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We Do Our Best & You've Noticed!
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We'd appreciate your vote... Please cast your Best of ballot, found in the November issue of Newport Life.
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DECEMBER
Events & Holidays
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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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FLOOD INSURANCE
One Size Does NOT Fit All!
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We have NEW options:
- Meet all lenders' flood insurance requirements,
- Offer additional advantages
- AND may save you money!
Learn More Here
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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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| Get the News! | 
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Issue: # 81
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December 2016
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Happy Holidays!
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During this holiday season we'd like to express gratitude to you, our clients and friends for your years of loyalty and kindness. Our commitment to "doing what's best for our customers" is at the heart of our mission. While it is an honor to be awarded Newport Life's Best of Award year after year; it is equally gratifying to serve as a trusted resource for so many community members and businesses.
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15 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
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Holiday Shopping can present unique danger. At this time of year, it is easy for us to become careless and vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Taking a few prevention measures can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your driver's license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
- Shop Local!
Some Content: Nationwide Insurance © 2016
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Hosting A Special Event?
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Today's busy lifestyles are filled with social gatherings from community festivals to regattas and fundraisers to weddings. If you organize family, business or community events, you know how much planning and effort is involved to make the occasion both safe and special for everyone. Even with the most careful planning, unexpected situations can arise that you might not be prepared for... we can help! Call us at 401-846-9629; let's discuss how we can be a valued partner to your special event, we're here to help! Learn more about Event Insurance here.
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Staying Safe On Public Wi-Fi
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While shopping this season, how many of us will take a break, grab a snack and check our bank or credit card balance before splurging on that extravagant gift? Most of us routinely enjoy public Wi-Fi offered by coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, airports and other public places, but sometimes these sources are not secure... so how can you be sure?
Fake Public Wi-Fi tricks users into thinking that they have a safe and secure internet connection at locations where they'd expect to find it. Thieves and hackers create fake access points at these public places to steal your information by either:
- Redirecting you to a fraudulent site that requests your personal information, or
- Observing your online activity while using the connection
Unsecured Wi-Fi is not password protected, it can be shared by a friend or company that may not require a password for convenience sake, but this provides opportunities for thieves. Without a secured Wi-Fi connection, hackers may direct you to the Internet through their own computers and can monitor your activity while using the connection.
 Secured & Unsecured Websites
Most websites that handle sensitive information are encrypted-meaning that any information you enter is coded so that hackers have difficulty reading it. Being able to tell if a site is encrypted is especially important when using public Wi-Fi. Websites transfer information through HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), look for HTTPS ("S" stands for "Secure") in the URL at left of your address bar: (For example: https://www.dwyer.insure) All modern banks and commerce sites that handle sensitive information use HTTPS.
Using Pubic Wi-Fi Safely
- Do not provide sensitive personal information to access a public Wi-Fi Network unless you are certain that it is secure.
- Avoid accessing your online bank account OR any password protected sites while using public Wi-Fi, unless the site is encrypted, again-look for the HTTPS.
- Keep your computer's antivirus programs and firewall current and activated.
- Change your passwords frequently.
- Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) Modern Windows machines come with a VPN installed, access on a Mac in "Network" > "System Preferences."
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Sky Watch: December 2016
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On 12/11, the planet Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation from the Sun; look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset. The Geminids Meteor Shower, considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, will peak from 12/13-12/14 producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour. Although the nearly full moon will block out many of the fainter meteors this year, the Geminids are so bright and numerous that it could still be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky. On 12/14, the final of 2016's three Full Moon Supermoons will be at its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual. Starting on 12/19 (through 1/8/17) the planet Mercury will be in retrograde when viewed from the earth. At the Winter Solstice on 12/21 the South Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its southernmost position in the sky and be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn marking the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Going forward from this date daylight hours will start to increase. On 12/29, the New Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky.
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Bonus Blog Feature: Travel Insurance Explained
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 Travel insurance provides coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious illness, or in rare cases, even an act of terrorism or the financial default of a travel supplier. If an illness, accident, or other covered unforeseen circumstance forces you to cancel or interrupt your travel plans, you face two potentially major financial losses-- money invested in non-refundable pre-payments and medical expenses that in many instances may not be covered by health insurance... read more.
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Farmer's Almanac Forecast: December 2016
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 Temperature 44° (3° below avg.); precipitation 2" (1.5" below avg.); Nov 1-3: Sunny, cold; Nov 4-13: A few showers, turning warmer; Nov 14-16: Rain and wet snow; Nov 17-22: Heavy rain, chilly; Nov 23-28: Sunny, cold; Nov 29-30: Snow to rain.
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From all of us at D.F. Dwyer Insurance to you and your families, we wish you the very best for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year!
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