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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.

Antique Jewelry and Fine Jewelry as gifts. Did you remember Insurance?

Antique Jewelry and Fine Jewelry as gifts. Did you remember Insurance?

Unfortunately, many people who have antique and fine jewelry do not insure it properly and a large segment of this uninsured jewelry is given as gifts. It can often be overlooked insurance until the item is lost or stolen. Here are four simple steps to help you make sure your fine jewelry, antique jewelry and jewelry gifts are protected.

  1. Gather together all the valuables you would like insured. Don’t forget any fine jewelry that household family members have and any heirloom and antique jewelry. Once gathered, take a photo of each piece and it is also a good idea to get an appraisal on any piece that would be difficult to value in a picture alone. Make a list of these pieces and the photos and place them in a safe deposit box along with any jewelry that you won’t’ be wearing on a regular basis.
  2. Review your current insurance for the coverage you already have. You may have some jewelry coverage currently on your homeowner’s or Renters insurance. Check with your insurance agent and ask how much coverage you have for your fine jewelry. Have specifics from your list on what types of jewelry you have and the approximate value.
  3. Get Quotes on Jewelry Insurance. If you need to purchase additional insurance above and beyond what your homeowners or renters policy limits, get a quote from your current agent first. They may be able to give you the best deal since you are an existing customer with other policies in force. If you decide to comparison quote, keep in mind the deductible and don’t forget to ask for discounts if the jewelry is being stored in a safe deposit box.
  4. After you have a good Insurance Policy, Don’t forget about storage and reassessments. Always keep your jewelry in a safe, preferably locked place, such as a safe deposit box. As mentioned above, this may make your insurance lower and of course will reduce the risk of your jewelry being lost, damaged or stolen. Also, remember to get your jewelry coverage reassessed when you get new jewelry or on a regular annual basis, especially on pieces that you feel may go up in value.

By Steven Visco

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

Do you know what the slowdown and move over laws mean?

Do you know what the slowdown and move over laws mean?

Insurance Tip Thursday
 
Do you know what the slowdown and move over laws mean?
 
Your driving and see emergency vehicles with flashing lights coming up behind you or stopped alongside the road as your passing, what do you do?
 
Under NYS law, drivers must exercise due care when approaching vehicles that have their emergency lights illuminated. On highways, that includes moving out of travel lanes next to shoulders, if possible.
 
There are versions of the Slow down, move over law in all 50 states. If you are unaware of your states law, visit DrivingLaws.AAA.com.
 
For more information on Auto, Home, Business, Life or Flood Insurance visit our website at www.chedwards.net
 
by Steven Visco
 
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