October 2010 Archive

Halloween Safety Tips

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year! You get to dress up, have fun, watch spooky movies and eat lots of candy! Although this holiday is a happy one, it could become dangerous if some precautions are not taken. Here are some trick or treating and decorating tips to be safe this upcoming Halloween.

Trick or treating tips to safety:

• It is always wise to go online and see if there are sex offenders in your area, map out their houses and make sure your kids stay away! 
• Always keep an eye on your child when trick or treating.
• Make sure costumes are made out of fire retardant material or fire proof and make sure the costume is comfortable to walk in (a scraped knee might ruin the Halloween fun!).
• Carry a flash light or some type of reflective stripe to allow drivers to easily see the trick or treaters.
• Wait to get home before allowing children to consume any candy. Parents need to inspect all candies first; do not let children eat unwrapped, open or suspicious candy.

 Spooky decoration safety tips:

•  Take caution with candles, make sure if Jack O’ Lantern have candles inside that they are out of children’s reach or switch out the candles for battery powered lights (a safer choice). 
• Do not over power your electrical outlet. 
• Make sure the lights or items that require electricity are certified for outside use if that is where you are going to place them. 
• If you decide to create a haunted house on your property, you may want to call Salmon Agency for extra insurance that day. This will protect you if someone happens to become injured inside your property.

From our Salmon Agency family to yours, we hope you enjoy the holiday and be safe this Halloween. If you have any insurance questions or concerns this holiday season, our experts are only a phone call away at 407-365-1766.

College Students and Parents: Expect the Unexpected

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Are you a college student or parent? A new college school year means a new apartment/house, new roommates and new adventures. College students aren't usually prepared to deal with unexpected disasters that come along with living alone in a new place, and far away from home. This could mean a fire, an overflowed kitchen or bathroom, or any other unexpected emergency. These events can be prevented with the right precautions and the right tools. Make sure to have the electronics plugged into surge protectors, especially here in Florida with those unpredictable thunderstorms. You’ll also want to make sure you have a plunger on hand, a mop and a fire extinguisher!

After properly equipping your place with these handy tools, the next step is to make a plan in the case of unexpected events occurring. Make sure to also draw a map identifying where the fire extinguisher, the circuit breaker, the plunger and the fire detectors are located. Share your plan and map with your roommates (if you have any) and post in a conspicuous location.

Now, for your quick tips and solutions:

• Electrical problems? Live wires or electrical surges? Shut off the circuit breaker.
•  Remember to unplug all heat producing electronics when you leave the house (i.e. irons, curling irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers).
• Overflowed bathroom? Close the water valve and mop up the water before furniture and carpets get ruined. Get the plunger and start unclogging.
• Make sure to clean off the stove before cooking something new; old food remains could help start a fire.
• Do not heat food in containers not approved for heating and take food out of aluminum containers.
• Expensive electronics in the house? Make sure to locate them in areas that don’t cause temptation for burglary. Keep the blinds closed and always lock the doors.

Since you are either alone or living with strangers in your new apartment/house, it's important to be ready for anything that might come up. New responsibilities arise with a new apartment and new roommates. The Salmon Agency also offers renters insurance that can help cover unexpected events! Call 407-365-1766 to chat with our team of experts about coverage for your new or returning college student.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Many people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a very important issue; but did you know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? It’s no secret to my clients and friends that the prevention of domestic violence and helping domestic violence victims is one of my passions in the community. What you may not know is that I am lucky to be working with an incredible company that provides invaluable assistance through economic empowerment and other programs to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

In celebration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this Friday morning I’ll be joining my fellow board members at the Harbor House of Central Florida 34^th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Fundraising Breakfast to listen to keynote speaker, Tiffany Carr, the Chair of the National Network to End Domestic Violence and stories of survival. Harbor House has a very unique approach and great programs for domestic violence intervention, awareness and prevention. They also recently co-hosted a walk, Paws for Peace, to raise awareness about the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.

Whether it’s the newly renovated site for The Office for Victims of Crime with resources, statistics, and general information about programs offered through the federal government, the Allstate Foundation and their Click to Empower or Tell a Gal Pal Program or getting involved with a local non-profit that helps eliminate domestic violence in the community like Harbor House; there are countless ways to become more informed and engaged. You can easily make a donation to Harbor House – for as little as $40, the cost of dinner out (without drinks), you can shelter a survivor fleeing a violent relationship! So join me in making a donation and wearing a purple ribbon this month in honor of the numerous voices – both silent and outspoken – of the victims and survivors of domestic violence; YOU can make a difference today!

The Salmon Agency (www.salmonagency.com) is a trusted resource for insurance and financial planning needs since 1999.