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October is Fire Safety Month 
Proper knowledge of fire safety is important at all times. Here are some safety tips for your home. It is a good idea to check through them to make sure you have taken all necessary precautions.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are critical to early detection of a fire in your house. You should install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, in the kitchen and in every bedroom. Replace your smoke alarms at least every 10 years, even if they still work. It is recommended that you check your smoke detector batteries once a month. The alarms will have a test button that, when pushed, will cause the alarm to sound. If it does not, replace the battery immediately. Your should install new batteries once a year.
Escape Plan
Make an escape plan. Draw out a map of the plan and discuss the plan with your family. Every second counts when you are in a fire, so make your escape plan quick and easy. Designate an area outside of your home for your family members to meet.
Electrical Safety
Check your electrical appliances and wiring to ensure they are safe and secure. Replace frayed wires and worn out appliance cords.
Do not allow children to play around electrical appliances. Keep all materials away from heaters and any hot appliances. Also, have dryer vents cleaned annually to avoid dryer fires.
Cooking Safety
Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Wear short sleeves and keep your hair pulled back. Clean your kitchen surfaces to prevent grease buildup. Extinguish food fires with baking soda; never use flour or water. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
"Think of fire before it starts."
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Texting & Driving 
Not only is it illegal, texting while driving is extremely dangerous. Adults and teens alike are guilty of texting while driving. Here are some tips for teens and parents on how to be safer behind the wheel when it comes to phone use.
Tips for Teens
- Don't be tempted: turn off your cell phone.
- Let voicemail capture your voice and text messages.
- If you have to call or text while driving, pull off the road safely and stop.
- If you think you will still be tempted to text and drive, put your phone somewhere you can't reach it, like the trunk.
- Take control of your cell phone, don't let it control you. You are the only one who decides when and if you send and read a text message.
Tips for Parents
- Don't call/text your teen at times when you know they are likely to be driving.
- Review your teen's cell phone bill with them to see if they are texting at times they are likely to be driving.
- Establish family rules that prohibit texting while driving.Set a good example. Don't text and drive.
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Halloween Events across Vermont
Halloween isn't just for children anymore! Here is a list of Halloween events across Vermont. It includes family friendly events to strikingly scary events!
Come meet Emily ...if you dare! Stowe, Vermont
A Family Halloween - Woodstock, VT
Annual Pumpkin Fest - Townshend, VT
Dead North Farmland of Terror - Danville, VT
Queen City Ghost Walk - Burlington, VT
The Haunted Forest - Williston, VT
Pumpkin Carving Festival - Manchester, VT
"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
'tis near Halloween." |
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2012 United Way Campaign
This year, our goal was to raise $100,000 for the United Way. Our goal was met, and then some, through our "Super Hero" themed campaign. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the effort. It was a great success, and a fun week for everyone involved.
After our goal was met, Scott Boardman, President of Hickok & Boardman, Inc. wrote:
"We have an extraordinary group of generous humans working and associated with H&B that have stepped up and sacrificed for the betterment of their community. We gain so much from our community's support every day through our clients. Our United Way campaign gives us an opportunity to give back and show our appreciation and did we ever! To think we will help 30 adults and 30 kids stay in their home this year with the extra $10,000 we raised is what it's all about."
   
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A Moment of Thanks
On behalf of all the Hickok & Boardman Network of Companies, including Hickok & Boardman Insurance, Hickok & Boardman Financial Planning & Group Benefits, and Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty - we want to give our humble thanks for your votes and the other recognition our companies have received this year. It's an honor to have the hard work, expertise, and service of our employees & associates be recognized among the best in Vermont!
Champlain Business Journal: Best Real Estate Office
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Connect With Us
We're all about connecting with our community.
Keep in touch and
stay informed!
Phone: 800.900.0121
Web: insure-vt.com Mobile: m.insure.vt.com
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