info@chedwards.net   (516) 249-5200
Menu
Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Christmastime is filled with many different holiday traditions. While people are decorating their homes or going to holiday themed shows and activities, families with younger children may have a visit to a Santa on their holiday to do list. For some this is an exciting experience, for others this activity can be met with apprehension and even fear. Here are some tips to help make visiting Santa a more pleasurable experience for both children and parents.

Do a test run. If your child has never had a photo or visit with Santa before, they may be frightened. The successful photo visit may take more than one time. Try a walk by, or if the line is short, maybe just a quick hello and then build up to the big event. Observe how your child is reacting and if they are old enough to engage in conversation, talk about the experience. Younger children who are frightened and may be crying can actually be the source of anxiety for older ones. The beard and red coat coupled with the fact of sitting on a strangers lap may also be concerning to your child. Acclimate your child to the experience and let them become familiar with how Santa looks and acts.

Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Consider not using this opportunity to dress up and wear the shiny new shoes. The new, dress holiday clothes may be another cause of discomfort. The goal is to look nice for the photo but not at the expense of your child’s experience.

Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger isn’t the source of discomfort. Bring a change of clothes just in case.

Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends, neighbors or even teachers in the community about Santa visits. Many Santa’s are trained to help make the experience easier for children with anxiety or special needs. Not every Santa is adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable.

Try and have a good time. Don’t expect perfection. Focus on building memories. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that just happen. Enjoy this wonderful time with your children.

Happy Holidays from your Santa’s helpers here at C.H. Edwards, Inc. If we can assist you with your Insurance needs this holiday season, feel free to contact us at 516-249-5200. www.chedwards.net

Written by: Denise A. Visco

What to do in the event of an Automobile Accident

What to do in the event of an Automobile Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a very frightening event for the drivers involved. Here are some things to remember should this happen to you.

-First, stop your vehicle and remain calm.

-Determine if there are any injuries and call for medical assistance if
necessary.

-Call the police to report the accident. Don’t forget to ask the
officer when you can obtain a copy of the report.

-Do not admit to fault of liability. Discuss the accident with only the police and your insurance representative.

-Exchange information, If possible, at the scene. Name, phone number, license numbers of all drivers and passengers and witnesses to the accident, including pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. Ask all drivers for their insurance information.

-Record all details of the accident immediately so nothing is lost or forgotten.

-Important factors to consider are time of accident, weather conditions, direction vehicles were traveling in, condition of the vehicles as well as note any traffic signs, lights or road markings at the site of the accident.

All of the above information is important to have available when calling a claim into your Insurance Agent. Keep a copy of this information in your glove box for safe keeping in the event of an accident.

Has your Insurance Agent ever provided you with this important information? If not, maybe it’s time to consider another agent. C.H. Edwards, Inc. is an Independent Insurance agency located in Farmingdale, New York. We have been in business since 1925 providing our clients with the best customer service and competitive pricing. Call for your
no obligation quote today 516-249-5200.

Written by: Denise A. Visco

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winterizing your vehicle is a wise idea! Taking an hour or two out of your day to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind. The time spent now will avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during severe weather.

Here is a checklist to follow when winterizing your car this season:
1. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance.
2. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
3. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
4. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure.
5. Be thorough about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals.
6. If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in.
7. Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item no matter what time of year.
8. Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks.
9. Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
10. In your trunk, make sure to include an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

Preparing yourself and your vehicle will insure safe travels this winter.

For more information on auto insurance, call C.H. Edwards, Inc. and one of our representatives will be happy to help you.

Be safe!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween!

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween!

As Halloween time approaches, children everywhere will be picking out the perfect costume and heading out on Halloween night for some trick or treating fun. Along with the fun Halloween brings, it also can be a time for careless accidents.

Stay safe on Halloween night by following these 7 tips:

• Map out a trick or treating route before leaving the house and stick to a path your child is familiar with.

• Don’t forget to lock up. Whether you plan to stay home or you are heading out make sure to lock your doors and windows.

• Protect your car from being egged by parking in the garage.

• Make sure you and your child wear comfortable shoes to avoid tripping.

• Carry flashlights.

• Make sure costumes are not too long to avoid trip and fall accidents.

• Avoid buying sharp accessories and props. Look for flexible or foam props.

• Make sure to check all of your child’s candy when returning from trick or treating.

• When you are home for the night, keep your property well lit to avoid damage to your property.

As always, have fun and be safe this Halloween season. Start by preparing your children and yourself today.

Curious about what Halloween pranks are covered under your Homeowners Insurance policy? Give us a call at (516) 249-5200 and one of our Homeowners policy specialists will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Happy Halloween from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.

 

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

With just a week left till Halloween, it is finally time; pumpkin carving time! Kids, teens and even adults wait all year to carve their frightening Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween night!

Carving pumpkins is a great way to spend time with the whole family, but it can quickly become dangerous and turn Halloween fun into an unwanted nightmare. Pumpkins are tough but can become very slippery when handling them. This is why it is important to use extra precautions when carving pumpkins.

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 is that they can saw through rinds, poke holes, and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp. Instead of using a household knife and spoon, purchase one of these kits from your local store.

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.

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 themselves. Instead, have children draw markings on the pumpkin and help clean the innards out with a spoon or their hands.

Pumpkin carving is fun for everyone. Make sure you are administering safety this year while you share these activities with the ones you love.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., we take pride in offering you helpful safety information, so that you can make the most of the time you spend with your family.

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

 

October is Emotional Wellness Awareness Month

October is Emotional Wellness Awareness Month

Aside from being physically healthy, it is important to keep your mind healthy. Simple things like controlling your stress levels and getting enough sleep can help and play a big roll in your mental health.

If you overexert yourself on a hot day or stay up for 24 hours with no sleep, you probably wouldn’t be surprised if your body suddenly “broke down”. Your mind is subject to the same rules, meaning that it can only take so much stress before it breaks down.

Here are 8 strategies to stay emotionally healthy:

  1. Be an optimist and look on the bright side of everything.
  2. Have hope and know that things will get better during dark times.
  3. Accept yourself. Instead of pondering on all the things you dislike about yourself, think about all the good things that define you and make you, you!
  4. Stay connected and go out with family and friends often. It is always good to be surrounded by people that love you.
  5. Express gratitude. Studies show that people who are thankful are better at dealing with stress.
  6. Find your purpose and meaning. Set goals for yourself and thrive on your natural talents.
  7. Exercise regularly, a little bit of exercise every day is good for your well being; it helps you concentrate and get things off your mind.
  8. Practice mindfulness; meaning really focus and appreciate the moment of time that you are in.

Start practicing good mental health today. Just like a workout for your body, here’s a workout for your mind.

 

 

Candle Safety

Candle Safety

The fall season is here and people everywhere are burning their favorite seasonal candles.

Before lighting your candles be sure to follow these 8 tips when using candles in your home.

1. Burning candles should never be left unattended.
2. Keep candles away from anything flammable.
3. If your candle is in a candle holder, it should be sturdy enough to avoid being easily knocked over.
4. Candles should be placed where children and pets can’t reach them.
5. Candlewicks should be trimmed to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping.
6. Keep the pool of wax in the candle clear of debris such as wick trimmings.
7. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for candle use. Most candles should be burned for only a couple of hours at a time.
8. Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer rather than blowing them out to avoid being burned by the hot wax.

Enjoy your fall season and your favorite candle safely this year!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Tip to Preventing and Treating Mold

Tip to Preventing and Treating Mold

Mold is part of the natural environment. Mold that grow outdoors play a huge part in nature’s break down of dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, however, indoor mold growth should be avoided at all causes. Here are some tips on treating and preventing mold.

How to treat and get rid of mold:
• Dry it up – Mold and mildew thrive in wet environments. Get a dehumidifier to evaporate all damp areas in your home, also, fix any leaks.
• Purify the air – Invest in an air purifier to cleanse the air after removing all the mold to avoid an allergic reaction.
• If you have very minimal mold, a simple Clorox and water solution should help remove the affected area in your home, however, if you have sufficient mold damage, it is in your best interest to contact a restoration specialist to help remove the mold and repair damages.

How to prevent mold:
• Keep living areas dry – Keep your living space as dry as possible. Air purifiers help keep the air clean and dry. Keep your bathroom dry by installing a ventilation fan.
• Equip your home with mold-resistant products and materials.
• Improve air flow in your home – Open windows, doors and move furniture away from the wall to increase air flow and circulation.

Remember, not only does mold damage your home but it can have an effect on you and your family’s health. Mold can cause all of the following:
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent cough or cold symptoms
• Burning or irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or lungs
• Asthma attacks
• Skin irritation

Kick mold to the curb today! If you or someone you know is in need of a restoration for mold remediation, call C.H. Edwards, Inc. today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to provide you with information. (516) 249-5200.

6 Tips To Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Looking Lawn This Summer Season

6 Tips To Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Looking Lawn This Summer Season

grass

The warm sunny weather is here and it’s time of the year for healthy, green growing grass. A yard doesn’t just have healthy green grass all by itself year after year. In most cases, it takes constant gardening maintenance to care for grass and maintain its gorgeous green coloring.

 

During this time of year, your grass needs special care. Follow these 6 tips when maintaining your lawn this summer season:

1. Cut your grass at the proper height to maintain its health. If your grass is cut too short, it will burn in the sun or die. Grass that is kept too high will start to thin out due to too much shade. Tall grass also stays damp, which can lead to mold and mildew. Trim your grass about once a week during the growing season to keep it the correct height.

2. Dethatch your yard every two or three years to remove dead grass buildup. When grass dies and new blades take its place, dead vegetation builds up on top of the soil. This can block light and air from advancing new growth.

3. Towards the end of the summer season, aerate your yard to loosen the soil and incorporate more air flow near the surface.

4. After you aerate your grass, overseed your grass. Since you already have a lawn, simply cast the seeds by hand over the grass, throwing out more seed over thin areas.

5. Water your grass on a regular basis, and after casting seed, to maintain healthy growth.

Watering lawn6. Set up a sprinkler for your yard, and water the grass once a day for 15 minutes. Be sure to avoid overwatering your grass. Continue this until you see blades of new grass growing.

Maintain that healthy, beautiful look you love all summer long by following these simple maintenance tips. Make your lawn, your home’s first impression.

For more lawn maintenance and gardening tips visit http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/22-year-round-lawn-care-tips-pictures

Written by: Amanda Haase