What You Don't Know About Smoke Detectors Could Save Your Life!

The facts are clear that smoke detectors in your home are important.  In fact, not having a functional smoke alarm doubles your chances of dying in a house fire.  And, two-thirds of all fire-related deaths happen in homes without functional smoke detectors.

So, if you're like 96% of the nation's homes, you have at least one smoke alarm.  And because you are concerned about minimizing fire risk you change the battery twice a year when we set the clocks back and forward.  You can rest easy knowing that you're protected, right?

The answer is maybe and maybe not.  It all depends on the type of smoke alarms you have.

The Two Types of Smoke Alarms
Most residential smoke alarms utilize either ionization or photoelectric technology.  And while you may think that "a smoke alarm is a smoke alarm" there are crucial differences in the ways these two technologies respond to fires.

About 90 percent of installed alarms are ionization type smoke detectors which are typically more responsive to fast flaming fires such as stovetop or cooking fires.  These types of fires often occur when people are awake and can more easily escape.

Photoelectric smoke detectors are typically more responsive to smoldering fires in living spaces where furniture, mattresses and synthetic materials generally burn more slowly with a long period of smoldering before they erupt into open flames.  These fires often start overnight when occupants are likely asleep.

Here's the critical difference between these two types of smoke detectors:

On average, ionization smoke detectors respond about 30 seconds faster to an open-flame fire than photoelectric alarms and in a flaming fire there can be little time to spare.

In a smoldering fire, however, ionization units may respond on average 30 to 60 minutes slower than a photoelectric unit.  In some cases, ionization smoke detectors may not always alarm even when a room is filled with smoke from a smoldering fire.

Photoelectric detectors can provide a lot more warning time than ionization detectors in a smoldering fire.  While smoldering fires account for only about 12 percent of fires, they also account for more than half of fire-related deaths and a third of fire-related injuries (most residential fire fatalities occur at night and are the result of smoke inhalation).

Changes in building materials and furnishings over the past decades have reduced the time available for safe escape in any fire so having the proper warning of either a smoldering fire or an open flame fire as early as possible is absolutely critical.

Another Problem with Ionization Smoke Alarms
A recent Alaskan nuisance alarm study indicated that 92% of homes with ionization smoke alarms experienced nuisance alarms compared to only 11% with photoelectric smoke alarms.  The reason this is important is that occupants disable ionization smoke alarms by removing the batteries because of frequent nuisance alarming.  And a disarmed smoke alarm is, obviously, useless.  In fact, homes with non-functional smoke alarms account for close to two-thirds of all fire-related deaths.

What Type of Smoke Detectors Should I Have?

You should perform your own research before making a final decision, but consider that the Consumer Products Safety commission says that best protection when it comes to smoke alarms is to:

   - Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms

   - Install both ionization and photoelectric type smoke alarms

   - Install interconnected smoke alarms

   - Install smoke alarms using house wiring with battery back-up

The data is clear that having both ionization and separate photoelectric smoke alarms provides the best protection from both fast moving flaming fires and smoldering fires.

Consider that the National Fire Protection Association, Consumer Products Safety Commission, United States Fire Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Association of State Fire Marshals all recommend having both types of smoke alarms installed.

Additional Features to Consider in Your Smoke Alarm

Interconnected Alarms: This type of alarm causes all the interconnected alarms in the home to alert if one has detected smoke.  For example, if a fire starts in the basement all the alarms in the house, including those on the upper bedroom level will sounds which may give occupants additional escape time.  Interconnected systems can be hard wired or are available using wireless technology.

Talking Alarms: There are now talking alarms that not just sound an alarm but "speak" to you alerting you to the detected hazard.

Kids and Your Escape Plan

Remember that many children will sleep through smoke alarms!  Do not assume they will awaken and find their way out of the house.  Make sure everyone in your family knows how to escape when the smoke alarm goes off, whether they are awake or asleep.

Courtesy of:

Alliance Disaster Kleenup 

574 Wheeling Road, Wheeling, IL  60090 

P: 847-205-2100  F: 847-205-4100  

www.adk911.com

10 Ways to Winterize Your Home — Now

1. Clean those gutters
Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home's gutters -- by hand, by scraper or spatula, and finally by a good hose rinse -- so that winter's rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in which water backs up, freezes and causes water to seep into the house, the Insurance Information Institute says. As you're hosing out your gutters, look for leaks and misaligned pipes. Also, make sure the downspouts are carrying water away from the house's foundation, where it could cause flooding or other water damage.

2. Block those leaks
One of the best ways to winterize your home is to simply block obvious leaks around your house, both inside and out, experts say. The average American home has leaks that amount to a nine square-foot hole in the wall, according to EarthWorks Group.
First, find the leaks: On a breezy day, walk around inside holding a lit incense stick to the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets. Then, buy door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors, and caulk or apply tacky rope caulk to those drafty spots. Outlet gaskets can easily be installed in electrical outlets that share a home's outer walls, where cold air often enters. Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk. For brick areas, use masonry sealer, which will better stand up to freezing and thawing.

3. Insulate yourself
Another thing that does cost a little money -- but boy, you do get the money back quick -- is adding insulation to the existing insulation in the attic. You need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic."

4. Check the furnace
First; turn your furnace on now, to make sure it's even working, before the coldest weather descends. A strong, odd, short-lasting smell is natural when firing up the furnace in the autumn; simply open windows to dissipate it. But if the smell lasts a long time, shut down the furnace and call a professional. It's a good idea to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually. Throughout the winter you should change the furnace filters regularly (check them monthly). A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. Toss out the dirty fiberglass filters; reusable electrostatic or electronic filters can be washed.

5. Get your ducts in a row
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces. That's a huge amount of wasted money, not to mention a chilly house.
Ducts aren't always easy to see, but you can often find them exposed in the attic, the basement and crawlspaces. Repair places where pipes are pinched, which impedes flow of heated air to the house, and fix gaps with a metal-backed tape (duct tape actually doesn't stand up to the job over time). Ducts also should be vacuumed once every few years, to clean out the abundant dust, animal hair and other gunk that can gather in them and cause respiratory problems.

6. Face your windows
Now, of course, is the time to take down the window screens and put up storm windows, which provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home. Storm windows are particularly helpful if you have old, single-pane glass windows. Update windows when needed.

7. Don't forget the chimney
Ideally, spring is the time to think about your chimney, because chimney sweeps are going crazy in the fall. That said; don't put off your chimney needs before using your fireplace. A common myth is that a chimney needs to be swept every year," says Eldridge. Not true. But a chimney should at least be inspected before use each year.

8. Reverse that fan
Reversing your ceiling fan is a small tip that people don't often think of. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable.

9. Wrap those pipes
A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze is a nightmare. Prevent it before Jack Frost sets his grip: Before freezing nights hit, make certain that the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and that the lines are drained. Next, go looking for other pipes that aren't insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces -- pipes that run through crawlspaces, basements or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores. If you're really worried about a pipe freezing, you can first wrap it with heating tape, which is basically an electrical cord that emits heat.

10. Finally, check those alarms
This is a great time to check the operation -- and change the batteries -- on your home's smoke detectors. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, fire officials say. Test them -- older ones in particular -- with a small bit of actual smoke, and not just by pressing the "test" button. Check to see that your fire extinguisher is still where it should be, and still works.

Information provided by Alliance Disaster Kleenup Wheeling, IL 

Cholesterol: Do You Know Your Numbers?

Do you know your cholesterol levels? About 1 of every 3 adult Americans has high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Without even making you feel sick, high cholesterol can clog your blood vessels and contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol. LDL, HDL, triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol make up your total cholesterol count.

To find out what your cholesterol levels are, ask your doctor for a blood test called a lipid panel. The American Heart Association suggests that adults age 20 and older have a fasting lipoprotein profile every five years. This test is done after a nine- to 12-hour fast.
For most adults, the numbers should be:
Total cholesterol: • 200 or lower
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: Lower than 130
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol: Higher than 60
• Triglycerides: Lower than 150
Talk with your doctor about your results and how often you should be tested. Some people who are already at a higher risk for heart disease may have different targets for their levels than those listed above.

High LDLs are a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. The problem is the build up of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, fats and other things in the blood, inside the heart’s arteries. Blood vessel linings are usually smooth and strong. When plaque builds up, the vessels narrow. The vessel walls are also weakened. This can cause cracks in the lining that attract blood clots, blocking the flow of blood to the heart even more. If the blood supply to the heart is severely reduced, you could have a heart attack. If your numbers are borderline or high, you can make lifestyle changes to help you lower your levels and your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, controlling your weight
and exercising regularly.

An important step to healthier eating is looking at food labels. Be on the lookout for trans fats, such as hydrogenated oils in baked goods, and saturated fats in high-fat meat and dairy products. Choose plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, lean meat and poultry without skin, and unsaturated vegetable oils such as canola and olive oil.

And for dessert, take a walk after dinner. Exercise can help lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, which can help keep you healthy.

www.marsinsurance.com/#health

Information courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield

The Homeowners Policy & College Students

Each year, late summer brings a milestone for many families – sending a child off to college.  It is certainly a time of adjustment for parents and their young adults alike.  It is also a time for reviewing the new insurance exposures that arise from having college students.

Having a child in college creates a number of insurance exposures which can impact several areas of a homeowner’s policy.  A few of the more asked about exposures are addressed here:

Personal Property Taken to College
Coverage C for Personal Property applies to “personal property owned or used by an insured while it is anywhere in the world”.  As broad as this coverage is, it does refer to personal property of an “INSURED”. “INSURED” definition is those who are “residents of your household who are your relatives”.  Therefore, for a kid in college to be considered an “insured”, they must still be a “resident” of your household.  While the word “resident” is somewhat ambiguous and has many definitions, the vast majority of courts hold kids in college to be residents of mom and/or dad’s house.

Even though most kids in college are considered insured’s under mom and/or dad’s Homeowners Policy, there is a limitation on the amount of Coverage C available for the property they take with them.  The Homeowners Policy provides that only 10% of Coverage C, or $1,000, whichever is greater, applies for “personal property usually located at an insured’s residence, other than the residence primary premises”.

Liability Coverage for Kids
The insuring agreement for Liability provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage claims brought against an “insured”.  As discussed above, in most cases, kids are considered insured’s under mom and/or dad’s Homeowners Policy, and thus are protected under Coverage E – Liability and under Coverage F – Medical Payments, giving them personal liability coverage worldwide.

Premises Liability for Rented Dorm, Apartment or Rental House

While most college kids receive “insured” status for their personal liability, the Homeowners Policy has limitations on which premises are covered for liability that arises out of the premises.  Most policies contain exclusions for Claims “arising out of a premises owned by an insured, rented to an insured, or rented to others by an insured, that is not an insured location”. While a dorm room, by its nature, fits the definition of an “insured location”, to avoid any uncertainty regarding whether or not a rental house or rental apartment is considered an “insured location”, these secondary residences should be added to a Homeowners policy as insured locations.  So be sure to contact your insurance agent to make sure these locations are covered.

Liability for Damage to a Rented Dorm, Apartment or Rental House

Property coverage cannot be extended to provide coverage for damage to a rented dorm, apartment, or rental house.  As for coverage for property damage liability, there is limited coverage.  Contained within the policy is an exclusion for “property damage to property rented to, occupied or used by or in the care of the insured.  This exclusion does not apply to property damage caused by fire, smoke or explosion”.

Note:  Please be aware that every claim situation is different and every loss scenario has its own unique set of circumstances.  Coverage for a specific loss will be determined based on actual coverage purchased and is subject to all of the terms and conditions of the insurance policy that is in force at the time of loss.

This information provided to us by our friends at Standard Mutual Insurance.

Insuring Your Bicycle

With gas prices being elevated, beautiful summer weather surrounds us and vacations occurring, I am seeing more people taking the time to ride bikes. Many of whom ride to work daily to save the gas expense, some ride merely for the enjoyment while others for exercise.

If you are one of the many people who take time to ride, perhaps you have invested in a higher quality bike.  Did you ever think about how that bike might be covered by insurance?

Our friends at the Insurance Information Institute (III) have provided the following helpful information for all you cyclists out there.

A bike can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a basic model to several thousand dollars for a fast, light racing bike. In 2010 (the most recent data available) there was over $6 billion in bicycle sales in the United States, according to the National Bike Dealers Association.

Fortunately, bicycles are covered under the personal property section of standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. This coverage will reimburse you, minus your deductible, if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire, hurricane or other disaster listed in your policy. Under most policies, you would also be covered if the bicycle is stolen from your car.

You can insure personal property like a bike in two ways—for its actual cash value or its replacement cost. If you have an actual cash value policy, you would be reimbursed based on the depreciated value of the bike. With replacement cost you would be paid the cost of replacing your current bike less the deductible.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies also provide liability protection for harm you may cause to someone else or their property. If you injure someone in a bicycle accident and he or she sues you, you will be covered up to the limits of your policy. It does not matter if you own or rent the bike; if you have a home or renters insurance policy, you will have liability protection. Most people have $100,000 to $300,000 worth of liability protection as part of their standard policy. But higher amounts of coverage are available. Your homeowners or renters insurance policy also includes no-fault medical coverage in the event you injure someone. This way, they can simply submit a medical claim to your homeowners insurance company without suing you. This coverage usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

When purchasing a new bicycle, keep the receipt and call your insurance professional immediately. And

keep in mind that bike accessories such as a helmet, pump, lights, saddle bag and clothing can add up and are included in your insurance coverage.

If you own a particularly expensive bicycle, you may want to consider getting an endorsement to your homeowners or renters insurance policy. A number of insurance companies have endorsements for sports equipment; some specifically for bikes. The endorsement may have broader coverage and there will likely be no deductible. Your insurance professional can review your coverage options with you.

One of the best ways to make you are properly insured is to have an up-to-date home inventory of all your personal possessions, including your bike and accessories. A home inventory can help you purchase the correct amount of insurance and make the claims filing process easier if there is a loss. The I.I.I. provides free, online home inventory software atKnowYourStuff.org, as well as a home inventory app.

Basic Bike Safety
The I.I.I. recommends the following safety measures for cyclists:
1. Protect your head: Never ride a bike without a properly fitted helmet.
2. Make sure your bike is safe to ride: Your bike should fit you properly. A good bike shop can adjust your bicycle so that it fits your body comfortably, and check all parts of the bike to make sure they are secure and working well.
3. Follow the rules of the road: Bicycles are considered vehicles on the road; therefore riders must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of motor vehicles. Always ride with the flow of traffic, on the right side of the road, and as far to the right of the road as is practicable and safe.
4. Be predictable: When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and always keep safety in mind. Ride in the bike lane, if available. Take extra care when riding on a roadway. Courtesy and predictability are key to safe cycling.
5. Be visible: Take responsibility for making yourself visible to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Wear bright colors and have lights mounted on your bike if you plan to ride after dark.
6. Stay focused and alert: Do not wear headphones as they hinder your ability to hear traffic. Be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively. And, don’t try to talk or text while cycling.
7. Take safety classes: Bike clubs, bike shops and community groups offer a range of classes on everything from preventing helmet hair when you get to the office to cycling tips for children. These organizations are familiar with the cycling conditions in your area.


For more information on Rules of the Road for Biking Safety  and Tips for a Better Ride, visit
League of American Bicyclists

Rules of the Road - http://www.bikeleague.org/content/rules-road-0

Ride better tips - http://www.bikeleague.org/content/ride-better-tips

Camping & Outdoor Safety

More and more families are enjoying the pleasures of camping and outdoor life. Some advance planning will make camping trips more enjoyable and safer.  Look for a campsite that offers good drainage, with a good combination of sun and shade.  Check the area for hazards, and instruct children about things to avoid such as poisonous plants, wild animals and moving vehicles.

Here are a few more safety tips to help you enjoy your time in the great outdoors:

• Wear shoes, sandals or moccasins at your campsite; glass, cans, sharp rocks and hot embers can hurt bare feet
• If you bring perishable food, use a portable ice chest to keep it from spoiling
• Keep the site clean. Dispose of cans, bottles and garbage safely in a campground trash can or appropriate receptacle
• Obey signs and warnings concerning wildlife.  If raccoons, skunks, porcupines or other small animals come to your campsite, scare them away with a flashlight or a loud noise.  IMPORTANT:  Don't keep food in your tent where it can be smelled by animals -- store it away from the campsite
  
• Never leave a fire unattended.  When finished with it, spread the burned pieces/embers out, soak them touroughly with water, and then cover them with sand

These safety tips will keep you and others safe but it will keep the campground clean and safe from fires.

Information was provided to us by Safety Sense Enterprises Inc.

Please remember while you are away, do not share your events on social networking sites as it tells people you are not at home and leaves your home vulnerable to break in.

Be sure to have someone check on your home regularly - having lights scheduled to turn on and off at various times in different rooms is recommended to appear as if you are at home.  Remember, lights turning on and off at the same time could indicate a homeowner is away.
If you have pets, remember to either board them away from the home or be sure to have someone come to check on them daily.

Water Backup Coverage

Do you know what is covered and what is not covered by your homeowner policy?

If a toilet overflows or a shower drain gets clogged and overflows, your homeowner policy provides coverage.  However, all homeowner policies exclude any damage caused by water that escapes, overflows or discharges from a sump pump, sump well or any other system designed to remove water which is drained from the foundation area.

The good news is that there is an endorsement that can be added to your homeowner policy which removes the exclusion and provides coverage for such an unexpected incident.  Pricing and coverage amounts available will vary, depending on the carrier.

The other thing to remember is that flooding is not covered by this endorsement, but can be purchased through the government's national flood insurance program.

Note:  Some of the above information was obtained from a News & Community Bulletin from Safeco Insurance.

10 To Do's To Keep Your Home Safe Before You Leave For Vacation!

Summer is almost here and that means one thing: Vacation.  Whether you follow Route 66 or fly the friendly skies, you will most likely be one of the many people taking a well-deserved break!

To reduce the likelihood of house damage or a break-in, be sure to take the following steps before you go on vacation:


1) Turn off your water.  Many expensive losses occur when water leaks from a hot water heater or broken pipe.

2) Unplug your coffee pot, TV and other small appliances.  This will lower electric costs, as well as prevent possible fires.

3) Cut your grass and water your plants.  High grass or wilted plants may indicate you are away from your home - a possible draw for thieves.

4) Lock your windows and doors, and close curtains on windows where people can see into your house.  A simple, but oftentimes overlooked, step.

5) Install smart timers.  These inexpensive items can be programmed to turn lights on and off throughout the evening.  Burglars are less likely to target houses with lights on.

6) Stop your paper and mail deliveries.  Full mailboxes and a stack of old newspapers on your porch may signal you are out of town.

7) Don't leave an outgoing message on your phone announcing that you are away.  In this time of social media, even a post on Facebook could draw trouble.  Instead, try "I'm not able to take your call" or "I will respond to your message as soon as possible."

8) Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house.  You may also want to give them your contact information while you are away.

9) Unplug the motor of your garage door opener.  This will help ensure that no one will find a compatible opener and get into your garage.  (Leave a key with a neighbor or relative so you can get in upon return).

10) Ensure required security devices are in place - especially around your pool.

Taking some simple precautions will help ensure you enjoy your vacation - and your return to your home sweet home... exactly as you left it!



Source: MSB

Family Time by Frank Zimmerman

In this day and age of work pressures, deadlines, commuting and working overtime, make sure that you set aside time for quality family time.  That is what I will be doing as you read this - as my wife and I will be in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains at Boone, North Carolina.  I will be meeting our first grandchild for the first time - a beautiful baby girl named Elizabeth Grace Blaha - born on April 15th!


A special added bonus is that our other daughter is only 2 hours away in Charlotte and will be driving up for the weekend to meet us.  So we are looking to a joyous and restful time with our whole family together for a few days.


So, whatever your family situation is - take the time to enjoy time with your family.  Travel safely!

Never Use Cruise Control on a Rainy Day

Cruise control is designed for normal road conditions.  It doesn't know when the pavement is slippery.  Under slick conditions, you need to be in complete control and monitoring road conditions.  You’re more likely to notice hydroplaning if you are not relying on the cruise control.  With some cars, it is possible that the wheels will actually spin faster when the cruise control is on/engaged and the care hits a slippery spot.  When the tires make contact with firm road again, the car can skid or lose control.


On most cars, the cruise control is disengaged by tapping on the brake.  In an emergency situation, this adds a fraction of a second to your response time as well as the risk of the braking action itself causing a loss of control on a slippery road.

Allow plenty of distance between vehicles, avoid cruise control and reduce your speed to allow for slippery roads, especially during the spring and fall when there is debris from the trees also on the roadway making for more slippery pavement.

Check back for more safety information.  We’ll keep you up to date on Illinois Auto Insurance,  home insurance in Illinois and all your other coverage too.

The Benefits of Pet Insurance

  

Pet Insurance is a growing trend.  People love their animals as if they were their own children and for many folks, they are just like children.  Therefore, when they become ill, it is devastating.

As medical costs increase around the country for humans, the same is true for animals.  Consequently a few companies have instituted pet insurance products to help offset the rising costs of medical care for your dogs and cats.

The costs of good veterinary care are high, especially as more treatments become available for animals. Most pet insurance carries a deductible, you pay the initial charges up front, file a claim with the company and the carrier reimburses you for the allowable limit for treatment.

Imagine coming home from work to find that your dog had consumed the entire bag of chocolate that your son left sitting on the counter.  Your pet will need immediate emergency attention and probably monitoring overnight to be sure he is out of the woods.  Or you allow your cat outside to explore the countryside and she is attacked by a feral cat.  Events like this and others such as a diagnosis of a tumor, kidney disease, heart disease, all treatable from emergency care to long term treatment; but they come attached with a price tag.

If you are as in love with your pets as I am, please consider looking into a pet health insurance policy to be assured your pet is with you for a long time with proper medical treatment.

The ASPCA Pet Health Insurance program is a fantastic policy which gives you the option of 4 levels of coverage at very affordable rates.  It offers a $100 deductible and the ability to use your own vet and not be tied down to using someone you don’t know and trust and reimburses up to 90%.

Visit their website today and find out just how affordable this valuable coverage is.  Protect your pets as you would yourself.

http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/enroll/?priority=BR10MARS87







To learn more about pets visit www.barkpurrandinsure.com

Summer Safe Driving

According to a recent survey provided to us by Travelers Insurance, 67% of Americans taking a summer vacation plan to drive.  Make sure it is a safe trip by doing the following:

1.  Do not overload your vehicle - keep the load evenly distributed and do not block rear and side view mirror vision.

2.  Be prepared - Pack snacks and entertaining items for the little ones in the backseat to help avoid distractions.

3.  Take a break to avoid fatigue - this helps maintain focus - make sure to pull off in a safe spot.

4.  Know the route - be familiar with the route and do not solely rely on GPS so as to avoid dangerous last minute turns and lane changes.

5.  Use cruise control carefully - it can be easier for the driver to lose focus on the road and become more distracted.  But also remember never to use cruise control when roads are wet due to the slowing of response time when cruise control is engaged

6.  DO NOT TEXT WHILE DRIVING - even using a hands-free device can be enough of a distraction to cause a driver to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.



Enjoy your summer vacation, but please be safe and cautious.

Frank Zimmerman, CIC

My brother is getting married this upcoming June to one of the most wonderful women I have had the honor of meeting.  I have volunteered to throw a bridal shower for them and I wanted to share a couple of the ideas that I have done to make it special for them.
The first game I decided to do for them was a word search.

Going to the Chapel and We’re Gonna Get Married!

The wedding bells are ringing
And the guests are seated. Help
Us find the wedding party so
We can cue the music!

L    B    M   A   R  Y   N  A   T   T    I   R   B

K   D    F    T    I    F    F  A   N  Y   W  R  J

G    Z    D   Q   C   Y   K  C   I    R   T   A  P

C   W   H    J     X   E    E  T   J    C   S   U  T

D   N    C   O    E    L   A   I   P   N   X  C   P

V   R    W   H    Z    L   N  V   Z   Q  U  B   T

W  I     E    N    H    E   A  Y   M  A  R   Y   L

V   E    R    M   P    I   D   H   S   G   O  P   S

O   B    D   T    E   N   Z   T    R   V   D  A  R

T   Q    N   D   S   A   A   O   B   U  R   L   I

W  M   A   Z   O   D   D   M  J   A  V   Q   E

J    S    A   B    J    Y   W   I    J   D  O   Q  O

E   N    P   G   N   W   D   T   P   Z  G   F    J

Andrew      Brittany
Joe             Danielle
Eirn            Dana
John           Mary
Joseph       Sara
Patrick       Tiffany
Timothy      Mary



By Mary Marsh



Everyone at Mars Insurance Agency sends best wishes to the happy couple!

Getting Ready for the Spring Storm Season

We’ve all heard the expression, “take care of your body and your body will take care of you.” Homeowners should apply this wisdom to their home and the premises around it. While it is easy to see physical damage that can be caused by large storms, Mother Nature also is slowly and consistently breaking down a home’s defenses against future weather conditions. The specific weather conditions a home is exposed to, coupled with a maintenance plan similar to that below, play a large part in the strength and longevity of a home and the homeowner’s resulting bottom line.

Roof & Its Drainage Systems
Keep all drains, scuppers, gutters and downspout inlets free of debris that may restrict proper flow. It is also important to keep the roof clear of debris, leaves and vegetation, all of which may retain water. Trim trees near the home and branches that hang over the roof.

Home Joints & Connections
Intersections of the roof to walls, rooftop air conditioner mounts and curbs, window and door frames, and pipes through walls all require some type of transition material that is typically more prone to wear out over time. Rubber gaskets, seals and caulks should be inspected for brittleness, cracks, chips and gaps, and replaced as needed.

Walls
Inspect for and seal all minor wall cracks. Inspect Exterior Insulating Finishing Systems (EIFS) for cracks, chips, holes and other problems, and repair them as needed.

Windows & Doors
Ensure that all doors and windows have proper seals. Water stains below a window sill on the inside of the home are a sign of leaks. Inspect the rubber gasket or glazing putty surrounding the windows for cracks and reseal when necessary, even if stains aren’t obvious. Examine magnetic contacts that may be part of the home’s security systems to monitor when the window is opened or closed, and make sure they are well sealed.

Inspect the wooden threshold, where the door meets the floor. If there are signs of decay, replace the threshold and place new seals around the door.

Home Penetrations
Check and seal all roof and wall penetrations, including all water lines and electrical conduit. A single tube of caulk can likely seal all gaps between utility service lines that enter the walls.

Surroundings
Check downspout outlets to ensure that they are not blocked by debris or by the ground itself. It is best to have the surrounding terrain slope away from your home to prevent storm water runoff from accumulating around perimeter walls. Keep all exterior storm water drains free of debris. Drainage canals and culverts that are designed to shed water from the property should be checked and maintained for proper water flow.

Information courtesy of our friends at Grange Insurance.

Safe Driving on Ice and Snow

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

Keep your lights and windshield clean.

Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid:

Take your foot off the accelerator.

Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid:

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck:

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.

Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.

Try rocking your vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Most importantly, if you don't have to drive, stay off the road and stay safe.

Information provided by the Weather Channel.

Vacationing in Mexico - Safety

I recently went on a vacation to Mexico…yes that dangerous place where everyone tells you not to go because something terrible is bound to happen to you. I have heard this from so many different people the last couple of years and I find it very difficult to group an entire country into one statement. There are certain places in Mexico that I feel much safer in than I do in my own town. Today I am going to share 14 safety precautions to take while on vacation in Mexico, or anywhere for that matter, to ensure your safety and also to not get ripped off.

#1 Make sure to never say it is your first time visiting because you are a target to get higher prices.
#2 Do research on how much taxi rides and/or rental cars should be.
#3 If you are a female make sure when you are walking to keep your purse close to your body and on the side facing away from the street. Smaller purses, preferably ones that can be wrapped around your wrist, are better.
#4 If it is your honeymoon, as tempting as it may be, do not say you are honeymooners because you are once again a target.
#5 Always check your bill especially if you have been drinking because in resort and common vacation locations they will try to charge you for extra drinks.
#6 If you do rent a car, gas attendants will require they fill up your tank. Make sure to watch them zero out the amount from the previous driver.
#7 If you meet someone at the airport or on the plane and they seem nice never share a cab with them to your hotel/house/condo that you are renting. They then know where you are staying and can  break in when you aren't there or worse, when you are there. This is a scam that can happen anywhere. Don’t let anyone know where you are staying.
#8 An obvious one is to not walk around after midnight with a group or by yourself. It isn't safe in the States and it isn't safe while traveling.
#9 This is a personal preference, but if you are concerned about getting any jewelry stolen then leave them at home. Vacation is a time to relax, not to be paranoid.

#10 There are dangerous places in Mexico but the best place to go is an island like Cozumel or Isla Mujeres. Their livelihood is based on you coming back. There are typically police and military all over these island for protection, to ensure tourism keeps booming.
#11 Trip insurance is always a good idea. Don’t get it through the airlines because it will only cover your flight and it quite costly. Go through an independent trip insurance provider and it will run you about $60. It could save you a lot of money and hassle.
#12 It is a good idea to make photo copies of your passport, major credit cards and bank account information. This is not to carry with you but to keep in the hotel safe just in case something happens to the originals.

#13 Do not post on Facebook that you will be away because that allows for an easy home invasion.
#14 Ask a neighbor to get your mail instead of stopping it all together. Anyone at the Post Office can then see who is on vacation and, once again, that welcomes in an opportunity for a  home invasion while you are away.


Safe Travels!    

Mary K. Marsh

Wedding Season Is Fast Approaching

If you or someone you know is going to be involved in a wedding this Spring or Summer, you might want to consider wedding insurance.  Travelers Insurance offers a Wedding Protector Plan which provides coverage in the event that something goes wrong.

What if the reception venue goes out of business a month before the wedding?  Or what if severe weather causes cancellation?  What about having the wedding dress damaged or stolen or having the bride or groom becoming suddenly ill and unable to attend?  These and a variety of other sudden or unexpected occurrences can be covered with insurance that will provide reimbursement for lost deposits or additional expenses.

The average wedding can now cost well above $20,000.  Our access to the Travelers policy can not only provide a bride, groom and their family liability coverage for the event, but also the security in knowing that all is not lost if something does go wrong.

The Travelers and Mars Insurance have you covered.

Safety For Your Home While Traveling

It’s so exciting to go on a vacation, isn't it?  To go on a trip to a new, exotic place.  It’s hard not to be excited, right?  There are so many things to do before you go – pack your bags, check with the airline, make sure the camera is charged….did you pack the sunscreen?  One of the most important steps in preparing for a trip is to make sure that your home is secure while you are away.  There are several easy steps you can take to make sure your home and property are safe in your absence.

First and foremost, make your home look like it’s still occupied!  There are several ways to do this.  This is an easy one especially if you have an animal at home that will need tending while you are gone.  Have a trusted friend or neighbor come by daily (at varying times) to take care of your pets.  If you don’t have a pet at home, have someone come by and bring in your mail.  Having your mail service stopped is a sure sign to a burglar that no one is home.  If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, have someone come by and shovel your walk or mow your grass, water the garden or take out your trash on garbage day.

Most people will use a timer on their interior lights to make it look like they are home.  While this is a good idea, if you set an interior timer to go off at the same time every day, if a would-be burglar is watching your house this will indicate that you are not home.  The trick is to purchase a timer that can be set for varying times of day or if you have the ability, control the lights at home from your cell phone while you are gone – at different times during the day and night.  You also might want to consider installing a motion sensor light inside that way if someone does get into your home they may be fooled into thinking that someone is there after all and change their mind about what they’re doing.

 In addition, DON’T advertise on-line that you are going to be away and for how long!  This is very hard for people to resist.  It’s so tempting to want to tell all of your 300 closest social media friends that you are going on a fabulous trip.  Try to resist uploading vacation photos while you are still away.  I know you think everyone else wants to see the play by play of your vacation but they can wait until you have returned.
Other good rules of thumb are to make sure to have your electronics plugged into a surge protector so that in the event of a power outage your computer and television are not damaged.  Keep your thermostat set between 55 and 80 degrees and have someone run the water for a bit when they come by to check on the house.  This will ward off damage from frozen pipes.   Be sure to take your insurance agents phone number and your insurance policy number with you on your trip.  This way in the event that something does go wrong while you’re away, you will know just who to call.  Bon voyage!

Airplane Travel - Protect Yourself From Illness

While traveling …seeing the person on your airplane wearing a surgical mask, can be rather frightening!  Are they protecting you or themselves?  As it turns out, it may be both, according to Flustore.com.  It can help you avoid breathing in the infectious germs as well as protect those around you, by you not breathing out the germs onto others.

There are several other ways to protect yourself during air travel from various infectious illnesses.  Some basic simple steps may help you get to your destination healthy.

 Drink plenty of fluids, before and during your flight.  To save money, bring an empty water bottle to the airport and fill it from a water fountain after going through security

 Wash your hands often.  When soap and water are not available, bring along hand sanitizer.

 Be rested before you travel so that your body is stronger to fight the germs

 Get vaccinated against the flu

 Bring along zinc lozenges, vitamin C and Zicam

 Avoid the seat pocket in front of you.  People put everything in there, tissues, baby diapers, used food wrappers all carrying germs you do not want





Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!  Eating healthy, reducing stress, exercising regularly and getting enough rest may be enough to help you stay healthy!

Super Bowl Fun Facts

In gearing up for the Super Bowl, we thought we would share some weird Super Bowl facts to keep you entertained.  On game day, be sure to throw a few of these useless informative facts out there just for fun.

1. On the Monday following the Super Bowl, on average, 6% of the workforce calls in sick to work. While it is often assumed that people are just faking, in reality, quite a few are actually sick – usually from overdoing it with the food, drinks or both.

2. Super Bowl Sunday is the second leading day for food consumption in the U.S., the first being Thanksgiving according to the USDA

3. The sale of antacids goes up by nearly 20% the day after the Super Bowl.

4. Chuck Howley of the Dallas Cowboys was the first defensive player ever named Super Bowl MVP and he was also the first player to be named a Super Bowl MVP from the losing team.

5. The first celebrity to perform at halftime during the Super Bowl was Carol Channing in 1970.
She sang a tribute to the City of New Orleans

6. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are more alcohol related accidents on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year aside from St. Patrick’s Day.

7. It is estimated that 35% of all Super Bowl tickets that are sold are written off as a corporate expense.

8. 72 footballs will be on hand for use during the Super Bowl.

9. The toilet is flushed more times during halftime of the Super Bowl than any other time of the year.

10. The average number of people at any given Super Bowl Party is 17.

11. 1.23 billion Chicken wings fans will be enjoying more than 100 million pounds of chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday according to the National Chicken Council.

12. 9 out of 10 watchers are going to be at a home this Super Bowl, either their house or someone else’s house.  Boy that’s a lot of Super Bowl parties.

13. 11.2 million pounds of potato chips will be consumed during the televising of the big game.  But all those chips come with a price. Those many bags of chips will account for 27 billion calories and 1.8 billion grams of fat. Those grams of fat all add up too – it’s equal to four million pounds of fat nationally.  Information provided by Calorie Control Council and Snack Food Association.

14. 51.7 Million Cases of beer are sold to quench Super Bowl fan’s and help wash down all the food eaten on this day.

15. The first Super Bowl Rings were given to the winning team in the first Super Bowl played in 1967, the winning team……. The Green Bay Packers.