tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86933720462759285362024-03-20T04:10:27.582-07:00Eastern Insurors' BlogChris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-3331477980369006712012-02-24T10:25:00.003-08:002012-02-24T10:35:28.456-08:00Workplace Safety<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >article from CDC...</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://www.ohiobwc.com/employer/programs/safety/EmpGrants.asp" class="external" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(74, 0, 110); "><span class="tp-label" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: underline; display: inline; ">Small Business Safety Interventions that Work</span><img class="externalImg" alt="External Web Site Icon" title="External Web Site Icon" src="http://www.cdc.gov/TemplatePackage/images/icon_out.png" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: inline; position: relative; left: 3px; vertical-align: baseline; height: auto; width: auto; text-decoration: none; " /></a><br style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">For a number of years, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation has provided grants to qualified small businesses to support the use of safety interventions in Ohio workplaces (the SafetyGRANT$ program). Participating employers reported information about the cost/benefit of the intervention. At this link, you will find 149 employer reports about different workplace equipment changes that have demonstrated positive safety and health results. Reports address a total of seventeen different risk factors (e.g., musculoskeletal) across eight industry sectors. There are also five "Success Story" videos. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-100/default.html" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(74, 0, 110); ">Safety and Health Resource Guide for Small Businesses</a><br style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-100 (March 1998)<br style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">This Guide is intended to help small business owners, employers, and managers deal with occupational safety and health concerns. Others involved with the small business community may also benefit from using this resource.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">An important part of protecting your business in by purchasing a thorough <b><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/business-insurance/">NJ business insurance policy</a></b>!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Call (201) 445-0100 or visit our website <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">http://www.insurance-nj.com/</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.33em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: 1.33em; "> </span></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-85047423988632336172011-12-15T12:10:00.000-08:002011-12-15T12:24:29.655-08:00CHRISTMAS TREE FIRE SAFETY!!!<p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; ">Fire Safety for the Holidays</span></span><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 14px; font-size: 8.5pt; "></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; ">The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) analysis shows that although the number of Christmas tree fires is low, these fires represent a higher level of hazard. On average, 1 of every 9 Christmas tree fires resulted in a fatality compared to an average of one death per 75 non-confined home structure fires overall. Further, 49 % of Christmas tree fires spread beyond the room of origin.</span></span><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 14px; font-size: 8.5pt; "></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img 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Ea1oSrdSUgbcygPzj2dl6pwqllKWSSegAFTE/KF+BkTVUzZZTUhTgaUkdjbu0FFiLmLPT2sNxheZYtYnzZmiSs3Yd2Zt2gjKB9munfUqZwC9PvsO0LMQFFI6IDHTr87nXaDMIsgTBMCQAkXALqNim/63jjLuGYR+wU2N/O03Ug+GolUsswsCWfzGmjwZhsSfhCEqSkBNCnpYm7sNCIFlpFDlSftGJSNUNolXXygzLZsxZXLQLU1O3w9B3cvFGGIOm9MttRP8xLxTKw6Js1EtFC0qDUvTrdJqOwa8V6LxxTkYmrWtNpnKQ7MsFALdlAveKXOkKQqlQII2MN0mBFgYq4sxEjj0GMjwQWVmxMeRkalUSSXvgdzJSBvOmv6SZRjpPDPDKsRLsEgWClnVu3UxzbgOdTLlnrPmj3kyrx9DcIhCcJKCW+Fy3Vy/rGHqKIq6raxsLXnoKWrehoRs5v8ADmLZf7N8OkACq6nUSXJFywO1/pCjOOEzJUoYdClIKXA1u9x9G8ou+HzNMwOkFnINukSIWklxd7QvVo6eqoFFuTEqet1FJ7sb+RnJ8XkMyQv4SCTUC3W/o0XXK8QJyBS4Ukcz7vr84bqKZk1QUEmjQH6xDgsu8EqUASG0Guu0YdakajbbXW5F+uOpjdXWCrTAYWYSpZxjlol4gSaZaZaXUVJJADEuAnd7evSOS5lhZqlqM2qpJJGpBJZtraGLxx+y5k4hZAAlppBI1d6xoRoL6RU5uLWqWUsaku6upUwF/wD8jWND2anZ0wRyftGFyLH1lXWSFEruX3PftAikXttDZWCquoMHa/p83gKThTMUaRyg/ETYdHOzx6VHFplVFYm1uZDhsGpaSpIcAgep0t+MPcnx32dDJ+I6b72fQd4Gy/KDMlrU4SBp1JsTp2P16QZk+DR4alNcWd9LX+cC1Niuf0jXs5G7UBOesExOJZKgltj7H23hNUSkHuYYzpLKWOxhZKukfzQSkABK6pmLC/gfnCsJ/aDyV/tMC/vBD7v+cG4ccyj0Qo/6TC5Qt6fjF1AJMDUYogt5/Sa0Ex5BcpAYRkX3wHZXzLllp+yWn+FSx83/AAhbxKnRT6G3qAYMyxTKWLXL/P8ArC/PJQKajYinXTRoTX3prVFtLLInmpalsEKQghyLmgBVuloQpKU4kqSopcE0G5ZtSbAdWgkYauW7ulUkJZxZT2HYwJKQVCmYlQAFlnXt59LxUDmZzsEa5PwkWLlTJZVZRSwUSCSEBZqBDaPo5gJWKKVAp0fsIbqxqpVbgpCkMFJLhRblqdyQq5IJaFIy5RJEsFTFIpdOpPR3L6MIZsowZWoGYXX3ekkSh6iammJKbBwdwPeIwvwmFSnLAAa94Nwsgyp8oMtPPzAggXtAeJkLQqYWLFSh1a/XaO3ibAgXkqCqZMsHZ9gA/pDzBJpbwl1FX3mbbmJ6BJf6wBlKSGBJ0qDB7Mxf3eLdkk7DSkzPHSZ09QSESHoABcjnJD2Dn2gLndidS44hfBXDOHxkmb4xSDcA7oIJu7sdHbpHFsWGWoVVMoirqxIBi4zhRMX4RWEOy2WQ9qiW3HSK3IyczJVaTzueXtt6/IwzTKqMTlieIsjBHpEYBB5SZGsbx5LQVEAXJLAd4kkteRY8y8EUgD7SdMBO4ARJJA8/wjpnDmYKEgFKiAQHv0/F45Vl4bCoB/8Avm/7JEdD4bdUhCSkjt1DBj6x572qgOfOel9ld5NrcfvOt8N4sLQWTS2pGhUdW/W8MjPSl3sAASYX8LSCjDpSQRqfcvaGWIwoWgpuAoMWsYPo0f8Ah0Kc2JyPh/uYmo29swHF4ActZRW+7gvdjqDs0FgPZ4gzTECXLYgmx07RVsZisSX/AHRSlD70taQKRSLpUS4vprGbU7OjWKKMnn15/DCJTaqLkxRx1g5RmiYtRoACVU2JIKtRuU3LHbziuT8SJjyky0nmpcBrWNanAur4g2vZoDxedrEwieutJSbClVILikaAF9tr2jTD8TU2SwJA8QqJL0hncC5pBHQP2ilKk6AbRxx4CbVNNo2tEef4cImLBLOCR2e2nVnv3hUiWVBKEqaoOrRIYXarXbffzg3OM5E4ueW5uwPX5NrCeawLEg9Dp5axuUVYoN/Mzaxs114jFWaoly6UCo/xKH4bnzj3h5ZKii4rZg+pfp5aQmBJLsG1hxlUtJAZRM162b4QnQE99faL1aarTPnC6Os711JIxC8wwJTOX0KFf7SYq2H+H1i8ZefGWuq7II9w0UnCp5fWKaViQQelox7RQAoR1v8ASG4YXmdpavoIAI+kMcKP7X/KP1TAYR7FMMpyZn1vdWbSU2EZEuGHKP1vGRUnMMqYEf4C0/zb5iI8ZKNSyoggCoAi3Krf3jdVihY/hSfaxjM2WQtTJJqChS1zUOg33gIyY9VUbdx8JLNm1SZJsmszUqpsCQkKR6PAub4kqSVIlGXLFKQAVKS4SH5j1Ln1gnJZiRh+cA0zAACNCoU+l94Cx0hTMggpclgSzi39IsuMTH1IG64GMQnBBEyRNqIQeUG17EEkCz9NYWrwhkzVJCVLCdyksXDglvhtdngeTP5WUpiS5e59TFry7HgypjqU/gLqYgB3ZOoYsVD0EW3WBW3JlKO9WuM+Uq+GxalzEoVUEk2CTbV/6+kFThKXNeohLaXL9ydS/UwFhcpClkVkJH3gKvpuTHuPy/wgaibEBhv1v+naLELewhGR3F7/ABjfCZgUqIlLaoMVW9rwzx8gBcyUCFTDYlwpKALk1CzDtCrJMEVTAFy1hCwyV6XpcbdB7+cMVIMmUtKgSVJCVpNLoBIWRS2pI1cHWBqE3WaLrparvtUjEXzMxTLmMhib3F0As5IdnctrAowClJNBBUQSQD8NwFKI7OLCMk5RMmIK2CRcipQBWQQCEjdhB2Fw4EtUxwhSUl1MQ43SRoCofSOlgOIQ0wgC9epiTMsqIkhcwp8QlkhFysPeoDRhd+4EIykhwbERZJMkhBIUEJUpxVfcgNeEuODzVen0htDiLupU5EzKcOmZOQhaxLQospZD0jcwbnOPCq0JoKEHlUmShBUxZ1FOg3hQpEE4Ceajp8J18iPeLmUEb5aHwqf86b/xyI6zleHUDKAF6UW7lIA/KOW5FKfCJ7Tpv/HIju37OsMJ0tGIUOZKAgDZxar2HzMYftCk1aqtMdftNzR1xQoFzLzJDJD9BGL0jeIcSgFJckBtQSD8o1m7qW8ph8mc/wCKeJAVKBJQAaSLknR36dG9YgyCfMmInSpKkItV4l1KIIPMEhyCCWt32gjH5chKDMDTiZiQ6mei4U6VBnN72d4rWFwasHOnIIKFgVMhaxWhT2TTY+GCF63pMeWRQzMze94gz0d6fZhUFvXrFeWYNJ8RRIdyFJIALlRAYkG1nOnSK5jMv8NRClS1F6eUub3LXsG+sG4nDTZcpJSbLLLJO9ak9fheznfe0L50sBLkakBnBDs4PtGhSG1rgwjVFYWbmL5kuWnRSrHQAdfNz7QNi5zkkUgBiKX7Pub/AKESYpDKJNvI7bQLNOvbU/0jUTxmPWcE2UTeSsspRP8AhS9hUQ3yRV8oYcP4gGckMsoSC4Aux1JbQDX0aE/jOkJA0f3J189B5AQdkuLTJmJJFWtXcENvFqqlkIHhK0HCVVJOL8yzZHymcoAl7AC79GioCWylgWZZ/wB7ReJcnw5NSDZRBSR0JtY+UUxMwr8RfWYfmt4R0puzGbvtEAKg9ZLhBaf/AJR+qYESi6f5fxhjlybzh/8AyV8qTEGCQiuV4j0febVnu3dnhwHJmWy3VfzrNcPL5R+t4yLRhv8AxgSyzinqV8NDFNRoNxrSz93jIDcnpHQVAtNcBNRImypypaZgRqhWig2/e/yj3PM4R+9IxEhPhh0rCXBYuxbtbSAyuqWR0hVPx6glGhAKkm2uih9TA1p9/eORDV2XYbjnB9IQnFLpmgaVhRLO1KqgbdxGmYTJwUF/xqU1INg7kMdrxKjNE3dFiLgEh2uSDAmKmzFhS0KpZuV7l1f6jcG0NopfpMKs+7ENzDAg4fxCeZnLaOPzEC5biCJOIBJuhASPOYFKb0SHgX95U1JLpBbp3YiJJUkn4Ukj7zOWvZ2iXIFjO0qBA3bhGEvH0uEsGZkqtUTfURmJx8xa6qEgggFrgAaMkjToS+kL8Xig1TPTY+e3tBMhX2dVdJJFLNc6sx0Aa5gbA82hv+Ki3dYmNJObz63XuUm4F23Gh/CI8wnrE1VKUTazc/dII1KyxCge25EL05rNUqqYE6MoUm5dxruOogeYiaohaVC5IYMGYaU/rSOCmB4S1XU0yxAv6wsZ3MRMplgJJCQpY1Zn169fKCMStRUZ11AW1eotYMo6HXTbvAeGwalC66AWd1AEvp6dYbeF4GGexFfv9nZh1dMQ2BxA9oNpAN8ekTYxChhmUGUnUNpzXhUotLNiHTbuytvpDfETzMwylK1KQfYwkkyyoAXYgs+gu8Ho3sb+MN7RWxpnxQQR3iTBodXlGswsfI/QwdlAea+9zBzxMoR9kssow9J1E+b/ALJMdY/Z7xEZMogipLtqxFxe+vxfSOa0ASEECkmbMdutEkRZeFJ4UlSDsSX6gpA/D5xha6oyHtE5E39HTWpS7NuDO0ZXi/EKyC6ARSTv19Hg4iFPDeKqw0spDi4N+hIJ94GzXFzStQw8wBaUuULHKodlagjqHHUQ1TrilQQvkn656/CZD0r1SoxbHwxOdZ3iQcxVKQVBJCkKBUwe7lQ0oFyR+cFYtbzcOTNmkyZhkKmpCSlIUmmWQabuDqerxWOIJ8xcx1oacSCVAM6n2IHM9tDrGuU4TFlpEoOJ1KiCdeV7XZm0B9ozFQbQy4m69MWAvB1JktPTNCgFGZ4a03UFJ0QpJPLLUT0ck6sIrykqUl2sfT5Dp+UWhGFomzJc5K0ALF0odKW5XUEiopA2F+Y+UAZXmIlzDRLQoqOpKrAB2A6j9GHqR5i9WkQR1JlcxlgE3Bdr23v84CEvXz19IdZhhyVrWsGolyCDd9xbr9YWTcLdi76kXvdnYCzDrD1JltaI16FRTcyJGhI0Nn6xFMlqs7Ah+nW3nG5v5Db6aR6UpsbknXz/AE0HJtFFUyzZdPWMMzoUASwB5ksNw7Nd+usV3L/7E/zp+sWOgSsvK+WpSV6N/KA+r/1it5afs1f/AJPsRCVGx3EeM2qxO2kh/tJ+X2jPKUfbzB1lrH+iAJf935K+sOsHgijFIB/vZZI8lJUB9ISqBBQO6h87wRcsfzxgn/lj9ZKmUSAew+kZBGBDy032jIEzEEzSpU1KKfKSyJjKUnsD+H4wsxKmCvMH6gwZNmfapszo/D+kA5j8Su4/GCoMxGs/dM2kqrCQFCo2ZtPKN8NjUISCQVKSoi4sw3CgeuzRBg5YKFEtYP8Ar2iBRcG7gXe49oKAJnVBe15sZNVRBJcv6667wVIzYygpNAIUliXPvE+VZiJE55KlUlNKisJdlBl9QNwDq0QZpgSlSil1SxzJIFm79GsIM4plB4we1g3dIkZSlaXlk1E8yCf9QfSD8LlS5iUCW9SXeos1nHZjtCJSrulTGHmBz5pVNIBYJdLgrDkurYkOwNrQJgbYgmVlIsJFilrnLC1AprN7ABwL0nRrP6w0wsvw8PNUgJctQXuA+vrqSelojwSyVJQoOAgpGhYNdvx8omzDLJSZYImJWVU1S7hSGe2jNoHfrAWsRt6RgUK1u0kGBkeKmu6SDcrukvd7CprH2h5lmWzMZLElBSFzJiFup2pQlVSmAewa2pJgDJMGUzFFJ+zSmpSdAFDo5ZTbH5Wg0cXzpdRlJpqACpiXBSL8qejkhyLxS434/PKXpUWZL25x+5lXx6koBlgGkCm7+vzhTQpCFKpWEktUUln6OzP2i0hCJk6pAalylgXJOoJL9y0W3D4+ZiMFPlzSTLTLCUS6LKdQKVJA+8Deov6QZHVcSV1qs602NyMYnJ8EgLVzhRS1yP62hyMlKBWhf2RF1JS6x5oVceYcQ/GU+In93lhQlBXiLuKkhtRUHYF7ARHJ4eAUpJm1IRoU/eHn/SLtVFryyaCqzbAMzSVNlqwqPDKiBNmAlWpNEnbbaC8oWpIWpLgsAG35gG9ifeIZMlBkDw2TTOm1cxNwiTe+5aLlwBlktaJs7EMJcsBTEfERzHzAA0Au4EZeqNyQI7pm7OnuPS86LwTKXKw4kzAlK0XISXICnUKrNVtZ9IYZrlCJw1KFj4ZibKSe3XyNo5li+NSnFLmYZSgiYpi6QQaWCTqDe4vo28SZXx/Mln7VRUHfSwYl2I83ih1FqfZut7Rf+EqOe1UjP4YLxVk8wCyFJmSTzLCjzBSrTEJ0pfVtCz6PBfAWKab8RMhCqkhZvUSEqa1y6gSDpV2jadx5JnGnEp5VgtMTV9mS6QCQHALs4fW7wDiMnTLWFShMMs00zKAmw1CrhJJsCS2m0JKSowOuI0FLDa3MM4ozCYnET5mHJBQtAUsi45mKadVIakuxPKBoYRZvhpQxuHOH+yBASpTJarqoEfCbWIGsWBGcqnK8NcqWFJQEqIKUkFlKbmcAlV2O42it8QeNP8dQXKly5aeZ5oUZhICiKwGUpg7BgLCCoSW8P3nGUotvrAeNES/HVMUpS0+IpLghqQoEsXLXURfQBLaxWZ8hpdcthdYAfUEJFnuWBMOMXw5NThjMUSBMSFS0EgFSahUaXNhq47aRWMViVFKU9PO9kgP101jT0ygCwPERrE2u3WQKcdE+Z/KNAWfr+njCCQ7G1rH9P/SPJcoksC5P6EPdIngm0dY3A04OsUKqA5gVOOZLgpNhctCrLf7OZ6f7hDDFP+6zFlhWpCQkJYW38y1z2gXJpJUmYkNdtSANRqTpv7QvTvsNz1mpVQJUQKP6fvLKtTYvCHrJR/uWIQ5ryTj2mE+7GLBmuHAXhlomIXQhKDTVqFEuHGlxCrijCkzipIcEpNiD26xxQd9+lpCwNG183gEjF0pa+/1jIInS5T/B00WBt0jyCbVObTi6l1AXcMeR+0gxM1lSzA+bjQ9j8o8xKrA9CYkmLSrlmOltwAW6vEAtYytVwQbwPCYwjViGYvoYMwktRStaSKkCo3FnLAAHW/R40k5cASZUwTAAom2ga2r66eZgwZPLVJSuWsiYLrB0Av6i/nrHSwBuIkGx3uIsQWsbVWYaiMOKWksokoU3kW0jxEmpTBJKgCWHYOT6AO/aJcOssBQFAu53HSLnxnRscWJsZ5OnJErw2vU4/XeJMvwxSpl2JFnOh2fpdo2UlKUrNAdLC7vqNiHjMSmuWFoJK/vC1u4DeUV3YtOFVTk39I/wmSAhLzecO6go8osQQOwcW6RNhcNh0zCmetwXBUklxflLAMH0IJ37RW8MKU1KJqIsHNh1PTyg/LkInLCVukKd1sLEDUk79oAVNySYZNWaa2UQ/N8zUiXTLlpUlyCUE22BY3JOr36Qqy3MCQpIBClWSGcs4J2+kO82xKp8mUhC0rqWiSmY3MtjSEkgOA6kFtmiPLkqwsyYuTMBmSVEVgAXSSlQQpV/YaecWVVC3lO3q1LKTz8Jth5YQalgkgCgvZydOXfy0h3is4PjVyFBLisFJO/xII0YKCveFOYYiuUlXiIUszCq7Cl7ksAN9oGl4tKUADRySW92PS0LEk5jeh29oALG/N5aJXFk9RAUZSntzITvAeJnAzFqCUoBSeVIYDyHzhZlqqpo6DmP0T8yT6QzVIK1KSNaFF9GvudAPzjhZibGeqWjSpIXUWjvgJKJUucWBqmlRcCxoQ7e0ByptaakkMbvsL3fo2kBYSXMlpmIWQkeKsO9m8OUxtqLmFqM4kS6h4pLm4CSx2GrMIuKfeLHrb5Ty2oXedqdCfnNsSASopmFugJduo/XSAl4koCeapRBNRvYkpAY78qttD5xNJxmGVSUzDUV3exA2tT669oBzUt4dBLBJCu32hL/AOoRY0epEvTrBWNjeWLhnOEOqTOqMtY1sCne3YEAgdbRYFftDQMBNkTA04ktRoXsS971OG6NeKXl2QLxEslJSFJuXNyNm2bvs4hFKBSsAkhQ6FrjQPtCqUabM1j6iErMt1J4jico0omBKiAyVzA5SpRU7X/wsLM/TqzwnDa8Xi5kuSEIqWtVNXLLS73IsTTYAaPs0MsZjq8EmVPmJSkAeHKoCWKDuQNSC9Q1cE6X84Uy8icVBMwpCVMmWeenQhNYFagSD72iF7C4g9jZvxzJONeCFysP4wnIUmU0spBLg7lIJIAc3Abq0c4xUtvNm0/TR0TiXi6WqWqWAqWoqKZiUBqgLpUoO1buDe7j+GOfYpwShTW7v6Po0M6Um1iIvXJ5JgonqSLO3kN+loyUS76PaJJsghIJIvoL3Fw/RnBGsTYXDhSk3F2A7XbQX1GsOMQBeL0g1VwkmzvH2QlQfcjT7tKTbzf0ifKcMPCSD97mPrp8oU42X9oqrZ0938vWHWTlcwg2pA2YDSzkws420gB6za01QNq2LjpYfvNsRhwCCCQfM/nESgf4j7mGU7DhZNKkulrFx6gs0LKrxxGa3MbanQZzZRf0h+ExOHSgJXhUTFDVRmLBPoLRkL64yCdo0XOi05N9v+T95cP2QZdJnGcZstKloWGKg7Ag6A21GsXL9r2So/8AFKWhCQqXMlqdg7FVJv05ooP7G8Y2Mmo2VLBA/lV/WOw8ZYTxssxSGcmSojzTzD5iLp7xExK2QDPl+TLAUTcW2O/4wXl2KpUqoEPboX/JvrEmKy9SZYWUqYgPaw9YlyTLziJoAKigXU+w93c9tIsSGGZQUz0h2A4VUrDzp6k0hCakg7giofIvCWtaLJ5bhQsBexufSOsZ/M8OTiEKufCALAXAlEFum0cqxlTBcxKgFp+zOgIFgRbmAZosFZhe0M4pqxBPhPJ+KmzC827VO3+JV7b3jMHhlAOUlA/iUCBbXWGOGwqQEqCgVliE1C3nfXsIaypqZ/JMSogHR2qptbZwTrC7VNuLYnKumKmwlRkTgVXFlO92s8R46aHKUfC+v8XRxE87CrlzSFoNQILEEHqC3T84dzJcmelJUCmYNCzJNjZe5He0GLhTeLLTLfpGnD/DxmyBLs0sFShdytSnBQRrygDszwkx2YVjwQkSky6gRqkqe5J2NmfdhEmYZxOlESwfDCUh1JJBU97X+Ha3eEeIXzFIIIcPTpFEplu+YSpVUd1I5wC5hFAF1OFdW1ItpDT92CpakqdgWts1iXFlCE2Ty+e/o5byaLNk8pKjNSsFLJZIHuSUgMAXHtAHF2sI0CadiuARz4+sVjHS5QIQ4JDkkuTTpu19tosvDWZ4WYihfiJxEwsE6pIsU87cr30B0in5/l84faFA8PQLRdNrBzt6w14TaZicOpLEBaAe3UGD0qIPMLqdc+xVVsS7cQKRKRL8BFHiFdTqKnITKS7m4DMLNFc4izRUvw0mn4eaxPwqINyXi28fyUpRI8NJJqmEqAd7S3f5C3SKrNxksTJSZsrTWogs6nfX6w2EXZMxKrmp1kH79LczQJJLfdlXJIZmOnm8D4jHqVhWUkACYn7qRZtCExYMLmCZiyQkskEXNrhWw103iv8A70haZgZKQ6SaQbMaXL7Xv5xyvgS+nAa+0eczB5dNAQuUCCQVDYkAKJbb7pt20hZKy4qpWlz4YCySBq7qG9TWP5Rbc2QuVhcOpLfeTteqoG2/KSYcpyhKMrTMNiqYCi1gwIL9CQCHDHuWEedFdhcgdT/i82VVSgB5NvjEeO4lTNUhKUoSgAqNAdRWT8NSiCOUdtANII4WyubjJg8NBCUS2IVMICXU4oYVBg2vQ3hJl7yF16pIUlQDEgF28xtbYRdv2Z4dKULm+JSKglgSxsC5G4BNt9YhC3xxBOWRSDzJeKf2ayVYdU8LWZtJVoBWQCouDsQNG/KOM47CrBBWHcO5fTbz8471xDMm4kAJqQEEg2Hxv8IUpQBA3N7nS0UDHcFrTMNbEILKd7gB7KUz+neCJq1ptnA/PnACg1Vf+0oOGwdSFO4FSRuSwqUW6OW7XiTDppe6R0LHz3D7C9oczMSllIlAaKKmuWLbW9LesESOFFGW6SE1gE9WLEC+/WH1dqptaTaNOQ18iVnCJ8TEA/ExCi99CNtxFuRmy6/7OQVJB5QiWAHNrAPv84Hw3C8xC1HSprpuQ12AcM/ntD/FYb7NjKUCFFSS25N7tuO5h1EH9URrVuCnJuT8ZVVXWoF+ZZJJFhuzCwFmAheufUokJpGw/wCrPtD/ABGGdZKA4N9vXyhBOLLUNgsj/qO6mkqAEQ/s2uz1Dc9Ju8ZEFfnGQjPQ743/AGYylox8pZDJUFJvZ3S4YeYEfRWFFcspO6SPcNHEchxRlTZYLl1hiQSSHYurZn0tHa8qXyiLU6gepiYNantpCcTzfE4dBVJKitZSqX4aPhBdrqJs2pifhXDCUg/ZIehRSsXUopLkkndnHvBHE2UoRjMTVJUpJWpgmpwdQQdnfSBcJhEAKWmWtBlpJ5lL01UADrZ+sGp7QCM5+EESwAawsvh8fGEcRYhU0shLrmpAYdrt6gRR566QHHMEluoGhCdn1tFzyZRmFygkrVRLOwTTzb6tZxa5hBxrlK5U10ixDl9y506aRZ3ztBwZRyVYenysIoTKQaaVAnV9Gvt3c6wVPWlMjmcrrdJChpdgxv03hDKnEXH/AFG8xExgFFTDQHve0BNLPMI1UOLEZ8pcMrxInhpwNKgSlQuXSxKXPpeFmaTVVFKZYQnZQJNQJFqj9WGsbcJ5mEy50uYnxAlpoToeXlmMduUhXemBsXnstazQk0pUaCputiQLabQIUmDYGIzupsl2a3l4yXE4CYUspILoFLgmkAaA6M0aDKkildSClxUlN2LlgA19NHhnjM7mSvBqRKmWSoVXcEAioJOzF0/nAOZ4kyUhTgKYLBKCllkkhABSDygO9xcXgxpuLgyrNo0IsCbxjlOWqxc0JCaiGAsyVD4iSTdO99u+kXfLODcLh1iZPnBRD8iVEgdL6lvSKh+zbNlqxiZs1yWI5U9fvHZneHWcZsmXP8GWnxFVFwC2pYDTUx2mgAO6L1i9VlsPSXjBY3CzFeBLkgpUk1OGS2hDG5JfRo4Dk2YKwWOBToiaxHUBbe7R2mRhVysZIKkgIpUAE3CSUuQ+6nGu8cUzXDNjZ7lqZ638vEMMKR0irIy4M6xxdMCpOFUEUJPiKQKikcwlq2ubk6bvFXzPL0oMtV3ISbXDvf4i40hrxDxBLxGCwXhEnwakKLWKgJbt1F9YV4ySqeuUCUpKk7dCosw3MF5WSixVrHELCGnEpQqnVgO2pHR3gZCEKw0wBq6khTdHB16doKGXBShLMyYUsXderAswAuLbwtw7IlzAgrcqlsTa/MW8toDqTZfzxjGlRc2MumV5QmenDSizIBmMSQ7IUAARo5U50smNc3zhLDDJTRKlpsh3ZQBJPfXd/nBuT4+ZKmCb4NcvwALaEsxAJ3N7GB8CMMpSjO8ggDZrvbV+mjd48i9QWwb83A9ZuU0IO61wLW6xPLyorSlaPDoWL2PKp6Ta21wx9ounBeRzJEtUuXMRQq5XTzCzcocgebnXSKtiML4hYTUpQjSXzJAAdrjyN/ziy8FYlaVGVMIF2FySbW1e0MobKD9ZNVSOwnw8pcpWAQmWAlNgzP2vv3v3MUvjSe05gHPLv/K/107RvxtjUqeUpaWYk3IpDgBjZzu+zxSsyzNM8FRVURyhxUslLc1i5fVwfMbwTUUO0VbD8H+4lol2tvY9JznG4BaZ1RH94zA3sWb5RdRjBRK5wFGUjQtcp/Vor+fpJUJswKISQClQuGGjFlN32v2ghEkqRXYA2F3fozlxoB2cRs0ScEwdWijEgHPP56xviMdMQiqon4uUgF/hAv6nzjJuaGWErmIYEctJuxdJ/luLiAv37xUE9lEv6fkIb8X4cHDzVhSFAKTQUsWBWKriHRxMg4wZVpvEqEBpcnW4KiS7+ZJ6+0Lp2ezJgFTeQACTckEpbr+ELyp0gdH9tYxLgAg6kj0DH2do453CX09kcGHKX5RkepTYXTp/GB8ntHkJbZ6Ltl8ZdJc4nEJD2CQwjs2SHlHlGRkJ6X3x6Smq/kLKtxepsTMb/D9BCjFpcKHY/QxkZHo6fE89WAmnDeGTRJt8MsEdjVrGmYSxMmlKxUkBwDGRkJ6UX3esNrCe7+s9yzhXCqSomRLcKYWb6a+sb5/wvhqX8O7C9S+jD70eRkcrgXE7QODKfkuVS/8AyEsU2KVgh1MxQQRr0JisY7CpROnJSGShZCRqwBtrHkZA5Y+6Jvk6ycTLBuKvzj3iHEKmSSVkqInFIfpSIyMiv9UCYZw/jlolyihRSWIsWsdQeoiZOZTJeNStCiFBYL23JB1jIyKLy019YbUqf/n6Tt0pAVKUVXJa+/Wx29I4dxTKAx09t1VHe6rqN+pjIyCxKkb0Bfy+UaYJA/cJVv76b9JUSZzKEqdLoFLBJ63fvGRkM/0D86wS/wA4+n0jLIk/Gd/6KhRhphNTnUp+qo9jIX1PuD86wmk91/SWqfi1iXLAURZOhb7kJZU9QLgkEi9+8ZGR5vTgZ/Os9fSwg9JHglEm5UXqe5/gfrFhw+LWwNRdhcG+4112HtHsZHX94RHWE7Gj3MkApFhodhfe/WKDi5QE+cQGpSopbYsm46G5jIyNhB0mR0P51inFlpQUPiK1OerAEP1YxLjVUhRFiyT7pcsNAH2FoyMhhsceH0nPZ/eA3Zz9RJsDLAxC0gWsW83Bit50fDxExCLJq020f6xkZDJmY5uxvAQprhvYRviPhHrGRkTpKp7wixU4vrGRkZArmHn/2Q==" /></p><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; ">Properly maintaining a cut Christmas tree is important to retaining a high moisture content in the needles of the tree to limit accidental ignition and prevent rapid flame spread. A tree which has dry needles can readily ignite with a flaming source and generate heat release rates that are capable of causing flashover in residential scale rooms.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Make sure you have adequate </span><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Nj homeowners insurance</span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" > coverage. Making sure you have a great rate is only one part of having good insurance. Your policy needs to cover the FULL value of your home many insurance agents cut coverage to give you lower costs. However, in the event damage occurs to your home you may be left with little or almost no coverage! Eastern Insurors provides you with the BEST </span><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Nj homeowners insurance</span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" > at the BEST prices. Call us </span></span><b style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); "><span class="Apple-style-span">201-445-0100</span></b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; ">Here are some Christmas tree maintenance tips from the National Christmas Tree Association:</span></span></p><ol style="color: rgb(0, 102, 102); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "><li>Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.</li><li>Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.</li><li>Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.</li><li>If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.</li><li>To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. <b>As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.</b> Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.</li><li>Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.</li><li>Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.</li><li>The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.</li><li>Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. <b>With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.</b></li><li>Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.</li><li>Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.</li><li>Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.</li><li>Do not overload electrical circuits.</li><li>Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.</li><li>Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.</li><li>Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.</li><li>Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.</li></ol><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; "> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; "><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; ">Watch How Quickly a Tree Fire Can Occur: <a href="http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/linktrack.php?url=http://fire.nist.gov/videotest/xmasTreeVideos/tree3202402web.mov" title="null" target="_blank" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; ">http://fire.nist.gov/videotest/xmasTreeVideos/tree3202402web.mov</a></span></span></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-80980907872929076652011-11-05T09:12:00.000-07:002011-11-05T09:19:29.835-07:00November Is Long-Term Care Awareness Month<font class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; "><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: top; "><b style="line-height: 21px; font-weight: bold; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 35px; font-size: 20pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; font-weight: bold; ">November Is Long-Term Care Awareness Month</font></font></b></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: top; "><i style="line-height: 21px; font-style: italic; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; font-style: italic; ">.</font></font></i></p><table class="ecxMsoNormalTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" id="ecxlayoutsTable" style="line-height: 17px; width: 393px; "><tbody style="line-height: 17px; "><tr style="line-height: 17px; "><td width="100%" valign="top" style="line-height: 17px; width: 387px; padding-top: 0.75pt; padding-right: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; padding-left: 0.75pt; "><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; ">Long-term care insurance (LTCI) may not be a priority for everyone, but it should be. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding LTCI, including high-cost, the lack of need for it and coverage by existing health insurance. But in fact, long-term care is typically not covered by a health insurance or disability plan, and government programs such as Medicaid only cover a certain low-income group.</font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; ">So where does that leave the middle class? It leaves them with a very real need to close the “what if” gap.</font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "> </font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; ">Long-term care insurance is considered a key piece of a person’s overall financial plan. Car insurance is purchased to protect a driver in the event of an accident; life insurance is purchased to assist family members in case of premature death; health insurance is purchased in case of an illness; homeowners insurance is purchased in case of required home diasters; and a person’s retirement plan is funded to ensure a nest egg in the future. The reason: Most people spend a considerable amount of time planning, protecting and investing for the future, but it could all be for naught if one piece of the puzzle is missing. A great financial plan is like a puzzle—it’s rendered useless without all the pieces.</font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "> </font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; ">Most consumers initially think that long-term care insurance is too expensive and unattainable, but it can be affordable. Also, many people wait to purchase long-term care insurance. But the cost is primarily determined based on a person’s age and health, so locking in rates at a younger age could be more beneficial.</font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "> </font></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font style="line-height: normal; "><font style="line-height: 19px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "> </font></font></p></td></tr></tbody></table></font>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-78085215235908281822011-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:28:57.845-07:00Prepare for a Safe Halloween<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; "><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Halloween is just around the corner, and many consumers may not realize how scary this eerie night might really be for their personal safety, their property…or their wallets.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Prevent Accidents: Remove or move lawn furniture, or any other obstacles, to avoid accidents or damage. Ensure your home’s entry is in good condition, free of loose or broken pieces on stairwells and walkways to avoid trick-or-treaters’ injuries on your property.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Fire Dangers: Prevent fires by making sure pumpkins containing candles are placed at a distance where a child’s costume cannot be ignited or a curious guest may tip it over. Extinguish all candles before going to bed. Consider using battery operated lights wherever possible. A variety of Jack-O-Lantern lights are available at most stores that sell Halloween decor.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Costume Safety: Be careful with costumes. All disguises should be made from flame-resistant materials and shouldn’t be too long or contain sharp accessories. Try to avoid masks that may obscure vision and try to use hypo-allergenic make-up.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">See and Be Seen: Encourage each trick-or-treater and adult chaperones to carry a flashlight. Apply light-reflecting material to costumes.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Don’t be a Scary Driver: Drive sober, slowly and even more carefully than usual on Halloween. Watch for children who may be running or wearing dark costumes in the road.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Power in Numbers: When walking, travel in groups and cross only at corners and crosswalks—never between parked cars—and stay on well-lit streets.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Unwelcomed Guests: Scare away potential property vandals who often use the chaos of Halloween night to strike by keeping outdoor lights on.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Pet Safety: Keep pets inside. Warn your children to stay away from animals as they go door-to-door. Halloween night can be stressful, even on the friendliest dog or cat or other creatures.</span></font></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in; "><font size="2" color="#333333" face="Symbol" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span style="line-height: 17px; ">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></font></span></span></font><font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana" style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 15px; font-size: 8.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Candy Inspection: Cavities aren’t the only candy-related risks on Halloween. Inspect all children’s treats. Never eat unwrapped items, collect candy only from those you know and ask the local police department if it offers a candy x-ray and/or inspection service. Throw away any suspicious candy.</span></font></p></span>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-22631139104278699542011-09-09T06:15:00.000-07:002011-09-09T06:33:25.648-07:00Dog Bites-Homeowners Insurance Claims Rise<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Dog Bite Blues</span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Total cost of dog-bite claims is on the rise.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="data:image/jpg;base64,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" /></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">According to a recent study by the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites accounted for one-third of all <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nj homeowners insurance</span></a> liability claims last year. The total cost of dog-bite claims was $413 million last year. The average claim paid to a victim of a bite was $26,166, up 5.3% from $24,840 in 2009. The average claim cost has increased 37% since 2003, despite a drop in the total number of claims. "The average cost per claim has risen over the last eight years (2003-2010), which can be attributed to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards given to plaintiffs, which have risen well above the rate of inflation in recent years," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Institute. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQb8A5v9u3_e4pCRMFiHBHkW027xxlZSvuP-6wIyynA2Or4UqZK4Q" /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Standard <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/"><span class="Apple-style-span">NJ homeowners insurance</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> policies cover dog-bite liability between $100,000 and $300,000 in coverage. Renter’s insurance policies also typically cover dog bites. If a person is bitten, sues the homeowner and is awarded more than the maximum insurance payout, then the homeowner is personally responsible for paying the remaining amount. With verdicts like these, if you own a dog, you should really think of purchasing a <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/umbrella-insurance/">NJ personal umbrella insurance</a> policy for at least $1,000,000. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vs4Isc79PgF2oeEOynAutJlrrvMKd71gwHfQ07yZ2f5LMLotVXv03GOmZd7t5LYVamHM9H4hMGoTeOka0zlDvYipXHgy0QDmP_FJtUy83rHFu7S3sqCCXNT81ZPIBaJnUhX-gejZY1Y/s1600/eastern+insurors+logo+no+white+trim.jpg" /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Contact Eastern Insurors at </b></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Phone:<span class="Apple-style-span"> <span class="Apple-style-span">201-445-0100</span></span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Visit our website: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">http://www.insurance-nj.com/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Email:</b><span class="Apple-style-span"> info@insurance-nj.com </span></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></span></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-71132686015414614202011-08-24T15:15:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:40:04.217-07:00Actual Accident Reports<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Be careful when you drive there are a lot of people out there on the road and you never know who might be driving next or in front of you....CAL US FOR GREAT RATES ON <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/auto-insurance/">NJ Auto Insurance</a><b><span class="Apple-style-span"> 201-445-0100.</span></b><div><b>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaVqetiXQ8OS60caae83XVNCW_EKsylmfDYDC_Rsuw3Mmc2Kx_fhJrN-xPXnf1I8JAxjOjhym-YVZr1M5wwhY6gGPYyb5qfyuYsXRSlz9uxBH7hJw8Gy8ctiFWuwu3mruGiT00gW5398/s400/car+crash.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 194px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644555763044683474" /></span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 110, 18); font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><b style="line-height: 23px; font-weight: bold; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Car Accidents:</span></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><ul type="disc" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); line-height: 17px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1em; list-style-type: disc; "><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"A pedestrian hit me and went under my car."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I had been learning to drive with power steering. I turned the wheel to what I thought was enough and found myself in a different direction going the opposite way."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I thought my window was down; but found it was up when I put my hand through it."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"No one was to blame for the accident, but it never would have happened if the other driver had been alert."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I saw the slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I was taking my canary to the hospital. It got loose in the car and flew out the window. The next thing I saw was his rear end, and there was a crash."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I was backing my car out of the driveway in the usual manner when it was struck by the other car in the same place where it had been struck several times before."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The indirect cause of this accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The accident happened when the right door of a car came around the corner without giving a signal."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home. As I reached an intersection, a hedge sprung up, obscuring my vision."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I was on the way to the doctor with rear end trouble when my universal joint gave way causing me to have an accident."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "> </span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span class="ecxapple-converted-space" style="line-height: 20px; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I struck him."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat, I found that I had a fractured skull."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"My wench slipped, losing my balance, and I hurt my back."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I was unable to stop in time, and my car crashed into the other vehicle. The driver and passengers then left immediately for a vacation with injuries."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The accident occurred when I was attempting to bring my car out of a skid by steering it into the other vehicle."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"When I could not avoid a collision, I stepped on the gas and crashed into the other car."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"As I approached the intersection, a stop sign suddenly appeared in a place where no stop sign had ever appeared before. I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The telephone pole was approaching fast. I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front end."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"A truck backed though my windshield and into my wife's face."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him."</span></span></li><li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">"An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle, and vanished."</span></span></li></ul><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; "> </span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; ">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42); line-height: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; ">Make sure you are covered call us!!! 201-445-0100</span></span></p></span></div></div>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-55299065348126584582011-07-18T11:16:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:17:51.705-07:00Summer Safety!<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CSTEINB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C09%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; 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mso-list-template-ids:1879755580;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Wingdings;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Summer Parties and Gatherings Near Water Present Risks </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">As millions of people across the U.S. plan to host parties or gatherings near water this summer, Trusted Choice® and the Big “I” caution hosts to be aware of the many risks and to be prepared in case of an accident. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Summer has arrived and for the next few months, many people will take advantage of the weather by hosting summer parties, testing the waters with sports and recreational watercraft, firing up outdoor grills and uncovering backyard swimming pools. Summer can be lots of fun, but it’s important to take a few precautionary steps to limit seasonal risks. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">In a 2010 national survey, more than 43% of respondents, representing 98.6 million households, said they plan to host a party or any kind of social gathering over the summer. Of those, more than 32%, representing more than 32.1 million households, indicated that their event will be held in or around water (such as a pool, beach, boat, lake, etc.). </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Summer Safety Tips:</span></b><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Summer Parties: Alcohol and Social Host Liability</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">
<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Asking guests to stop drinking at a summer party can be very awkward, but protecting their families and guests is more important. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">SUI?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> No swimming under the influence. It's best to avoid alcohol consumption when swimming. Always consume alcohol responsibly when swimming or entertaining at your pool. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Are you hosting illegally?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Familiarize yourself with your state’s host liability laws, and to make sure you’re properly insured. Consider hosting your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather than in a home or office. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Swimming with strangers?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Limit your guest list to those you know. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Fill their bellies.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Party like a teetotaler.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Slumber party?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Last call?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Just say no.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Bring in the professionals.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Don’t forget who is host.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Read the fine print.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Pool Safety</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Got fence?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Always fence in a pool in your yard, and check your state and local ordinances for fence height requirements. Fencing should include a locked gate that should generally remain locked. Understand that as a pool owner, you are responsible and liable for anyone who comes on to your property and into your pool—even accidentally. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Put a lid on it.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Always cover an empty or partially empty pool in the off-season. Serious injuries can result from children or others jumping or falling into a pool that is not full. When possible, consider an easily-retractable pool cover to seal anytime the pool is not in use, even in the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Safety first.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never let children swim alone, and keep a properly-maintained supply of safety equipment in plain view of all swimmers, including life rings and other floats, lines and a first aid kit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Schedule an annual physical for the pool.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Maintain the pool properly. Check pools edges thoroughly at the beginning and end of each season to ensure that no tile, concrete or other material has come loose. Sun and other elements can damage these edges and pose a hazard to those who step or pull up on them. Always use a non-slip, quick-drying material to avoid injuries on walkways and other areas surrounding the pool. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Get certified.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among children under five. Have a family member take a safety course to become Red Cross certified to help in the event of an emergency. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Talk to your agent.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Tell your insurance agent if you install a backyard pool. Some homeowners policies exclude pools, and extra coverage will be needed. Ensure that you have adequate liability insurance. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Grills and Outdoor Pits </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">“You can prevent fires.”</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Thoroughly clean gas grills at beginning of the season. Replace and maintain fire extinguishers near but not on the grill at all times. Never throw a match in a grill, especially after the gas has been on three seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What to wear?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Press the button.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Always use the grill's starter button. If the starter is broken, do not use the grill. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Say no to rust.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Cover the grill to avoid corrosion and rusting in both the controls and gas line. Rust can make grill controls hard to read and make the starter button difficult to depress. Consider using a grill with an automatic starter rather than a button starter. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Cut the fat.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Avoid cooking foods with a high fat content which can produce high flames. Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Is it in the book?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never throw away a grill instructions or owner’s manual. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">That’s hot.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Outdoor fire pits are often low to the ground and could be alluring to children. Make sure to keep children away even long after the fire has been extinguished. Fire pits can hold heat for several hours after the flames are gone. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Driving/Vehicles</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">
<br />
<br /></span></b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Boats</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Understand your liability and risks. </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">The homeowners policy is not designed to cover significant watercraft exposures and consumers should contact their agent to see if coverage can be added or if they need a separate watercraft policy that fully covers damage to the boat, liability and uninsured boaters. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Is that a rental?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Many people rent boats. Even with a watercraft policy, be aware that there may be no coverage for rentals. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Don’t be a castaway.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never use a boat that is not equipped with fully operational safety equipment onboard. At a minimum, any boat should contain life preservers for all occupants, a well-stocked first aid kit, powerful flashlight, two-way VHF radio, fire extinguisher, flare kit and a local area water chart. Large boats should also contain additional lines of varied size and an inflatable lifeboat. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">There ISN’T always room for one more.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never exceed the passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Keep the instructions.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Always keep all owners’ manuals onboard. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Hit the books.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Take a boat safety and operations course, sponsored in many communities by the U.S. Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Drinking and boating.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Know the law and your limits when it comes to drinking aboard any watercraft. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Jet skis</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">They’re fun, but not toys.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Jet skis and other similar recreational water vehicles can be very dangerous and they can require separate insurance policies. Owners should also consult their insurance agent to make sure they have adequate liability coverage to protect them, especially if they regularly ride tandem or if they injure others in an accident. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Sorry kids</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">. Children should never ride a jet ski. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Look up at the clouds.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never use a jet ski in foul weather. Strictly follow all safety guidelines and make sure anyone driving the vehicle knows exactly how to operate it and shut it off. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">No risky business.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Take care and understand the risks in storing and transporting jet skis. Standard homeowners and auto policies will not cover theft of the water vehicle from a trailer. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Renting?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Use caution when renting a jet ski and know your responsibilities. Always consult an agent to fully understand liability exposure and coverage in this situation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Other/general driving/vehicle tips</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Shades are cool.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Summer sun glare is an issue for all drivers of any kind of vehicle, and particularly for senior citizens whose eyes and/or prescription glasses can’t easily accommodate changes in light. Unexpected glare can cause serious accidents. Be prepared by always keeping glasses, visors or other sun shields in your vehicle, especially if traveling near or on the water. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Don’t make it your last call.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Never operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, certain prescription drugs or fatigue. Obey all traffic laws and maintain safe driving habits. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: black;"><span style="">§<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Avoid the tow truck.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;"> Make sure you and your party guests follow all parking rules and ordinances, especially in residential neighborhoods. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR), an independent research company in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Media</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Pa.</st1:state></st1:place> Interviews of a nationally representative sample of 1,006 households were conducted in May 2010. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 3.1%. For more information about ICR, go to <a href="http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/linktrack.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icrsurvey.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(57, 102, 191);">www.icrsurvey.com</span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-37872598693889076052011-04-08T06:57:00.000-07:002011-04-08T07:09:45.870-07:00Spring Will Be Here Soon - We Hope!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzrQHtDrc4sHhSwlyYEgieVMGSqD4VlSZCFToBlS75LyeSk8bA25KC_EnwqY5QvnAxiGYwNj2ZGYNsB3MhDRTK29Oyo_7PHc5jzgVfShiJLjXwQDWTIYAOkeF_Gy2_J1rkTR4vYSnDUk/s1600/heat-pump.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzrQHtDrc4sHhSwlyYEgieVMGSqD4VlSZCFToBlS75LyeSk8bA25KC_EnwqY5QvnAxiGYwNj2ZGYNsB3MhDRTK29Oyo_7PHc5jzgVfShiJLjXwQDWTIYAOkeF_Gy2_J1rkTR4vYSnDUk/s400/heat-pump.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593214485992807858" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span >After a very cold and snowy winter, finally, a welcoming spring is around the corner. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >With the change of season and the end of the heating season comes the change over from maintenance of heating systems to maintenance of air conditioning systems. It has been nearly 9 months since you last relied on air conditioning to perform its faithful service. That means that it is time to arrange for a competent mechanic/electrician to clean and overhaul all automatic controls on your air conditioning systems.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span >By being proactive you can enjoy the summer without the worry of having a HVAC breakdown.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span ><b>What should be done?</b></span></p><span > <p class="MsoNormal">Place your HVAC system on a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan. This plan should include an annual checkup and cleaning by a qualified technician consisting of the following:</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; " type="circle"> <li class="MsoNormal">Check and clean filters as needed</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect and clean condenser coil (removing debris)</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect and clean indoor coil (if accessible)</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Flush and treat condensate drain with algae inhibitor</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Measure temperature difference between supply and return</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect ductwork for potential of energy loss</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Calibrate and level thermostat</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Monitor fan motor and compressor for proper amperage and voltage</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Monitor and record refrigerant operating pressure</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect and lubricate bearings</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect fan blade</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect and service valves for proper operation</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect electrical disconnect</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect and test contactors</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect for exposed wiring </li> <li class="MsoNormal">Test and inspect capacitors</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Tighten and properly torque electrical connections</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Inspect and test safety devices for proper operation</li></ul></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span >Spring is also a great time for an annual insurance review! <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">Eastern Insurors</a> has provided personal and business insurance since 1947. Give us a call - <b>800.269.3202</b> or <a href="mailto:infor@insurance-nj.com">email</a> us today - <b>info@insurance-nj.com</b>.</span></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-91898807338260357932011-03-14T07:13:00.000-07:002011-03-14T07:28:56.886-07:00Part V & VI: New Jersey Tips - Cleaning Up After a Flood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA2oraFpPZriWsFBAZ_JMdXwDwojPnvTe9dNFCGr1K5OYB9gpGA2ok77kfS6SdmdPDlilXa1AIYe2h_BJsNFeg5z5yS5zVAZcGV9v3tmTA01VniZ7TIYLsoTmfgH1BGwkbl44cBVfmxo/s1600/flood+cleanup+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA2oraFpPZriWsFBAZ_JMdXwDwojPnvTe9dNFCGr1K5OYB9gpGA2ok77kfS6SdmdPDlilXa1AIYe2h_BJsNFeg5z5yS5zVAZcGV9v3tmTA01VniZ7TIYLsoTmfgH1BGwkbl44cBVfmxo/s200/flood+cleanup+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583941938357686594" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Part V - Decontaminate Buildings and Contents<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Remove loose dirt and debris from affected surfaces, using a po</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">wer hose.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Use a combination of household bleach (1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"> and soap or detergent to wash down walls, floors, and other contaminated areas, including exterior surfaces.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Keep the surface wet for 5-15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Rinse thoroughly with a power hose to remove any residue. This will eliminate fungal problems and their dangers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Follow directions on containers and take particular note of warnings. Do not mix cleaning compounds containing ammonia with bleach.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Remove heating and cooling registers and ducts, then hose the ducts to prevent contamination from blowing through the ducts at a later date. After hosing duct work, wash with a disinfectant or sanitizer that is phenolic or pine-oil based. If ducts are in concrete or otherwise inaccessible, have them cleaned professionally.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Discard clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and similar items if they cannot be cleaned and disinfected.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Take immediate action to minimize the growth of molds and fungi:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Inventory all flooded areas so that every water-damaged area is identified, treated, and cleaned.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Remove and dispose of all wet ceiling tiles and drywall within 24 hours of water contact.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Remove and replace all drywall and insulation up to 12 inches above the water line.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Dry all wet light fixtures.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Replace water-damaged furniture, including wood, or clean it with a 10% bleach solution. (Note: be sure to verify that bleach will not discolor or damage surfaces before application. When in doubt, test in a small hidden area before general application.) Discard furniture made of or with particle board or pressed board. Treat fabrics as you would carpeting (see below).</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Leave all cabinets and drawers open to facilitate air flow for drying. Treat surfaces of cabinets and drawers with the dilute bleach solution.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Remove and discard all non-essential wet files and paper. Remove essential paper to a location where it can be dried, photocopied, and discarded.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">If a large amount of paper cannot be dried within 24 hours, rinse essential files with clean water and freeze them temporarily until proper drying can take place. (Freezing will prevent mold growth.)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Immediately remove as much water as possible from wet carpeting, using a water vacuum.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">After wet vacuuming, shampoo the carpet with a 10% bleach solution twice within a thirty minute period. Begin shampooing immediately after wet vacuuming. Spot test an inconspicuous area before proceeding.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Rinse the carpet with clear water to remove the bleach, and ensure that the carpet is totally dry within 12-24 hours of treatment.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">If the carpet fades with the bleach solution, then dry the carpet immediately and treat it with an alternate biocide. Consult a public health official, microbiologist, or industrial hygienist to determine the right biocide.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">When any form of biocide (including bleach) is used, increase air circulation and ventilation.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Use dehumidifiers and air conditioning to speed the drying process.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">If odors or complaints of health effects exist after the clean up, consult an industrial hygienist or environmental microbiologist to determine the need for bioaerosol testing.</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC7fLtsZZVM4S2aB24-hUGl5XXCLBcScqCWi0vVi_NngEJNgLGXJynFiliSgedF-A914RCG0I9n1gHHPpjfiIsaLfuj0O0zqrvxyTDj6EhNINUfJSg41doEr1fJVHn1K2sEW44y6po_A/s200/FLOOD_CLEANUp.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583940769235526546" /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Arial"></span></span>Part VI - Ensure Worker Safety During Clean-Up<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Stress, Long Hours, and Fatigue Increase the Risks for Injuries and Illness<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Continued long hours of work, combined with emotional and physical exhaustion and losses from damaged homes and temporary job layoffs, can create a highly stressful situation for flood cleanup workers. Workers exposed to these stressful conditions have an increased risk of injury and emotional crisis, and are more vulnerable to stress-induced illnesses and disease. Emotional support from family members, neighbors, and local mental health professionals can help to prevent more serious stress-related problems in the difficult months ahead. People working in all phases of flood cleanup can reduce their risks of injury and illness in several ways:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Set priorities for cleanup tasks and pace the work over several days (or weeks). Avoid exhaustion.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Resume a normal sleep schedule as quickly as possible. Get plenty of rest and take frequent rest breaks <i>before</i> exhaustion builds up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Take advantage of disaster relief programs and services in your community.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Be alert to emotional exhaustion or strain. When family members and neighbors are unavailable for emotional support, consult professionals at community health and mental health centers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Be Ready to Provide First Aid<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">First aid, even for minor cuts and burns, is extremely important when exposure to waters potentially contaminated with human, animal, or toxic wastes exists. Immediately clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Most cuts, except minor scratches, sustained during flood cleanup activities will warrant treatment to prevent tetanus. If you are injured, contact a physician to determine the necessary type of treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Provide Assistance to Employees and Their Families<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Employees may be stranded at your facility. Be prepared with food, water, blankets, transportation, radios, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Good communication is essential. Help your employees stay in touch with their families. Provide frequent updates about the status of the flood, community recovery, and your plans for recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• If necessary, help your employees secure shelter, medical care, food, water, clothing, cash, transportation, disaster aid, etc., for themselves and their families. The recovery of your business depends on the availability of your workers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Provide information and assistance to help employees and their families deal with injuries or deaths, or with damage to their homes and property (see attached).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Provide Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">For most work in flooded areas, you will need the following personal protective equipment: hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, respirators, and watertight boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank). Excessive noise from equipment such as chain saws, backhoes, tractors, pavement breakers, blowers, and dryers may cause ringing in the ears and subsequent hearing damage. If you are working with any noise over which you must shout to be heard, wear earplugs or other hearing protection devices.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Ensure Electrical Safety<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Use extreme caution while working with electrical equipment, attempting to restore power, or clearing areas near downed power lines. These steps may save your life:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Treat all power lines as energized until you have followed the required procedures for de-energizing and testing them with an appropriate testing device. Do not rely on “fuzzing” to determine if a power line has been de-energized.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Verifying that a line is not energized may not ensure your safety. You must also ground lines on both the load and supply sides of the work area. Grounding is necessary to protect you from the hazards of feedback electrical energy from a secondary power source, such as a portable generator.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• When restoring power in underground vaults, added precautions are necessary to prevent explosions. As vaults containing electrical connections are drained or pumped out, and as connections are energized, explosive gases may form. Follow appropriate regulations for working in confined spaces.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• When using gasoline and diesel generators to supply power, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the “off ” position <i>prior to starting the generator</i>. This will prevent inadvertent energization of power lines from “backfeed” electrical energy from the generators, and will help to protect utility line workers from possible electrocution. If clearing or other work must be performed near a downed power line, contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing and grounding or shielding of power lines. Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and other equipment near overhead power lines to avoid contact.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Be Cautious About Carbon Monoxide<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Flood cleanup activities may involve the use of gasoline- or diesel-powered pumps, generators, and pressure washers. Because these devices release carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas, operate all gasoline powered devices outdoors and never bring them indoors. It is virtually impossible to assess adequate ventilation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Cleanup workers are at risk for developing serious musculoskeletal injuries to the hands, back, knees, and shoulders. Special attention is needed to avoid back injuries associated with manual lifting and handling of equipment or debris and building materials. To help prevent injury, use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects, avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person), and use proper automated-assist lifting devices.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Prevent Thermal Stress<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• <i>Heat. </i>When clean-up takes place during warm weather, workers are at serious risk for developing heat stress. Excessive exposure to hot environments can cause a variety of heat-related problems, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and fainting. To reduce the potential for heat stress, drink a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Additionally, incorporate work-rest cycles into work routines, work during the cooler hours of the day, when possible, or distribute the workload evenly throughout the day. When air conditioning is unavailable, open windows and use fans.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• <i>Cold. </i>Standing or working in water which is cooler than 75ºF (24ºC) will remove body heat more rapidly than it can be replaced, resulting in hypothermia. To reduce the risk of hypothermia, wear high rubber boots, ensure that clothing and boots have adequate insulation, avoid working alone, take frequent breaks out of the water, and change into dry clothing when possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Ensure Safe Work in Confined Spaces<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">If you are required to work in a boiler, furnace, pipeline, pit, pumping station, septic tank, sewage digester, storage tank, utility vault, well, or similar enclosure, you should be aware of the hazards of working in confined spaces. Toxic gases, a lack of oxygen, or explosive conditions may exist in the confined area, resulting in a potentially deadly atmosphere. Because many toxic gases and vapors cannot be seen or smelled, never trust your senses to determine if safe entry is possible. Never enter a confined space, even to rescue a fellow worker, unless you have been properly trained! If you do not have the proper training and equipment, contact your local fire department for assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Ensure That Only Trained Workers Operate Heavy Equipment<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Only people who are properly trained should operate heavy equipment (such as bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Be Aware of Agricultural Hazards<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">If you are involved in cleanup efforts on or near farms, you may face these additional hazards:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• <i>Confined Spaces on Farms. </i>Molding or fermenting agricultural materials in confined spaces may generate large amounts of toxic gases which could cause lung damage or death if inhaled. Turn on fans or blowers in silos and other storage areas at least 30 minutes before entering and leave them on while working. Never open an oxygen-limiting silo if heating is suspected. Also, never enter these areas alone, and always use a full body safety harness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• <i>Respiratory Hazards. </i>Wet hay, grain, silage, compost, and other organic/agricultural materials often grow large amounts of bacteria and mold during warm weather. Breathing these organisms and the organic dust produced<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">may cause lung disease. Use proper engineering controls, including adequate fresh air ventilation. When exposure to organic dust cannot be avoided, use NIOSH-certified air-purifying respirators with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce the risk. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">• <i>Fire Hazard of Stored Hay. </i>Wet hay will mold very quickly. The biological processes involved in the formation of bacteria and mold can cause the hay to undergo spontaneous combustion. Monitor wet hay for odors, hot and damp areas, and rising vapors. If you detect these hazards, remove the wet hay from the building.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">Sources of Information and Assistance</span></b><br /></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">American Red Cross (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "><a href="http://www.redcross.org/">www.redcross.org</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Environmental Protection Agency (<a href="http://www.epa.gov/">www.epa.gov</a>)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Federal Emergency Management Agency (<a href="http://www.fema.gov/">www.fema.gov</a>)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">National Electrical Manufacturers Association (<a href="http://www.nema.org/">www.nema.org</a>)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/flood.html">www.cdc.gov/niosh/flood.html</a>)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Occupational Safety and Health Administration (<a href="http://www.osha.gov/">www.osha.gov</a>)</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Public Risk Management Association (<a href="http://www.primacentral.org/">www.primacentral.org</a>)</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Do you carry a Flood policy for your NJ home or NJ Business?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Have you reviewed your flood coverage since you took out your policy?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do you know you can purchase flood insurance even if you are not in a flood zone?</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These are just a few of the questions that <st1:place st="on">Eastern Insurors</st1:place> can answer to make sure you are properly protected in case of a natural disaster, fire or any other event.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Give us a call 800.269.3203 or email <st1:place st="on">Eastern Insurors</st1:place> with any of your insurance questions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can visit us online for more information on flood insurance here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .75in;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Arial"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; "><b><span style="font-family: Arial; "> </span></b></span></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-53474578613847328772011-03-10T08:03:00.001-08:002011-03-10T08:12:06.915-08:00Part III & IV: New Jersey Tips - Cleaning Up After a Flood<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">Part III - Dangers of Contamination</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">Flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your property has been flooded, protect everyone's health by cleaning up right away. Assume that anything touched by floodwater is contaminated. Mud left by floodwater can contain chemicals from sources as varied as your garden chemicals, to a neighbor’s propane tank, to the oven cleaner you stored in the kitchen. Homes with flood damage may have damp areas where </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">molds, mildews, and other organisms will grow quickly.</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17UbFfJZwVz4-rTxGfOoHB7aySl4_C190oD_MPusS-G3l7DhgLzWh3yVe_KqxlgCxd2MQcyciwHzjk722LNNjTH-Pbxk76hoC7NfIaizdvcwKh0Pb_OXKp2PniSRN-2rZIVcWUMIcTeE/s200/flood+damage3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582483447886887042" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Part IV - Identify Damage and Begin Clean-Up of Building Contents<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Document the Damage</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Once it is safe to enter the building, make a preliminary tour of all affected areas. Wear protective clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Do not move equipment or other objects without documenting their location and condition.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Use a digital camera or video camera to record conditions of structure, equipment, and furnishings. Make sure images clearly record the damage. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Make notes and voice recordings to accompany the photographs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• For Business - Assign staff to keep written records of contacts with insurance agents and other investigators, staff decisions on retrieval and salvage, and costs associated with cleanup and salvage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Make visual, written, and voice records for each step of salvage procedures. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Begin Clean-Up After the flood waters have subsided, start to clean and disinfect the building. However, don’t work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a qualified person.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Remove standing water from the facility. Use a mop, squeegee, absorbent materials, or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Begin draining the basement in stages, about a third of the water volume each day. Pumping out water too quickly may cause structural damage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Provide air movement and control humidity. Keep the building cool.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Remove as much mud as possible. Once you’ve checked the water system for leaks, hose down the inside of the building and its contents. It’s best to use an attachment that sprays soap to wash and rinse the walls, floors, furniture, sockets, electrical boxes and other major items that got muddy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Clean and dry damaged equipment and property (take care of the most important pieces first). Take special steps with documents and computer files.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Dispose of all debris properly. Follow all applicable regulations regarding hazardous wastes, disposal, and recycling. If necessary, contract with a hazardous waste firm for proper handling of hazardous materials.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• If necessary, contract with a disaster recovery consultant to complete the necessary cleanup and restoration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; "><b><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Do you carry a Flood policy for your NJ Home or NJ Business?<span> </span>Have you reviewed your flood coverage since you took out your policy?<span> </span>Do you know you can purchase flood insurance even if you are not in a flood zone?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; "><span></span>These are just a few of the questions that <st1:place st="on"><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); ">Eastern Insurors</a></st1:place> can answer to make sure you are properly protected in case of a natural disaster, fire or any other event.<span> </span>Give us a call at <b>800.269.3203</b> or <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); ">email</a> <st1:place st="on">Eastern Insurors</st1:place> with any of your insurance questions.<span> </span>You can visit us online for more information on flood insurance <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/flood-insurance/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); ">here</a>.<span> Check back with us tomorrow for part 5 of our 6 part series on flood safety.</span></span></span></span></p><p></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-68715435481155261542011-03-09T08:44:00.000-08:002011-03-09T11:35:37.596-08:00Part II: New Jersey Tips - Cleaning Up After a Flood<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Part II - Secure the Buildings and Utilities</span></b><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> <b>Before You Enter Your Home or Business</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFwX_S8cI66CkWz8iQyfr1x8RQdLQD1trYYXJVnxcdMbhr6QfpMo2tneYn5U0m2jWq_elUeKVIPka0Pgx2pfOfbfZCBKlguM0xw5g2KgGMLSyQY16ZXxDfOFZ3V3G62dUxw5KkSIIIlk/s200/flood-cleanup.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582124812879205218" /> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Before entering the building, check for structural damage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Don’t go in if there is any chance that the building, or parts of it, may collapse.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Carefully check to make sure porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• If you see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Once you are certain that the building is structurally safe to enter, make sure the electricity is turned off before you enter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Enter the building carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls. Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">will be dangerous if it falls.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Upon entering the building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters, or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Use an explosion-proof flashlight or chemical light stick to light your way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, or if you hear blowing or hissing, open a window, leave the building and premises immediately, and call the gas company from a outside. Do not re-enter the building.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Be aware of the dangers of electrical shock and the possibility of injuries caused by hidden sharp objects.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Look out for animals, especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in your building. Seek the assistance of an animal control officer to remove unwanted animals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; "><b><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Do you carry a Flood policy for your NJ Home or NJ Business?<span> </span>Have you reviewed your flood coverage since you took out your policy?<span> </span>Do you know you can purchase flood insurance even if you are not in a flood zone?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; "><span></span>These are just a few of the questions that <st1:place st="on"><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); ">Eastern Insurors</a></st1:place> can answer to make sure you are properly protected in case of a natural disaster, fire or any other event.<span> </span>Give us a call at <b>800.269.3203</b> or <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); ">email</a> <st1:place st="on">Eastern Insurors</st1:place> with any of your insurance questions.<span> </span>You can visit us online for more information on flood insurance <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/flood-insurance/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); ">here</a>.<span> Check back with us tomorrow for part 2 of our 6 part series on flood safety.</span></span></span></span></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-24812763257208844292011-03-08T06:53:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:28:01.882-08:00New Jersey Tips - Cleaning Up After a FloodWith the melting snow, heavy rain and over-flowing rivers and streams, many of us will be faced with cleaning up our house and business after a flood. Cleaning up a flood-ravaged home or business – one of the first steps toward recovery – can be a difficult and disheartening task. It can also be dangerous. <div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; "><b><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; "><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQF9no4D0Ggb04glLtYpcv9Shk-CF4IivzqR1e_zcTnAhsE5wzt&t=1" /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; "><b><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; "></span>Part I - Getting Around Safely</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; ">• Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. Keep listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go, or places to avoid.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around and go another way. Don’t try to assess the depth of the water on a road. If the road is covered, don’t cross it. Don’t drive over low-water bridges.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• If your vehicle stalls, get away from it and get to higher ground. A car will float in as little as two feet of water. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">• Remember that standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Be careful walking around. Flooding may have caused familiar places to change, and steps and floors are often slippery with mud.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Do not walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Stay away from areas subject to additional flooding, such as low areas, stream beds, and ditches.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Stay on firm ground.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Be especially careful at night or in dark conditions when it is harder to see flood dangers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">• Flooded areas can be covered with debris, including nails and broken glass. Flood waters and debris may hide live animals or animal carcasses, and flood waters are often contaminated with biohazards (sewage, medical waste,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">animal waste and carcasses) or other hazardous materials (fuels, asbestos, farm chemicals, etc.). Wear appropriate personal protective equipment if you must come in contact with flood waters.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; ">• To reduce the risk of drowning; avoid working alone, and wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when you are working in or near flood waters.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Do you carry a Flood policy for your NJ Home or NJ Business?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Have you reviewed your flood coverage since you took out your policy?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do you know you can purchase flood insurance even if you are not in a flood zone?</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These are just a few of the questions that <st1:place st="on"><a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">Eastern Insurors</a></st1:place> can answer to make sure you are properly protected in case of a natural disaster, fire or any other event.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Give us a call at <b>800.269.3203</b> or <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com">email</a> <st1:place st="on">Eastern Insurors</st1:place> with any of your insurance questions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can visit us online for more information on flood insurance <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/flood-insurance/">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Check back with us tomorrow for part 2 of our 6 part series on flood safety.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p></div>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-42977754180771778062011-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:002011-03-03T07:28:16.750-08:00Important Safety Warning for NJ Landscapers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sLC5eyW4ui8C9Opyf001st-ui5hiM8ls7mT6elDQYGpsCH5ZkhJhh2X1l_T0MGslmMxHPAUHFe8H1tFCSQNLlGNsPrVlludbYMdNzCbhyjp6lD3mg1RRswE7EmP-5uHt5xHlVfz69sQ/s1600/gascanpickupp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sLC5eyW4ui8C9Opyf001st-ui5hiM8ls7mT6elDQYGpsCH5ZkhJhh2X1l_T0MGslmMxHPAUHFe8H1tFCSQNLlGNsPrVlludbYMdNzCbhyjp6lD3mg1RRswE7EmP-5uHt5xHlVfz69sQ/s200/gascanpickupp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579874294293562770" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; "><b><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; " >Attention All New Jersey Landscapers!</span></b></span><br /></b></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><span style="font-family: Arial">As your NJ Landscaping business heats up we wanted to let you know of a potential problem that could arise as your crews fill up your gas containers before heading out for their daily work.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>An unusual number of fires have occurred during the filling of portable gasoline containers when the containers are in the back of pick-up trucks that are equipped with plastic bed liners. Incidents of this nature have occurred with both metal and plastic portable containers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">How Does the Bed Liner Cause a Problem?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">A <i>bed liner </i>is a polyvinyl plastic lining that fits inside the bed of a p</span><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">ick-up truck to protect the vehicle’s surface from wear and tear. The bed liner provides excellent insulation, preventing static electricity from bleeding off the gasoline container, to the truck body, through the truck tires, and off to the ground. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">A static charge can accumulate on the gasoline container in either of two ways. First, as the vehicle travels from one place to another, a charge can accumulate from the friction of the can sliding on the pickup bed. Second, when fuel is dispensed into a portable container, static electricity is generated by the flow of fuel through the hose, or by the free fall of fuel into the container.</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnpbGKss-ETpCVokvAFIsCD89-QE_AdZSJ_Iz-ksBs-egxwZRrTs_MP3rWGWEIyK8nMSL5LqelU4A3roXXoTyVREHVUhVq04R6o0p2EiyrTWw6g6F6co_aPdEFHLeuOiZxi-MGn1OqAk/s320/Braintree-Truck-Fire-2.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579873848722593218" /> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><span style="font-family:Arial">The bed liner isolates the portable container from the metal body of the pickup truck (through which the static charge would normally be dissipated) thus allowing the charge to build and the container to hold the charge. When the fuel nozzle touches the container, a spark can occur, igniting accumulated gasoline vapors, and causing a fire or explosion.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><b><span style="font-family:Arial">To Ensure Your Safety When Dispensing Fuel Into Portable Containers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid"><b><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family: Arial">Dispense fuel only into an approved portable container.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family: Arial">Remove the approved container from the vehicle and place it on the ground a safe distance away from the vehicle, other customers, and traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family: Arial">Do not fill a portable container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, in a pick-up bed, or on any other surface other than the ground. This includes pick-up trucks, sports utility trucks, vans, marine crafts, and others.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family: Arial">Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside of the fill opening before operating the nozzle. Maintain contact until the filling operation is complete.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none;page-break-after: avoid;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family: Arial">Never use the latch-open device, equipped on some dispensing nozzles, to fill a portable container.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;text-align:justify;mso-pagination:none; page-break-after:avoid;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:windowtext">Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline.</span><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Arial">At <st1:place st="on">Eastern Insurors</st1:place>, we partner with out New Jersey Landscaping clients to provide them with only the best business insurance coverages at the most affordable rates.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We also keep you up to date on important information to help you avoid potential insurance claims. <span class="apple-style-span">An independent insurance agent like <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/specialty/landscaper-program/"><span style="color: windowtext; ">Eastern</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:windowtext"> </span></span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span style="color: windowtext; ">Insurors</span></span></a> can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meet your needs. Visit our website, call us at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">800.269.3203</b> or email us at <u><span style="color: windowtext; "><a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com">info@insurance-nj.com</a></span></u></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">for a free, no-obligation insurance review with premiums from over 15 insurance companies.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-48316437445999640632011-02-14T10:54:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:02:20.802-08:00What You Should Know About...Long-Term Care InsuranceLong-Term Care Insurance is a term that is used to describe an insurance policy that will help pay for an array of services that are available to people with prolonged illnesses, disabilities or cognitive disorders. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LTC</span> services include health, medical, personal care, and social services. <br /><br /><u><span style="color:#810081;">click here for</span></u> a link to the New Jersey Department of Banking & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Insurance's</span> website with a very comprehensive overview of long term care. If you are in need of a Long Term Care insurance policy for you or a family member, give <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/long-term-care-planning/">Eastern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Insurors</span></a> a call and we can walk you through the "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">In's</span> & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">outs</span>" of Long term Care Insurance. 888.269.3203 or <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com">info@insurance-nj.com</a>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-73319481825673440032011-02-14T10:36:00.001-08:002011-02-14T10:49:35.071-08:00Cell phone safety—driving home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XwqAYCIPa4b9KeOOT9hgY_SyLJE3izsu8nF__bvMMu1CqmkobrmWkSGVNALB88RP1MvgDOKA0he4HaEMfWPbHevScOXCyBITLnHR0vXz4kZrcuhBjYA4i-IIK6v-WEUqrPgwjpD2gZ8/s1600/cell+%252B+driver.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573616028907199106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XwqAYCIPa4b9KeOOT9hgY_SyLJE3izsu8nF__bvMMu1CqmkobrmWkSGVNALB88RP1MvgDOKA0he4HaEMfWPbHevScOXCyBITLnHR0vXz4kZrcuhBjYA4i-IIK6v-WEUqrPgwjpD2gZ8/s320/cell+%252B+driver.jpg" /></a><br /><div>These days everyone has a cell phone, but not everyone knows, or maybe cares to follow the NJ cell phone laws. More and more New Jersey auto insurance claims are related to an inattentive driver on a cell phone. Following are a few helpful tips to keep in mind while you are driving. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />1. New Jersey prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway or road. Violators charged for using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle will be fined $100. Also, school bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a school bus, except in emergency situations. A driver in violation shall be fined not less than $250, or more than $500. Hands-free cell phones, however, are permitted. Drivers under 21 are prohibited from using hands-free phones on a graduated license permit or provisional license, except in an emergency situation. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />2. New Jersey prohibits the use of cell phones or electronic communication devices used to transmit text messages or electronic data while driving. Violators charged for using a cell phone or electronic communication device while driving will be fined $100. Hands-free cell phones and electronic communication devices, however, are permitted.<br /><br />3.Be sure you review all the literature that comes with your phone. Understand how to use its many features—including speed dial, re-dial and hands-free options.<br /><br />4. If you find yourself in hazardous-driving conditions—whether traffic or weather related, let your voicemail system pick up the call. A few minutes of paying attention, and pulling over in a safe location, could make a huge difference in your safety and the safety of those around you.<br /><br />5. Don’t use driving time to engage in stressful or emotional conversations. They can distract you from driving safely and sensibly, even if you are using a hands-free phone.<br /><br />Cell phones can be an invaluable business tool or your lifeline in a real emergency. But, remember, when you’re behind the wheel, your most important responsibility is safe driving. This safety message brought to you by <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">Eastern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Insurors</span></a> - 888-269-3203 or <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com">info@insurance-nj.com</a></div>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-3649082735909829422011-02-10T10:23:00.001-08:002011-02-10T10:46:05.197-08:00What is going to happen when all this snow melts?Eventually, all this snow that has been on the ground since late December is going to melt. Then it will get interesting around these parts. Not only will we be faced with a lot of leaky roofs, there will be an excess of surface water that will unfortunately find it's way into many of our basements.<br /><br />The <strong><em>$64,000</em></strong> question is <em><strong>"will my NJ Homeowners policy cover the water damage I may incur?"</strong></em> Unfortunately, there is not a broad-brush answer for everyone. A lot depends on what type of Homeowners coverage you have. Bill Wilson (bill.wilson@iiaba.net) the director of the Big “I” Virtual University, recently provided a great article on the subject that you can read <a href="http://www.iamagazine.com/NewsViews/2011/January_20/Forms-and-Substance.aspx">online</a>.<br /><br />As Mr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wison</span> points out the traditional NJ Homeowners policy excludes water damage from ground surface water. It also excludes damage from Flood waters as well. Your policy has to be properly endorsed to provide protection from damage occurring from surface waters. Additionally, a <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/flood-insurance/">Flood policy </a>will only provide protection from tidal surge damage.<br /><br />You can check to see if your <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/">New Jersey Homeowners insurance policy</a> is up to date with a free review from Eastern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Insurors</span>. Eastern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Insurors</span> can save you money with competitive NJ insurance rates. An independent insurance agent like <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">Eastern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Insurors</span> </a>can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meets your needs. Visit our website, call us at 800.269.3203 or email us at <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com">info@insurance-nj.com</a> for a free, no-obligation insurance review with premiums from over 15 insurance companies.Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-79296725113062785862011-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:002011-02-10T08:34:08.029-08:00Here are six tips for feeling safe and sane on the roadHopefully the nice weather is right around the corner! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMimUaDDwUHGMm2nHYlPYDjDsyy3WwG5HvoAzQMqD0Pizjf-c-Of7uUjsMJQ1LMpRf1epU7XzzFc0utdS6XJUmJejgPi413ZPDn-WMU5Ke8ExjAqEBUfb1596VqycwmLHkh-X_BgeITE/s1600/chevy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 54px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572097694787746162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMimUaDDwUHGMm2nHYlPYDjDsyy3WwG5HvoAzQMqD0Pizjf-c-Of7uUjsMJQ1LMpRf1epU7XzzFc0utdS6XJUmJejgPi413ZPDn-WMU5Ke8ExjAqEBUfb1596VqycwmLHkh-X_BgeITE/s320/chevy.jpg" /></a>If you are like me your cabin fever has kicked into high gear and you are ready to hit the road for a nice trip. Following are some great tips for any car trip you are planning from <a href="http://www.roadtripamerica.com/travelplanning/6-Tips-for-a-Safe-Road-Trip.htm">roadtripamerica.com<br /></a><br />1. Don't advertise your travels. Avoid leaving road maps in plain sight inside your parked car; instead, try to look like a local, even if your license plate isn't. If your vehicle is laden with luggage, and especially if you have gear stowed on the roof, park where you can see it from a restaurant or store. At night, take everything that is in plain view with you into your motel room.<br /><br />2. Look like you know where you're going. When sightseeing, avoid standing on street corners wearing a befuddled expression while staring at a guidebook or map. Get a few bearings before you venture out of the car.<br /><br />3. Get an upstairs room. At roadside motels, consider getting a room on the second floor so you can scan the parking lot before heading down to your car. (Personally, I prefer first-floor rooms, so I don't have to lug my gear up the stairs.) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYD49sf2N-an9KAchkzDtCGM1ooQJdyJuN0jKc1Rd8j-7hYC1V-eIXdrJ6S0y6hBKtUVy_8avwbzxOGvP-Cz2J1Y0_sZlLXlLOH9udSxy-MbMtGvmyovZcHRaLKbctn_0G8eZegfmkkD8/s1600/RoadTrip.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 151px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572098570824967122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYD49sf2N-an9KAchkzDtCGM1ooQJdyJuN0jKc1Rd8j-7hYC1V-eIXdrJ6S0y6hBKtUVy_8avwbzxOGvP-Cz2J1Y0_sZlLXlLOH9udSxy-MbMtGvmyovZcHRaLKbctn_0G8eZegfmkkD8/s320/RoadTrip.jpg" /></a><br /><br />4. Consider the refund policy. If you stop at an inexpensive mom and pop motel, and there is a sign at the check-in counter that says, "No Refunds for Early Check-Out," consider moving on. I speak from experience when I say that is likely that the establishment has some unsavory condition that you won't detect until you're covered with bug bites or awakened in the night by noises too loud to ignore. At the very least, ask to see the room before you pay.<br /><br />5. Use the truck stops. Travel and truck centers are some of the safest places to stop and rest. They have 24-hour security and professional drivers who are used to staying aware and protective of their vehicles. The only drawback is that they aren't very quiet. You'll have to get used to the "big-rig lullaby," because most drivers leave their engines running even when parked for the night.<br /><br />6. Chat up the locals. Get local information whenever you can. Coffee shops, hair salons and taverns are all good places to chat casually with residents. Also pick up a local paper or watch the local television news. Being aware of local current events will not only help you have more fun, it can also keep you safe.<br /><br />You can participate in the <a href="http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/">Great American RoadTrip Forum </a>before you leave town to gain a local's perspective about the places you will be driving through. Road trips are meant to be adventurous and fun. Channel the energy you're spending on that worst-case scenario into some sensible precautions, and you will have a safe, sane and enjoyable trip.<br /><br />One last item to check before you leave is your <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/personal-insurance/auto-insurance/">NJ Personal Auto insurance policy</a>. At Eastern Insurors, you can check to see if your New jersey car insurance is up to date with a free review from Eastern Insurors. <a href="http://www.insurance-nj.com/">Eastern Insurors </a>can save you money with competitive NJ insurance rates. An independent insurance agent like Eastern Insurors can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meets your needs. Visit our <a href="https://secure.consumerratequotes.com/consumer/QuoteStart.aspx?id=19042">website</a> for an instant quote with just a few of our companies, call us at 800.269.3203 or email us at <a href="mailto:info@insurance-nj.com">info@insurance-nj.com</a> for a free, no-obligation insurance review with premiums from over 15 insurance companies.Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693372046275928536.post-39182071806745399192011-02-10T08:08:00.001-08:002011-02-10T08:12:17.782-08:00Hi - We are back to blogging<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyJcqizjVKmfiF6BK5gUszW3chDSeOpUO9l0HFcC7m-Zpm_v_EMdgrpDvBC3qZfqVM1X-W7XMyh_USqFH_ii_2q7Ytn9tzTjvkwUzVgR5gz2d4VnhhJha0dBpEVjeCdvda3RZ6_7u1Yk/s1600/smile.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 131px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 102px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572094226336248866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyJcqizjVKmfiF6BK5gUszW3chDSeOpUO9l0HFcC7m-Zpm_v_EMdgrpDvBC3qZfqVM1X-W7XMyh_USqFH_ii_2q7Ytn9tzTjvkwUzVgR5gz2d4VnhhJha0dBpEVjeCdvda3RZ6_7u1Yk/s320/smile.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yes.....we are back. After a forced hiatus(thanks to wordpress) from blogging we are back in business. For those of you that followed our defunct wordpress blog, we hope to provide you with the same interesting and informative insurance news that we have in the past. Stay tuned...</div>Chris Rossihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09482513208008297416noreply@blogger.com0