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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

 

 

 

 

 

Why Washing Your Car In The Winter Is So Important

Why Washing Your Car In The Winter Is So Important

If you live in a snowy area like here in New York, chances are your car is looking pretty dirty these days.

Road salt, dirt, and snow can make your car unrecognizable.

Washing your car during the winter season may seem like a waste of time, but, it is worth it in the long run.

Road salt and moisture can cause rust on a car. Not only is rust hard to stop but it can truly do damage to your vehicle.

Taking care of your car now means that it will last longer and its overall value will remain high.

Be sure to give your vehicle a rough scrub and a waxing. Pay close attention to the areas behind the wheels, quarter panels and front grille. These are the main areas where salt and dirt are collected.

If you don’t want to do the work yourself, invest a few dollars at your local car wash. Chances are for the price you pay, your car will get an excellent wash and wax.

Winterizing your car doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. It just takes a little time.

How will you take care of your car this winter season?

Fire Place Safety

Fire Place Safety

The chilly months are here and there is no better way to warm up than next to your fire place.

It’s important to use extra precautions when burning wood in your fire place. Just a few simple safety tips will go a long way when it comes to protecting your home and family from a possible mishap.

Only burn dry, cured wood. Wood that has been split, stacked and dried for eight to twelve months is ideal.

Burn Firewood and only firewood! Other woods such as construction scraps, painted wood’s and treated woods release chemicals into your home. Not only does this compromise the air quality in your home but it can be deadly in some situations.

Have a chimney cap installed. This will prevent objects and critters from entering through and coming in your home.

Be sure to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near your fireplace as well as hallways and bedroom areas.

Do you have any fire place safety tips to share with us? Let us know!

Stay safe and warm this winter season.

 

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!

 

How to Make Existing Windows More Energy Efficient

How to Make Existing Windows More Energy Efficient

The colder months are officially among us! Drafty windows in your home make it less comfortable for you and your family by allowing cold air to enter your home during these fall and winter months. Not only is this a cause for discomfort but it also has a negative impact on the environment.

Leaky windows require heating systems to work harder, therefore increasing energy consumption. You can help keep your home warm while being more energy efficient with a few of these helpful tips:

Caulk or add weather stripping. Small cracks and gaps around windows, which are most often found around windows in older buildings, might not seem like a big deal but can be the biggest reason as to why you have a draft! Fixing these small cracks will go a long way when it comes to keeping your home warm and saving energy.

Install window films. Plastic window films are another option for homeowners looking to keep their home warm and save energy. Heat shrink film can be cut to fit each individual leaky window in a home and help save you tons on energy costs.

Once you have sealed up the cracks and gaps in your window, be sure to open your curtains during the day time. The natural light shining in will warm your home up.

Drafty and leaky windows are bad for homeowners! Not only does it cause you to be uncomfortable but it can drive up your energy bill. Thankfully, there are options!

For information on homeowners insurance or how to save on your homeowners’ premium, give us a call at 516-249-5200.