As colder weather moves in remember to check the tire pressure in your tires.  During hard economic times we all want to buy tires less frequently,  (Don't take that the wrong way tire sales friends).  But, you can extend the life of your tires by checking the inflation.  Some additional air pressure may be needed for  cooler roads in lower temperature.  Check with your favorite tire dealer.  Make sure you have enough tread to stay safe on wet or icy roads.   Another benefit to keeping your tires properly inflated and checked for wear is decreasing your chance for a crash.   That can help your auto insurance rates.  

Can you belive it?  It is almost Christmas time and we are wondering where the time went.  Seems like a few seconds ago we went home from the new year fireworks display and here we are looking at 2012!!  How crazy is that?  Anyway, some important information about Christmas light safety.  First of all.  Check those holiday Christmas lights!
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, holiday lights claim the lives of more than 400 Americans each year. Since many of you will get those festive strands and bulbs up the day after Thanksgiving (why wait?), now's a great time to do a quick check of all of your lights to be sure they're working properly. If you have any damaged wires or loose connections, throw the entire string out.   That is  right, toss it.  And, of course, replace any broken or missing bulbs. 

Yes!  They are vital to your financial protection.  Recently, I was conducting a review for a client who owned some land.  Owning land is great.  But, this land was not on his liability insurance policy.  Suppose someone walks across the land and falls  down, and brings a  suit against the land owner.  Could the injured party win?  Who knows.  But, the owner would need to pay his own attorney at a rate of $250.00 an hour to defend himself.  How much did it cost to add the land?  No cost.  It just had to be listed on the liability policy.  There are numerous examples like this.  Next time you need insurance think twice about a good solid review versus one of the cheap internet wholesalers, or toll free numbers.   

I've been asked about long term care insurance.  Honestly,  I don't know what the answer to this question is.  If you make a ton of money and you are retired on more money than you can possibly spend,  or, if you order special glass sculptures from Venice, Italy's famous glass makers skip this article.  But, if you are like me and the people I hang out with you may find this article very insightful.   Hey, nothing wrong with having plenty of money, right Mr Buffet?  But for the rest of us, maybe this will be helpful.  http://moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/money-life/cant-afford-long-term-care-insurance-consider-these-creative-strategies/1663/

Damage From Sewer/Drain Back up

Sounds frightening doesn't it? Water backs up thru the drain line, or sewer, and into the house. Now for the big question. How much would your home owner insurance pay for damage caused by water and sewer drain back up? Contact our office and we can answer this question for you.  

As a heat wave spreads across the country, the August edition of The Safety Zone focuses on summer’s potential hazards for outdoor workers and provides tips for treating and managing their effects.

Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses

The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months and working outdoors puts workers at risk for heat-related illnesses. Workers are at an increased risk for heat-related illnesses when they:
use improper work methods;
are not accustomed to hot temperatures or high humidity;
are over the age of forty;
are in poor physical condition or overweight;
use certain medications, such as antihistamines, diuretics, and some tranquilizers;
have had prior heat-related illnesses;
use drugs or alcohol within 24 hours prior to working in the heat;
have heat rash or sunburn; or
wear restrictive or too much clothing.
Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly workers, workers with high blood pressure and workers working in hot environments. Heat exhaustion warning signs include:
heavy sweating;
paleness;
muscle cramps;
tiredness;
weakness;
dizziness;
headache;
nausea or vomiting; and/or
fainting.

Cooling measures that may be effective include:
cool, nonalcoholic beverages;
rest;
cool shower, bath, or sponge bath;
lightweight clothing.
Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided immediately. Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but may include the following:
an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally);
red, hot and dry skin (no sweating);
rapid, strong pulse;
throbbing headache;
dizziness;
nausea; and
unconsciousness.

If a worker shows signs of heat stroke have someone call for immediate medical assistance and cool down the victim. Do the following:
Get the victim to a shaded area.
Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
Cool the victim using whatever methods are available, for example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the victim in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the victim with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°-102°F.
If emergency personnel are delayed call 911 for further instructions.
Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.