Fourth of July Safety Tips

Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July is almost here and you are probably working on finalizing your weekend plans, or if you’re lucky, you are already enjoying your long weekend.  Whether you are heading to the city to see the fireworks, the coast for some quality beach time or just down the street for the annual July 4^th block party, it’s critical to be aware of the hazards that can come with the star-spangled festivities.

First of all, many people will be spending a good amount of time outside. The forecast looks sunny and hot and you may not remember to put on sunscreen. On the shore, on a boat or in your own backyard, you still need to apply sunscreen in order to protect yourself from the increasingly harmful rays. For more info, click here!  

Also, be careful with open flames from a campfire, some sparklers, etc., and know the laws in your town (and state) regarding this type of recreation. Especially if you are heading up to New Hampshire, please be careful with fireworks and be aware of the safety guidelines listed both here and on the packaging itself. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to keep kids and pets away from the flames and to keep either a large bucket of water or a garden hose close by. For more safety tips for building your own campfires, click here.

Lastly, if you will be barbequing this weekend, it’s important to be cautious with perishable foods (meats, dairy, produce, etc) from transportation to cooking to actually serving. It’s surprising just how easily food can go bad in the summer heat and the last thing that anyone wants to deal with is getting a food-borne illness over the holiday weekend. Click here for more tips on safe food handling.

Happy Independence Day from everyone here at Encharter Insurance! As always we want you to be safe, responsible and have a great time celebrating this Fourth of July!

If you have any questions about Wilmington Car Insurance, Wilmington Life Insurance, Wilmington Homeowner’s Insurance or Wilmington Business Insurance, we’d like to help! You can call us at 888-865-1244, you can visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Reading MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

At Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”

July 4th Fireworks Safety

The Fourth of July is fast approaching. This is quite possibly my favorite holiday of the year. What beats hanging out with family and friends, bountiful backyard barbeques and responsibly enjoying an ice-cold adult beverage or two of choice? Answer: STAYING OUT OF THE EMERGENCY ROOM!

Everyone here at Encharter Insurance wants you and your loved-ones to enjoy a safe July 4th celebration. We all know that lighting, storing and possessing fireworks in the State of Massachusetts is against the law. However, some neighboring states allow for the sale of fireworks. If you choose to visit one of these states to purchase fireworks for enjoyment within said state, please practice some common sense safety. Here is a list of fireworks safety tips offered on the National Council on Fireworks Safety’s website:

-Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

-Use fireworks outdoors only.

-Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

-Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

-Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

-Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

-Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”

-Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

-Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Remember to have fun this July 4^th while practicing common sense safety. If you plan to host a holiday party at your house and are going to be serving alcohol, make sure to have Liquor Liability included in your Homeowner’s Insurance policy. If you are unsure whether your current Homeowner’s Insurance policy includes coverage for Liquor Liability please call your local Encharter Insurance Agent today.  And remember, if you have any questions about Massachusetts Car Insurance, Massachusetts Life Insurance or Massachusetts Business Insurance, we’d like to help with that too! You can call us at 888-865-1244, you can visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Amherst MA, our office for insurance in Reading MA or our office for insurance in Lexington MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

Remember, at Encharter, “It’s all about protecting you!”