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.
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.
Make sure you have adequate Nj homeowners insurance 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 Nj homeowners insurance at the BEST prices. Call us 201-445-0100
Here are some Christmas tree maintenance tips from the National Christmas Tree Association:
Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
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.
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.
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.
To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
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.
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.
The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
Do not overload electrical circuits.
Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
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.
So where does that leave the middle class? It leaves them with a very real need to close the “what if” gap.
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.
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.
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.
·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.
·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.
·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.
·See and Be Seen: Encourage each trick-or-treater and adult chaperones to carry a flashlight. Apply light-reflecting material to costumes.
·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.
·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.
·Unwelcomed Guests: Scare away potential property vandals who often use the chaos of Halloween night to strike by keeping outdoor lights on.
·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.
·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.
According to a recent study by the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites accounted for one-third of all Nj homeowners insurance 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.
Standard NJ homeowners insurance 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 NJ personal umbrella insurance policy for at least $1,000,000.
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 NJ Auto Insurance 201-445-0100.
Car Accidents:
"A pedestrian hit me and went under my car."
"The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention."
"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."
"Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have."
"I thought my window was down; but found it was up when I put my hand through it."
"No one was to blame for the accident, but it never would have happened if the other driver had been alert."
"The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him."
"I saw the slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car."
"I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident."
"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."
"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."
"The indirect cause of this accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth."
"The accident happened when the right door of a car came around the corner without giving a signal."
"I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows."
"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."
"I was on the way to the doctor with rear end trouble when my universal joint gave way causing me to have an accident."
"I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I struck him."
"I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat, I found that I had a fractured skull."
"My wench slipped, losing my balance, and I hurt my back."
"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."
"To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian."
"The accident occurred when I was attempting to bring my car out of a skid by steering it into the other vehicle."
"When I could not avoid a collision, I stepped on the gas and crashed into the other car."
"I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way."
"In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole."
"My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle."
"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."
"The telephone pole was approaching fast. I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front end."
"A truck backed though my windshield and into my wife's face."
"I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment."
"The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him."
"An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle, and vanished."
Summer Parties and Gatherings Near Water Present Risks
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.
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.
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.).
Summer Safety Tips:
Summer Parties: Alcohol and Social Host Liability Asking guests to stop drinking at a summer party can be very awkward, but protecting their families and guests is more important.
§SUI? 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.
§Are you hosting illegally? 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.
§Swimming with strangers? Limit your guest list to those you know.
§Fill their bellies. Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
§Party like a teetotaler. Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.
§Slumber party? Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.
§Last call? Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
§Just say no. Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
§Bring in the professionals. Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.
§Don’t forget who is host. Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
§Read the fine print. Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.
Pool Safety
§Got fence? 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.
§Put a lid on it. 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.
§Safety first. 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.
§Schedule an annual physical for the pool. 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.
§Get certified. 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.
§Talk to your agent. 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.
Grills and Outdoor Pits
§“You can prevent fires.” 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.
§What to wear? Never wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes.
§Press the button. Always use the grill's starter button. If the starter is broken, do not use the grill.
§Say no to rust. 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.
§Cut the fat. Avoid cooking foods with a high fat content which can produce high flames. Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature.
§Is it in the book? Never throw away a grill instructions or owner’s manual. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.
§That’s hot. 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.
Driving/Vehicles
Boats
§Understand your liability and risks. 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.
§Is that a rental? Many people rent boats. Even with a watercraft policy, be aware that there may be no coverage for rentals.
§Don’t be a castaway. 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.
§There ISN’T always room for one more. Never exceed the passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer.
§Keep the instructions. Always keep all owners’ manuals onboard.
§Hit the books. Take a boat safety and operations course, sponsored in many communities by the U.S. Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard.
§Drinking and boating. Know the law and your limits when it comes to drinking aboard any watercraft.
Jet skis
§They’re fun, but not toys. 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.
§Sorry kids. Children should never ride a jet ski.
§Look up at the clouds. 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.
§No risky business. 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.
§Renting? 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.
Other/general driving/vehicle tips
§Shades are cool. 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.
§Don’t make it your last call. Never operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, certain prescription drugs or fatigue. Obey all traffic laws and maintain safe driving habits.
§Avoid the tow truck. Make sure you and your party guests follow all parking rules and ordinances, especially in residential neighborhoods.
The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR), an independent research company in Media, Pa. 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 www.icrsurvey.com
