by marketing | Dec 2, 2014 | Blog
Your car will thank you in the winter if you change your tires. Winter tires can provide several benefits while driving. They can keep you safe while on the snow and sometimes if there is ice on the road.
Grip
The tires that you use in the summer will not have the same grip in the winter. This is something that you need to keep in mind if you plan on driving in the snow a great deal of the time or you live in an area that sees a good bit of snow in the winter. When the temperatures drop below 44 degrees Fahrenheit, the winter tires have a better grip because of the design.
Getting Through The Snow
Winter tires have the tread to get you through the snow and slush that you see on the road during the winter months. The tread is closer together, giving a better grip that you won’t see with tires you have in the summer. Many of the tires for this season don’t have studs on them like they did years ago, so that you can keep the tires on your car without a fear of causing damage to the car or the road.
Flexibility
The tires that you put on your car in the winter are more flexible, allowing for the car to get through the snow. This is because winter tires are comprised of a softer material. Stiffer tires make it harder to stop when the ground is cold or when there is snow on the road, making a softer tire ideal for the season.
Chains
If you want an added protection while on the road, use chains on your vehicle’s tires instead of simply driving with snow tires. These will give you better traction, and they can help get through ice a little better than just using snow tires.
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by marketing | Nov 3, 2014 | Blog
Winter brings many challenges for rental properties. Some things that were not a problem during the warmer months can become an issue when temperatures start to drop. You need to be proactive and take care of certain things in and around the property. There are a few ways that you should prepare your rental property for winter.
Check and Maintain Detectors
You will want to go through the property and check all of the different detectors. This should include smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary. This is especially important, since carbon monoxide could build up in the rental property in the winter when all windows are doors are closed each day. You also want to defend against fires that could be started by space heaters.
Clean Ducts and Chimneys
You should clean the ducts and chimneys in the property. The ducts are going to be used for heating on a regular basis. You can increase the efficiency of the heating system and improve the indoor air quality by cleaning the ducts. The chimney needs to be professionally swept. This will remove creosote that could become a fire hazard in the winter.
Clear the Gutters
You should go outside and clear the gutters. Get all of the leaves and twigs out of the channel. Check that the gutter is firmly attached to the building and the downspout. This is essential since cold weather could cause ice dams to form that can damage the roof and fascia of the building. Clean gutters can prevent ice dams.
Trim Trees and Hedges
The final thing to do is trim back trees and hedges. Have dead branches removed so that they do not fall and cause injuries or property damage. Trim back hedges and bushes as well. Get rid of branches that could damage walls or windows during the winter. This will protect the property and the tenants.
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by cdowney | Oct 7, 2014 | Blog
Here’s the thoughts / comments from the insurance side of things:
• Always – always get Current certificates of insurance for general Liability and workers comp at the least for anyone doing work for you / per job. ( a certificate is only good for a day – so one of your subs may have given you a cert – however it may not be valid / cancelled insurance next month )
• The Addnl Insured vs primary insured Splitting the limits equally perception is incorrect. There are no set parameters / Limits on who gets what portion of limits.
• Further, There usually is a $ charge to add addnl Insureds to your policy as the insurance company listing them is now insuring them – for the same operations – that you perform.
• I Like having My clients added as addnl insureds on other people’s policies – You do as well… it just adds another layer of protection for your firm; so is good risk management.
• That being said it may not always be feasible to be listed on someone else’s policy. ( it may not be avail from their carrier, or it may be to cost Prohibitive for them; or they may want to charge you back for that coverage – which you already purchase thru your primary insurance – or they may start building it into their contract pricing)
• Typically we use this endorsement to insurance on Larger – more drawn out projects. For instance you may contract with a large venue and they may say you cannot step on their premise unless you list them as an addnl insured. Something of that nature.
In summary its good practice. However may not always be feasible for the subcontractor.
We can help you further with this advice. Just reach out. We’re here to help. 888-875-7539
All the best,
Charlie Downey
by marketing | Oct 6, 2014 | Blog
As the season transitions from summer to fall, your activity schedule and chore list may slow down or be reduced. However, you still don’t want to spend all of your free time engaged in home maintenance projects. Consolidating some of your fall maintenance checks can free up more of your evening and weekend time for enjoyable activities.
Check above
It’s imperative that you keep safety in the forefront of your mind when climbing onto the roof to clean gutters. Instead of repeatedly having to venture up the ladder, go ahead and check the condition of your roof and the area around your chimney while you’re up there. If repairs are needed, take care of those promptly then safely store your ladder away.
Walkways and steps
Raking leaves is as much a part of fall maintenance as lawn mowing is a part of summer maintenance. Wet and damp leaves can cause rotting, mold or mildew problems. Keeping leaves raked can prevent those issues from developing. Clearing leaves, acorns, and other seasonal debris off of your deck, steps, and walkways makes them safer. While clearing these areas, check for cracks, chips, or loose boards that need repair. You can save time by inspecting and preparing these areas instead of putting the task off until a later date. You’ll also reduce the chances of someone tripping over cracks in your walkway.
Window
Washing windows is a task that often appears on the fall maintenance list. While you’re washing windows and cleaning window sills, check for cracks or improperly fitting windows. Repair what you can with weatherstripping or caulking and replace the windows that need replacing. This will save you a considerable amount of money on your heating cost as the temperatures drop. This is also a good time to invest in thermal window coverings.
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by marketing | Sep 8, 2014 | Blog
Back-to-school time is stressful for many parents because they have to spend time shopping for things that their children need. Fortunately, you can save yourself time and money by sticking to the essentials. Below are five essential back-to-school items:
Backpack
Your child’s school supply needs can differ depending on the grade. However, there are some things that every student needs, regardless of whether he or she is starting preschool or college. A book bag is an example of something that every student needs to have.
Dry Erase Board
Many busy students have trouble remembering all of the things that they have to do. However, a dry erase board can make it easier for students to remember all of their obligations. They can write down all of their daily activities on the board.
Flash Cards
Flash cards make it easier to study. They can also make study sessions more fun. That is why flash cards are a necessity for students.
Scented Color Pencils
Pencils are another one of the school supplies that every child needs. However, if you are looking for an alternative to traditional pencils, then you may want to consider purchasing scented color pencils. Additionally, you may also want to purchase pencils that are made out of natural ingredients.
Handy Pouch
It will be easier for your child to keep up with all of his or her pencils, pens, and highlighters if you have a handy pouch. Pouches come in many different colors, so you are sure to find one that your child likes.
Back-to-school shopping does not have to be as stressful as people make it. One of the keys to easy back-to-school shopping is to only purchase what your child needs. Handy pouches, scented color pencils, dry erase board, flash cards, and backpacks are examples of some of the things that students need to start the school year off the right way.
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by cdowney | Aug 21, 2014 | Blog
Are your kids nervous about returning to school in the fall? As a parent, your goal is to guide them and let them know change is okay. However, do you also experience some anxieties during the weeks leading up to the school season? Perhaps you will find peace of mind with some of these helpful tips to make getting back to school smoother for all involved.
New Routine Means Adjustments: The school year brings about a busier schedule than your family is used to during the lazy summer days. Make sure you are prepared for the challenges ahead, and start early with the adjustment process. Open communication and positive thinking will help everyone’s transition be much smoother.
Organization is Key: As the summer winds down, you can take advantage of this slowed down lifestyle. Get organized for the busy school year by gathering important information your students will need for classes, get their physicals out of the way, and update their school emergency contact and health information for the coming year. Also, you can start to think of creative and healthy meals your kids will enjoy. This way they can continue to be nutritious even when at school.
Gathering School Supplies: This may be your least favorite part of preparing for back to school. But it is important for your children to learn how to take advantage of sales, follow a list of instructions, and stay organized. It is always a good idea to buy what you know you will need early, if you can. Whether this includes new clothes or supplies such as notebooks, pens, assignment books, folders, and more, you can get ahead of the game to avoid stress once school approaches.
All of us here at Downey Insurance Group hope these tips will help your family have a smooth transition back into school. The idea of going to a new institution or returning to old friends with new experiences can be both exciting and nerve racking. Giving your children the confidence they need to succeed in the world of academia is the best gift you can give them. So help them head back to school the right way with organization, the best supplies, and some independence!
