Serving MD, PA, VA, WV, WDC, DE, OH and NC residents with Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Life Insurance, Business Insurance since 1967.
Maryland Auto Insurance, Maryland Car Insurance Agent: Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, serving Maryland, DC, Virginia.

Proudly serving Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Life Insurance, Business Insurance since 1967.

December 14, 2011

Winter brings the threat of freezing temperatures and harsh conditions to much of the U.S. Some places are well beyond the threat; it’s going to freeze—there’s no way around it. Such conditions pose unique hazards to commercial building owners. Following is some information on common winter threats and how they are addressed by commercial property insurance.

FREEZING/BURSTING PIPES
One of the most common causes of damage to commercial buildings during the colder months is freezing and bursting pipes. As a building owner, there are measures you can take to prevent pipes from freezing; however, sometimes the worst happens anyway. If it does, the result can be thousands of dollars of damage to your building, furniture, electronics, and other business property.

If this happens, will your commercial property insurance pay? The answer is “it depends.” The property policy is not a maintenance contract, and the insurance company expects you to take every precaution to ensure that pipes don’t freeze. If there is an insurance claim, the adjuster will determine if the measures taken were adequate. Specifically, the adjuster will look for evidence of two efforts: First, did you leave the heat to the building running; and, second, did you drain the lines? If you can prove at least one of these steps was taken, most policies will pay the resulting damage.

That’s certainly good news. But wouldn’t you rather avoid the claims process altogether and keep your deductible in your pocket? Following are a few tips on protecting the pipes in your building from winter’s worst.

-Locate the turnoff valve and drain the lines.
-Protect spigots with Styrofoam attachments. These can be purchased at most home improvements stores and offer much better insulation than wrapping the spigot with a towel.
-Search for pipes that are not insulated. These pipes may pass through unheated areas, such as crawlspaces, basements or garages. Pre-molded foam rubber sleeves can be fitted to the pipe and offer essential insulation to keep them from freezing. Fiberglass insulation is also an option. You may also consider wrapping the pipe with heating tape.

WINTER RUNOFF
As winter begins to recede, the risk of damage from freezing pipes fades with it. However, melting snow and ice bring a new concern for building owners—flood damage to property resulting from the runoff of the melt. In many areas of the country, snowmelt is a greater threat for flooding than any other source. The bad news is that flood resulting from melting snow and ice is still considered a flood and, therefore, is not covered by standard commercial property insurance.

Coverage for this type of loss can be found only through a flood insurance policy. Currently, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows owners of commercial buildings to purchase up to $500,000 in flood coverage for damage to the building caused by flood and up to $500,000 in coverage for damage to the building contents. If these limits aren’t sufficient to cover the risk of damage to your building, consider purchasing an excess flood insurance policy. This policy allows for the purchase of limits to cover flood damage up to a dollar amount specified by the insurance company. 

DAMAGE CAUSED BY ICE, SLEET OR SNOW
Ice, sleet and snow can be incredibly destructive to your property. They can be the source of damage or amplify existing damage—for example, ice getting into a crack in a wall. Unfortunately, damage caused by ice, snow and sleet are not covered by most standard commercial property insurance policies. While some policies will cover damage resulting from the abrupt collapse of a building’s roof under the weight of ice, snow or sleet, others will not.

Protecting your building from harsh winter conditions takes a great deal of care. So does making sure your insurance responds if it turns out Old Man Winter packed a little more punch than you bargained for. For help in determining if your policy covers the winter damage you might experience, give your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent a call.

 

The holidays are almost here, which means hauling out the holly, stringing up the lights, and dashing through the snow. The holidays also mean lots of fun, festive parties to celebrate the season. These celebrations usually feature an array of delectable foods and tasty drinks that are dangerous to your waistline, but if you’re hosting a party, you have more to worry about than added pounds or lumpy gravy. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated one in six people in the United States come down with food poisoning every year. And whether you’re preparing the food and drinks for your party yourself or purchasing them, you could be liable if your party guests get sick. Food poisoning doesn’t just happen to bad cooks either. Foods, such as bagged spinach — that’s supposedly pre-washed and ready to eat — can contain E. coli, which is undetectable to even the most well trained chef.

Fortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies cover food poisoning situations in which your guests incur medical expenses or endure “pain and suffering” (i.e. missing work because they’re hovering over a toilet bowl). There are limits to both of these coverages and intentional poisoning is not covered (so don’t try slipping something into your pesky aunt’s pumpkin pie), but most policies provide protection from unintentional food-borne illness.

The best way to avoid a food-poisoning claim is to take the proper precautions when preparing your holiday fare. Here are some tips to ensure your guests leave with leftovers and fond memories, not food poisoning.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or poultry.
2. Use an anti-bacterial cleaner to wipe down any surfaces, including counters and cutting boards, that come into contact with raw meat or poultry.
3. Check the expiration date on foods before using them to cook or offering them to guests.
4. Wash all produce, even the kind that’s “pre-washed,” before using it.
5. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils to stir raw and cooked food.
6. Make sure all foods are cooked to the appropriate temperature. This rule doesn’t apply to just meat and poultry either. Eggs, seafood, and even potatoes can cause illness if they are undercooked.
7. Don’t leave foods that require refrigeration or freezing out for more than two hours.
8. When in doubt, throw it out. If you’re unsure about any food – raw or cooked, prepared or homemade – don’t use it.

If you have questions about whether you homeowner’s policy covers food poisoning or any other party-related risk, your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent is happy to answer any of your policy questions. You can even invite him or her to your party, just be sure the food is cooked!

December 9, 2011

Trusted Choice® insurance agencies urge families to take steps to protect their gifts.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 7, 2011 — Turn the news on during the holiday season and unfortunately and inevitably, you’ll see stories of how a “Grinch” stole someone’s gifts from a car or from under a Christmas tree. As you do your holiday shopping, Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents and brokers recommend you make sure you have the proper insurance products in the event that your prized possessions are stolen.

A new national survey by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) found that 44% of respondents, representing more than 100 million people in the United States, said they have been a victim of burglary, robbery or other form of theft. Of those who said they were victims, only 40% said their stolen property was insured.

“This research proves than no one is immune to theft and, sadly, shows that not enough people have adequate property insurance,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, education and research. “Especially during the holidays, it is very easy to be consumed by the hectic pace of the season, but everyone should take time and put family and home safety at the top of their holiday wish list.”

The survey also found that of those whose stolen property was insured, about 58% believed they were fully compensated for their losses. This indicates that in most cases, people who are properly insured fare well in the event of a loss. That figure could be significantly higher if more consumers elected to insure their personal property for replacement cost and not depreciated actual cash value. Doing so typically only adds 10-15% to their homeowners insurance premium.

“If you haven’t done it recently, at least make it your new year’s resolution to meet with a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to assess your risks and insure that your assets, including your new holiday gifts, are protected,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “Independent insurance agents not only advise clients about insurance, but they’re risk and liability experts.”

Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents urge consumers to consider these points to protect their assets and gifts during the holiday season in their homes, cars, while shopping or anywhere:

At Home:

•    Break down boxes, especially for expensive electronics, into small pieces and discard them in non-clear trash bags.
•    Keep gifts hidden from view at outside windows.
•    Lock all doors and windows even when leaving the home for a short period of time.
•    Leave spare keys with a neighbor rather than hiding them outside, such as under doormats or in fake rocks. Burglars are not fooled by most hiding places.
•    Indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer should be used whenever possible.
•    When you’re away from your home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or friend watch your house and pick up newspapers and mail.
•    Beware of strangers at your door. Criminals can pose as couriers delivering gifts or be soliciting donations for fake charitable causes. Ask for identification or information about a charity.
•   Many renters have no insurance to cover their personal belongings in case of fire or theft. Existing homeowners or renters’ insurance policies should be reviewed to ensure adequate and up-to-date coverage limits of your home or possessions. 
•    Valuable gifts such as jewelry, antiques and collectibles may have limited or no coverage under a standard homeowners or renters’ insurance policy. It is often necessary to purchase an “endorsement” or separate coverage for these items.
 •   Consider insuring your personal property on the same replacement cost basis as your home.

In the Car:

•    Lock all doors and roll up all windows even when leaving the car for a short period of time.
•    Bring gifts into homes with you overnight rather than leaving them in your car.
•    When shopping, keep gifts in the trunk or hidden from view in the interior of the car.
•    Put all of your packages in the trunk before departing one parking lot and driving to another. Waiting until your next shopping destination allows others to see packages go into the trunk of your car and then you departing into the mall or store.
•    Avoid parking next to vans and large trucks that block your space from general vision of others.
•    Make a mental note or write down exactly where you park your car to avoid wandering around longer than necessary.
•    During the day, park away from buildings to reduce the chance of dings from car doors or shopping carts and the likelihood of vandalism.
•    At night, avoid secluded areas and park directly under lights whenever possible.
•    Look underneath your car before you reach it when returning from shopping; criminals have been known to lie underneath in wait.

While Shopping:

•    Use a credit card in order to avoid thefts of large amounts of cash that cannot be replaced.
•    Shopping with a single credit card is preferable—it is easier to cancel one rather than several if your wallet or purse is stolen.
•    Keep purses zipped and in your possession close to your body rather than leaving it in your shopping cart where it is more susceptible to theft.
•    Be sure to keep a reference list of phone and account numbers for all your credit cards in a safe place at home.
•    Try to carry keys, cash and credit cards separate from each other.
•    For freedom of motion and clear visibility, do not overload yourself with packages when leaving a store and returning to your car. You cannot defend yourself with your arms too full of bundles.
•    Use ATMs in well-populated, well-lighted locations. Do not throw ATM receipts away at the ATM location.
•    Remember there is increased safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone and leave malls and stores well before closing time to assure a more active parking lot.

Other:

•    How much was that doggy in the window? The holiday season often includes images of cute puppies under a Christmas tree or a kitten with a sparkly ribbon around its neck. But before you do your holiday shopping at the pet shop, potential pet owners must understand that no matter what they paid for their pooch (or any pet), most homeowners insurance policies exclude animals. So if your pet is stolen, it is not likely you will be able to claim it as a loss with your insurance company.
•    Conduct a home inventory after the holidays and make sure than any new items in the home are properly insured.

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 1,018 households were conducted in November 2011. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 3.1%. For more information about ICR, go to www.icrsurvey.com.

 

November 17, 2011

Safety Tips for Black Friday Shoppers

The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is the biggest shopping day of the year.  When it comes to cashing-in on the day’s deals, the motto is “If you snooze you lose.”

Many stores will open at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and some retailers will even open their doors on Thanksgiving eve in hopes that they can entice people out of their post-turkey dinner food coma. For serious bargain-hunters, the day is the ultimate shopping extravaganza that requires a strategic plan, including store maps and item locations, that’s hatched days in advance. Others take a less organized approach, but are still hungry for a deal or this year’s hottest holiday toy.

The combination of too-good-to-be-true deals and shoppers hopped up on copious amounts of caffeine and tryptophan can be dangerous, though. Overzealous drivers can make parking lots a zoo and sleep-deprived shoppers are less likely to pay attention to the road. Unfortunately, Black Friday, which is considered the unofficial start to the holiday season, also brings out thieves, pickpockets, and others who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.

Whether you’re leaving the house at the crack of dawn (or dusk) in search of Black Friday deals or saving your holiday shopping for the last minute, keep these safety tips in mind when navigating the parking lots and wandering the aisles.

On the Road and in the Parking Lot:

• When backing out of a parking spot, be aware of waiting cars, others who are backing out at the same time, and motorists who speed through lanes.

• Lock all doors and roll up all windows even when leaving the car for a short period of time.

• When shopping, keep gifts in the trunk or hidden from view in the interior of the car. Also, put all of your packages in the trunk before departing one parking lot and driving to another. Waiting until your next shopping destination allows others to see packages go into the trunk of your car and then you departing into the mall or store.

• Avoid parking next to vans and large trucks that block your space from general vision of others.

• Make a mental note or write down exactly where you park your car to avoid wandering around longer than necessary.

• During the day, park away from buildings to reduce the chance of dings from car doors or shopping carts. At night, avoid secluded areas and park directly under lights whenever possible.

• Have your keys in hand when leaving a store. Also, look underneath your car before you reach it; criminals have been known to lie underneath in wait.

• Bring gifts in the house with you instead of leaving them in the car.

In the Store:

• Use a credit card to avoid thefts of large amounts of cash that are irreplaceable.

• Shopping with a single credit card is preferable because it’s easier to cancel one, rather than several, if your wallet or purse is stolen.

• Keep purses zipped and close to your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart where it is more susceptible to theft.

• Keep a reference list of phone and account numbers for all your credit cards in a safe place at home.

• If possible, carry keys, cash, and credit cards separate from each other.

• For freedom of motion and clear visibility, do not overload yourself with bags when leaving a store and returning to your car. It’s difficult to defend yourself with when you’re carry a lot of packages.

• Use ATMs in well-populated, well lit locations. Do not throw ATM receipts away at the ATM location.

• Remember there is increased safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone and leave malls and stores well before closing time to assure a more active parking lot. Ask mall security to walk you to your car if you feel you are not safe.

In additions to remembering these safety tips, you should also review your insurance policies with your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to make sure you have the proper coverage in case an accident or theft does occur. Liability coverage will protect you if you hit another motorist, collision coverage will cover the damage to your car, and comprehensive coverage will insure you for damage by vandals or theft of your vehicle.

June 21, 2011

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.).

Offer your clients the following tips to help make their summer a happy and safe one:

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.
May 27, 2011

Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents provide disaster preparedness and safety tips as hurricane season begins.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 25, 2011 – As the United States experiences and recovers from tumultuous weather, with parts of the South and Midwest reeling from the destruction of fierce recent tornados and flooding, forecasters predict shifting weather patterns and many named storms as hurricane season officially begins next week on June 1.  

Yet, according to a 2010 survey by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big “I” or IIABA), many Americans are unprepared for a disaster.  More than half of respondents (51%) admitted they are only somewhat prepared, and more than a fifth of households (22.7%) reported that they were not prepared at all.  Almost 36% said they don’t have or don’t know if they even have adequate insurance coverage to help them through a disaster.

Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents can address these issues and more as extreme weather bears down on much of the country and can also offer disaster-specific readiness and recovery tips for consumers. Trusted Choice® experts can help:

  • Sort through coverage confusion when severe weather damages or destroys residential or business property
  • Advise how business interruption coverage is impacted by hurricanes and other disasters
  • Explain hurricane safety and flood readiness tips, including home and business inventory prep and utilities check-listing
  • Supply information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
  • Detail safe evacuation procedures
  • Discuss how to recover from storm and flood losses, whether or not the property is insured
  • Provide suggestions on emergency repairs and rebuilding
  • Offer tips for “drying out” safely and replacing belongings

For more specific disaster readiness and recovery tips, click on the corresponding headline.

March 22, 2011

The catchy phrase “spring ahead” signals change for Americans. It’s a reminder to move clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings time. And it’s an optimistic forecast that warmer and sunnier weeks are ahead. With these seasonal changes, millions take on “spring cleaning” of homes, garages, and yards.

When you’re longing to get outside in the spring months, consider several simple steps to enhance safety for you and your family. After all, the numbers show where the danger is: Home accidents result in 10 million emergency room visits each year in the U.S., according to Home Safety Council estimates. Many injuries occur in garages and near doorways to a home.

Here are some suggestions for an effective spring safety sweep:

Check fluids. Look under sinks, in bathrooms, closets, garage and basement for liquids that include chemicals. Look for potentially hazardous liquids including: cleaning solvents and disinfectants; oil-based paints, primers and thinners; gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, anti-freeze, windshield washer, and other car products; insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers; and charcoal lighter fluid.

Safely discard any liquids that are unneeded or expired, based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper disposal is usually best accomplished with a community-based program. Typically, pouring hazardous materials down a sink, on the ground, or in a storm sewer—or placing them in the garbage—is not a safe option.

Cap, label and raise. Safely cap containers containing chemicals of any kind. If these materials need to be kept, make sure they are labeled correctly. Raise up (out of the reach of children and pets) any containers with hazardous materials.

Ventilate.  Make sure petroleum-based products and other products with noxious fumes are not stored in a confined space such as a basement or closet. Nor should they be near a heat source. Springtime also is a good time to have chimneys professionally cleaned. 

Check alarms. Housing codes typically require smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms in a residence. Consider adding these safety devices in garages and basements. Check the batteries in all smoke and CO alarms.

Clean up clutter. Many trip-and-fall or fall-from-above accidents happen because houses are cluttered near doors. Garages, basements, and attics are places where many homeowners put things out of the way—only to find them “by accident” come springtime. Clean up for safety’s sake.

Separate for safety. In the garage and basement, make an area for bikes, balls, and toys—away from potentially dangerous areas and items such as fuels, paints and power tools.

Prepare for an emergency. Make sure all entrances and exits to your home, including through the garage or basement, are clear. Place a first-aid kit and flashlight in the garage and basement. Mount a fire extinguisher in the garage, and train adults how to use it based on manufacturer’s directions.

Check appliances. Check appliance hoses for dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Danger signs: crimping, cracking or other damage on power wires, supply/discharge hoses, and vents. If you have a sump pump, test it—before spring downpours and melting snows do.

Talk to your Trusted Choice® insurance professional for additional tips on how to protect your family and home.

http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/Spring-Safety-Checklist.aspx

Maryland Erie Insurance Agent Maryland Safeco Insurance Agent Maryland Travelers Insurance Agent The Harford Mutual