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Fireworks and celebrating the Fourth of July Holiday Safely

Fireworks and celebrating the Fourth of July Holiday Safely

This year fireworks season started early. Non-professionals have been using fireworks for a long list of reasons.  Local authorities will be on heightened alert due to this so please proceed cautiously if you decide to use fireworks this holiday and keep our pets and people with special needs in mind.

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 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 homeowner’s insurance.

  • If the 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 holiday from our C.H. Edwards, Inc. Family to yours!

by Denise Visco

What is a Notary Public?

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public (sometimes called a Notary or a Public Notary) is an individual authorized by the state or local government to officially witness signatures on legal documents, collect sworn statements and administer oaths.  A notary public uses an embossing tool to verify his or her presence at the time the documents were signed.  Most states issue a unique identifying number to each notary public in order to prevent fraudulent use of the embosser.

An attorney or other public figures can be granted notary public status, but no legal training is required to apply for the position.  Certain legal documents are required to be “notarized” in order to be recognized in court, so a notary public spends most of his or her time observing routine signatures.  Due to the fact that identities are so critical, a notary public may also spend some time verifying the names of the parties involved in the signing.  Generally, all parties provide some form of official identification (Driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, etc.) in order for the notary public to feel comfortable about certifying the signatures.

A qualified notary public should have a high level of integrity and respect for the legal process.  Several organizations offer courses on the legal and social aspects of becoming a notary public.  Notaries can not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed or religion.

C.H. Edwards, Inc. has a licensed notary on staff and we offer this service to our clients Free of Charge.  This is just an added benefit of choosing an Independent Insurance Agent.

Do not hesitate to come in and take advantage of the opportunity should the need arise.

Keeping your Skin Healthy in the Winter

Keeping your Skin Healthy in the Winter

Keeping your Skin Healthy in the Winter
 
Winter weather is not the best for your skin. Cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air that steals moisture from your skin. Indoor heat, hot showers, and harsh cleansers also reduce moisture in your skin. This lack of moisture leads to chapping, redness, itching that is just plain uncomfortable. What can you do to try to beat these conditions and keep your skin healthy this Winter? Try some of these tips.
 
1. Wash with Lukewarm Water
 
Hot Showers and baths feel good, but when washing your hands or face choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping too many oils from your skin.
 
2. Moisturize as much as possible.
 
Keep moisturizer with you at all times and also keep it located in the bathroom near your sink and shower so it is available to use liberally every time you wash.
 
3. Choose Moisturizers Carefully
 
Some over-the-counter moisturizers have petroleum-based ingredients that can actually further dry your skin in winter months. Be sure to find a formula that has natural, nourishing ingredients. Look for something oil based rather than a water-based solution. Look for hydrating ingredients like lavender, chamomile or jojoba which help to soothe dry, itchy skin.
 
4. Protect your skin
 
Wear gloves and scarves. Don’t forget sunscreen. Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer.
 
5. Exfoliate
 
Moisture can’t get in if dead skin cells are plentiful. Find an exfoliating mask that you can use on your face, hands, and lips then follow up with a moisturizer. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in winter months.
 
Try some of these tips to help keep that healthy glow all winter long.
 
The tips offered in Wellness Wednesday are suggestions for keeping healthy and do not replace the advice of a physician.
 
by Denise Visco
 
For more information on insurance, visit our website at www.chedwards.net
 
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Driving Safely in Snow and Ice

Driving Safely in Snow and Ice

Winter weather is here and so is the task of driving in snow and ice.  Of course,  the best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all if it can be avoided. This is not always an option so try not to go out until snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work.  Make sure and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for driving safely on icy roads 

  1.  Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.  You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  2. Brake gently to avoid skidding.  If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
  3. Turn on your lights to increase visibility to other motorists.
  4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
  5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
  6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
  7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads which will freeze first.  Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
  8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks.  The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind them.
  9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions.  Even four-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Try to incorporate some of these tips into your winter driving experience and have a safe winter weather driving season.

For more information on Auto, Home, Business, Life, and Flood insurance, visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

For more helpful insurance tips and information visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chedwardsinsurance

by Denise Visco

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Having a Summer Party? Know your Responsibility with regard to the Social Host Law

Having a Summer Party? Know your Responsibility with regard to the Social Host Law

Social Host

The summer season is traditionally known for parties. Memorial Day, Graduation, Fourth of July and Labor Day are reasons to celebrate and often these celebrations include the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Social Host Law was designed to deter underage drinking at parties where adults knowingly allow minors to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages. The law applies to any adult (including parents) who is over the age of 18 and who knowingly allows consumption of alcohol by minors. A minor is considered to be anyone under the age of 21.

Who can be charged? Anyone who is over the age of 18 and owns, rents or otherwise controls a private residence or similar location (campsites, hotel rooms, yards, etc.) and knowingly allows the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by a minor on such premises or fails to take reasonable corrective action upon learning of the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by any minor on the premises.

What is “Reasonable Corrective Action” Actions that include, but are not limited to, making a prompt demand that the minor stop drinking the alcoholic beverage or leave the premises. If the minor refuses to comply with the request, the adult must promptly report the incident to local law enforcement or to any other person with greater degree of authority over the minor such as the parent or guardian.

What are the penalties? The first offense comes with the penalty of a $500 fine. The second offense, $1,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail.

Is there any protection for you under your Homeowners Policy? There is no coverage under your Homeowner’s Policy for an offense or damage connected to the violation of the Social Host Law.

This law provides a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly allowing parties for youth under 21 to occur at the place under their control, whether or not they provided the alcohol.

Please note: This law does not apply to a parent who both expressly permits his or her minor child to consume the alcoholic beverage and who is present with the minor at the time of consumption.

Know your rights and have a Happy and Safe Summer party season from C.H. Edwards, Inc., the agency that takes pride in educating our consumers! www.chedwards.net or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.net/chedwardsinsurance.

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