Warm Holiday Wishes and Reflections

Warm Holiday Wishes and Reflections

Warm Holiday Wishes and Reflections

The holidays are just one week away and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued staff, customers and my family for the support that allows me to continue the legacy my father, Gerard Visco handed down to me.

Times are changing and the way we do business must change too.  By choice, our agency has undergone some changes this year in preparation for what will be an exciting, new model of our vision.  I have been at work to prepare for these changes and look forward to unveiling them shortly.

As you celebrate the holidays this year, please know that we appreciate the trust you put in us to protect the people and possessions you value the most. C.H. Edwards, Inc. will continue to improve on the quality of customer service that you have come to rely on and is the main focus of my planning.

From the C.H. Edwards, Inc. family to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and our warmest wishes for a prosperous New Year!

For more information on C.H. Edwards, Inc. visit our website at www,chedwards.net

by Steven Visco

Decorating Safely for the Holidays

Decorating Safely for the Holidays

Don’t let fire or accident spoil your holiday season.  Use these tips to keep your family safe while celebrating all winter long!

The winter holidays are a time for fun, family, and festivities.  That often means more cooking, decorating, entertaining and shortcuts.  Christmas trees, candles, and holiday lights are responsible for hundreds of fires and accidents each year.  Before you deck your halls, make sure you’re following these safety tips.

-Inspect your holiday decorations carefully to make sure there are no loose or frayed wires.  Choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.

-Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate your Christmas tree.

-Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance

-Do not overload extension cords.

-Always unplug lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses.

-Don’t use clips or nails that puncture your light cords wire insulation.

-Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations

-Turn off all lights and decorations when you head out for the day or go to bed at night.

-Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly as a backup

-If you have a real tree, keep it moist by watering frequently.

-Candle fires in the home are reported to a U.S. Fire Department every 34 minutes during the holidays.  If you are decorating with candles, make sure they are far away from any item that can burn such as furniture, bedding, curtains or other decorations.

Follow these safety tips to ensure Happy Holidays for all!

These tips are designed as general information that may apply to many situations.  Please take them and apply them to your specific information.

For more information on Home, Auto, Business, Life or Flood Insurance, contact the specialists at C.H. Edwards, Inc.  We are happy to provide you with the information that will best protect your family.  www.chedwards.net

 

 

 

 

 

Taking Road Safety Seriously Every Day.  Today’s shortcut can be tomorrow’s danger.

Taking Road Safety Seriously Every Day. Today’s shortcut can be tomorrow’s danger.

Wellness Wednesday

Taking Road Safety Seriously every day. Today’s shortcut may be tomorrow’s danger.

Thanksgiving is just a day away and the December holidays begin just after. Did you know Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday of the year?

Road safety should be observed year round, but at the holidays it is especially critical. Rushing around to holiday events, shopping and visiting family puts you in the car more often and it is easy to take a shortcut to try and save a few minutes. Distracted driving and not observing safety precautions can lead to serious consequences.

Let’s consider a few safety concerns that you should never cut out.

-Buckle Up! So many adults just jump into the car and go. Besides being a violation because it’s the law, using your safety belt will protect you from serious injury in the event of an accident.

-Making sure children are restrained is also important. Allowing the independence of doing it themselves is important but is also a violation if they are not properly fastened in their seats.

-Obey the speed limits at all times. The few minutes you save speeding can lead to a speeding ticket, moving violation and increased insurance rates.

-Forget about the cell phone! If it can not be accessed through your car, it can wait until your next stop. In addition to the possible accident, you can cause by taking your eyes off the road to answer the phone, using a cell phone while driving is also a violation that comes with a hefty fine.

-Never drive if you have had too much to drink or are taking medication that restricts your use of driving a motor vehicle. This may not be a decision you can make in the moment.

The holidays are an exciting time to be spent with family and friends. Practice safety and make it a holiday to remember.

The above are suggestions that are made based on research of best practices, motor vehicle, and insurance guidelines. They are a reminder to practice caution.

For more information on automobile insurance or a free, no obligation quotation visit our website at www.chedwards.net or call us 516-249-5200.

by Denise Visco

#WellnessWednesday #AutoInsurance #BestPractices #Safety #Family#HolidayDriving #Home #Auto #Business #Life #Flood #DeniseVisco#StevenVisco

Thanksgiving Reflections

Thanksgiving Reflections

Thanksgiving Reflections

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends to take pause and reflect on the past year and to plan for the year ahead. The celebrations often revolve around amazing food and laughter but let’s not forget to make the time to be thankful for all blessings.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc. we are thankful every day for the loyalty of our customers. It is because of that loyalty, we have been able to continue my family legacy and serve the Insurance needs of families. I am constantly re-evaluating the best way to serve the families that depend on C.H. Edwards, Inc. to help provide them with the best protection because your families are important to us! Thank you for putting your trust in us and for referring your family and friends and making them part of the C.H. Edwards family.

I am thankful for the amazing and strong Customer Service staff I have created over the years, sharing my vision and giving there best to our customers every day.

It is with this support and the support of my family, who each contribute to the prosperity of our business, that I am able to make this commitment. This support has allowed us to grow and change over the years and stay in this very competitive business.

In the coming year C.H. Edwards, Inc. will be experiencing some exciting changes and I am so grateful to be able to share them with our customers. Stay tuned!

Wishing you warm Thanksgiving wishes from the entire Visco family and the C.H. Edwards, Inc. Family.

by Steven Visco

The Gift of Life Insurance

The Gift of Life Insurance

The holiday season is officially here and people everywhere are shopping for the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

Why not give the gift of life insurance this holiday season? When you give the gift of life insurance, you are giving the gift of financial stability for the future.

When you purchase life insurance for someone else, the application will need that person’s name, date of birth, and often their social security number. You will also need to provide health information on the insured, even if you are buying a policy for a child.

Although there may be a few obstacles along the way, keep in mind that life insurance is the only financial product that guarantees financial stability for the future.

If you are interested or have questions regarding life insurance for you or a loved one, give us a call at 516-249-5200 and let us help your holiday wishes come true.

We wish you a very happy holiday season from the management and staff at C.H. Edwards, Inc.

 

Do you have a family emergency plan?

Do you have a family emergency plan?

Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most likely not be together when a disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe?

Here are steps to take before a disaster happens to ensure you and your loved ones will be safe:

  • Post emergency telephone numbers near the phone.
  • Install safety features in your home, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
  • Have your family learn basic safety measures such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher and also how to turn off the main’s to your gas, water and electric in your home.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
  • Prepare an emergency supply kit. Here are some important items to consider:
    • At least a 3-days’ supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
    • At least a 3 days’ supply of non-perishable food.
    • One change of clothing and shoes per person.
    • One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
    • First aid kit.
    • Batteries.
    • Emergency tools.
    • Flashlight.
    • Extra set of car keys.
    • Credit card and cash.
    • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
    • Prescription and non-prescription medications.

Last but not least, practice and maintain your plan with your loved ones.

 

 

 

Planning The Perfect Family Picnic

Planning The Perfect Family Picnic

Taking the family on a picnic is an excellent way to get fresh air and enjoy some of the last days of the summer season before the kids head back to school. The ingredients for an unforgettable picnic, however, involve more than just good food. Picking a great location and preparing extra activities can elevate your picnic from boring to amazing.

Choose a memorable location. Having a picnic at a nearby park is a safe choice but choosing a location with interesting features can make your trip unforgettable. Try a local beach or hiking trail.

Work together on the food. Working with your family to create a menu for your picnic is a great way to get everyone involved and make sure everyone has something to eat that they really love.

Bring along activities. Picnics can be about more than just food. Bringing some outdoor activities with you is a great way to extend your outdoor trip and make it extra special.

Take plenty of pictures. A family picnic offers a great opportunity for some fun pictures together. Although smart phone pictures are easy to snap, don’t forget to take some pictures with your digital camera to print later.

Don’t leave home without the essentials. If you forget a few essentials items such as water bottles or sunscreen for everyone, your picnic may quickly turn from fun to disastrous. Prepare a checklist ahead of time to avoid forgetting anything.

End this summer season unforgettably before the hustle and bustle is back for the school year.

 

Find out fun ways to celebrate Mother`s Day!

Find out fun ways to celebrate Mother`s Day!

 

Are you ready for Mother`s Day this Sunday? If not, then we have a list of fun activities to do! Aside from the usually brunch or dinner, we have come up with a list of different ways to celebrate this weekend! This list ranges from free things to wine tasting. There are so many ways to celebrate.

Several fun places around Long Island are offering free services for mothers. Some of these establishments include:

Another idea to do this weekend is a spa day. A soothing spa day is a great way to say “thank you” for all of that hard work she does. A spa day can be going to a local salon or spa or even enjoying a homemade spa day. She will be sure to enjoy a day full of relaxation.

Vacations don’t always have to be extravagant and far from home. There are so many weekend getaways right here on Long Island. If you choose to plan a weekend getaway for your mom, it’s a good idea to provide a variety of hotel choices, this way she won’t feel obligated to follow your exact plans. Some destination ideas include Montauk, New York City or the many nature trails that Long Island has to offer.

The weather is warming up, and wine tasting is an awesome springtime activity. Long Island Vineyards are calling your name this Mother’s Day! Be sure to keep an eye out for our favorite Long Island wines, while you’re out East. Pindar Vineyards of Peconic will be hosting a Mother’s Day event from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. this year. Live music by Larry Liso and complementary souvenir Pindar logo wine glasses will be provided.

With so many activities to do just on Long Island alone, what will you choose to do this weekend?

 

Make Safe Travel #1 on your Holiday List

Make Safe Travel #1 on your Holiday List

Fact, the United States Department of Transportation says the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year.

Approximately 90 percent of holiday travel takes place by personal vehicle, followed by air, bus and train. With so many people on the move, the risk for accidents and other incidents increases.

Keep the holidays enjoyable and safe, be sure to exercise caution and keep these few tips in mind:

Schedule a tune-up. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check the air pressure in tires and get an oil change your car is due. Other cars on the road may kick up salt and other debris from the road. Be sure to top off windshield washer fluid to maintain visibility.

Schedule plenty of time for travel. Expect traffic and leave extra time to get to your destination. Rushing may cause you to increase your speed or make risky choices behind the wheel of your car that may result in an accident or injury. Leave extra time for traveling through hazardous conditions like snow, sleet or heavy rain. Schedule time for bathroom and stretch breaks.
Know multiple routes to your destination. The increased volume or accidents on the roadways can result in detours. Make sure your navigation is up to date and a map in your glove box.

Leave room for emergency supplies. Make available room in your car for a change of clothes, a blanket, snacks and water, jumper cables and a flashlight. Drivers should be prepared for a breakdown. If you are a AAA member, remember the holidays are a time when the local companies have crews on holiday schedule and response time may be increased.

Keep the family entertained. A long trip can seem longer without proper planning. Plan for some activities ahead of time. Games, books, videos/dvds and music can help fill the time. Make frequent stops for bathroom and stretch breaks. Don’t forget to pack food and drinks to keep rest break times to a minimum. “Are we there yet” is not a phrase only used by children.

Take turns driving. If you are fortunate enough to travel with multiple drivers, take turns driving. Spending long periods of time behind the wheel can cause fatigue. If you are driving alone, plan for breaks to rest. Drowsy driving is a major cause of accidents on the roadways.
Secure packages and Luggage. Tie down items on roof racks and in rear cargo areas of SUV’s and vans so they are not moving around freely. In the event of an accident, items that are not secured can be dangerous.

Pack gifts and other items so that the driver’s line of sight is not impeded.

Last but certainly not least, review your insurance coverage. During an emergency you want to be assured that you have rental reimbursement, full glass coverage, towing, medical reimbursement and your course collision. A call to your insurance agent can never hurt. If you are unable to reach them or feel it is time for an insurance review, feel free to call C.H. Edwards, Inc. at 516-249-5200 and we would be happy to assist you.

If holiday travel is on your to do list, remember to make safety a priority.

Happy Holidays from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.!

Written by: Denise Visco

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

It’s finally here, Pumpkin carving time! Kids, teens and even adults wait all year to carve their spooky Jack-O-Lantern’s for Halloween night! Although carving pumpkins can be fun for the whole family, it can also be dangerous and turn Halloween into a nightmare. Pumpkins can be both slippery and tough, a recipe for accidents.

pumpkin carving 1

Follow some of these helpful safety tips when you’re carving your pumpkin this year:

Use the right tools: Consumer Reports tested pumpkin-carving kits a few years ago and observed that one advantage of the specialty tools was that they can saw through rinds, poke holes, and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp. The instruments were also generally small, which made them easier to control than knives and easier to use when making intricate cuts.

Carve before taking off the top of the pumpkin: Carving the pumpkin before cutting the top off will help you avoid accidentally sticking your hand in the pumpkin while cutting inwards.

Take precautions: Carve in a clean, dry, and well-lit area, keeping your hands and tools clean and dry. Most important, take your time. Remember, this is a fun activity and fun shouldn’t be rushed!

Don’t let kids carve: It is important to not let young children carve by them selves. Instead, have children draw markings on the pumpkin and help clean the innards out with a spoon or their hands. If you have a young teen and they are trusted with a knife, be sure they are using a short knife and supervise as they are carving.

Halloween and fall activities are fun for everyone. Make sure you are enforcing safety this year while you share these activities with the ones you love. Practicing safety can help prevent you from having your own “Nightmare before Halloween”.pumpkin carving 2

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., we take pride in offering you helpful information so that you can make the most of the time you spend with your family. Call us if we can be of assistance with any of your Halloween related claims.

The Management and Staff at C.H. Edwards, Inc. wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween!