~ Celebrating 87 Years of Service ~
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Homer Yost Agency

HERALD

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 ~ Dedicated to the Memory of our Namesake, Homer Yost ~
In This Issue
The Multi-Tasking Myth
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Beware of the Silent Killer
Ask Anne
Health Insurance Open Enrollment
The
Multi-Tasking Myth 
Alarming statistics continue to prove the dangers of distracted driving, with cell phone use at the forefront.  About 26% of all car crashes involve cell phone use (including hands free - i.e. earpiece, dashboard system, and speakerphone).  It is a fallacy to trust in one's ability to multi-task while driving.  The fact is our brains are able to move between tasks, but cannot do two things at the same time.  The area in the brain that processes moving images decreases by up to 1/3 when listening to or talking on a phone.  Furthermore, drivers looking out the windshield can miss seeing up to 50% of what is around them while talking on any kind of cell phone.*  Tasks such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting increase  the risk of getting into a crash by three times.*  Talk to your family about avoiding cell phone use and other distractions while driving - their life and yours may depend on it.

* Statistics courtesy of National Safety Council.
October is
Adopt a
Shelter Dog Month

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  If you have been thinking about adding a loveable canine companion to your family, please visit a shelter.  There are so many wonderful animals there longing to meet their forever family.  

 
Brooker logo sml

Did you know that you can still save on your monthly mortgage payments by taking advantage of today's low interest rates?   

 

Our sister company,

Brooker Financial Corp., participates in the federal HARP program (Home Affordable Refinance Program).  The HARP program allows you to take advantage of today's low rates, even if you owe more to your Lender than the home is worth.     

Call today for more information about the HARP program or to speak with a loan officer about your refinancing options.

 

 Andy Morean             

Vice President

Brooker Financial Corp.

(866) 537-2476

amorean@brookerfinancial.com 

Ohio LO.o28064.000

NMLS ID 242318

 

Brooker Financial Corp.  

Ohio Lic No.MB.803816

NMLS No.235766 
Issue #9                                                               October, 2014

Welcome to the Homer Yost Agency Herald, a quarterly publication dedicated to providing timely information and tips to insure a better life!   

Beware of the

Silent Killer  

 

The kids are back to school, there is crispness in the air and soon the leaves will be falling - all signaling the arrival of autumn.  That means the home heating season will soon be underway and with that comes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Known as the "silent killer", a person can be poisoned  by a small amount of carbon monoxide over a long period of time, as well as by a large amount  in a short period of time.  This invisible, odorless, colorless gas is created when fuels burn incompletely.   Everyone should have  a CO alarm to alert you to this "silent killer".  Choose a CO alarm with a label from a recognized testing facility and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions for placement.  Test the CO alarm at least once a month.  If the CO alarm sounds, move immediately to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.  Call for help and make sure you account for everyone.

 

Additional precautions to take to avoid CO poisoning include: having fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys professionally inspected yearly; refrain from running a vehicle or other fueled engine indoors even if garage doors are open; make sure exhaust pipes, as well as dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace vents are free from snow build up; use generators and gas/charcoal grills outside in a well-ventilated location.

 

So, while you are changing your smoke detector batteries this fall, add a CO detector to your home and protect your family from this "silent killer". 

Ask Anne

Your Frequently Asked  

Insurance Questions

     

Q. Should I carry

    earthquake coverage?
     
A.  Although Ohio is not a state traditionally considered at risk of suffering damage from earthquakes, new information from the Insurance Information Institute indicated the potential cost of earthquakes is growing due to a combination of factors.  In fact, new maps show 42 states (including Ohio) are at risk, with 16 states at high risk.  Ohio is not a high risk state.  Additionally some scientific authorities believe fracking poses an increased risk of "seismic activity".  More information is available at:
National Geographic Website.

We can expect more scientific research in this area.  Damage or loss caused by earth movement (earthquake, landslide, mudslide, subsidence or sinkhole, or earth sinking, rising or shifting) is excluded under standard homeowners and business insurance policies.  Coverage is available by endorsement.  The cost depends on the location and type of construction of the building, and typically has a percentage deductible, as opposed to a flat deductible.  Surprisingly, even in California, a state with a history of costly earthquakes, the number of homeowners purchasing this coverage is declining.  If you are concerned about potential earthquake damage, call for a quote on adding this coverage. 
Health Insurance
Open Enrollment Period
is Quickly Approaching  

Open enrollment is the period of time during which you can apply for health insurance for the coming year.  Here are four important dates to know:

November 15, 2014.  Open Enrollment begins.   Apply for, keep or change your coverage and plan.

December 15, 2014.  Enroll by the 15th if you want new coverage that begins on January 1, 2015.  If your plan is changing or you want to change plans, enroll  by the 15th to avoid a lapse in coverage.

December 31, 2014.  Coverage ends for 2014 plans.  Coverage for 2015 plans can start as soon as January 1, 2015.

February 15, 2015.  This is the last day you can apply for 2015 coverage before the end of open enrollment. 

To purchase health insurance outside of the open enrollment period, you must qualify for a special enrollment period due to a qualifying life event like marriage, birth/adoption of a child, or loss of other health coverage.

Don't miss this opportunity to investigate your health insurance plan and coverage options for the coming year.  To request a quote on an individual health insurance policy for you or your family, please call Karen Potoczak, Health Benefits Manager, at (800) 722-0055.  To learn more about providing affordable employee benefits for your company, please call Jamie Debenham, our Vice President of Employee Benefits, at (800) 722-0055.  
 
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Homer Yost Agency
421 N. Market Street
Wooster, Ohio  44691
Tel: (330) 264-6603      Toll Free: (855) 301-6603
www.yostagency-ins.com