February Newsletter - Fire Safety Month with Essential Items Raffle

February Newsletter

Congratulations to our January raffle winners, Andy Dufresne and Mary Reedy, who each won a $50 gift card to the restaurant of their choice, Sarducci's and Silver Palace respectively.

This month, we're giving away fire safety essentials. We believe they belong in every home as do our friends at Safeco Insurance.

View details below.

Valentine's Day: Fun Facts!

Origins

Even though Valentine's Day is celebrated with cupids, hearts, and roses, the origins of the holiday are not entirely clear. Most theories revolve around Saint Valentine, whom legends say was jailed and executed by Emperor Claudius II for performing marriages in secret. St. Valentine allegedly wrote a love note to the daughter of his jailor before he died. Valentine's Day first appeared on the Roman calendar in 496 A.D.

XOXOXO

Valentines cards might be littered with x's and o's these days, but the history of X's representing kisses dates back to medieval times. Those who were illiterate or did not know how to write their name had to sign "X" in front of a witness, then kiss it to demonstrate their commitment to the contract.

Wherefore Art Thou?

Every Valentine's Day, nearly 1000 letters addressed to Juliet arrive in Verona, Italy, the setting of Shakespeare's tragic play about love and loss.

Greeting Cards

The Greeting Card Association puts the number of valentines sent per year at around 190 million. Add in the valentines passed out in school and that number climbs to almost 1 billion valentines a year!

Community Events

More than 1,100 people dove into frigid water on February 4th for the Penguin Plunge. All proceeds from the annual event benefit Special Olympics Vermont. Our own Jeff LaBonte, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Vermont, Elizabeth Stillwell, and Ian Sutherland (center three below) were among the participants!

Last week, our offices participated in "Go Red for Women". We pulled in $235 and helped raise awareness of Heart Disease in women!

Our community care doesn't end there. We're committed to active involvement in the communities in which we live. Enjoy the video below where we highlight some of our employees.

News from Around the Area

Vermont rebuilds after Irene, and reflects on past floods.

Tax relief is available for Vermonters impacted by Irene. More information on this can be found on Representative Welch's site.

Lake Champlain Transportation has simplified ticketing by eliminating the round-trip ferry ticket.

Rutland High School has been recognized for its collaborative efforts in bringing teachers together for a better learning experience.

FEMA recently released updated numbers for money granted to Vermont for 2011 in disaster aid, totaling over $72 Million!

Vermont's unemployment rate has dropped to 5.1%, the lowest it has been since 2008.

Community College of Vermont has opened up a new facility in Rutland, the second largest of CCV's 12 campuses.

A new wind farm will be passing through Plattsburgh.

Fire Safety: Protecting Your Family

February may be the month of burning love, but as an insurance agency, we think Fire Safety. Follow these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to keep your family safe.

Types of smoke alarms.

There are two types of smoke alarms for home use - ionization and photoelectric. Neither type by itself is better, as they each detect different types of fires. Instead, you should purchase one of each, or a dual-sensor smoke alarm that has both types.

Test your alarm!

Test your alarm monthly, clear it of dust regularly, and replace detectors every 8-10 years or as needed.

Have a plan.

Make sure everyone in the home knows proper escape routes and a family meeting location. Create a map of your house with all exits. Run regular fire-drills to keep everyone prepared.

Leave immediately.

In the event of a fire, leave the house immediately following the safest escape route. Never open a door that is warm to the touch. If you must travel through smoke, remain low to the ground and cover your mouth with cloth to avoid toxic gases.

Do not return.

Never re-enter a burning building. If a person or a pet is missing, notify authorities immediately. Teach children not to hide from firefighters and how to dial 9-1-1.

Monthly Raffle sponsored by

This month, we're giving away fire safety essentials. We believe these belong in every home as do our friends at Safeco Insurance.

One person will win a Sentry Fire and Waterproof Safe.

A second person will receive a kit that includes a 13' Kidde emergency 2-story ladder, a Kidde basic use fire extinguisher, and an emergency fire blanket and pouch.