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Views From 45 Main
Summer 2008 Edition
IN THIS ISSUE
• Barbeque Grill Safety
• 8th Summer Reading Program
• Insure Your Fishing Boat
• Save Your Energy
• We're Voted #1
• Auto/Home Account Savings Add Up
• Short Takes
Home Risk Management
Backyard Safety Prevents Summer Blues
Recent study cites potential fire hazards of outdoor grilling
Family barbecues with hot dogs, burgers and kebobs simmering on the grill are indeed a summer delight. But fire on the grill can turn into fire in the home without proper precautions according to the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA).
NFPA Study
The NFPA Web site cites the results of a 2005 national study: gas and charcoal grills caused 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties. The combined direct property loss was $137 million.
Grill-related home fires
The NFPA study reported that the placing of grills on exterior balconies, unenclosed porches, and under eaves were leading causes of house fires caused by barbecue grills.
Others: Use of gasoline to ignite a charcoal fire; gas grills with leaks or breaks; and placing combustibles too close to heat.
Keep barbecues memorable, safe
• Never leave your grill unattended.
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• Designate your grilling area a “No Play Zone” for
kids and pets.
• Position your grill at least 3 feet from the house, shrubs, branches, play objects and other flammable objects
in the yard.
• Use proper starter fluid for charcoal grills.
• Check the gas grill connection line between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking.
• Do not use a match to check for gas grill leaks; if you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas, and don’t use grill until it is fixed.
• Do not bring your lit barbecue grill indoors or into any unventilated space;
it will become both a fire and carbon monoxide hazard!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GRILL SAFETY AND
OTHER
HOME HAZARD ISSUES VISIT www.nfpa.org and www.homesafetycouncil.org
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8th Annual Read n’ Ride
Summer Reading Program
We are pleased to again sponsor the children’s Summer Reading Programs at the Bridgewater Public Library and West Bridgewater Public Library. We will award bicycles from B&B Bike Shop to lucky readers who participate in special drawings, and sponsor the Read n’ Ride sign-up literature for the programs. The Bridgewater program runs from July 8 to August 14; the West Bridgewater program from July 7 to August 14. Last year 10,002 books were read by 928 Bridgewater youngsters.
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INSURE YOUR FISHING BOAT
5 questions to ask when you insure a boat
used for fishing...
• Do I need an “actual cash value” or “agreed value” policy?
• Is my fishing gear covered?
• What does the fine print say about towing services?
• Where can I go with my trailer? Are there limitations.
• What coverage do I need if I participate in tournaments?
Call us. We can help with answers and options.
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INFO CORNER
Save Your Energy
Driving at 55 per hour instead of 75 would reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 25 percent, according to the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). On its Web site, the DOE claims, as a rule of thumb, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
The DOE site also lists these ways to save on gas costs:
• Keep tires inflated at proper pressure
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration
• Do not brake hard
• Avoid excessive idling
• Use overdrive gears
• Remove all excess weight in your vehicle
• Maintain a constant speed in highway driving
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We’re Voted #1!
Estabrook & Chamberlain recently received the good news that readers of Community Newspaper Company papers voted us the best insurance agent in the Bridgewater area.
We also received another honor, a bronze Readers Choice award as one of the best agents in Bristol County.
Auto-Home Account Savings Add Up
Today, more than ever, it pays to check out insuring your home with the same agent and company that writes your automobile insurance. There are significant cost savings plus service convenience when you have changes or file a claim.
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SHORT TAKES
• One way to save money on auto insurance is to remove collision on older cars. Cars that are 6 years or older may have depreciated to a point where it is not worth continuing the collision coverage.
• Adult drag racing is now a criminal violation in Massachusetts. The old law, which made drag racing a civil infraction, was amended to include stiff penalties for convictions, including possible prison time. A drag racing violation committed by a junior operator (under 18) remains a civil infraction.
• New U.S. Passport Card now available. It can be used for land and sea travel to enter or re-enter the United States from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It will NOT be accepted for air travel. The card is an acceptable form of identification, and may be used to prove either date of birth or signature for those applying for a license or ID card. It is valid for 10 years (5 years for children ages 15 and younger.)
• Planning a trip to Canada? Border patrols will check for proof of auto insurance. Call us or drop by the office for a Canadian insurance card.
• U.S. auto injury claim frequency down but claim severity (average cost per claim) is on the rise—a paradox that could increase pressure on auto insurance premiums.
• Yes, we cover condos! Do you have a friend or relative who owns a condominium? Do you own a seasonal condo in-state or out-of-state? We can provide quality coverage at reasonable rates.
The only thing worse than paying too much for insurance is paying too little. As an Independent Agent, we can help you avoid BOTH. It’s all about value; what you get for what you pay.
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Thank You for Referring Us to a Friend
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Disclaimer: It is understood that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal or other expert advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought. Insurance information is general in nature; for specific coverage provisions, review contractual policy provisions.
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