home safety
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Autumn is a season of spectacular transformation. The air turns crisp, leaves paint the landscape in hues of amber and crimson, and we trade our shorts for cozy sweaters. But as we enjoy the beauty of the season, a different kind of preparation should be on our minds. Fall is the perfect transitional period to ensure our homes are safe, secure, and ready for the colder, harsher weather that winter will bring.
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As the leaves start to change and fall approaches, homeowners should take time to think about tree safety on their property. Trees add beauty, shade, and value, but they can also pose risks if not cared for properly, especially during autumn when weather can be unpredictable. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.
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Dryers are one of the most commonly used appliances in many homes, and like any hard-working machine, they need proper care. While it's easy to remember to clean the lint trap after each use, one often-overlooked chore is cleaning the dryer vent system itself. This small act of home maintenance may help prevent serious problems, including fires, inefficient drying, and expensive repairs.
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The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our nation's independence with family, friends, and fun. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, heading to the lake, or watching fireworks, it's important to keep safety in mind. At Executive Insurance & Financial Services, we want your Independence Day to be memorable for all the right reasons. Here are some key safety tips to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property this holiday.
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When it comes to fire prevention, many homeowners focus on the inside of their house –but your yard, deck, and roof are just as important. Wildfires and stray embers can spread quickly, and maintaining a fire-conscious exterior can help reduce the risk of damage. Here are some practical ways to help protect the outside of your home from fire hazards.
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A simple slip-and-fall accident on your property could cost you thousands—or even more—if you don't have the right liability coverage in your homeowners insurance. Many homeowners focus on protecting their house and belongings from disasters like fire or storms, but liability protection is just as crucial. Without it, you could be left financially vulnerable to lawsuits, medical bills, and legal fees.
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As winter sets in, many households turn to various heating sources to keep warm, from space heaters to fireplaces and furnaces. While these options provide much-needed comfort during colder months, they also come with safety risks if not used properly. Here's a guide to help you stay warm and safe this winter with essential tips for home heating safety, covering everything from space heaters and fireplaces to carbon monoxide awareness.
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When it comes to home improvement projects, picking the right contractor can make all the difference. The right contractor will ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction. However, choosing a contractor can be daunting with so many options available. Here are some key factors to consider when picking a contractor for work on your home.
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As summer heats up, nothing beats the joy of taking a refreshing dip in the pool. However, ensuring safety around the pool, especially for kids and pets, is crucial. Here are some essential tips to keep everyone safe while enjoying the water.
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Spring is a time for renewal in New York, and that often means tackling some DIY projects around the house. But before you dive headfirst into those home improvement dreams, consider the potential hazards lurking beneath the surface. From electrical mishaps to structural risks, spring DIY projects come with a hidden layer of dangers that can turn a fun weekend project into a costly (and potentially dangerous) mess. Let's explore some of the common spring DIY risks and how to avoid them, ensuring your home improvements go off without a hitch.
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With colder temperatures and snow on the horizon for those located in the northern part of the country, this is the time of year to batten down the hatches as they say. In doing so, one of the most important factors to check is your insulation. Proper insulation not only keeps the cold out, but it also keeps the energy bills down.
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In a world full of visible dangers, the last thing anyone in New York wants to think about is the invisible ones. But they're there and, believe it or not, many of them may be lurking inside your home. According to the CDC, each year, approximately 430 people in the U.S. die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 50,000 are treated for it. Mold is prevalent in an estimated 70 percent of American homes. And the EPA and Surgeon General attribute more than 21,000 annual deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. to radon exposure.
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Swimming pools are wonderful complements to summer weather. Few things are better than stepping outside your home for a cool dip, hosting poolside parties or watching your kids play themselves to exhaustion in the water. Most of us understand that pools also pose a danger but it is important to understand the extent of that danger, the components and preventative measures we can take to keep our pools safe.
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Does your home need a new paint job or a quick refresh on the trim? Are the gutters overflowing with the remains of fall foliage? Or are larger issues demanding immediate attention, like doors and windows, the roof, or the foundation? Whether you thrive on weekends filled with do-it-yourself projects or hide at the mere suggestion, summer's long days and generally agreeable weather in New York offer the ideal opportunity to take on the range of home maintenance and improvement tasks to preserve value and functionality for years to come. Here are a few considerations for fixing up the exterior of your home in the months to come.
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For many, summer ushers in sunny afternoons spent lounging by pools, floating lazy rivers, and taking the boat out for waterskiing, fishing, and all things wet and wonderful in New York. And, whether by a backyard kiddie pool or a local pond, children are particularly enamored, making water safety a foremost concern for parents.
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It's one of those things that's overlooked until it's absolutely necessary: a first aid kit. Whether you're relaxing at home, navigating five-o-clock traffic, or summer adventuring in your new RV, having a simple first aid kit can mean the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency.
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Summer's generally agreeable weather and extended daylight hours in New York make it an ideal season to tackle renovations, remodels, and other household fix-its. Still, these projects aren't without inherent challenges and risks. A little due diligence at the onset can do much to minimize unhappy surprises and make for successful, stress-free (or, at least, as close as it gets) renovations.
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The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.
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As youngsters, the more serious-minded among us were vigilant about making the Scout motto "Be Prepared" a reality. Now with the latest round of fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, the old adage is more relevant than ever. Even in New York, we all have the potential to encounter the occasional unpredicted mishap. But few events can be as unpredictable, or devastating, as natural disasters: hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, severe storms, tornadoes, and landslides, many of which we've been faced with lately.
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Most people these days are concerned about saving money and reducing their family's carbon footprint. We do this by turning off the lights, installing energy-saving devices, and making sure our homes are efficient in whatever ways we can. But did you know that there are many appliances in your home that may be using up energy and costing you money, even when they are completely turned off? Read on to learn more about these "energy vampires" and how you can prevent them from silently wasting your home's energy resources.
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Multiple studies have demonstrated that crime rates increase in the summer. Why? Well, the answer is complex, but researchers have suggested that some of the reasons include:
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"Good fences make good neighbors," wrote Robert Frost in his poem "Mending Wall." And the legendary poet makes a good point, as fences can offer privacy, protect younger family members and pets as they spend time outdoors, and add to the aesthetics and value of a home.
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You hear a lot about water conservation lately, but what about water quality? Where does a household's water even come from, how is it maintained, and how can you know if it's safe for you and your family? Here's what you need to know about the water in your home, and what might indicate a problem
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A garage is often the place we tend to dump things that we don't know what else to do with, and one that we rarely truly clean. Even after a year at home, when many of us have deep cleaned, purged, and organized our entire houses, the garage may still be filthy, full of junk, disorganized, or all three. So if you're ready to tackle this space, here's how to start (and finish).
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Having water where it's not supposed to be can be one of the biggest threats to your home. Water damage can be caused by many things, including faulty plumbing, leaking appliances, or just bad weather. A smart homeowner knows how to check for water leaks and other issues, and what to do if there's a problem.
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According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers contribute to nearly 3,000 fires, 5 deaths and over $35 million in property loss each year. So making sure your dryer vent is clear is a simple but important way to keep your home and family safer. Even in the absence of fire, clogged vents cause your dryer to be less effective resulting in greater use of electricity and more breakdowns. If you find your dryer is taking longer and longer to fully dry a load of laundry, chances are your vent has become blocked with lint.
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Utilities, such as electricity, water, and natural gas, allow us to complete the tasks of daily living. Now that working from home has become the norm, it's that much more important that these critical services work reliably, day after day. As the chances of extreme weather and natural disasters continue to increase, here's what you should know about maintaining your home utilities, and what to do if there's a problem.
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All renters have rights. Some are guaranteed by law, while others will be outlined in your lease agreement. Here are some things you can do to be a savvy renter and protect yourself if things go wrong:
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This year, many of us got a much more up close and personal relationship with our families, our houses, and our things. And many of us realized: we have way too much of all three. While you can't get rid of your 6-year-old or your spouse, there are plenty of places you can go to unload excess stuff.
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The holidays are fraught this year. We miss our families and we want to see them. Here are some things you can do to stay on the sane side of family gatherings during a global pandemic.
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The season of ghosts, goblins, costumes and eating too much candy is here. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or just someone who loves fall, here are our top 5 home decorating tips, plus a few safety tips for the creepiest night of the year.
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Because you can't keep an eye on it all the time, you want your second home or rural property to stay well-maintained and protected. There are many things you can do to keep your land and buildings safe and prevent problems that can arise when a property is unattended.
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Babies and toddlers are a bit like puppies. They're curious. They don't have complete control of their bodies when they're still very young, and once they're mobile, look out! They put things into their mouths, and explore everything they can get their hands on. As a new parent, it's your job to minimize the risks around your home, so that your baby can play and explore without getting hurt... and without ruining the house.
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A few short months ago, many of us, and around the world, quickly learned that we were not prepared for an emergency. And while it didn't turn out to be the type of emergency we thought it was; there was really no need to buy all that toilet paper. It reminded us that we are not invincible, and that we really should have an emergency plan and supplies in place. If you haven't already put together your own emergency plan and supplies, it's not too late. Take the following steps to make sure your family is prepared.
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In some areas of the country, having an air conditioner is an absolute necessity. But in other areas, such as in the Rocky Mountain Regions, staying cool indoors takes some diligence and effort. Whether your home is equipped with AC or not, here are some things you can do to keep your spaces cooler this summer.
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Should you sell your house without an agent? It depends on many factors. As we enter one of the prime buying and selling seasons of the year, here are some pros and cons of selling your home agent-free, along with a few tips to guide you through the process.
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Summer is coming, and with that, gardeners everywhere are pulling on their gloves, dusting off their shovels, purchasing seeds, and getting into the dirt. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, knowing how to keep your garden properly watered is an important skill to develop. Here are some tips to improve your watering game.
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With COVID-19 fresh on the mind and social distancing a new way of life, this summer may not be like any in recent history. But having more time at home means you can't tackle some of those projects you've been putting on the back burner for months, or even years. Here are some ideas for projects to embark on this summer.
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What would we do without our handy power strips? Those convenient blocks of electrical sockets, which enable us to convert one outlet into several, make it possible to plug in all the gear that we can't live without these days. A typical location for a power strip is the home office, where it helps computers, speakers, printers, monitors, and all sorts of other necessities come to life. But many households have power strips in multiple rooms, if not every room, since there are so many items that require plugging in these days. Hairstyling tools, cooking equipment, and phone chargers come to mind!
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Most people rely on dozens of appliances to support their daily tasks and activities, including small but significant tools like alarm clocks or hairdryers; toasters and stand mixers; and heavy hitters like the dishwasher or washing machine. So, how do you keep your appliances running their best, and getting a good return for your investment by having them work for as many years as possible? Here are a few tips to improve the performance and longevity of appliances.
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There are a variety of potentially serious and costly problems that can happen when you allow too much snow to pile up on your roof: water damage, leakage and in some extreme cases, collapse. If you're a homeowner who lives in a wintry climate, it's important to understand how snow and ice can impact your roof, preventative measures, and when to take action.
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You put so much into the interior of your home, and maybe even its landscaping and outdoor spaces. But you may not have considered how the right outdoor lighting can protect your home and its contents; keep you and your family safe as you navigate walkways and entrances in the dark; and elevate your home's exterior and outdoor living areas. Here's what you need to know to begin the process of selecting and installing outdoor lighting for your home.
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"Call before you dig" is a refrain you may have already heard from Public Service Announcements on the radio or TV. But many homeowners still ignore this basic advice, sometimes with deadly results. If you're planning to dig anywhere on your property, here's what you need to know--and do--to get the job done safely.
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For those who live in snowy climates, winter is on the way. Take advantage of those sunny fall days to prepare your home and yard for frigid temperatures and icy conditions before the snow flies. Making sure your home is well-maintained inside and out will keep you safe and protected through the winter season. Here's how to get ready:
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Trampolines, swing sets and other backyard play equipment can be scream-your-head-off fun, but also incredibly dangerous. So how do you keep your kids safe, and what can you do to protect yourself in case something happens? Here are some things you should know, and steps you can take to make your backyard a haven for safe play:
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Having a seasonal home in your favorite vacation spot is part of the American dream for many families. But a seasonal home requires maintenance and protection, which is difficult to do when you're not there most of the time. Since second homes and vacation homes often sit unoccupied for months, they can be a target for theft and vandalism. Plus, if a problem occurs, you might not be around to catch it before the damage becomes serious. For these reasons, second homes often carry more risk from the perspective of an insurance company. But that doesn't mean a second home can't still be a great investment. Here's what you should consider when purchasing and insuring your seasonal home.
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Trees add a lot to a community and neighborhood in New York, and they even enhance the value of the properties they inhabit. But if not properly maintained, they can cause safety issues, increase the risk of fire, damage homes, interfere with power lines or plumbing; or become diseased and even die. Whether your trees are new, young or mature, don't leave their health up to chance. Here are some ways to maintain trees on your property.
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Spring is here: The grass is turning green, flowers are budding, and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about the vegetation and the warmer weather, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after a long winter. These important home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk.
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We all love how fresh and wonderful a home can feel after a good spring cleaning; but getting started can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don't have to clean your home perfectly to rejuvenate your living space. Here's how to get maximum results, whether you have a few hours, a few days, or no extra time at all.
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Many popular winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and even sledding can be high risk. Every year, thousands of people are treated for head injuries associated with these winter activities, and too many of those injuries turn out to be serious or, sometimes, fatal. January is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, sports injuries are rarely fatal, but the majority of fatalities due to sports injury are the result of traumatic brain injury. Keep reading to find out the real risk and how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from sports injuries this winter.
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There's nothing more magical than seeing a child's eyes light up upon opening a special gift during the holidays. But not all toys are created equal: some can contribute to accidents, injuries, and even cause death in some cases. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 240,000 toy related injuries were treated in emergency rooms around the country. Here is what you need to know to choose safe and healthy toys for your kids.
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As winter approaches, rain, snow, ice, sudden storms, and severe temperatures are on the way in many parts of the U.S. It's time to make sure your home is ready for intense weather by conducting inspections, making repairs, and setting up some winter pre-prep. Here are some important steps to take in the coming weeks:
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Home remodels can test relationships, strain carefully-considered budgets, and push even the most level-headed homeowners to the breaking point. But it doesn't have to be that way. Whether you're just renovating the kitchen or taking on an entire house, here are some ways to get through the process without losing your mind:
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It's summertime, and many of us long to spend more time outside. Creating an outdoor living space can make it easier to take advantage of wonderful weather, and bring some simple joy and serenity to daily living. Here are some things to consider when planning an outdoor living space, and how to begin the process.
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Outdoor grilling season in New York is here, a time to relax on the deck and enjoy some ribs or a juicy burger cooked to perfection on the grill. But even the most experienced grill master should take safety precautions before firing up the grill. Make sure your outdoor entertaining goes according to plan by following these grilling safety tips.
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So you're thinking of buying a pool and imagining those lazy, hot summer days when you'll get to slip into the cool water, sunbathe, play with the kids, and invite friends and neighbors to share in your good fortune. But there's more to owning a pool than just the fun stuff. Make sure that it's truly something you want and are willing to put in the work to maintain. Here are a few things to consider before you "dive in" -no pun intended.
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Did you know that your home could be harboring toxic levels of radiation in the form of Radon gas? To raise awareness of this silent killer, January has been designated National Radon Awareness Month. It's a time to get your home tested and to encourage those around you to do the same, in an effort to reduce the thousands of preventable deaths caused by Radon each year.
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Hosting a family dinner this holiday? There's a very good chance that a guest at your table will be allergic to something you're thinking of serving. Here's what you need to know about food allergies and how to be hospitable, no matter who you're hosting.
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According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. Falling disproportionately impacts adults age 65 and older, and can lead to serious injury, further health problems, decreased quality of life, and a loss of independence.
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When it's time to store your boat for the winter, sit down with a member of the marina's staff and discuss what you can expect to have done. Most marinas are prepared to service your boat efficiently, but you are responsible for seeing that all work is done. Ask that they call you when the winterizing is complete.
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Smart home technology is quickly becoming commonplace in New York, and also affordable to the average consumer. The increased quality and availability of high-tech security devices means that anyone can safeguard their property and belongings. If you're looking to protect your home, family and property, here's an overview of some smart home security tools that might work for you:
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Dear Valued Client:
Spring is here in most places around the country, and that means that summer isn't far behind. Instead of leaving all of the work until the sunny days of summer, there's a lot that can be done in the meantime to get ready for outdoor living. Here are some tips for preparing your home and garden before the sun and balmy weather start to beckon you.
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With the days getting colder, at least for those in the northern part of the country, you might be starting to regret not taking a closer look at the insulation in your home during the summer months. But it's not too late to make your home more efficient, and cozy, for winter!
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A 5-Step Checklist for Financial Health in 2017
Tips for Parents To Help Prevent Teen Car Crashes
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June is National Safety Month and a great time to review your personal safety profile to find out how you can minimize the risk of accident or injury. Due to multiple factors, summer is a time of year when the risk of many common hazards increases.
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Some states mandate comprehensive liability, which covers bodily injury and property damage.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, designed to encourage all drivers and motorcyclists to share the road with each other. Increased awareness of motorcycle safety has helped improve the number of injuries and fatalities of motorcyclists.
Gun control is a controversial topic; but what isn't controversial is the idea that firearms should be used safely and responsibly. Whether you're a firearm owner or just a concerned citizen, there are things you can do to promote gun safety in your home.
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When Hurricane Katrina touched down in 2005, humans were not the only species affected by its destruction. And because emergency relief agencies were not in the business of saving pets, nearly half a million animals were left behind, devastating many owners and causing public outrage on their behalf. Passed in 2006 as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Act now requires state and local agencies to consider pets and service animals in their emergency preparedness plans. While most of us won't experience a disaster like Hurricane Katrina in our lifetimes, it's still up to us to consider our beloved companion animals when planning for emergencies, big and small. Here are a few things you can do:
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Watching a disaster like Hurricane Katrina unfold on national television inspires compassion and a desire to help. But most people in New York still believe that something like that won't happen to them, until it does. Resolve to keep your family healthy and safe in the new year by taking these steps to prepare for a serious emergency or natural disaster:
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We all want to be the one to find a gift that makes the holidays unforgettable for that special child in our lives. Whether you're a parent, aunt, neighbor or godparent, don't let your quest for holiday magic steer you towards a purchase that might be unsafe or inappropriate.
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A Christmas tree is a non-negotiable tradition for many families during the holidays. But even those who look forward to those twinkling lights and strings of popcorn may have a small child or mischievous cat that makes having a tree difficult and sometimes even dangerous.
After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.
When it's hot, the cold water calls. If you're lucky enough to have access to a lake, river, or community pool, it's vital to know basic water safety in order to prevent serious consequences. Approximately 10 people die each day from unintentional drowning, and according to the Center for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of injury death for young children, ages 1-4.
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School's out for summer, and that means that many parents in New York are opening their backyards to their children's friends and neighborhood buddies. It's a parent's prerogative to keep all children safe, even those who are not their own; but did you know that you could be held liable if a child gets injured on your property? Here are some steps you can take to maintain a kid-friendly outdoor environment, so that summer at your house comes with the minimum amount of risk.
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For most American families, summer is outdoor celebration time, fireworks time, barbecue time, and fun-in-the-sun-by-the-pool time. If you're the one who happens to be hosting, however, it's important to recognize that these quintessential summer activities present unique risks, as well as potential liability issues.
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In the United States, gun ownership is still a hot button issue. A 2014 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that having a firearm in the home puts those in the household at higher risk of committing suicide or being the victim of a homicide. And approximately one third of American households keep at least one firearm in the home.
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Summer in New York is coming and with it is the opportunity to experience all kinds of warm-weather mishaps. Here are some common summer dangers and how to avoid them.
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April showers eventually bring May flowers, but in the meantime, wetter and warmer temperatures can cause a variety of hazards along the way. Here are some common spring safety issues, and ways you can prevent their potentially harmful consequences:
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What do bath salts, houseplants, energy drinks, mouthwash and over-the-counter medicines have in common? All of these items can be poisonous when used inappropriately and it only takes a second for a child or beloved pet to ingest a household chemical or medicine that could cause permanent damage.
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If you're a proud homeowner in New York, having the right insurance is critical to your peace of mind. Before you purchase a policy, however, it's important to have a clear understanding of what homeowner's insurance does and does not cover. If you have specific concerns about your home or its location, it's likely that you can insure your home against these risks as long as you know which level of coverage or supplemental policy is required.
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Calculating the cost of natural disasters and extreme weather events is a complex process that takes a myriad of factors into account, including insurance payouts, lost income, property damage, and lives lost. In most cases, the cost of damage caused by these events far exceeds insured losses. Read on to find out some of the most surprising and significant facts about weather and insurance in the United States and around the world.
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Enormous inflatable bouncy castles also known as bounce houses are often seen at kids' birthday parties and the like. They're colorful, bulbous enclosures where cake and ice cream filled youngsters can jump to their hearts' content, burn off some of the manic sugar buzz, and one would presume stay out of harm's way. In recent months, however, what once seemed to be a benign source of entertainment for the young and young and heart has come to be regarded as a menacing, potentially injurious if not deadly choice for party-day entertainment.
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Between personal motor vehicles, factories, trains, and other sources of toxic fumes, the outside air would seem to be significantly more toxic than the air within our seemingly pristine indoor environments. Unfortunately, this is an illusion. The air you breathe at home or work can be seriously harmful. In fact, according to a study by the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution kills approximately four million people worldwide every year.
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Asbestos is a hidden health hazard that can lurk right in the place where you should feel the safest: home. While those who work in the construction industry are considered the most vulnerable to asbestos exposure, especially repeated exposure, it's important to keep in mind that even very limited exposure-such as what you might experience during a simple renovation project-can have long-term negative effects. Make it a priority to prevent you and your family members from coming into contact with this dangerous material.
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It's the place where we seek rest and respite from the demands of the workday and the outside world. It's where we spend quality time with friends and family. It's where we cook, eat, sleep, shower, and sit by the fire. It's home, and it really is sweet.
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Make Your Home Safer: It is never a bad idea to make your home safer for you and your family.Installing a security system is the best way to improve the safety of your home, but even installing better doors, windows or locks could help lower your Home Insurance premiums. Improve Your Credit: Insurance companies often use credit information when setting your premiums, so by improving your credit you can improve your insurance rates at the same time. Take Defensive Driving: A Defensive Driving course could lower your insurance rate by as much as 10%.Defensive Driving courses can be taken online, at schools or even in our office.Call us for more information. Quit Smoking: Smoking increases your life insurance, disability and longterm care premiums.Most insurance companies require you to be tobacco free for 12 months before you can qualify as a non-smoker, but some companies offer incentives for quitting. Stop Driving Distracted: In NY State it is illegal to both hold your cell phone to your ear while talking and driving, or to text while driving, but recent studies have shown that even hands free talking will distract you while you drive.While you may not see an immediate return for safer driving, it will help prevent accidents and avoid traffic violations that will ultimately result in lower insurance rates. Look Into Multi-Policy Discounts: Saving money on your insurance is a great New Years resolution, and one of the best ways to do this might be a multi-policy discount.Buying several policies with the same insurance company could provide you with significant savings.Let us find out for you.Call us to learn more.(631)563-8433 The best way to lower your insurance rates is to let us find you the best prices.Whether your already a client or thinking of becoming one, EIFS will do everything we can to find you the best price. Important Note: None of these resolutions are guaranteed to lower your insurance rates.Different companies have different policies and you may already have the best rate possible.EIFS can help you find out if these resolutions can work for you.Call us to learn more.(631)563-8433
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Before winter strikes in New York, most of us tuck away our summer clothes and bring out the sweaters, coats, and scarves that will keep our bodies cozy when there's a chill in the air. But how many of us take similar steps to prepare our homes for winter weather? Readying your home for winter, also known as "winterizing," will not only help you and your family to stay snug and warm while saving money on energy bills, but it may also protect your home from damage that can lead to costly repairs.
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Fall is the best time to do some important annual maintenance to your home in preparation for the coming winter.
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Put a hold on your mail and your newspaper deliveries, or have someone take in the mail so your home doesn’t look empty. 2. Don’t Broadcast Your Trip Don’t tell too many people you will be away, you don’t want the wrong person to know that you left your home empty. Don’t post your upcoming trip on Facebook, Twitter, or any other Social Networking site. Don’t “check in” to restaurants, stores or tourist sites online while on vacation. Don’t post daily updates or blog about your trip while you’re away. Resist the urge to post pictures from your trip online until you get back home. No matter how tight your privacy settings are, broadcasting your trip over a blog or social networking site allows strangers (or worse, untrustworthy friends) to know that your home is empty. 3. Have a friend watch your home. Ask someone you trust to drive by your house daily.Give that person or a key to get in incase of an emergency like a water leak or an alarm sounding. If you have more than one person visiting your house (such as a dog walker or someone watering your plants) make sure they know about each other. 4. Make Sure You can Be Reached The same someone watching your house should have a way to reach you by phone.If you will be out of the country or on a cruise, plan ahead and test the number, to make sure that you can give your contact person a working phone number to reach you.Give this person other important contact numbers, including your insurance agent’s phone number.(For E.I.F.S. its (888)343-7463) 5. Make Your House Look Lived In Use timers to have lights go on and off so they think someone is home. Set at least two lights to go on and off at different times in different parts of the house.Leave curtains as you usually keep them; noticeable changes will hint that you’re not around. Ask the person watching your house to do small things to make your home look lived in.Have them move a car, park in your driveway, or take out the trash and put the garbage can away again the next day. 6. Hide Valuables Move expensive items such as jewelry, cash, and silver so that it is out of site. Make sure you can’t view anything valuable from the windows of your home.Put laptop and other electronics safely away and out of site. Do not leave purses or bags sitting out where they can be seen, even if they are empty. 7. Change Your Answering Machine Callers don’t need to know you’re not home. Change your message so it says “we can’t come to the phone right now.” 8. Protect Your Home from Danger (such as Water or Fire) Unplug all small appliances (such as the toaster oven, coffee pot, TV, and computer). Don’t leave the house until you check that there is no water left running. If you’re going to be gone for a while turn off the water to your washing machine, icemaker and dishwasher. 9. Lock all doors and windows. It sounds simple enough but check all doors and windows.Did you forget the garage and basement entrances?Make sure cat/dog doors are locked up tight. Remove your spare key from its hiding place. 10.Don’t Leave Burglars a Map to Your Empty Home Don’t leave your portable GPS unit in the airport parking lot with your “home” location programmed into the system.Add a working garage door opener and you have not only left them with a convenient map to your home, but also a way to enter it. Also make sure nothing else in the car identifies the address of your empty home. The best way to protect your home is with a good Homeowner's Insurance Policy. Call E.I.F.S. today and let us help you relax by making sure your home is protected. (888)343-7463 or Contact Us By E-Mail Now that your home is secure, have a great vacation and relax!
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Flood Insurance - Even if You Don't Think Flood is a Risk
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Did you know that deaths resulting from Heart Attacks & Cardiac Arrest rise 22% or more in the weeks during and after a heavy snowfall?
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1)Make sure your gutters are cleaned. Neglected gutters may become blocked or overflow and can lead to many expensive and dangerous problems including wood-rot, pest infestation & ice dams (when water refreezes at the roof’s edge.) 2)Install a carbon monoxide alarm near the furnace and any fireplaces that get used and at least one near sleeping areas. 3)If you have a fireplace, make sure you have the chimney checked out once a year.Your chimney should be cleaned and checked for damage by a professional chimney cleaner before starting a fire for the first time. 4)Prepare yourself for winter storms. Make sure you have all the supplies you may need in case of ice, snow or a wind storm. This includes snow shovels, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, manual can openers, canned food and blankets. 5)Consider having your heating system checked by a professional. If your heating system is older then 15 years, consider replacing it with a modern, efficient unit. Replace or clean your furnace air filters. 6)Space Heaters should have plenty of space around them. They should be placed at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. This includes furniture, dry clothing, blankets and curtains.Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep. 7)If there is snow make sure to make a clear ice free path from the road to your door. 8)Burn only seasoned hardwood like oak, ash or maple. Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or Christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, and may contain poisons or cause a home fire. 9)Do not attempt to climb on your roof to remove snow. Use a snow rake while standing at ground level or call a professional. 10)Never use an oven or a range to heat your home. Make sure your Homeowner’s Policy is up to date. For information on Homeowner’s Insurance contact one of our agents at E.I.F.S.(631)563-8433
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As winter starts to set in most of us will be spending more time indoors. Now is a good time to review this checklist for safety, comfort, and savings. Around your home...
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Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks to an organization. It is important for businesses of all sizes to have a risk management plan in place to protect themselves from financial losses.
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the “silent killer” for a reason — it’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless, yet can be deadly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people in the United States die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, most often due to malfunctioning gas appliances. The American Medical Association reports even higher numbers and identifies CO poisoning as the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the country.
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Download Hurricane/Flood Disaster Supply Kit (Excel)(PDF)
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Be prepared for storm season by knowing where to tune for weather updates, what to do before, during and after a storm hits. Go over your Hurricane Property Preparation Checklist to make sure you have time to complete all necessary preparations. Even in high hurricane winds, preparation can mean the difference between minor damage and devastation.
While the vast majority of products and toys produced for infants and children are safe, that is not always the case. In March of 2005, for instance, Graco agreed to a record 4 million dollar fine for failing to report deaths and injuries related to recalled goods or products about to be recalled. Each year, about one-third of the 350 or so products recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission are intended for infants and small children. Small children are particularly susceptible to inherently unsafe products so it is a good idea to review recall information periodically.
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Exactly what is a tornado and what is a near tornado? When it comes to personal safety, it hardly matters. Even relatively wean tornadoes can be devastating, causing tremendous property damage. Learn a few facts about tornadoes and what you can do to keep you and your family safe before, during, and after a tornado.
Maintenance for your vacation or second home is pretty much the same as for your primary residence. There are a few reasons why you may need to take a few extra measures with your second home. You are most likely away from your vacation home for periods of time and, if you have nearby neighbors, they may be away from their homes during the same intervals. Many vacation homes are situated 'away from it all' so, if something were to happen to your home, it's possible no one would notice until too late.
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