Keep your Home and Person Safe This Holiday

Black Friday is over and that means we are in the middle of the Holiday Season. During the next 30 days, we will all be busy shopping, eating out and traveling. Please keep these safety tips in mind, so that you can enjoy the season without incident:

Shopping Safety Tips

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Put your shopping bags in your trunk.
• NEVER leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
• ALWAYS park in lighted areas. Do NOT park in remote areas.
• Shop with a friend.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.
• If you make expensive purchases like jewelry or guns, call our office as we may need to add these to your policy.

Christmas Tree Safety (provided by the NFPA)

• Make sure the tree is at least four feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking any exit or door.
• Add water to the tree stand daily.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Only used approved lights.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

Home Safety Tips

If you are planning to vacation during the holiday, here are few ideas to consider:

• Get a security system.
• Trim landscaping that is too close to your house.
• Don't advertise your vacation on social media.
• Cancel mail and other deliveries.
• Leave lights on when gone.
• Have a neighbor check on your home.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use a variable light timer to activate lights inside your home.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• If you gone, arrange for your lawn to be mowed.
• Have adequate exterior lighting

Do I need to Prepare for Winter Driving? 

Even in warmer states you need to be prepared for winter driving, as many of us drive to the mountains to ski or hike. Now is a good time to review your auto insurance program as well as start thinking about how driving conditions may change in the next number of months. In heavy rain, snow and even fog, being prepared can help you arrive safely at your destination.

Call us today and let us complete a review of your auto insurance program. There are a number of ways to save money on your insurance, including:

• Safe driver discounts
• Discounts by combining home and auto policies
• Discounts for insuring more than one vehicle with the same company

1. Know the road conditions before you travel.
2. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
3. Use all-weather or studded tires.
4. Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
5. Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
6. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
7. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk.
8. Drive below the speed limit in hazardous conditions.
9. Winterize your car with fresh antifreeze, a good battery and oil that will withstand the rigors of cold weather.
10. If possible, avoid driving until the roads are safe and passable. You don't want to slide off the road, and road crews don't want to plow around disabled vehicles.
11. Do a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle paying special attention to your tires, brakes, windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid.
12. Allow extra room between vehicles.
13. Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly and never slam on the brakes.