Taming the Holiday Flames

Holiday season is finally upon us and although this means everything great from gifts to reuniting with friends and family for festive parties, it is important to acknowledge the increased risks surrounding holiday activities and to take the time to responsibly safeguard against them.

            Nothing competes with a cozy fire as the crown jewel of any homely winter night, but make sure to take a few precautions before settling down to crack open that good book. Fist off, remove stockings or decorations from directly above the fireplace as they are often flammable and can be subject to overheating. Also, always use a fire screen to prevent sparks or flares from escaping the chimney into your living room. Candles are also a common cause of fires during the holiday season. Ensure that all the candles in your home are secure from being easily knocked over. The U.S. Fire Administration claims that over $990 million dollars worth of damage is done during the holiday season due to fire.

            It is equally important to make sure that none of your electrical outlets are overloaded with plug-in decorations. Make sure that there is a UL mark on any electrical decoration you. This indicates that the item has been evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories and has passed all the organizations standard safety tests. Never run cords under a rug. They can be continuously stepped on and any fray that occurs will not be visible and known to you.

            If you are planning on having small children in your home during holiday season, kitchen safety can be of paramount importance. Make sure to keep the handles of all active pots and pans turned in toward the back of the stove in order to prevent them from being grabbed by a curious child. Don’t leave cooking food unattended if children could possibly be wondering in, and the same goes for knives or any other sharp utensils.

            Call your local insurance agent in Reading MA at 888-865-1244 today to learn more or if you have any questions regarding your coverage, or visit us at www.encharter.com to view our full line of MA Personal Insurance, including Reading MA Homeowners Insurance, Reading MA Car Insurance, Reading MA Life Insurance and Reading MA Umbrella Insurance.

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

To Schedule? Or, Not to Schedule?

Last night while staring at the big blank wall in my living room, I got the brilliant idea that I wanted to fill the white space with some original art work (and by original art work, I mean I was going to attempt to inspire myself to paint something). I marched on over to the local craft store to buy a couple of canvases. In my search to find the perfect canvas size and style to quench my (newly established) artistic craving, I noticed a man waiting at the custom framing counter, selecting a frame to host his latest piece: an oil painting of a Swiss glacier depicted by an endless palette of colors.

While assisting with the framing selection, naturally I was invited to help; it occurred to me the incredible invaluable worth of an original piece of artwork. And although, if a loss should occur to such a piece (whether your own or an original Manet), it would be essentially irreplaceable, it is still important to schedule such an item on your Reading, MA Homeowner’s Insurance.

If you are unsure whether you should be scheduling various items: artwork, jewelry, priceless collections or items, call your local Encharter Insurance agent today! Call us today at 888-865-1244 or contact us via the web at www.encharter.com. And while you’ve got insurance on your mind, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure that your Reading, MA Car Insurance and Life Insurance Reading, MA have you properly covered. Also, see what Encharter is up to on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and get in touch with us there!

Stoneham Town Day 2010

This weekend, join Encharter Insurance at Stoneham Town Day 2010! Visit our booth between 11:00am & 4:00pm to enter our free raffle for a night out and for the kids to “fish” in our mini duck pond for a prize! Additonally, we will be available to answer any questions that you may have concerning MA insurance or Social Media Networking.  

Check out more info about tomorrow’s event below:

http://www.stonehamchamber.org/

http://www.stonehamchamber.org/home/townday

We hope to see you there! And if you can’t make it, don’t worry! You can still call us any time at 888-865-1244 or visit us at www.encharter.com or at our Reading, MA Insurance location. Additionally, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

New MA Texting Ban to Take Effect in October

Do you ever leave the house feeling like something is completely amiss but you can’t put your finger on what exactly it is? I experienced this very recently and I seriously felt as though, if I could lose a limb, I was missing an arm. And would anyone like to take a guess as to what I actually had been missing? My cell phone! And I was in my car when I realized it…so you know what I did? I turned around to pick it up!

Saying something like, “I feel incomplete without it” is what you would say about your spouse, not an electronic device. But the reality is, in this day and age, we have developed such a dependence upon our cell phones and, when it comes to driving, it’s become dangerous. So legislators in Massachusetts are attempting to do something about it. According to an article on Boston.com, beginning in October, a texting while driving ban will take effect. The article continues, “The texting ban covers e-mailing, Internet searching, and other non-calling activity on a phone, laptop, or handheld electronic device by anyone operating a motor vehicle.” If you are found to be in violation of this new law, you will be fined, but “the offense will not be considered a moving violation and will not result in an insurance surcharge.”

For more information about this new law, see the article and visit the MA Legislative website.

Of course, if you have any questions about Reading MA Car Insurance, Reading MA Homeowners Insurance, Reading MA Life Insurance or Reading MA Business Insurance, we’d love to help! Contact your local Encharter Insurance agent today. 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, be sure to find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

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

Get Rid of that Dryer Lint or Else!

By unplugging electronics when a thunderstorm is coming, keeping matches away from kids and not leaving burning candles unattended and regularly checking the batteries on your smoke detectors, you are making a great effort to prevent a fire in your home. However, when was the last time that you thoroughly cleaned out the dryer lint from your dryer?

Beyond the regular cleaning of the lint screen after each load, it is important to clean out the outer duct, located on the outside of your house, and the compartment where the actual screen goes when the dryer is running. Neglecting to do so can result in a serious fire: the dryer lint can begin smoldering without you even knowing it and then spontaneously burst into flames.

For more tips on fire safety, click here! And if you have any questions about your Wilmington, MA Homeowner’s policy, Wilmington, MA Car Insurance, Wilmington, MA Auto Insurance, Wilmington, MA Life Insurance or Wilmington, MA Business Insurance, we’d like to answer those questions as well! You can call us at 888-865-1244, visit our virtual insurance office at www.encharter.com or you can visit our office for insurance in Wilmington, MA. And now, you can find us on Twitter© and Facebook©!

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

Importance of Pool Safety

If you are from the Eastern MA area, you probably heard about the tragic incident that occurred last weekend. On Saturday morning, twin sisters Veronica and Angelina Andreottola of Lynnfield tragically drowned in their family’s pool. It is suspected that the toddlers somehow opened the electronic pool cover but the details are not yet clear. To read more, click here.

It’s terrible that we need a reminder like this to bring our attention to pool safety and not just on having fun in the sun. Whether you own a pool or not, it is important to be aware of the risks that come with swimming pools and the ways that you can keep your family and friends safe this summer. Click here to read about some critical pool safety tips that are not to be overlooked.

Accidents do happen and it’s important to prevent them to the best of your ability. While you are looking for the best ways to protect the people you care about, it is also a good idea to make sure that you have the proper liability limits in place; especially if you have a pool on your property. It is a good idea to talk to your Encharter Insurance agent about considering the addition of a MA Personal Umbrella policy to your MA Homeowner’s Insurance policy.

To speak with someone about your questions and concerns regarding your MA Homeowner’s policy and the coverage you should have, please call your local Encharter agent today! And if you have any questions about Massachusetts Car Insurance, Massachusetts Life Insurance or Massachusetts Business Insurance, we’d like to answer those questions as well! You can call us at 888-865-1244, 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!”

Distracted Driving Facts and Tips

The recent ban on texting in MA while driving, brings up the issue of distracted driving.  There are plenty of opportunities, aside from texting, to become distracted. Ranging from internet use and “app” purchasing on Smartphones to entering an address into a GPS, Encharter recommends that you drive safely by pulling over to a well-lit parking lot or shoulder on the side of the road, or even a gas station, before using these electronics.

According to CNBC, an experiment was conducted by Car and Driver Magazine to show just how much distracted driving can impair your abilities; maybe even more so than drunk driving! These were the results for reaction time for braking:

• Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
• Legally drunk: add 4 feet
• Reading e-mail: add 36 feet
• Sending a text: add 70 feet

 

For those of you that still aren’t convinced that distracted driving is dangerous, look at these additional facts and articles (and even a film if you are interested!):

The Transportation Safety Group at the National Safety Council found that distracted drivers account for nearly 80 percent of car crashes.

“In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes that involved distracted driving.” – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The 2008 Chatsworth train collision in LA

MBTA: Conductor in Boston trolley crash was texting his girlfriend

COW – “It’s all about Cassie COWan – a nice girl from a nice Gwent valleys family – who kills four people on the road because she used her mobile and lost her concentration for a few seconds.”

At Encharter Insurance, we want you to be as safe as possible on the road and avoid dangerous driving habits. If you have any questions about Reading Car Insurance, Reading Life Insurance, Reading Homeowner’s Insurance or Reading 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©!

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!”

Fun on July 4th

Still trying to finalize your plans for this weekend’s Independence Day festivities? Have you considered celebrating in Wilmington, MA? All this week through the Fourth of July, on the Wilmington Town Common, check out the variety of events that the Wilmington Fourth of July Committee is sponsoring!

The festivities will include dinners, basketball and horseshoe tournaments, and races of all kinds; you are sure to be entertained! Enjoy some classic, patriotic good times with the rest of the local community at your leisure and don’t miss out on a good ‘ole American carnival complete with fireworks!  For more information, visit www.funonthefourth.com and view a complete list of what Wilmington has in store for you and your family.

Encharter wants you to have a great holiday while safely and responsibly enjoying time with family and friends. So if you have any questions or concerns 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 Wilmington 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!”