Even the post-holiday season is a time of comfort and joy, as the snow has begun to fall, and the frigid New England temperatures leave us cozied up inside savoring the warmth of a fire, a hot stove bearing a home-cooked meal, or simply an efficient heating system. But, in finding comfort in that warmth, it's important to heed basic safety precautions to avoid being left out in the cold.

As we've seen too many times this winter alone, home fires are devastating experiences yielding tragic loss and heavy financial burdens. According to a report published by FEMA in 2010, fires account for $1.7 billion in damage to residential homes every winter season. Almost half of those fires are caused by electrical malfunction, while the other half accounts for contained fires, like an accidental cooking fire or a chimney fire. While the average loss in a winter blaze amounts to about $13,000, losses resulting from those uncontained fires on average cause up to $25,860 in damage per incident. And, as oil prices continue to skyrocket, many have looked to alternate methods of heating their homes, like woodstoves, kerosene heaters, and more unconventional methods.

In February of 1962 John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth in Friendship 7 and President Kennedy announced a U.S. embargo prohibiting the importation of goods of Cuban origin. The official beginning of the "Age of Aquarius" was heralded by the alignment of the first 6 planets in an extremely rare "great conjunction" during a solar eclipse and the Beach Boys introduced a new musical style with their hit "Surfin."  

Great strides were being made in the Civil Rights Movement with Memphis, TN ordering the desegregation of its lunch counters and the Supreme Court disallowing race separation on public transportation.

Meanwhile, here in Newport, The Preservation Society saved the Elms (mansion) from the wrecking ball, purchasing it for $116,000 and the Colony House was designated a National Historic Landmark. The USS Ingraham arrived in Newport, her new home port, later she was assigned as part of the Cuban blockade which resulted in the removal of Russian missiles from that island.  

Throughout our 50th Anniversary year, visit our History page and watch this space for more notable 1962 events in Newport and beyond... 

Just remember to take it slow!

If you've ever skidded on black ice or gotten your car stuck in deep snow, you know that there are plenty of lessons to be learned on the road during the wintertime. Knowing what to do to prevent these situations is just as important as knowing what to do if you unfortunately find yourself dealing with one.

These precautions can save you from injury, headaches, and costly repairs - as winter accidents cost drivers thousands in insurance claims and out-of-pocket expenses every year. It's also important to take care of your car in the winter to keep it running in top shape and you safe behind the wheel. Read more on Resources page.

We value all of our clients, but we're always happy to promote the businesses of our commercial clients.We've added a new 'Featured Client' section to our website and e-newsletter, where each month, we'll showcse one of our commercial clients. If you're one of our valued commercial clients, email us a photo, a brief description of your business (250 words max.) and the link to your website and we'll contact you shortly about your submission. Hey, who couldn't use a little free advertising?

For the convenience of our clients, we've expanded our business by opening a new office location at 1980 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI! Our new office features all of the capabilities of our Newport location with trusted, experienced agents ready to serve your insurance needs. Contact our Portsmouth office at (401) 683-5555.