Keeping Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Keeping Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Wellness Wednesday

Keeping Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Our pets are part of our family so it isn’t unusual for them to join in our holiday festivities. Even though they are part of our family, pets have special needs that don’t allow them to celebrate in the same way we do.

Pets like to sit under the dining table in hopes that they will pick up a scrap or two. Sharing your meat scraps with a pet can be ok if no seasoning is used. Ingredients like onions can cause fatigue in pets, raisins in fruitcake can cause kidney failure as well as garlic, nuts, and nutmeg that can cause a variety of GI issues Be careful with the foods your pet may pick up or given.

Pets also like to linger around the Christmas tree trying to get a few sips of the water used to keep your live tree fresh. Although it seems harmless, Christmas trees leach out fertilizer and other toxic chemicals into the water. Standing water becomes a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria. It is best to keep your pets out of this water no matter how cute it may seem. A suggestion would be to cover the trees water basin with foil or plastic wrap to keep your pet safely out of the water.

Pets are also one of the most requested gifts from children. How do you know if your child is ready for a pet? Ask yourself this question first. How good is your child at reliably completing chores? This will tell you how likely they are to help with the pet. This will also help you understand how much your child can do on their own and how much help you need to contribute. This should be a family decision as your new pet will become the newest member of your family.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy holiday season.

by Denise Visco

For all your insurance needs, visit our website at www.chedwards.net

#WellnessWednesday #PetSafety #WomansDayMagazine #HappyHolidays#LongIslandInsurance #CHEdwardsInsurance #Farmingdale#ViscoFamilyInsurance #WadingRiver #DeniseVisco #StevenVisco

Converting Your Home Heating System to Natural Gas

Converting Your Home Heating System to Natural Gas

Is it time to convert your home heating system from oil to a more affordable, reliable and healthier gas?

Natural gas home heating is much cheaper than oil. Not only is it cheaper, but it is clean, safe, efficient and a more dependable energy source because it is produced in the United States.

To begin the conversion process, contact PSE&G and ask them to recommend one of their reputable installers if you do not already have one.

The contractor can find out if there’s natural gas within 100 feet of your home so that you do not have to pay a connection charge.

Once this is determined, the contractor will remove the old boiler and oil tank if it is located inside your home. If your tank is located underground, it can be abandoned and will no longer be used to store fuel. In place of the old heating system, a gas boiler and a separate hot water heater will be installed. The last and final step would be a safety inspection of the new equipment.  This process can take some time, so make sure that you have enough of your current fuel source.

After that, you can enjoy a more affordable, safer, healthier and efficient way of heating your home.

Don’t forget to contact your insurance agent and advise them of your heating system updates.

For questions or more information on Homeowners insurance, please give us a call at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net

by Steven Visco

 

 

Hurricane Terms and Meanings: What To Look For!

Hurricane Terms and Meanings: What To Look For!

When it comes to hurricanes, there are many terms used to describe their levels of strength, and the effect one can expect with it.

Here is what to listen for:

Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. During a watch, prepare your home and review a plan for evacuation in case warnings are issued.

Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical; storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within a specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical or post tropical cyclone. During a watch, prepare your home and review a plan for evacuation in case warnings are issued.

Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Be aware that additional watches and warnings are issued to provide detailed information on specific threats such as flood and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue flash flood/flood watches and warnings as well as tornado warnings.

For more information on what damages are covered under your homeowners insurance due to a hurricane, please give us a call at (516) 249-5200.

Please be advised, flood damages are not covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy. A separate flood policy would be necessary. Call TODAY for a free quotation.

 

Renters Insurance for Your College Student

Renters Insurance for Your College Student

Do you have a child heading off to college this upcoming school semester?
If you do, now is the time to look into a renter’s policy to ensure the safety of their personal belongings.

Research shows that 60% of renters do not carry renters insurance. Many consumers think that they can’t afford it, or it’s not important.

The truth is renters insurance is one of the most affordable and most important policies to have when becoming a renter. The average cost of a renter’s policy is about $15 a month! That makes it easy and affordable for you and your hard working college student!

As a renter, you need coverage for your furniture and other personal belongings such as clothes, computer equipment, sports gear, art, jewelry and everything else you own.

Think about how much it would cost you to replace everything you own.

A Renters policy protects you if your covered property is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed regardless of where it is when the loss occurs, such as while you are moving it or even in another’s home.

For more information on renters insurance, please give us a call at 516-249-5200.

 

Save Money While on Vacation

Save Money While on Vacation

Going on vacation often means indulging here and there on purchases. When you travel, you may want to be sure you are spending your hard earned money in the smartest ways.

Here are some suggestions on how to make your next vacation memorable and affordable!

Be flexible – Travelers who are flexible in their departure dates and times can usually find great deals and rates because they have the ability to shop price instead of date.

Pack light – Many airlines now charge extra for baggage fees, especially suitcases. Pack only the necessities.

Use coupons – Coupons aren’t only for getting cents off your brand tissue at the supermarket. Coupon and discount codes are available for just about any purchase – even vacations. Check all travel websites to see if there are any deals and specials going on when booking your trip.

Plan meals – Look into economical restaurants before departing. Know where you’ll be eating and when.

Rent small – If you are renting a car, choose the smallest model that will fit your needs. In addition, there is no need to pay for a large room that you don’t plan to spend much time in.

Consider public transportation – Investigate public transportation options near your destination. Such options may not be as convenient as taxis, but they may be more economical.

Make your next vacation unforgettable!

 

 

Summer Guide to U-Pick Lewin’s Farm!

Summer Guide to U-Pick Lewin’s Farm!

Summer is here and that only means one thing, fresh summer produce! If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, check out one of Long Island’s many “U-Pick” farms on the east end! With a wide variety of choices ranging from blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and more, you and your family are sure to find something you all love!

Lewin’s farm on Sound Avenue in Calverton offers many fun, family activities along with their “U-Pick” farm experience.

Even if you don’t feel like picking your own produce, Lewin’s offers a huge farm stand of already picked fresh produce right at your fingertips.

While there, make sure to take a drive down Sound Avenue and see what other farms and stands can offer you.

Its summer fun for the whole family, don’t miss out on this year’s summer picking season.

Lewin Farm
812 Sound Avenue
Calverton, NY 11933
Phone: 631-929-4327

 

Looking for a twist on your weekend breakfast/brunch?

Try some Cheese and Blueberry Danish

What you need:

  • 1 package (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 4 oz. package of cream cheese
  • Sugar to taste
  • ½ cup of Blueberries

How to make it:

  • Heat your oven to 350 degrees
  • Unroll the crescent rolls onto a greased baking sheet
  • Use two triangle pieces to make one square (you will have four at the end)
  • Pinch the seams to hold the dough together
  • In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sugar until it is as sweet as you like
  • Spread a spoonful of cream cheese onto the dough and top with a handful of blueberries
  • Bring opposite corners of rectangles together and press together to seal.
  • Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown

Enjoy!