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!

To Your Health.........

We are a society that is constantly on the go.  Between getting the kids ready for school, going to work, doing the grocery shopping, running to our children's events, sports events, taking care of the house, etc. we, often times, neglect our bodies and don't eat right or exercise.

During the cold winter months, taking care and eating right are increasingly more important.  However, that is the time we usually run through a drive through, go home and curl up with a blanket because it is just too cold to do anything.

With the Flu and illness on the rise, hospitals and doctors offices are feeling the stress of treating an overwhelming amount of patients these days.  Your health begins with you.  Eat right, exercise, rest an adequate amount and you will be stronger to ward off illnesses.

Each one of us has a unique sleep requirement but our sleep needs depends upon age, sex and various genetic factors.  On average, the human body (depending on age) will require between 7-9 hours of sleep a night.  Sleep recharges the body.  Much like a laptop computer, you can only run it so long before the battery fails and you need to plug it in to recharge it.  The human body requires rest to recharge.

We all hear about how we need to eat a balanced diet but how many of us who are on the go all the time actually eat balanced and healthy foods? Our friends at www.helpguide.org have some easy tips for planning a healthy diet and will help make it easier for you to stick to a healthy way of eating.  "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" isn't far off.  Healthy food increases the bodies ability to ward off virus'.

Exercise is something we all need but many lack.  In fact, for some, the most exercise they receive is running the other way when someone mentions the mere idea of exercise.  Did you know that after age 34 the human brain can lose up to 7,000 brain cells per day?  Did you know that exercise is what allows the brain to replenish those lost brain cells?  Drinking and smoking increases the number of lost brain cells.
So, lets provide you with some simple, no equipment exercises that you can do to help you on your way to a healthier you.  RealAge.com will provide you with some simple workouts that just about everyone can do and there is no equipment required, so don't feel like you have to run out to get that gym membership started.

I would like to leave you with a recipe that is great on these cold days and is good for you too.


TORTILLA SOUP from Eva Longoria's cookbook

I use between 4 to 5 pounds of skinless boneless chicken thighs (original recipe calls for 4 pounds chicken legs and 4 pounds chicken thighs)
12 cups cold water
4 dried pasilla chiles
4 dried ancho chiles
6 tomatoes, chopped
1 large white onion, diced
6 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 large bunches of fresh cilantro, leaves chopped
-------
For serving:
36 white or yellow corn tortillas, sliced into 1/4 inch think strips I personally like to use flour tortillas instead
1 head iceberg lettuce, cored and shredded
6 large avocados, pitted, peeled, and diced
A little more chopped fresh cilantro

1) In a large stockpot, place chicken legs and/or thighs in cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is opaque throughout and tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 min. With a slotted spoon remove the chicken from the pot an set aside to cool. Set aside the stockpot of broth. As soon as the chicken is cool enough to handle, pull off and shred the meat; discard skin and bones (which you don't have to worry about if using skinless, boneless).

2) Place the pasilla and ancho chiles in a medium saucepan, add cold water to cover. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chiles are soft, about 10 min. Drain the chiles and remove their stems and veins. If you want a spicier bite, keep the seeds; if not, removed the seeds as well.

3) In the food processor, place the chiles  tomatoes, onion, garlic, and salt. (reduce the salt if doctor recommends a low salt diet) Process until smooth, adding a 1/2 cup of the reserved chicken broth to loosen the mixture if it is too thick.

4) Stir the chili puree and half of the cilantro into the broth. Bring to a simmer over low heat, and simmer for 20 -30 min. Taste and add salt if needed (we never do). Stir in the shredded chicken and the remaining cilantro and remove the pot from the heat.

5) Original recipe calls for frying the tortilla strips for 45 seconds. Baking them in the oven will cut down on the oil simply by lining a baking sheet with the strips of tortillas, brush lightly with olive oil if you'd like, bake in oven 350 degrees for just a few minutes. Check them often and take them out when they seem to curl up and get crisp.

6) To serve, put a few tortillas strips and a big scoop of lettuce in a soup bowl. Ladle the soup into the bowl. Top with avocado and more fresh chopped cilantro, and enjoy!



Mars Insurance wishes you a Happy and Healthy day.

Insurance Explained

Happy 2013!


We thought we would start off the New Year explaining the general principles of insurance.

Many people wonder why rates continue to go up when they have not had a claim; therefore we would like to explain the logistics of insurance.

Imagine a giant swimming pool; Insurance is much like that giant pool.

Looks refreshing doesn't it?

When you purchase a policy you are paying into that pool.
If you file a claim against your insurance policy because a roof has been damaged or a car was hit, the claim is being paid out of that pool rather than from the money you have paid in for your premiums.

In addition to that very few people stay with the same company for any extended period of time so you are starting over in a different pool every time you switch companies.

Say a neighborhood of 100 houses is hit with hail damage and they all need their roof replaced. Each roof may cost $18,000 to replace…that means one neighborhood in the U.S. could cost insurance companies $1,800,000 for one storm. Usually these storms hit several neighborhoods in any given region. Millions upon millions of dollars are paid out for just one storm.

Over the course of one’s life, it will take a long time to pay $18,000 in insurance premiums to account for the value of a roof replacement. Example: if your homeowners premium is $1,000 a year, it would take 18 years to pay enough premium to pay for the roof replacement that was claimed on your policy.

Because of the high rate of storms we have had in 2011 and 2012, insurance companies have needed to increase premium rates to be able to cover everyone within the "pool" mentioned above which we all share.

It may be very frustrating and inconvenient but we can all find comfort in knowing that if we get hit with some bad luck we will have insurance to fall back on. Insurance is there for those catastrophic losses.

We hope this has shed some light on the operations of insurance companies.

As always, if you have any questions or need clarification we are always willing to talk to you!

We at Mars Insurance hope that 2013 will be your best year yet!



Mary K. Marsh

Mars Insurance Agency Inc

Collector Car Season

As the weather warms and the trees blossom I am reminded that collector car shows are just around the corner.  I always look forward to these shows so I can see the classics restored. 

The amount of work these folks put into the cars of yesteryear returning them to original or enhancing them shows a love and appreciation for a day gone by.   You just can't help but to stop and stare when you see one of these beauties.

With that in mind, many folks may not know that there are special policies available for classic autos.
Collector vehicles are different than a typical car in just about every way possible.  Generally speaking, collector vehicles are driven less and are better cared for by the passionate people who own them.  This makes them best suited to a special collector vehicle policy.  However, collectible vehicles often end up on a standard auto policy which means they have less protection than they need and their owners end up paying more for the coverage.

Collector car policies allow for an agreed value on the vehicle and other coverages reflective of the true needs of these special vehicles.  You put time, love and extensive parts into the vehicle for it's restoration, why not insure it for the money you have in it?

In the process of restoring your vehicle?  Coverage can also be geared to you with the restoring process.

•Instant new purchase coverage


•Auto Show Medical Reimbursement
•Spare Parts coverage

These are just some of the coverages a collector car policy can offer you.
Additional endorsements can be added to cover tools, parts, traveling to name a few.

Consider looking into a specialty policy for that special car you have poured so much of yourself into.

If your current agent doesn't offer such a policy, contact us and we'll talk you through the process.  At Mars Insurance we've got you covered for your Illinois and Wisconsin Auto Insurance.

Winterizing Your Home

Here are a few simple steps that can help you stay cozy indoors during this cold, winter season and save on heating costs, as well.

• Have your heating system checked by a professional annually.  This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money.  If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove.  Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup or creosote and then clean to lessen the risk of a fire.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated.  If necessary, insulate walls and attic.  This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your home’s power energy and reduce your home’s power demands for heat.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.  This will provide an extra layer of insulation keeping more cold air out.
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers; cover the news papers with plastic to keep out moisture; let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing; know how to shut off water valves.

Source: New York State Emergency Management Office website

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

Boating Safety Tips

Have a safe boating season by following these tips:

•Take a boating safety course offered by your state DNR, Law Enforcement, or U.S. Coast Guard agencies.
•Make sure your boat is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards.
•The boat should be free of fire hazards and have a clean bilge.
•Have safety equipment that is required by law on board at all times and maintained in good condition, also be sure to know how to use it.
•File a float plan with a relative or friend, or at the very least, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
•Have complete knowledge of the operation and handling of your boat.
•Know your position and where you are heading.
•Maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision.
•Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions.
•Know and obey federal and state regulations and waterway markers.
•Maintain a clear, unobstructed view forward at all times. “Scan” the water back and forth; avoid “tunnel” vision. Most boating collisions are caused by inattention.

Remember to always practice safety while operating any vessel or vehicle.
Also remember to have the proper insurance in place. No one ever plans to have a loss, but they do happen. Keep peace of mind by having your boat coverage in place.
Let Mars Insurance help you with your personal insurance.

Inexpensive Home Maintenance Can Prevent Big Expenses in the Future

For a few hours of time and a small investment, you can do a lot to protect your property. Even renters can ensure comfortable surroundings with some of these tips:

Get energy efficient. If you have not yet installed a programable thermostat, now is the time to do so. You can reduce your cooling costs by 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Thermostats cost between $40 and $70.

Seal around the tub and shower. Cracked or poorly sealed calking around tubs, showers and sinks can lead to water damage to floors, walls and the ceilings below, say experts writing in Money magazine. When you see cracks or gaps, buy a $5 tube of caulking and reapply.

Prevent fires. Check your fire extinquishers to see if they are still charged. If you need a new one, buy an extinquisher that works on both kitchen and electrical fires. The National Fire Protection Agency recommends one that is labeled ABC. Cost is about $40.

Prevent Shocks. Electrical outlets near water in the kitchen and bathroom should have ground fault circuit interrupters that protect from a shock. They have "test" and "reset" buttons. If you need one, the GFCI costs about $10, but you should hire an electricial to install it.

Service the garage door. Spray penetrating oil such as WD-40 into the hinges and rollers so the door will open and close more easily. Test the safety reverse mechanism by placing an object in the door's path to see if it stops. WC-40 costs about $7.

This information is courtesy of Standard Mutual Insurance Company. These tips are small in cost, large in safety.

Be safe and keep watching this blog for additional tips and useful information.

Contact Mars Insurance to see how we may better serve you or visit us on the web 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

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

Winter Driving: A Few Things to Remember

Headlights should be on
Four-wheel drive won’t help you stop any faster
Abrupt action while steering, braking or accelerating could make you lose control of the vehicle.
Make your own driving decisions. Cruise control can’t see ahead or judge the condition of the road.

Source: Standard Mutual Newsletter

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

Safe Holiday Travels

The Holidays are in full swing and that means the busiest travel time of the year is upon us. Now many might take the train or take to the skies but most hit the highways. According to AAA an estimated 87.7 Million Americans traveled more than 50 miles over the holidays last year and 85% of those people drove.

We all know that driving can be stress full enough but when you mix in ice, snow, stress and screaming children who just want to open those presents you have sitting in back of the car things can be even more challenging. Thankfully our friends at the Better Business Bureau and Comparison Market have a few tips to keep you safe on the road this Holiday Season.

-The last thing we want is to break down on the way to grandmas but if you do you need to be prepared. Make sure to keep a Car Safety Kit with you. It should include a blanket, flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, water, and non perishable snacks such as granola bars. This may seem like a lot but if it’s late at night and you have no way of getting help till someone passes by you need to be ready to wait.

-Keep off you phone but keep it charged! We all know talking or texting on the phone while driving is a bad idea and when you add that to ice and snow things only get worse. However make sure to keep your phone charged and accessible just incase there is an emergency. Nothing is worse than breaking down and then discovering you can’t call for help.

-Check the road conditions before you leave. Now were not just talking about what the roads look like at the moment you leave. Turn on the weather and see what things are going to look like on your way home and plan accordingly. Do you really want to get stuck at you in-laws all night?

-Make sure you have your current proof of insurance with you. It’s always a bad time when you get into an accident but it only gets worse if you forget that updated insurance card on the kitchen counter.

-Winterize your Car. Make sure the oil is changed and the tires are properly inflated. Check the condition of your wiper blades and test out your heater and defroster. Make sure all fluids are topped off and that your breaks are in good solid condition. If you have family coming from out of state especially a warm climate like Florida make sure their car is also ready for the colder conditions and have them take it to a mechanic to do so. Remember many fluids and other car parts sold and used in strictly warm weather climates won’t stand up to the cold of a Chicago winter. It’s very hard to see when that windshield wiper fluid is frozen solid.

-Its common sense but wear your seat belt. It can easily save your life in an accident and in most states it’s also the law.

-Along with wearing those seatbelts make sure your children are properly seated. Obviously infants and toddlers need to be in a child safety seat but did you know that children under 4”9” need to be in a booster seat as well.

-Take your time and slow down. We all want to get to get to that wonderful food as soon as possible but the days before and after Christmas and New years have the heaviest and most dangerous holiday traffic. There is no reason to be in an extra rush if you’re afraid of being late to the party try to leave earlier than you normally would.

-Finally never ever drink and drive!!! We all know that alcohol is a common part of the holiday festivities, and there is nothing wrong with that but please don’t drink and drive. Make arrangements to stay where you are or have a designated driver. Remember that taxi’s are also readily available to get you home safely if you can’t stay where you are at.

We hope these tips help to keep you safe over this holiday season and as always if you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage please visit us at http://www.marsinsurance.com/.

Happy Holidays!!!

Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is only a couple days away and we just wanted to take a moment to share a few turkey day cooking tips to help keep you safe for this holiday.

Remember that over 4000 fires start each year on Thanksgiving Day and most of those are due to cooking related accidents.

Before the cooking begins make sure to clean your oven or stove.

Remember that young children and pets love to be under foot while you are cooking and given how extra chaotic Thanksgiving Day can be it’s a good idea to clear a 3-foot safe zone around your oven.

If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, carefully slide a lid on the pan and turn off the burner. If a fire starts in the oven or microwave, keep the door closed. Then, turn off the oven or unplug the microwave as soon as possible. Leave the door closed until the appliance is cooled down. Using water can splatter a cooking fire around the kitchen.

Finally, when it comes to the turkey, remember that turkey fryers can spew hot oil while you’re cooking so be extra careful. Never drop a frozen turkey into hot oil!!!

We thank our friends at the Washington Herald for this information and remind you all to please be extra careful this turkey day and have fun.

If you have any questions regarding your insurance and turkey fire coverage please visit us at http://www.marsinsurance.com/

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Stay Safe During the Holidays

With the Holidays just around the corner and the decorations about to go up remember December is prime time for home fires. Here are some old and new suggestions for a safe holiday season from our friends at Standard Mutual.

-Look for the fire-resistant label on artificial trees and decorations.

-Buy a natural tree that is really fresh. It should have needles that are hard to pull off.

-For outside decorations, buy only those made specifically for outdoors. Use heavy-duty extension cords and plug them into circuits that have a good ground fault interrupter.

-Get a remote control to easily turn off lights before you go to bed or it rains or snows.

-Avoid fires by staying in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.

-Put heat resistant candles in places where they can’t burn something or get knocked down.Before lighting a fireplace or wood stove, clear the area of tree boughs, paper and other combustibles. Never burn gift wrappings in a fireplace.

-Put indoor and outdoor lights on a timer.

-If cold weather makes you want to use an indoor heater of any kind make sure it is positioned well away from curtains, trees and decorations.

We hope these tips help to keep you safe during this upcoming holiday season and if you may be wondering if your current insurance policy will cover you in the event that you have a small holiday fire in the home this year or if you have any other insurance questions please visit us at http://www.marsinsurance.com/.

Student Loans and Life Insurance

Do you have student loans or did you co-sign for any student loans?

Anyone that is involved with student loans should consider life insurance for the student, especially the co-signer. In the event of a serious accident involving death of the student, this is one of the most difficult loans to cancel leaving the remaining loan for the co-signer to pay off. Even filing bankruptcy will not forgive this debt.

On average, the cost of a life insurance policy is around $100.00 a year providing protection of $100,000 which can be used to pay-off student loans. In the event of an unforeseen tragedy, don't you want to have that protection?

Mars Insurance has many life insurance programs available from multiple companies. Contact us today and allow us to provide you with a program that is designed just for you.

Protecting Your Home with Enough Coverage

If you're like most homeowners, you probably purchased enough insurance to equal the market value of your home. Unfortunately, this can lead to underinsurance. Why? Because the cost to rebuild your home completely is usually greater - often tens of thousands of dollars greater - than its market value.

According to a 2009 survey, nearly two-thirds of houses in the United States are underinsured. Of those houses, the average homeowner has enough insurance to rebuild only about 80% of his or her home according to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh 2009 Insurance to Value Index.

Reconstruction Costs vs. Market Value

Instead of insuring your home based on market value, it's best to purchase homeowners coverage based on the reconstruction cost.

While market value is based on fluctuating marketplace conditions for a house and a lot in a specific area, reconstruction cost is the amount of money it takes to completely rebuild your house with building materials that match the type and quality of the originals as much as possible.

When the reconstruction cost exceeds the market value, your home is underinsured.

That means without enough of the right coverages, you could be stuck with a big bill after a catastrophic loss - when you're least able to afford it.

Example: Tough Math for Underinsured Homes

Estimated Reconstruction Cost: $200,000

Amount your Home is Insured for: $150,000

What your out-of-pocket expense

may total if your home is destroyed: $ 50,000

What makes reconstruction costs rise? There are a number of factors that can increase reconstruction costs:

• Building materials are very susceptible to inflation and are more expensive for reconstruction contractors who purchase them in smaller quantities than new home builders do.


• Changes in building codes can add complexity and additional labor charges to a reconstruction project.


• access to the reconstruction site due to old growth trees and neighboring homes can equal more costs.


• Increased contractor demand after a disaster can also drive up costs.


• Homeowners who reconstruct their homes face extra costs for demolition and debris removal, which is usually necessary before a home can be rebuilt.

Insuring your Home Improvements

If you've updated or renovated your home, but haven't increased the home value listed in your policy, you could be underinsured. Additional square footage and upgraded materials are just a few things that can boost a home's value.

The good news for you? You're reading this blog and therefore, you know that we can help you through the insuring process of your home.

The information provided was courtesy of Grange Insurance.

Household Tips for Handling Gasoline

Most accidents occur in the summer months due to an increased use of gasoline for farming or recreational purposes (i.e. bonfires, burning leaves, boating, yard work, etc.). A lack of understanding of the explosive nature of gasoline by the general public seems to contribute to both its improper storage and misuse as a solvent, engine primer or fire starter. Gasoline burns decrease markedly in the winter months.

Most injuries associated with these products occur in the home, however, where the improper use and storage of gasoline and other flammable liquids can result in both personal injury and property damage. Knowing how to prevent these injuries can protect you and those you love from a devastating burn injury. The first step to ensure a safer home environment is to increase your awareness and identify potential hazards. The next step is to make the necessary changes in behavior and your environment. Change in the environment and modifying high-risk behaviors involves eliminating the cause of the problem, thereby reducing the risk.

Here are some helpful tips from the American Burn Association on how to handle gasoline with care in household situations:

• Don't smoke, use matches or other ignition sources anywhere around gas. Gas vapors can travel far from gas containers in enclosed areas.



• Use gasoline only in well-ventilated areas.



• Turn off equipment and let it cool before filling the gas tank.



• Never use gas to start the charcoal on a grill. Use a proper charcoal starter.



• Store gasoline in approved containers in a cool, well-ventilated area such as a shed or a garage that is not near the house. Keep only a minimum amount on hand.



• Never use glass or plastic bottles for gasoline storage.

According to a 2000 report by the National Fire Protection Association based on 1993-1998 data, the following are the gasoline-related annual estimates:

Community Fire & Burn Prevention Programs Gasoline Safety Campaign
• Over 140,000 fires, including 120,000 in vehicles (most of them unoccupied, fortunately).
• Over 6,000 residential fires.
• About 500 deaths.
• Thousands of hospital emergency room visits.
• Nearly $500 million in direct property damage costs from gasoline-related fires.

(Source: The U.S. Home Product Report, 1993-1997, Flammable or Combustible Liquids, National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division, Quincy, MA, August 2000).

Additional information is available from the American Burn Association at http://www.ameriburn.org/

Remember, SAFETY FIRST!!

Keep following Mars Insurance for future blog posts on safety tips, insurance information and general need to know information.

Trailer Tips

This is the time of year for camping trips and boating adventures and you may find yourself pulling a trailer along behind your vehicle as you travel.

We would just like to share these safety tips from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to help keep you safe as you tow that trailer.

• First check your vehicles owners manual to verify the gross vehicle weight and towing capacity for your car or truck. You will need to know this information to make sure your vehicle is up to the job.


• All vehicles handle differently and this is even more true while pulling a trailer. Even if you have pulled a trailer with your car or truck before something as little as the hookup, used to attach the trailer to your vehicle, can make a big difference in how you drive. So make sure to practice some turns and basic maneuvers around your neighborhood or another slower traffic area before hitting the road for the big trip.


• Please know the height of your trailer so you don't get stuck under a bridge or tunnel. Remember, just because your car made it doesn't mean that the big box you're pulling will.


• Do a final test on all electrical connections and make sure all your brake lights and signals are working on your trailer. Also, do a final check and make sure that the hitch is still hitched correctly. You never know who may have bumped into things as the car was being loaded up before that big trip. Watching your trailer roll away in the rear view mirror is not a good way to begin a vacation.


• Drivers pulling trailers need to overshoot their turns to make them wide enough so the trailer's path won't pull them off the road. Think of how you see a semi-truck make a turn.


• Allow EXTRA room when changing lanes. Don't forget your vehicle is suddenly longer than it was the day before.


• Make sure to test your brakes and get a feel for how they will respond with that extra weight pushing you forward.

We hope these tips help keep you safe this summer and if you happen to be looking to get insurance on that new trailer you just bought or the toys that you may be towing with it, please feel free to contact us at www.marsinsurance.com with any questions.

As always have fun but please stay safe.

The Shocking Truth About Lightning

As storm season swings into full force we thought it would be a good idea for everyone to take a minute and brush up on their lightning safety.

Lightning is very dangerous and can injure people even when they are not directly struck, such as when it strikes a tree and creates a side flash injuring those who are standing nearby.

According to the National Weather Service, being struck directly or indirectly causes injuries to the nervous system and the brain. These can include memory loss, depression, fatigue, burns, hearing problems, light sensitivity and dizziness.

Take these simple steps to help protect yourself against the dangers of lightning strikes,

• Stay out of its path, lightning can strike as far as ten miles away.


• When you hear thunder you are within striking distance and should seek safe shelter immediately such as a sturdy building or an enclosed car.


• When inside a home or building stay off corded phones, computers and any other equipment that puts you into direct contact with electricity.


• stay away from indoor and outdoor pools, tubs, showers, and other plumbing that could conduct electricity.


• When you are inside wait at least thirty minutes after the last clap of thunder before going outdoors.

We thank our friends at Standard Mutual for these lightning safety tips and hope you have a fun and safe summer, and as always if you have any questions regarding your insurance needs please contact us at http://marsinsurance.com/

Driving Tips for Teens

A teen’s first years behind the wheel bring newfound freedom and responsibility, but also potential danger.

Following are a few safety suggestions to share with your teens:

DID YOU KNOW…..using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of .08 blood alcohol content which is legal intoxication?

COMMIT…to never using a cell phone to talk while driving. Be sure to check your states laws as some states prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving.

DID YOU KNOW….the number one cause of death for teenagers is traffic crashes? For every teen driver killed, there are two other individuals killed.

DECIDE….to drive reasonably. Picture your mom or dad, or even your drivers’ ed teacher, sitting in the seat next to you.

DID YOU KNOW …. 20 percent of teens start drinking and THEN choose a designated driver? 30 percent of teens pick a driver who has been drinking.

AVOID….drinking and driving. If you cause a crash, especially one that involves injury or death, the stakes get high quickly. It’s not a matter of whether or not you’ll go to jail, it’s how long.

DID YOU KNOW….distractions while driving – texting, talking on the phone, multiple passengers, changing the radio or ipod, and driving late at night – increase the odds that you or someone else on the road will be killed or injured?

CHOOSE….to drive responsibly. Make a conscious decision to steer clear of distractions while behind the wheel. Driving in itself is multitasking.

DID YOU KNOW….a lot of accidents happen when turning left?

BE EXTRA CAREFUL….when making left-hand turns and obey the speed limit.

MAKE IT A HABIT… to never leave home without your seatbelt on, even if it’s just through the parking lot or down the street. Most accidents happen within 1 mile from home.

These helpful tips were provided by Standard Mutual Insurance.

Call Mars Insurance for additional tips and options that are available to keep your teens safe.

Beat the Heat!!

As the hazy, lazy days of summer approach, we all do what we can to stay cool. To help your house conserve energy and stay cooler, consider the following:

• Make certain airflow to your outdoor air conditioning unit is not blocked by shrubbery or other obstructions.


• Keep draperies, blinds and shades closed during the hottest part of the day.


• Keep windows and doors tightly closed when operating air conditioning equipment.


• close closet doors in air conditioned rooms.


• Close all openings into the attic from Air-conditioned areas.


• Turn off unnecessary lights and computers when not in use.


• Check your air conditioning or furnace filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed (usually every 2 to 3 months)


• Plan cook-free meals of cold cuts, fresh vegetables, fruits and salads. This will keep the use of the oven to a minimum.


• Do your cooking, showering, washing, clothes drying and ironing in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.

Information provided by American Electric Power Co.

We hope your enjoy your summer and hope you contact Mars Insurance for your insurance questions.