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Celebrating our Independence Safely!

Celebrating our Independence Safely!

4th of july

Using fireworks on the fourth of July is a tradition. Many people forget though, that fireworks can be very dangerous if used or handled incorrectly. Every year, hundreds of people including small children are injured due to unsafe firework use. This year celebrating our Independence can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed:

  • Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot all the fireworks.
  • A responsible ADULT should be supervising all firework activities as well as keeping an eye on children.
  • Guardians should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
  • Drinking while shooting fireworks is NOT a good mix. Save the alcohol for after.
  • Use fireworks outdoors where there is a clear area. Keep away from trees, cars and houses.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pockets; this could cause a serious injury.
  • Wear safety gear while lighting and shooting fireworks. Safety glasses, safety gloves, a long sleeved shirt and long pants will help prevent burns.
  • Always have water available and ready when you are using fireworks in case of a fire.
  • Never relight a “dud” or an already used fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Soak used fireworks with water before placing them in your outdoor trash can.

 

Ensure your safety as well as others around you, by simply observing local laws and using good judgment and common sense.

As a reminder, the use of fireworks by an amateur is illegal in The State of New York. If you are using fireworks and cause damage to yourself or your property, this will not be covered by your homeowners insurance.

  • If damage is caused to your property by another person’s fireworks, there is coverage for this event on your Homeowners policy.
  • Sparklers and party poppers are considered legal fireworks and damage to your property would be covered in the event of this accident.

 

 Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July from our C.H. Edwards Family to yours!

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

graduation blog pic

High school students across Long Island look forward to the Spring season. Many of them will be attending graduation ceremonies and parties. This may be an exciting time for teens but a terrifying time for parents who are concerned about their children’s safety. Around this time of year, many teens are involved in automobile accidents due to being distracted, texting or driving under the influence.

There are numerous ways parents can prepare themselves for this time of year and ensure their teen is arriving safely to graduation parties and home.

Here are some helpful tips to keeping your teen safe and putting your mind at ease:

  • Make sure your son/daughter has a plan for the evening and that you know what it is.
  • Know who is driving to and from parties.
  • If you are holding a party for your child, take stock of your alcohol in your home prior to the beginning of the night.
  • Always let your son/daughter know that you will be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe regardless of the circumstance.
  • Communicate with other parents to know where your children will be and who will be supervising.
  • Before hosting your party set clear rules in advance for the night of the party. Discuss the rules and consequences of breaking them with teens before the night begins and reinforce them. Rules should include: No drugs or alcohol and no leaving the party and then returning.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol.
  • When greeting guests at the door watch for large bags that guests might use to smuggle in alcohol. Have guests put their belongings in a room close to where you will be staying so you can watch if they are going to their bags to get alcohol/drugs that may have gotten past you at the door.
  • Check your yard/house and number of guests frequently to avoid having guests who might leave and return without your knowledge.
  • Make it clear that you will not allow any uninvited guests to crash the party. Parties can get out of control if the number of guests continues to grow through the night.
  • Follow these helpful tips and if your teen is driving on Graduation night make sure they are insured.

Have a safe Graduation!

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.

 

Protecting Your Skin this Summer Season!

Protecting Your Skin this Summer Season!

Summer is right around the corner! Where will be your hot spot this summer season? The beach or the pool? No matter where you’re headed, make sure you protect your skin by wearing sunblock. Everyone loves a beautiful tan, but make sure you are being safe about it, so you can decrease your chance or wrinkles and melanoma.

Many people don’t know what a tan really is. A tan works as a shield from radiation. Imagine thousands of tiny umbrellas in your skin that open more, the more they are exposed to the sun, which in turn makes your skin look darker.

A tan does not cause cancer or damage, but is rather the visible evidence that damage to your skin cells has already occurred.

Wearing Sunblock will prevent you from tanning. It will protect you against harmful UV rays that the sun gives off. When being out in the sun, be cautious of the time you’re spending out there. Be careful between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. that is when the sun is at its hottest point.

Many people using tanning oils to increase how dark their skin looks. That is ok too! Tanning oils are not bad. The purpose of tanning oil is not to block out sun like sunscreen, but to concentrate the radiation from the sun to expedite the “shielding” process of your skin.

Only use tanning oils which offer some sun protection; SPF 15 or higher is best. Like sunscreen, coat your entire body in tanning oil and reapply often to ensure an adequate amount of protection.

Go out and enjoy the sun, but be safe and protect yourself!

 

Take a bite into National Salad Month!

Take a bite into National Salad Month!

arugula-salad-ck-1734329-l

Summer is coming and it’s National Salad Month! Get into shape with a healthy recipe for a crisp green salad and a delicious side of no guilt.

Recipe:

What you will need-

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon stone-ground mustard
  • 2 teaspoons grape seed oil
  • 7 cups loosely packed baby arugula
  • 2 cups red grapes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seed kernels
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation-

  1. Combine vinegar, honey, syrup, and mustard in a small bowl.  Gradually add oil, stirring with a whisk.
  2. Combine arugula, grapes, seeds, and thyme in a large bowl.  Drizzle vinegar mixture over arugula; sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Toss gently to coat.

ENJOY!