Apr 12 IIHS' Top Safety Pick for Midsize SUVs
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety issued its top five SUV vehicles for 2024. By brand Hyundai Motor Group was top followed by Toyota Motor Corp and Mazda.
Apr 05 Workplace violence prevention month
Developing a response strategy for workplace violence is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. Here are some key considerations:
Mar 29 Indoor Easter Egg Hunt
An indoor Easter egg hunt can be a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday, especially if the weather outside isn’t conducive to an outdoor hunt. Here’s a guide to organizing an indoor Easter egg hunt:
Mar 22 What you should know about lithium-ion batteries
There’s an average of one battery fire every two days in the US, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 1.5% of lithium-ion batteries are linked to overheating, explosion, or fire incidents each year.
Mar 15 Checking Your Trees for Damage
With the severe winter we have had trees have suffered damage from wind, hail, and snow. To check to see how your trees faired, use these tips:
Mar 08 Spring Forward
Don’t forget to change your clocks Saturday night by moving them an hour ahead.
Mar 01 Protecting your business from carbon monoxide poisoning
Winter carbon-monoxide called the “silent killer “is a result of poorly working furnaces or gas- powered equipment. Having your furnaces checked annually by a qualified professional can certify that it is working properly with adequate ventilation.
Feb 23 Warmer weather is melting snow and ice, what can I do?
When warmer weather begins to melt snow and ice, there are several things you can do to address the situation:
Feb 09 Protect Your Furry Friend this Winter
We bundle up our kids, wrap scarfs around our spouses, but what about your four-legged family member? Here are some measures to take to protect them from the cold.
Feb 02 Before You Buy Your Next Car
Before you buy your next car, please read the following regarding vehicles with the highest collision claim losses according to IIHS.
Jan 26 Taking Care of Our Feather Friends
Birds require special care during cold and freezing weather to ensure their well-being. Here are some care tips:
Jan 19 Cut down on winter drafts
To reduce cold wind entering through windows and doors, there are several measures you can take:
Jan 12 Experience High Winds and Icy Conditions - What to do?
Experiencing high winds and icy conditions can be challenging. Here are some steps you can take to navigate through such conditions:
Jan 05 Time to review your Business Continuity Plan
With the start of the new year, it is a great time to review, change, and update your Business Continuity Plan. One area you need to integrate into your plan is a Cyber Response Plan. Why? Because cyber can be devastating to a business and catch your business continuity team by surprise.
Dec 22 Merry Christmas!
On behalf of all of us at The Cunningham Insurance Agency and Mason, Amox and Cunningham Insurance, we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.
Dec 15 The dangers of candles during the holidays
Candles can pose several dangers during the holidays if not used with caution. Some potential risks include:
Dec 12 Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Keep your Christmas tree from becoming a ticking time bomb by using these holiday fire safety tips:
Dec 01 Holiday Shopping Fraud
Holiday shopping fraud refers to fraudulent activities that occur during the holiday season, targeting unsuspecting shoppers. These scams can take various forms, such as fake websites, phishing emails, counterfeit products, or identity theft. It is important to be vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself from falling victim to holiday shopping fraud. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Nov 21 Get prepared for Thanksgiving Dinner
Here are some tips from PropertyCasualty 360 to help mitigate the risk of a fire this Thanksgiving holiday:
Nov 17 Beautiful Autumn, Lots of Leaves, Lots of Hazards
We have had a beautiful autumn filled with colorful leaves that are no longer on the tree. With this colorful blanket on your lawn, steps, and sidewalks, you have potential risks.
Oct 13 Winterize your home
Winter is rapidly approaching and now is the time to prepare your home. Here are some projects that can help you keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
Oct 06 October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Over the next few weeks, we will post tips and cyber protections that you can put into place for you and your family members.
Sep 29 Never thought I'd need them
Never thought I’d need them – receipts and appraisals until having to file a claim. Here is why you should have them.
Sep 15 Cyber risks in smart homes
Protecting your smart home from cyber risks is crucial to ensure the security and privacy of your personal information and devices. Here are some steps you can take to enhance the security of your smart home:
Sep 08 Gardening for seniors
We love to garden and for seniors especially so. Here are some safety tips to insure a happy gardening session.
Sep 01 Happy Labor Day!
Happy Labor Day! Today, we raise our voices in gratitude for the men and women who built this nation with their hands, dedication, and unwavering belief in the American dream.
Aug 25 Equipment Breakdown Not Part of a Homeowner's Policy
Equipment breakdown is typically not included in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Homeowner’s insurance covers damage or loss caused by specific perils such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. However, equipment breakdown coverage is usually offered as a separate policy or as an endorsement to a homeowner’s policy. This coverage is designed to protect against the cost of repairing or replacing household appliances and systems that break down due to mechanical or electrical failure. Not sure if you are covered, give us a call at the agency and we will gladly review specific coverage options.
Aug 18 Thinking of Buying a SUV
Over half of new vehicles sales in the US are SUVs. Nine out of every ten SUV owners plan to keep their vehicle for life, and 94% stated they feel more confident on the road while driving an SUV according to Car and Driver.
Aug 11 Back to School Safety Tips
Kids are on their way back to school much to their dismay and it is time to review how to keep them safe.
Aug 04 Child Safety in the Garden
Many gardening injuries involve children, particularly in the under-five age group. Safety suggestions include:
Jul 14 Lawnmower Safety
Common lawnmower injuries include open wounds and bone fractures involving the hands and feet. Eye injuries can also be caused by the mower blades flicking up debris such as sticks and stones. Safety suggestions include:
Jul 07 Water Safety Tips
Every 10 minutes someone dies from drowning. One out of every five drowning victims is a child. With the Summer here, it is a great time to review some safety tips.
Jun 30 Safety during the fourth of July
Here are some tips to have a safe Fourth of July holiday for you, your family, and friends:
Jun 19 Russian Hackers Signal Imminent Attacks
Russian hacker groups, KillNet, REvil and NoName057, announced they will initiate imminent attacks against US businesses.
Jun 09 Wildfires and Air Quality
The Canadian wildfires have threatened the quality of our air and you might wonder what you can do to mitigate the effects. Depending on how close you are to the fire, will determine what you should do.
May 26 Memorial Day Grilling Safety Tips
Are you firing up the grill this Memorial Day weekend?
May 19 Wildfire Season
With all the flooding, heavy rains, and tornados, we now must add wildfires to the list.
Apr 28 Protect Yourself in the Garden
Sun, ultraviolet radiation, can start to burn unprotected skin within minutes. To help protect yourself before going into the garden, these tips are helpful: When the UV level is three or above:
Apr 21 Are you considering buying a classic value?
Do you remember your first car? Do you know what the car is worth today? Classic and collector vehicles are more popular then ever. Not only are they holding their value, but they are growing.
Apr 14 Workplace Violence Awareness
April is a shining a light on Workplace Violence. Courtesy of our Agility Recovery partner, the attached checklist will help guide your response to a workplace violence situation.
Apr 09 Easter Baskets and Easter Eggs
Ever wonder when Easter baskets and Easter eggs began. You might be surprised to learn that the tradition dates back to the 13th-14th century when baskets were lined with linen and sprigs of boxwood, the Easter evergreen. Baskets contained Easter food samples and brought to the church to be blessed on Holy Saturday.
Mar 31 April is National Stress Awareness Month
Americans are so stressed that April has been designated as National Stress Awareness Month.
Mar 24 Roads are getting more dangerous
As a driver you have probably experienced that driving on our roads is getting dangerous.
Mar 17 Watch Out for Potholes
Weather has played havoc on our roads and potholes are popping up on all major highways and side roads. To avoid the hassle and expense of pothole damage, here are some suggestions.
Mar 10 Daylight Savings Time
We will be losing an hour of sleep come this weekend when we move the clocks an hour for Daylight Savings.
Feb 24 Stock Up on Food and Water
With the current inclement weather working its way across the US, it is difficult to get to the store for essentials. When you can get to the store, we suggest you buy additional supplies of water, powder milk, bread, and commonly used items every week when you shop. Then, when a storm hits, you don’t have to worry. You will have a stockpile of supplies on hand that fit your need.
Feb 17 What to know about fog
With crazy temperatures going from freezing cold to warm conditions, it is not uncommon to experience fog.
Feb 10 Ice Melts
With the dramatic changes in temperatures – snow is melting to ice. What can you do to make your property safer?
Feb 03 Freezing Temperatures and Your Garage
With the extremely low temperatures across the US, one area of your home that you might not have winterized is your garage. Here are a few, quick tips to keep your garage problem-free:
Jan 27 Winter and High Winds
This winter has been brutal. Heavy snow, record rainfall, and high winds have caused significant damage. However, did you know Wind and Hail Insurance Coverages are actually separate insurance policies. These policies help pay the costs to repair or restore your home and property damaged or destroyed from a qualifying weather event.
Jan 20 Ice Skating Safety Tips
Winter is a great time for kids and adults to take advantage of winter sports, especially ice skating. But, just like any activity, there are some risks. So before venturing out to the rink, take a look at some safety tips:
Jan 13 Leading Homeowners' Claims
Ever wonder what the most common homeowners’ claims are? According to Brittney Meredith-Miller at Property Casualty 360, these are the top seven:
Jan 06 Cold weather fire hazards and preventions
Cold weather and keeping warm. It can be a challenge. Some people revert to devises which can be significant fire hazards.
Dec 23 10 Most Common Christmas Day Claims
Wondering what the most common claims are during Christmas? Here they are courtesy of a survey conducted by Selective Insurance:
Dec 16 Dangerous Toys for Children
It is that time of year when you are searching for toys for holiday gifts. As we have done every year, here is the list of most dangerous toys according to World Against Toys Causing Harm to avoid this holiday season.
Dec 09 Holiday Hazards
We are all getting ready for the holidays and there are hazards that you should prepare to insure a “happy” holiday.
Dec 02 Scam URLs to Watch For When Shopping
Nearly 36% of all online retail fraud reports to Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker start when the consumer is lured to a fake website, which tries to impersonate a well-known brand name retailer.
Nov 23 Beware on Black Friday
Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year and scammers/hackers are primed to steal your information. Here are some things to guard for:
Nov 18 Winterize your pipes
With freezing weather coming our way, it is a good time to prepare your home. Here are some tasks that will help to protect your pipes and more from freezing.
Nov 04 Autumn Maintenance Honey Do List
Lots to do before Winter kicks in and here are some maintenance tips to help start to prepare:
Oct 28 Beware of Halloween Candy
This Halloween our children may be targeted with candy that has been tainted with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
Oct 21 Worried about being underinsured
According to Steve Hallo in his recent article on Property/Casualty 360, more than half of home and auto policyholders worry about being underinsured.
Oct 17 Breast Cancer Awareness
Every October we focus on breast cancer awareness. From runs to fairs, resources are available to bring you the latest in breast cancer treatments and advances. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
Oct 07 Cyber Awareness Month
Since 2004, October has been designated as Cyber Awareness Month. Now more than ever, it is critical for businesses and individuals to protect their information. Take the time this month to implement the following:
Sep 30 Child Safety Devises
With our children back to school, some walking and some taking the bus, we worry about our children’s safety. Here are some emergency safety devises to get your child the help they need immediately.
Sep 09 9/11 Remberances
Throughout this weekend and on beyond Monday, we will all remember exactly where we were on 9/11. We will remember the pictures, the bravery of the men and women in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon.
Sep 02 Wonder why we celebrate Labor Day?
We are all used to a long Labor Day weekend, but do you know when Labor Day was started?
Aug 26 School Buses
With students back to school and taking the bus, it is good to review a couple of safety tips.
Aug 19 School Supplies
Well, it is finally here, the children are going back to school. Most schools give parents a list of what the student needs; but, if you are not sure what supplies they need, here are recommendations by grade courtesy of school + supplies.
Aug 05 Are you aware of Employee Retention Credits?
Enacted in March of 2020, as part of the CARES Act, business owners can apply for a refundable tax credit designed to reward business owners for retaining employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This credit is available for both small- and mid-sized businesses. You can get up to $26,000 per employee.
Jul 29 Sun & Your Skin
Summer is a great time to spend outdoors especially at the beach. Protecting your skin from skin cancer requires you to protect yourself. Here are tips to stay safe in the sun: from sunscreen to sunglasses courtesy of the US Food & Drug Administration.
Jul 22 Hot weather & food
Hot weather can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. The microbes that cause food poisoning flourish in warmer temperatures. Using a few simple food safety techniques will help you avoid food poisoning at your next outdoor gathering.
Jul 15 Planning a barbecue this weekend?
Every year there are 5,700 grill fires, causing $37 million in damages, 100 injuries and 10 fatalities occur. July is National Grilling Month and to keep you from becoming one of these statistics, we have some tips to follow according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Jul 08 Keeping Cool in Summer Heat
If your business has employees that works outdoors, Summertime brings challenges. How do you keep your employees cool and able to work in extreme temperatures?
Jul 01 4th of July Safety
Want to wish you and yours a very happy 4th of July. To help keep you safe, we have these tips regarding fireworks, animals, and food.
Jun 24 Think about getting a dog?
If you saw the Westminster Dog Show, you saw a bloodhound win Best in Show. After watching this show, you may want to go out and adopt a dog. But did you know there are certain breeds you should avoid from an insurance standpoint.
Jun 17 Happy Father's Day
Sunday is Father’s Day - to all the fathers we want to wish you a Happy Father’s Day. You are always there for your children with love, guidance, and patience. Enjoy your day.
Jun 10 Avoid Drinking and Piloting a Boat
If you saw the news lately, you saw that a family was killed by a drunken boat driver. We all want to have fun on the water but drinking and handling a boat are two different things.
Jun 03 Preparing for boat season
It’s here. Launching your boat for the season. But, before you do so, here are some maintenance tips to get you ready. Create your list and check the tasks off one at a time..
May 27 Remembering on Memorial Day
To those who are serving, those who have served, and to those that paid the ultimate price, we remember them all this Memorial Day.
May 20 Commercial Businesses Spring Cleaning
Steve Hallo from NU Property Casualty 360 in a recent article wrote about an increase in severe weather and storms for the upcoming hurricane season.
May 13 Getting Ready for Barbecue Season
May is known as National Barbecue Month, so we thought we post some grilling safety tips, courtesy of First Alert, to get you started.
May 06 Celebrating Mother's Day
Mother’s Day honors the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May and started as a women’s movement to better the lives of other Americans.
Apr 29 National Small Business Week
From May 1-7, National Small Business Week honors those entrepreneurs in our country who have introduced a large variety of new ideas to grow our economy.
Apr 25 What is affecting general liability pricing?
Have you been noticing that general liability has steadily trended upward. To help you control your costs, know your risks.
Apr 15 Wonder about the history of Easter Egg Hunts?
With Easter this weekend, communities are celebrating not only with church services but with Easter Egg Hunts. Ever wonder when they began and why?
Apr 08 Foundation Damage Prevention
Spring brings with it rain – lots of it. One area that can be seriously affected and often forgotten is your foundation. Damage can average around $4,000 to up to $10,000 or more.
Apr 01 Cybersecurity Dos and Don'ts for 2022
Businesses are challenged daily with cyber warfare. To try to keep your business safe, here is a list of Dos and Don’ts which you should consider.
Mar 21 Passwords
Trying to remember passwords for all your applications and devises can drive you crazy. You leave them on stickies on your computer display, under the keyboard, or in your top drawer.
Mar 11 Bad weather predicted
Looks like we are in for heavy winds and inclement weather. Make sure that you have secured any outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and children’s toys.
Mar 04 Eye Strain
According to the American Optometric Association, two or more hours of continuous daily use of digital screens can cause computer vision syndrome (CVS).¹ Sustained viewing of screens can increase the likelihood of CVS and related symptoms, such as eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, itchy and tired eyes, and neck/shoulder pain. Review these tips to help minimize eye strain.
Feb 25 Are you prepared for a CYBER Attack?
With the invasion in Russia, Iran and China are posed to attack American businesses. Is your business protected with cyber liability insurance? Now is a good time to contact the agency and obtain a policy. It is also a good time to test your cyber protocols and training.
Feb 18 Heart Health
With February being American Heart Month, it’s a good time to look at heart-healthy foods and what you can do to reduce heart disease, the number one killer of Americans.
Feb 11 Workplace Security
With security/cyber breaches a frequent occurrence, it is imperative that a small business put in place the security protocols to protect their business when employees are working remotely.
Feb 07 Prevent Frozen Pipes
Cold weather is affecting our area and with it frozen pipes. To help prevent frozen pipes here are some tips from the Travelers.
Jan 28 Small Business Privacy Protection
Data breaches and cybersecurity threats can threaten the security and privacy of a small business. A cyber attack, for instance, can result in stolen personal data from customers. Some of this data might later be used for identity or credit card theft purposes.
Jan 14 Driving in Inclement Weather
With snow, ice, and heavy rain across the United States, it’s critical you know how to drive in these conditions.
Jan 07 Emergency Go Bag
With the inclement weather across the US, it is time to make sure you have a Go Bag in your vehicles. Just look at the people trapped on US-95 in Virginia without blankets, water, and more.
Dec 24 Happy Holidays 2021
All of us at the agency want to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday. We thank all of our clients for their support and look forward to working with them in 2022. Be safe and healthy.
Dec 17 10 Toys to Avoid Buying This Holiday
Every year, the World Against Toys Causing Harm publishes their list of the top ten toys you should avoid buying for holiday gifts. Take a look at the list:
Dec 10 Gizmos that Make Perfect Gifts
Looking for a unique gift for under $60, then take a list of this list of gadgets and gizmos.
Dec 03 Holiday Cooking
We are all doing it - cooking like crazy from turkeys to Christmas/Hanukah cookies, we are spending lots of time in the kitchen. However, with all the frenzied activities, we let safety slip. Take a moment to review these tips to ensure a safe, blaze free holiday season, courtesy of NFPA:
Nov 26 Support Local Businesses
November 27th is Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are the heart of our communities. Shop at a local retailer to find that unique gift or eat at a local restaurant this weekend. According to the American Express Shop Small Impact Survey, 56 percent of small businesses surveyed said this year’s Small Business Saturday event is more critical than ever for their business. Looking ahead to the new year, 78 percent said holiday sales will impact their ability to keep their doors open in 2022. Small Business Saturday 2021 could help to boost small-business owners who continue to face difficulties during the pandemic.
Nov 19 Family Literacy
With the holiday fast approaching, it is a great time for the whole family to get together to enjoy some reading. When you read to your children, you instill in them the fundamental skills for success in their later years in school and life.
Nov 12 New Tool for Employers
As workers are struggling to make ends meet and the coronavirus pandemic drags on, companies are offering a new way to get paid – every day.
Nov 05 Turn Your Clocks Back
This weekend ends Daylight Savings Time. Set your clocks back an hour on Sunday at 2:00 am or as we do before retiring to bed on Saturday giving you another hour of sleep. YEAH!
Oct 29 Ransomware and the holidays
Holidays are the perfect time for an increase in ransomware risks. In 2020 reported losses from cybersecurity complains exceeded $4.1 billion or a 69% increase from 2019.
Oct 22 Halloween & Fun
Looking for ways to have fun for Halloween, here are treats you can create with your families:
Oct 08 October is Anti-Bullying Month
The aim of anti-bullying month is to prevent bullying from happening. It is designed to hold schools accountable when they fail to protect our children and to force them to take appropriate steps to respond to bullying. Bullying can come in many forms, and victims can feel helpless or unsure of how to stop the situation. While bystander intervention is an effective way to stop bullying in real-time, understanding how it can be prevented can be even more important.
Oct 01 Fall is Officially Here!
The autumnal equinox occurred on September 22nd. Fall is officially here and with it comes your honey-do lists preparing your home. Here are some home maintenance tips from the Travelers Risk Control professionals to help you prepare for the coming winter.
Sep 17 Do Hackers Return?
According to Atlas VPM data, half of businesses worldwide have been affected by recurring attacks from the SAME hacker. The data also revealed that 61% of companies hacked did not remediate the breaches, leaving the company and its data vulnerable to attack. From phishing emails and cloud-based attacks to cyberattacks on remote workers and ransomware, cybercrime is up by 600 percent.
Sep 10 Solemn Weekend
Twenty years tomorrow we will remember the almost 3,000 people who lost their lives. We honor the first responders who never hesitated but ran to assist those in the two towers, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. Talk to your children about how we all came together with such patriotism that we haven’t seen since. We are the greatest country in the world and “we will never forget.”
Sep 03 September is National Preparedness Month
With forest fires and hurricanes hitting all across the US, it’s time to raise the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. There are plenty of resources to assist you during September to help you prepare. Ready.gov/September features four weekly posts – Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness, and Teach Youth About Preparedness.
Aug 27 Hiking in the Wilderness
With Fall coming, family hiking is a great activity. However, being aware of both your surroundings and what to watch for can make your day a happy and safe one.
Aug 20 Seniors and Car Safety
Ever wonder as you grow older, what car you should choose for safety, one that is easy to drive, safe, and has the technology to help avoid common mistakes that lead to accidents. In a recent issue of Aging IQ, experts suggest tips for ensuring your safety behind the wheel.
Aug 13 Insurance Myths To Be Aware Of
Consumers are often confused about what insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Property Casualty 360 helps demystify some of the myths.
Aug 06 Traveling Safely In Your RV
Hitting the road this summer in your RV, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe. Over 43.6 million people will travel the roads, many of them in RVs.
Jul 30 Traveling By Car This Summer
With more and more people planning road trips, you need to be even more attentive due to distracted drivers. According to the NSC, more than 700 people daily are injured by distracted driving crashes. The cause – talking on the cellphone or texting/programming in-vehicle systems.
Jul 23 Dogs in Hot Weather
Dogs can’t perspire, so how do they keep cool? They pant. They also release heat through paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature and keep cool.
Jul 16 Beat the Heat
We’re in the midst of summer and seeing record temperatures. It is important that we remind workers on the danger of working in the heat.
Jul 13 Fear of connected cars cyber vulnerabilities growing
When you think of cyber attacks, you think of breaches of credit cards, banking accounts, and businesses. But did you think about a cyber attack on your car? That’s right – a cyber attack.
Jul 02 Firework Safety
What would the 4th of July be without fireworks. Can’t imagine. But they are deadly. In 2020, eighteen people in the US died after episodes involving fireworks according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and that doesn’t include those who were seriously injured.
Jun 25 June Weddings
June is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. There is a saying that “for those who marry in June, you’re a bride all your life.” Here some facts about June weddings:
Jun 11 Graduations - A Time to Celebrate
June is graduation month and parents are faced with how to keep their teens safe. Here are some tips from the Partnership to End Addition that might help:
Jun 07 2021 Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season – 2021 is shaping up to see 13 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 to become hurricanes for the East Coast and 2 to 5 tropical cyclones predicted for the Central Pacific hurricane region. With tropical storms comes lots of rain and that means flooding. Make sure your to-go-bag is ready and you know your evacuation routes. Don’t drive through standing water. And last, contact our agency for a flood quote. Just two inches of water can cause significant damage.
May 28 Memorial Day 2021
Honoring all who served. Take a moment this holiday weekend to remember all who served and all who paid the ultimate price to protect our country.
May 21 Support your local restaurant - eat out
It has been a hard year and many restaurants have closed during the pandemic. According to the National Restaurant Association revenue is down by $240 billion. Over 110,000 restaurants are temporarily or permanently closed.
May 14 Small Business Month
Small businesses represent over 99% of the 28.7 million firms. The vast majority have fewer than 20 employees and nearly 40% of all enterprises representing under $100k in revenue, according to JP Morgan Chase. So it is fitting that the month of May celebrates the small business owners.
May 07 Happy Mother's Day
A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend. (Unknown)
May 03 Pandemic is changing Employee Benefits
According to Tim Allen, Harvard Business Review, companies are recognizing that employee benefits can be life-changing for their workforce, especially those centered around care, flexibility, and mental health. Many employers in order to better support their employees and their business are planning to revise their benefit strategies.
Apr 23 Alarming Surge in Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have surged about 200% in the past two years according to Insurance Thought Leadership. Severity is up too, with the average demand exploding from roughly $10,00 to $100,000. Armed with increasingly inexpensive tools, hackers are expanding where and what they target. There are even developers who sell or lease ransomware, offering Ransomware-as-a-Service (Raas).
Apr 16 Spring and Floods
With the weather changing and heavy rains upon, flooding is a certainty. Here are the ten top facts every consumer should know about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Apr 02 Happy Easter
On behalf of our agency we wish you a blessed and safe Easter Holiday.
Mar 19 Spring Cleaning - Spring Begins
With the start of Spring, it is now time to focus on getting our homes ready for the season. Here’s a quick list of tasks recommended to launch Spring properly.
Mar 12 Daylight Saving sTime
Daylight Savings is this Sunday – don’t forget to set you clock forward. Looks like you you lose an hour of sleep. Some people have trouble adjusting to the one hour change. It is recommended that you keep your schedule and get seven to eight hours of sound sleep and go to bed a little early the night before. If your sleep cycle is out of whack, driving can be a bad idea. One study showed that fatal traffic accidents increase the Monday after both time changes.
Mar 05 Protect Your Phone Data
With all the data that is on your phone, there are quite a few tech makers who do not protect your privacy. So what do you do? Here are some tips from Firefox:
Feb 26 Why The Surge in Car Thefts
A puzzling invitation to auto theft is increasingly sitting in the unoccupied car’s cup holder—the key fob. After many years of car theft declines arising from improved technology, we are now seeing a surge in this unfortunate crime. This spree, worsened perhaps by the pandemic, can be attributed to largely one factor: human carelessness. No hot wire is needed!
Feb 19 Saturday is National Love Your Pet Day
This weekend is the perfect time to thank your pets for their companionship especially during these times when you are stuck at home with restricted activities. They are there with undying love and ready to put a smile on your face.
Feb 12 Happy Valentine's Day
If you are planning on giving a keepsake at Valentine’s Day, we want to remind you to obtain insurance coverage for it. You can add the item to your homeowners’, or depending on the value, obtain a jewelry policy.
Feb 05 Least Reliable Cars for 2021
It’s that time of year when Consumer Reports’ publishes their various reports on the auto industry. Here is a list of the ten most unreliable vehicles with the greatest risk of problems:
Jan 29 Dangers of Space Heaters
It is always nice to be snuggly and warm during the winter nights, but many of us use space heaters to keep us warm. They can be dangerous and the biggest threat is fire. Fire is caused by the overloading of circuits and power failures. Last year, there were 55,000 fires, 450 deaths, and more than 1,500 injuries due to space heaters.
Jan 22 Prevent Skin Irritation
With all the hand hygiene everyone has been doing during the COVID pandemic, many of us are experiencing skin irritations.
Jan 15 Start the Year With Business Continuity Review
With so many situations affecting our businesses this past year, such as COVID-19, lock downs, and remote employees, it is important to review annually your procedures to restore critical business functions in the event of an unplanned disaster. These disasters could include natural disasters, security breaches, service outages, and other potential threats.
Dec 18 Holiday Candles and Fire
We love them. Holiday Candles smell so good and project a warm glow to our home. But, they can be deadly.
Dec 11 Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays
With so much going on this season regarding decorations and lights, your furry babies are thrilled. However, to safeguard your pets, see the following:
Dec 04 Cyber Security Events
With ransomware and phishing attacks on the rise, companies must continuously focus on cyber risks to protect assets and customers.
Nov 25 Be Safe on Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just days away, we want to pass along some turkey safety tips:
Nov 20 Avoid Fines by Training Workers
Not training your workers regarding COVID-19 can result in fines and lawsuits. Sixteen states have passed emergency temporary standards requiring employers to train their workers on COVID-19 workplace safety protocols. Every state enforces things differently, so it is important you know what your state requires.
Nov 13 Ten Most Deadly Vehicles
According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 38,880 people lost their lives and more than 4 million required medical attention.
Oct 16 Winter is Coming - Prepare Your Car
With winter months almost upon us, now is a good time to make sure your car is ready. Here is quick checklist for winter driving.
Sep 18 Life Awareness Month
September is Life Awareness Month and Life Happens, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to helping educate consumers on the importance of life insurance and related products.
Sep 04 Happy Labor Day
A day to honor the hard work that you have put in. A day to relax and enjoy.
Aug 28 OSHA COVID-19 Materials
OSHA has issued new posters and guidance booklets for businesses. They are free and available in multiple languages. Go to https://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.searchresults?pSearch=coronavirus%7Cadd+to+cart and select the materials right for your business.
Aug 21 OSHA Reverses Recordkeeping Rule
OSHA has updated their guidance to employers regarding completion of the OSHA 300 Log and the reporting of employees cases of COVID-19 as “work-related”.
Aug 14 Surviving an Email Attack
According to the FBI, business email compromises cost businesses $26 billion between 2016 and 2019. This represents a serious threat to your business.
Jul 31 Stroke Warning Signs
Stroke kills about 14,000 Americans each year – that’s 1 out of every 20 deaths. Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, according to the CDC.
Jul 24 Protections for Working Safely in Summer Heat
Temperatures are soaring across the United States and are creating hot and hazardous working conditions. OSHA has issued a trade release with suggestions to help mitigate heat hazards.
Jul 17 Protecting Your Home from Tropical Storms or Hurricanes
We are in the midst of the hurricane season which generates tropical storms throughout the United States. 2019 is predicted to produce 16 name storms and reach tropical-storm strength or greater, with eight hurricanes with at least one potentially hitting land-fall.
Jul 10 Tips to Keep Working from Home Secure
If you are working from home, here are six tips to help you do so securely.
Jun 26 D&O rates are set to climb
According to a report by AM Best, Directors and Officers liability insurance rates are likely to double in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as insurers respond to increased shareholder litigation over the past three years and future litigation over coronavirus-related exposures.
Jun 19 Happy Father's Day
Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond every day for your family. On behalf of all of us at the agency, we wish you a Happy Father’s Day.
Jun 05 Smart Cameras, Baby Monitors Vulnerable to Hackers
If you use baby monitors or wireless cameras, you are at risk for being hacked by cybercriminals.
May 22 Memorial Day - Remember & Honor
To all the first responders, nurses, doctors, health care workers and those that gave their lives to protect this great nation – we remember, honor, and thank you for your service.
May 08 Happpy Mother's Day
Mothers – You’ve Been Keeping the Family Together During These Trying Times.
Mar 27 Working at Home - Here's Some Tips
Ann Henry, who has worked at home for over 11 years, wrote an article for Gossip That Matters, to offer tips for workers new to working remotely. Here is her advice.
Mar 27 Scams During COVID-19
Millions of Americans are working at home, holding virtual meetings, educating their children, and communicating with family and friends. But are you exposing yourself to the latest scams.
Mar 24 OSHA Form 300A & The Coronavirus Brochure
OSHA has reminded employers of their reporting requirements for workers with coronavirus, and provided guidance as to how to complete the form. In addition, they created a brochure, “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19”, which you can download. If you need any assistance, please contact us at the agency.
Mar 18 Continuing to serve your insurance needs
There’s an old English expression that goes, “May you live in interesting times”. Perhaps maybe we are. Or perhaps they’re just confusing. 😊
Mar 13 Coronavirus Prevention Tips
Here are five things to remember to help protect yourself from becoming infected with the coronavirus. Follow flu prevention tips.
Mar 06 Change Your Clocks on Sunday!
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8th. So set your clocks forward one hour to “spring ahead”, which means you lose one hour of sleep.
Feb 28 March 2nd Deadline to Submit 2019 Summary of Work-Related Injuries & Illnesses
The deadline for employers to electronically submit their 2019 Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses is due March 2nd. To determine if your business, with 20-249 employees, is required to submit this form, use this link.
Feb 21 Workers' Compensation Drug Formulary Model Adopted
To combat the opioid crisis and lower drug costs, the National Council of Insurance Legislators adopted the Worker’s Compensation Drug Formulary Model Act. The purpose of the act is to establish a drug formulary for use in states’ workers’ compensation systems in order to facilitate the safe and appropriate use of prescription drugs in the treatment of work-related injury and occupational diseases. Each state will use this framework to establish their own policy.
Feb 14 Happy Valentine's Day - Buying Jewelry?
If you are planning on giving jewelry, we recommend you have it appraised, and then call us so we can protect it with the right insurance. February is also National Heart Month. We encourage you and your loved ones to schedule a check-up to help fight against cardiovascular illnesses and disorders.
Feb 07 Wear Red Today
Wear Red Day is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease in our communities. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Pledge to be more active to protect your heart by moving more, eating healthy, managing stress, not smoking, and getting quality sleep.
Jan 24 Is a home security system worth the investment?
Besides providing you with peace of mind, home security systems can help with:
Jan 24 Are you guilty of password passivity
Cybercriminals are hacking both individuals and corporations every minute of every day. One area they love is cracking passwords.
Dec 06 Want to Now What the Top Pick Ups Were for 2019?
According to Statista, the top selling pick up trucks were:
Dec 06 Review Your Employee Handbook
As we start 2020, it is a great time to review and update your Employee Handbook. With the advent of ransomware and cyber breaches, it is important to communicate to your employees the procedures to be followed as it relates to electronic communications.
Dec 06 Planning on Hosting a New Year's Eve party?
Everyone is excited to attend your New Year’s Eve Party – but are you ready? Erie Insurance prepared a list of eight tips to help you and your guests have a safe New Year’s Eve event.
Dec 06 Planning an Employee Holiday Party?
Planning on a holiday party for your employees? Here are some suggestions from Katie Kuehner-Hebert, courtesy of NU Property Casualty 360.
Dec 06 Clean Out Your InBox Week
Next week is Clean Out Your Inbox. It is a great time to start 2020 with an organized inbox. Here are some ideas as to how to sort and file all those pesky emails.
Dec 06 Annual List of the 10 Worst Toys of 2019
As you are preparing to finalize your gift-giving, take a look at this list of toys that you should avoid giving according to the 47th annual report by World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH):
Dec 06 10 Things To Do Close Out Your Year
As we start to wind down the year, it’s a perfect time to take action on these ten tasks:
Nov 15 National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day is observed annually on November 15. Get together a soap and hot water filled bucket, disinfectant, a sponge and a garbage bag, and you are ready for the day!
Nov 08 Veterans' Day on the 11th
As we come together as a nation to celebrate Veterans Day, take a moment to remember friends, family members and colleagues who served in our military. It is thanks to them that we live in the home of the free and the brave. Also, it is a great time to hire a vet.
Oct 26 Buying Flood Insurance - Questions to As
Flooding conditions can continue through the winter months. You might be considering a flood insurance policy but don’t know what questions to ask. This post from FEMA should be helpful.
Oct 18 Is Your Business Continuity Plan Up to Date?
As the international community celebrated ShakeOut Day to promote earthquake resiliency and preparedness, now is the time to review your established business continuity plans or create an appropriate plan if you don’t have one.
Oct 11 October is Crime Prevention Month
According to Alarms.org, every 13 seconds a burglary occurs. Two thirds of the 2.5 million burglaries were home break-ins.
Sep 30 Opioids in the workplace
Workers who are prescribed pain medications for work-related injuries must be educated about the risks of opioid addition. According to Marianne Kritserg, MSW, LCSW, RN there are eight strategies to consider:
Sep 12 September is Life Awareness Month
Life Happens, a non-profit organization, has an entire website devoted to life insurance. September is Life Awareness Month and you will find calculators to assist in determining the insurance coverage you need, along with helpful videos and educational pieces. Go to https://lifehappens.org to find out what you need to protect your family and then call the agency to discuss.
Aug 30 History of Labor Day
Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday in September, pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19thcentury and became a federal holiday in 1894 by Grover Cleveland. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer.
Aug 23 Driver Safety in School Zones
Last week’s post dealt with child safety, today we’d like to provide tips for drivers in a school zone. Please review and be prepared for back to school traffic.
Aug 16 Going Back to School
Getting your children ready to start school is a perfect opportunity to review keeping them safe.
Aug 09 August 12-18 is Safe & Sound Week
Safe & Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep American’s workers safe.
Aug 02 Natural Disasters & Your Pets
We usually prepare for a flood, hurricane, tornado, or weather-related incident with a go bag, but have you prepared for your pets. Take a look at a couple of tips to consider:
Jul 19 Safety Tips for Warm-Weather Work
Employees should understand the factors that lead to heat susceptibility. With temperatures rising, it is a good time to review.
Jul 05 Grill Safety
Lots of barbecues are happening this weekend. It’s is no better time to pass along some grill safety tips to make sure your party is fun and incident free. Here are some statistics to illustrate the point.
Jun 28 RV Safety
Getting ready to explore the US in your RV. Take a look at these safety tips provided by Property Casualty 360 to ensure you have a wonderful risk-free trip.
Jun 21 Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served
Thank a Veteran for their service this weekend.
Jun 21 Happy Father's Day - June 20th
“When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back”Linda Poindexter
Jun 21 First Day of Summer
Today is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Your children are out of school, and vacation plans are underway. Get prepared for summer by following these maintenance tips provided by Heather Turner from Property/Casualty 360:
Jun 21 Celebrate National Hispanic Americans
October celebrates National Hispanic American Month. As members of our community, you bring a rich heritage and history, culture, and achievements to the United States. Thank you for all you do.
Jun 21 Inclement Weather
People across America are experiencing severe inclement weather. What you might not have considered is you need to have access to weather updates to properly prepare yourself and your family.
