Firework Safety Tips for July 4th

Did you know that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2014 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Demar Granados, fireworks cause a yearly average of 18,500 reported fires and resulted in over $21 million dollars in direct property damage in 2013.

Fireworks are also a leading source of emergency room visits each and every year on the 4th of July.  Check out some injuries by the numbers below.

Firework Injuries:

Fireworks cause an average of 18,500 fires per year.

4th of July Safety Tips

Firework Safety:

Grill Safety Tips:

The 4th of July just isn’t the same without sharing some amazing BBQ with your friends and family.  Be sure to check for the following before throwing those steaks, burgers and dogs on the grill.

We wish everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July celebration.

originally published by Mammoth Restoration http://mammothrestoration.com/

With the kids out of school for the summer, it's the perfect time to take a family vacation. And by family, I mean the whole family – the dog too!

Traveling with your dog can be difficult, but with planning and a little bit of research you can make it a fun and unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout all of your summer adventures!

Find Lodging that Allows Pets
There are a fair amount of hotels and rental homes that allow pets during your stay. Many online sites even allow you to filter search results so that you only see pet-friendly options. Before you book, call and confirm their pet policies – it will save you some trouble down the road.

Tip: Try a pet-friendly campground. With hiking trails and room to explore, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family.

Don't Leave Your Dog in the Car
Car rides can be challenging with a dog, especially if you are driving long distances. Leave someone outside with your dog if you stop to get food or go to the bathroom. Cars can get extremely hot when parked in the sun and, if left inside, dogs are at risk of overheating. Besides, it's probably time for a potty break anyways.

 
Tip: Some places allow dogs to come inside. Call ahead and plan your pit stops to make traveling a little bit easier.

Pack Water
Cars aren't the only place that dogs can overheat. Normal activities such as going for a walk can become a health hazard if you don't take the necessary precautions. Panting, loss of energy, lethargy, and a dry nose are all signs of dehydration and overheating. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it may be a good idea for everyone to take a water break in the shade.

Tip: Bring a collapsible water bowl. You can pull it out to give your dog water and easily fold it up to store it once you are done.

Watch out for Paw Burns
A dog's paws are sensitive to heat in the same way that our palms are. Even if they don't show pain, walking on hot pavement can cause serious burns. Make sure to test the pavement before taking your dog out for a walk. Be especially careful in cities with dark, paved roads. If it's too hot for your feet, it's too hot for theirs.

Tip: Try walking in the shade. The pavement will be cooler, and so will you!

Protect Them from Fleas and Ticks
Would you believe me if I told you there are monsters in the forest? Tiny little monsters called fleas and ticks are parasitic to humans and animals. They live in heavily wooded areas and tall grass. Make sure to check your dog's fur after being outside to confirm they are bug-free. Once you get home, wash their toys and bedding to get rid of any stowaways.

Tip: Did you know that fleas and ticks can’t fly? Walking on short grass or dirt will make it harder for the bugs to get on you or your dog.

Originally posted by Foremost Insurance Group: https://blog.foremost.com/vacationing-with-your-dog.asp

Are you stuck at home wondering what to do with all of your free time? Can You Name Every Item in Your Home?

Most people don't think about the many items they have collected over the years. Items are used every day, but often never thought about. Many items are replaced throughout the years, but no thought is given to the increased value of inventory. Creating and maintaining an inventory of items in your home can help ensure you have purchased the right insurance coverage. In the event of a loss, it can help you settle a claim faster, and put less strain on your brain in an already stressful situation.

How do You Create Your Home Inventory?

Creating and maintaining your home inventory is easy with available software. Now you can download apps right on your phone to create, maintain, and update your inventory. Having online storage will allow you to access your inventory anywhere, any time. You never know when a claim may happen, but you can be prepared with an up-to-date online home inventory.

What Should You Include in Your Home Inventory?

You should take inventory of everything of value in your home, and update the list as you acquire new items. Here is a list of some of the most common items:

• Electronics (TV, Gaming Console, Computer)
• Kitchen and Household Appliances (Washer/Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator)
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Jewelry
• China
• Silverware
• Artwork
• Antiques
• Linens
• Books
• Guns
• Sporting Equipment

Some items like jewelry, antiques, and other special items, may need to be insured separately. Talk to one of the specially trained independent agents at Rutt Insurance to make sure you have the coverage that you need.

Many of us enjoy traveling away from home throughout the year, whether it's for an annual vacation, an upcoming holiday, a honeymoon, or to see the family.  Our trips can take us across the country or across the globe.

Your Homeowners policy covers your home and contents while you're away, but did you know the items you take with you are covered as well?  They're covered anywhere in the world! 

If your golf clubs are stolen, your luggage is lost, or you experience a hotel theft, your Homeowners policy may cover the loss.  There is a policy deductible and limits to high value items like jewelry, cash, precious metals, and guns so be sure to reach out to our agents to find out what's covered, if you have enough coverage, and if you need to take additional action to receive coverage.

Your personal liability coverage limit also follows you around the world.  Personal liability covers claims made against you for accidental bodily injury you cause to other people or property damage you cause to other property.  If you unintentionally break a window or kitchen appliance in your rental home or accidentally hit someone with your golf ball while golfing, there is coverage on your Homeowners policy.

Whether you're traveling across town or across the Atlantic Ocean, your Homeowners insurance follows you there.  Happy traveling!

Originally published by Goodville Mutual Casualty Company

Beware of Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Cox Automotive estimates the number of vehicles lost to Hurricane Florence-related flooding between 20,000 and 40,000. And, as typically occurs after a mass-flooding event, there are concerns about these vehicles being resold throughout the country – to unsuspecting buyers and to those who don’t understand the financial repercussions of purchasing a flood-damaged car.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLE
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a consumer alert with tips for identifying a previously flooded car, including:

• Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, a database of total loss and junk/salvage vehicles
• Look for suspicious signs of a flooded vehicle (e.g. rust, corrosion, mildew smell)
• Demand to see the title, as some car wholesalers will claim to have lost the title or will transfer it to avoid disclosing flood damage

Review the NAIC Consumer Alert

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CARRIERS, LENDERS
Insurance companies likely will not provide comprehensive and collision coverage on a flood-damaged car because its value and the extent of repairs are uncertain. In turn, without securing comprehensive and collision coverage, consumers likely cannot secure a car loan.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman in a recent press release on Florence-damaged cars added:

Even if the vehicle is new, if a claim is later filed, the insurance company will research the vehicle history and see the prior claim for flood damage. If the vehicle is deemed to be a total loss, the insurer will likely pay out significantly less than would be paid for a vehicle that did not have flood damage.

REPUBLISHED FROM 2018 Originally published by Insurance Agents & Brokers www.iabforme.com