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.

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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!

 

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Awareness (4)

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.

For families living with someone with Down Syndrome, every day is a chance to promote Down syndrome awareness. The calendar, however, provides us with one month during the year when we can really step up those efforts. IMG_0589

How can you promote Down Syndrome Awareness?

  • Distribute National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) posters and bookmarks to area schools, libraries, or businesses (you can order them through the NADS office or the website: www.nads.org)
  • Provide your obstetrician or your family doctor with updates about how your child is doing and, if they are receptive, with family photos or information about Down syndrome
  • Donate books about Down syndrome to your local school or library
  • Talk to your child’s class
  • Arrange for a NADS speaker to give a presentation at your child’s school or at an organization in your community.
  • Contact local media about doing a human interest story about your family or about activities involving people with Down syndrome in your area.
  • Write a letter to your local paper

Prom portrait (2)Organize a special event during October to highlight the gifts of people with Down syndrome—a performance, or an art exhibit or a screening of a movie or video featuring characters with Down syndrome (you could also show the NADS video, Talents that Inspire)

DS awarenessOrganize a “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” at a local restaurant or community event.

The transition to adulthood can be a very difficult time for families living with a person with Down Syndrome. Planning for the future is a critical part of this transition. If you would like more information on estate planning for your family, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Denise Visco

Who needs Flood Insurance? You!

Who needs Flood Insurance? You!

Many homeowners believe that because they do not live near the water they do not need flood insurance.  After Hurricane Sandy, homeowners learned flood was not covered under their homeowners policy.  Here are just a few facts about flood insurance you may not know:

  • Your homeowners policy does not cover flood damage.
  • In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced flood damage.
  • A few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
  • More than 80% of presidentially declared disasters have included flooding.
  • About $300 is the average annual premium for flood insurance.
  • Contents coverage is available separately, so both renters and homeowners can opt for up to $100,000 of Contents coverage with their Flood Insurance.
  • There is a 30-day waiting period before Flood insurance coverage goes into effect.

Flooding causes more than $2 billion property damage each year; you cannot afford to think that it will never happen to you. It can happen, and often when it’s least expected.  Flood insurance will help you and your home get back to normal as quickly as possible after a flood.

There is the potential for at least ten named hurricanes this season.  Don’t get caught without the most important item on your hurricane preparedness list, flood insurance.

Call C.H. Edwards today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to give you a quote on Flood Insurance with no obligation. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Look into Flood Insurance today to ensure that your home and belongings are protected.

 

Discounts on your Insurance are available!

Discounts on your Insurance are available!

There are many different types of discounts that we can make available to our customers. The first is a coupler discount. This means that your home and auto are insured together. Another discount can be added if an umbrella policy is included in the package. Some of the other discounts that we can make available to you are age of home, home buyer, renovations, claim free, retirement, gated community, and protective devices. 

C.H. Edwards, Inc. is an Independent Insurance Agency who represents over 15 A+ rated, highly competitive insurance companies. We specialize in Auto Insurance, difficult to insure Long Island homes, as well as a full range of Commercial Insurance. Flood insurance and Life insurance are also available at competitive prices. Let our Independent Agents do the shopping for you!

Does any of this sound interesting to you? Make a no obligation phone to C.H. Edwards, Inc. today and let us tell you how these discounts can help you save even more money! Don’t delay, give us a call today.

Let us make today a great day!
(516) 249-5200