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The Votes Are In!
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December Events & Holiday Observances
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12/1-12/31
 Hanukkah begins at Sundown tonight
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EXTRA EXTRA!
Info for You
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to stay 'in the know' with timely updates on topical insurance info, helpful tips and discounts -- join the conversation!
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CONTACT US:
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D.F. Dwyer Insurance
38 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
and
2623 East Main Road
Portsmouth, RI 02871
phone: 401.846.9629
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Issue: # 69
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December 2015
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Happy Holidays!
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The holidays are upon us and for many people this time of year includes sprucing up the home with festive decorations, using the fireplace more frequently, running constant errands, and shopping for gifts. With these activities we are exposed to a variety of risks both inside and outside of the home. This month we present three wise tip lists to help you, your loved ones, home and belongings stay safe and protected this month. From all of us at D.F. Dwyer Insurance we wish you a joyful holiday season!
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 When buying a tree, make sure to check for freshness before leaving the lot as dry trees are more prone to fire. A fresh tree should have needles that are difficult to bend and/or do not drop when the trunk is tapped on the ground. - If you opt for an artificial tree, it should be tested and labeled as fire resistant.
- Do an annual inspection of all decorations, making sure that wires and bulbs of light strings are not damaged.
- The UL (Underwriters Laboratory) label should be found on all exterior and interior lighting used.
- Use no more than three light sets per single extension cord.
- If you plan to hang any lights outside, inspect strands to ensure they are certified to operate outdoors.
- Always plug them into a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) receiver or portable GFCI to prevent mishaps.
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Holiday Travel Tips
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The Holidays are known to be a busy travel time with notorious transportation delays, traffic and travel snags. With a bit of foresight and some planning, you may ease some travel headaches whether you're heading home for the holidays or escaping for a drama-free adventure. Regardless of your plans, you'll be thankful for these holiday travel tips. Also consider a Travel Insurance Policy to provide peace of mind to confidently plan and fully enjoy your trip! Get quotes on affordable travel insurance plans through D.F. Dwyer Insurance.
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Part 2: Shopping & Theft Protection
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 Parking lots are the scene of many accidents and injuries during the holidays. Defensive driving is a must when hunting down the perfect spot. If possible, map out your route beforehand and park as close as possible to the last store you plan to visit. - Consider bringing reusable bags with you for your purchases. This green option also prevents thieves from gaining insight into where you have shopped and what you may have purchased.
- Shop with a friend if possible as thieves target those who are alone. If you are alone, consider asking a store employee to help carry larger items to your car.
- Keep purchased goods in the trunk to help deter a potential break-in, especially if you will not be going directly home.
- Once home, draw curtains and shut blinds in all rooms where purchased goods or wrapped presents are on display.
- Keep windows and doors locked whether you are home or away. Ensure that all home alarm systems are turned on at all hours of the day.
- If shopping online, use a secure web server when entering any financial or personal information. There should be an image of a locked padlock at the bottom of the site window, or "https" found in the URL address. Update all devices to the newest software available and regularly run antivirus scans.
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 Avoid clicking on enticing ads that pop up on web pages you are visiting. They may not be from a reputable source, and can potentially compromise your computer. - Credit cards are preferable to debit or checking accounts when paying online as they have more favorable fraud protection policies. Make sure you always print or save copies of receipts and confirmations in case the desired product is not delivered. Check your statements regularly for signs of fraud, it is more common during the holidays.
- Always require a signature or authorized recipient on packages scheduled for delivery to your home to help prevent thieves from stealing unattended items.
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Farm Insurance
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D.F. Dwyer Agency, a Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance partner would like to be a valued resource for your local farm-based business. Give us a call at 401-846-9629 for a policy review, then subscribe to our new Farm E-Newsletter with specific features and information to help you protect your locally grown business.
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Part 3: Candle & Fireplace Safety
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 Be careful placing candles on a fireplace mantle--wreaths, artwork, and flammable decorations are often nearby. - Never leave children unattended in a room with burning candles.
- Do not use wrapping paper as kindling, it burns very intensely and may cause a flash fire. Metallic wrapping papers may release toxic fumes when burned.
- Remove stockings from mantle when lighting a fire.
- If your fireplace does not have one built in, purchase a safety screen to contain sparks and help prevent injury.
We offer this information to assist you in making decisions that can help mitigate your risk. While we cannot address every possible scenario or guarantee these tips will work for you, our goal is to support your efforts to protect yourself and your family. For more information, please contact us at D.F. Dwyer Insurance, your local Nationwide Agency at 401-846-9629.
Article Content Courtesy: Nationwide Insurance
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Skywatch: December 2015
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 The Geminids Meteor Shower, considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, peaks this year on the night of the 12/13 and morning of 12/14. The crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show; best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Radiating from the constellation Gemini, the Geminids Shower may produce as many as 120 multicolored meteors per hour. The December Solstice on 12/22, heralds the first day of winter and longest night of the year. Hereafter, daylight hours begin to increase daily until the March Equinox! On Christmas Night (12/25), the full moon will be fully illuminated. Mercury reaches its highest point above the horizon, look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset on 12/29.
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Farmer's Almanac Forecast: December 2015
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A White Christmas This Year? Temperature 37.5° (3° below avg.); precipitation 4" (1" above avg.); Dec 1-5: Snowy periods, cold north; showers, mild south; Dec 6-9: Rain and snow showers, cold; Dec 10-13: Rain to snow, then sunny, mild; Dec 14-19: Heavy snow north, showers south; Dec 20-23: Sunny, cold; Dec 24-27: Snowstorm, then sunny, cold; Dec 28-31: Rainy, mild.
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