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Keeping Pets Safe on Halloween

Keeping Pets Safe on Halloween

It’s almost Halloween!  Costumes are purchased.  Decorations are in place and treats are being prepared for visiting trick or treaters.  Everything seems in place, but what about our pets?  Pets enjoy Halloween too so how do we keep them safe?

Candy, especially chocolate is a significant danger and can be poison to our pets.  Chocolate is dangerous for two reasons.  First, chocolate contains two chemicals-caffeine and theobromine which are stimulants.  Symptoms can begin in 6-12 hours after ingestion.  These symptoms can include panting, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination.  High concentrations lead to irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, and even death.  There are all levels of sensitivity just like in people, some dogs and cats can be sensitive to chocolate and show signs of poisoning from much lesser amounts.

Chocolate is very high in sugar and fat.  This could cause mild diarrhea, or more dangerous gastroenteritis, pancreatitis and liver disease from ingestion of large amounts of chocolate.  Keep all candy out of the reach of pets and explain to young children that it is not safe to feed candy to dogs and cats.

If your pet is afraid of loud noises or frightened when people come to the door.  Speak to your veterinarian about a calming supplement or mild tranquilizer to get your pet through Halloween comfortably. Never do this on your own.  Consult a professional as the dose for pets is different than people. Be extremely cautious if your dog or cat goes out and navigates the yard on their own.  Don’t leave them unattended on Halloween night.  Pets innocently fall victim to Halloween pranks.

Our pets are special to us.  Don’t let their safety become less of a priority due to the excitement of the holiday.  With some planning, the day can be fun for the entire family.  Hopefully, this information will help to provide a safe environment for our pets.  Think Safety First and Have a Happy Halloween!

by Denise Visco

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Maintaining Your New Year Resolutions

Maintaining Your New Year Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions can be hard to keep when your list of goals is as long as your shopping list. Add on some stress and post-holiday slump and you’re feeling hopeless!

Don’t panic! Here are some tips to help keep your resolutions in check and on track.

Start small. Don’t jump into an unrealistic resolution. For example, instead of promising yourself to go to the gym five times a week, make a promise of three days. This will help you feel more accomplished and help your strive towards the five days.

Change one behavior at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, focus on changing one thing at a time.

Talk about it. Share your goals and expectations with your family and friends. Having a support system will help you in achieving your goals.

Don’t beat yourself up. If you promised yourself to eat healthy this year and splurge on a bowl of ice cream. Don’t get down about it. We are all human and we are far from perfect. One bowl of ice cream or even a cookie will not permanently destroy your resolution. Everyone has up and downs. Simply recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

What are your New Year resolutions for 2018?

 

Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

This Winter is forecast to be one of the coldest on record. Many homeowners and businesses will be experiencing frozen water pipes.

Low temperatures of 20 degrees and below can result in frozen or burst water pipes.

Here are some precautions to take when avoiding frozen or bursting pipes in your home:

– Keep your heat up to at least 60-65 degrees.
– Run faucets at a slow trickle.
– Seal any areas where there is a draft.
– Open up your cabinet doors to let heat into closed spaces.
– Remove hoses from outside yard faucets.

If your pipes DO freeze, it’s OK! Just because they are frozen it does not mean they will burst. Here is what you can do:

– Leave your faucets open and call a plumber.
– Do not use a torch or open flame to thaw a frozen pipe.
– Try thawing the frozen pipe with a hairdryer. Start with the pipe closest to the faucet and work your way to the coldest section.

In the event your pipes have burst, turn off the water at the main shut off valve and leave your faucets on. It’s important that every member of your home know where the main shut off valve is located.

For more information, the damages and repairs that are covered under your homeowner’s insurance due to a burst pipe, contact our Homeowners Insurance specialists at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net

 

Insuring Your New Holiday Gifts!

Insuring Your New Holiday Gifts!

The presents have been opened and Santa is headed back to the North Pole to prepare for next year’s big trip.

Was Santa extra good to you this year? Maybe you received those diamond earrings you’ve been wanting or even your dream car!

No matter how big or small, let C.H. Edwards, Inc. help insure your precious holiday gifts.

We offer a wide variety of coverage’s such as:

  • Automobile
  • Motorcycle
  • Snowmobile
  • RV
  • Jewelry
  • Fur
  • Camera

and so much more!

Don’t know what coverage is right for you? Give us a call at (516) 249-5200 and let our specialists help in finding you the perfect policy or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

For more information on the coverage’s, we offer or a free quotation, visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

C.H. Edwards, Inc. wishes you and your loved ones a happy and prosperous New Year!

 

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

 

 

Do you have a family emergency plan?

Do you have a family emergency plan?

Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most likely not be together when a disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe?

Here are steps to take before a disaster happens to ensure you and your loved ones will be safe:

  • Post emergency telephone numbers near the phone.
  • Install safety features in your home, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
  • Have your family learn basic safety measures such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher and also how to turn off the main’s to your gas, water and electric in your home.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
  • Prepare an emergency supply kit. Here are some important items to consider:
    • At least a 3-days’ supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
    • At least a 3 days’ supply of non-perishable food.
    • One change of clothing and shoes per person.
    • One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
    • First aid kit.
    • Batteries.
    • Emergency tools.
    • Flashlight.
    • Extra set of car keys.
    • Credit card and cash.
    • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
    • Prescription and non-prescription medications.

Last but not least, practice and maintain your plan with your loved ones.