inner eyelids should not protrude. Gently roll down the lower eyelid with your thumb; the tissue lining the lid should be pink, not white or red. Be sure your dog is not squinting with either eye.
Mouth and Nose
With your dog facing you, lift up the lips to examine the gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. The teeth should be clean, without nay brownish tartar. Sniff your dog’s breath; while a dog’s breath is never pleasant, a strong, fetid odor is abnormal and may indicate a problem. Excessive drooling can also be a sign of oral disease. There should be no nasal discharge.
Information courtesy of ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs

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Avoiding Laundry Room Disasters

There are a number of areas in your laundry room that if not properly maintained, may be putting your home at risk of water damage. Here are some specific areas in your laundry room that are at risk and what you can do to prevent potential losses.
Washing Machine Connections
Inspect for tiny leaks in the connections to both the hot and cold water lines. Repair even the most minor leak.
Check both ends of the water lines for possible leaks. Replace the small hose washer in the lines if they haven’t been replaced recently.
Check for discharge hose kinks and cracks. If the hose is brittle or old, replace it.
Money-saving Home Tip: The most destructive water damage losses in homes come from broken or burst washing machine hoses. In fact, the output of water from a broken hose is approximately 650 gallons per hour! It is recommended that you replace you machine’s rubber hot-and-cold hoses with woven steel hoses. For less than $15 you can get six feet of woven steel hose from your local home improvement store. This simple upgrade could save your home from serious water damage problems.
Hard Water Problems
In areas with hard or mineral-laden water, if the washer is slow to fill, there’s a good chance that the in-line filter is clogged. Turn off the water supply and remove the hoses. Remove the small wire filters from the washer inlets, or, if not removable, use an old toothbrush, cotton swab or shop vacuum to clean out the clogged filters.
Is there a steady drip into the washing machine? Grit has probably damaged the shut-off valve. Repair it yourself or call an appliance repair specialist.
Hoses & Filters
Inspect and periodically all types of hoses.
When replacing hoses, be sure to also install new hose washers.
Utility Sinks
If the utility sink drains sluggishly, take steps to remove the blockage.
Watch for any signs f dipping faucets, water damage to the flooring, or leaks in the drain pipe. Do not ignore even a small leak.
Dryer Connections
If the dryer vent hose isn’t tightly connected to the outside vent, repair the clamp or re-tape to seal.
If dryer lint is accumulating behind and under the dryer, the vent pipe may be clogged. Check that it is free of debris, bother from the inside and outside of the house.
If there are too many twists and turns in the line for the dryer to vent efficiently, make the exhaust more short and straight.
Laundry Room Smart Tips
Give the utility sink periodic drain treatments to prevent clogs and promote free drainage.
If at all possible, connect the dryer hose in a straight line with the outdoor vent.
Metal dryer vent pipes are preferable to the plastic accordion types/
Hose clamps and good metal HVAC tape can help seal up a poorly connected dryer hose and eliminate excessive moisture and dust accumulation.
Make it a habit to vacuum around and behind the washer and dryer routinely.
Keep the laundry area clean. Dust and dirt combined with moisture can promote unwanted growth.
Remember to clean out the dryer lint trap after each load.

*Information brought to you by Kemper.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Not Even for a Minute

Most well-meaning parents have done it. On a hectic day of running errands with children in tow, we have left the kids in the car “just for a minute” while running into the dry cleaners, convenience cart or dropping another child off at school. It seems like a harmless thing to do and definitely shaves minutes off a hurried day. However, the results of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can be deadly.
KIDS AND CARS urges parents to NEVER leave children unattended in or around a vehicle- “Not even for a minute.”
Below are just a few examples of what has happened to children who were left unattended in an automobile:
Heat stroke that led to permanent brain damage or death
Injuries or deaths occurred because a child climbed out of the car seat and shifted the car into gear.
Became ill or worse from heat or car fumes
Abducted when someone broke into the car
If the vehicle is running or the keys are left in the ignition, the risks dramatically increase for the following:
Vehicle stolen (the car and the children)
Setting the vehicle in motion by unattended children
Children becoming seriously injured or die by activating power controls
Safety Tips:
Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand.
Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway
Keys should never be left within reach of children
Always make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked
Walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it
Make sure that another adult is properly supervising children before moving your vehicle
Consider installing cross-view mirrors and/or a back up detection device on your vehicle
If a child is locked inside a car, get them out as quickly as possible. If they are very hot or seem sick, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks right away.
Teach your children to never play in, around, or behind a vehicle
Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes, and periods of crisis or holidays.
It is important to realize how potentially dangerous it is to leave unattended children in or around a vehicle. Just a reminder…Your children are priceless.
This information was provided by KIDS AND CARS, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in or around motor vehicles. For more information, visit www.kidsandcars.org.
For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Tips for Dealing with Melting Snow and Ice

In light of the excessive snow and ice that has shut down multiple states, here are answers to two of the most frequently asked questions now that the thaw is upon us.
If your client carries a water backup endorsement, coverage is triggered when water backs up through the sump pump or floor drain.
Groundwater coming through walls and windows is generally not covered unless it escapes directly from a pipe without communication to ground.
Here are some tips you can share with your clients in advance of the melting snow, to help them avoid possible water intrusion.
Make certain to rake your roof, even if you can only rake the first four or five feet from the gutter.
Be careful when approaching roof overhangs with icicles; they can drop at any time.
Make certain that the sump discharge pipe outside your home is not blocked by ice or snow.
Shovel snow away from the perimeter of your home as that will reduce the amount of water entering the ground next to your home’s foundation while the snow melts.
If possible, have a back-up power source for your sump pump.
Check to make sure your power service lines are clear of ice and snow as these can detach from the home and leave you without electricity increasing the risk of frozen pipes and backup of your sump system.

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Dealing With Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when ice builds up along the eaves of your roof. Ice dams form when snow and ice melt off the main part of your roof and re-freeze when they reach the eaves. This happens because the eaves (the overhangs at the edge of your roof) tend to be colder than the rest of the roof. If the ice dam grows large enough, it may prevent water from draining off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home.
You can take immediate steps to help prevent damage from ice dams:

Clearing snow and ice off the roof before it melts is the best way to keep ice dams from forming. If your roof is accessible from the ground, a roof rake can be a safe and effective way to remove snow from the edges of the roof where ice dams occur.

If your roof is not accessible from the ground, a contractor may be able to help.

If you cannot safely access your roof from the ground, it is best not to try. Never attempt to climb on a snowy or icy roof, and never place a ladder on snowy or icy ground. Also, keep in mind that chipping the ice with a mechanical device can be dangerous and may result in damage to the roof.

Make sure to shovel around downspouts so that your gutters can drain freely. This will help prevent ice buildups in gutters.

Properly insulating and ventilating your attic will help reduce the chances of snow melting on the roof and refreezing at the eaves.

If you have already contacted a licensed and insured contractor to help with emergency repairs, be sure to document any expenses so they can be considered for reimbursement.

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For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

What to do if You Drive Off the Pavement Edge

You may drive off the road or be forced off the road for any number of reasons, so it’s good to know what to do- and what not to do- if it happens. It’s not about returning to the road quickly, it’s about returning to the road safely. Follow these steps:
If the shoulder is wide enough and your path is clear
Continue to look at the road ahead. Drive all the way onto the shoulder. Gradually stop and “collect yourself.” Wait for a large gap in traffic, and then drive back onto the road.
If you can’t drive all the way onto the shoulder and stop
Continue to look and steer straight ahead. Do not try to steer back onto the road immediately- this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
First, if you’re driving at a high speed and you suddenly steer sharply, you may accidently drive into oncoming traffic.
Second, if your tires are close to the pavement edge and you attempt to drive back onto the road, they may “scrub’ against the pavement edge making it very difficult to drive back onto the road. If you do drive back with your tires scrubbing, you may lose control and crash into another vehicle or into something on the side of the road.
If there are no obstacles directly in front of you
Steer to “straddle” the pavement edge. Move the tires that are off the road away from the pavement edge, and then steer parallel to it. This will prevent your tires from scrubbing. Most importantly, continue to look at the road ahead.
Do not slam on the brakes!
Ease off the gas pedal. If you need to brake, brake very gently. If you brake hard wile your tires are on a different surface, this can cause your vehicle to skid.
Slow down gradually
Slowing down will help you get back onto the road without losing control. If there are no obstacles in front of you, slow down to 25 mph or less before mounting the pavement.
Take some time to “calm down”
If you have room, drive all the way off the road and as far onto the shoulder as possible to stop.
Wait until it’s safe
After you’ve slowed down or stopped, wait until there is a gap in traffic. Do not try to drive back onto the road if there is traffic in your lane, an adjacent lane, or any oncoming traffic.
When the road is “all clear,” turn the steering wheel about one-quarter turn to the left. Drive back onto the pavement. When all of your tires are on the pavement, steer back to the right to stay in your lane.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases

In light of our pet blog being down for repairs I would like to post this blog and remind everyone that Mars Insurance does right pet insurance.

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Disease Threats to Your Family and Your Pet
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses which can be transmitted from pets to people or infect both animals and humans. Here are some ways to protect your loved ones from Zoonotic diseases:
1. Wash your hands often when touching, playing with or caring for pets.
2. Never handle the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier.
3. Avoid kissing your pet or letting your pet lick your face.
4. Do daily “tick checks” on yourself, your kids and your pet. If you find a tick, use tweezers to slowly pull it out. After removing the tick, immerse it in rubbing alcohol. Wash the tick bite would and your hands with soap and water.
5. If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat’s litter box. I you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.
6. Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets may have relieved themselves.
7. If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and administer first aid. I you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.
8. Make sure your pet is protected against disease threats in your area.
9. Baring your pet to a veterinarian for a wellness exam at least twice a year, so problems can be detected or prevented.
10. Talk to your veterinarian and visit www.NPWM.com for more information about preventing Zoonotic diseases.

Information courtesy of the American Veterinarian Medical Association

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Just For Fun- Banana Fun Facts

Bananas are America’s number 1 fruit.
As bananas ripen, the starch in the fruit turns to sugar, therefore the riper the banana, the sweeter the taste.
There is no such thing as a banana tree; bananas grow on plants.
Bananas are a significant source of potassium and vitamin B6; they also contain lesser amounts of folic acid and vitamin C.

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

Hands-Free Cell Phone Systems Make Driving Safer

Many states are targeting distracted drivers. The use of cell phones and texting while driving are at the heart of legislation
Highway safety experts don’t agree on whether hands-free cell phones are enough of a distraction to merit bans. Many question the value of cell phone laws of any kind because, for one thing, they are very difficult to enforce.
Jim Vondale, Ford’s safety vice president, recently visited safety groups and government officials in Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain support for the Sync hands-free system offered on all Ford models. The system is for talking, texting and entertainment.
Ford research shows that when drivers were asked to perform several driving tasks while using the system, there was no difference in the ability to do them. When drivers When drivers using the Sync system were asked to acknowledge a pedestrian, for example, their response time was less than when they used a hand-held phone.
Vondale says the real risks are hand-held phones, younger drivers, and texting people while driving.
According to USA Today, many high-end vehicles now have hands-free systems such as General Motors’ OnStar satellite communications system and BMW’s Bluetooth system.
Other distractions… It is well documented that drowsy drivers cause more severe consequences than drivers using a cell phone.
Studies by Virginia Tech found that reading or turning around to get something in the back seat while driving can be riskier than talking on a cell phone.
What you can do… Get enough sleep so you won’t be drowsy while driving. If you get sleepy anyway, pull over and take a nap.
Never text on a hand-held phone while driving. Pull over and do it.
Whether your phone is hand-held or hands-free, keep on-the-road conversations short to reduce your risk of being a distracted driver.

For more information contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com