What alarms and sensors do you need in your home? The answer is different for everyone. But, whatever your situation, today’s technology has you covered with options including online monitoring and more. Here are some common alarms, including two everyone needs to have, and three many people should at least consider:
When you’re making these important decisions, here’s one more important thing to consider: Some of these alarms could qualify you to save on your homeowners‘ insurance! Please give us a call to learn more.
You’ve seen these people on the news or in your local paper. Maybe you’ve seen them in person at a local park or beach in winter. Maybe you’re even one of them.
Who are they? And why are they jumping into a freezing body of water?
The origin of the polar bear plunge, as these events are often called, isn’t entirely clear. What is clear is that it happens worldwide. Russians and Scandinavians were doing it before it even had a name.
In the U.S., there are events across the country, particularly on New Year’s Day. In Boston, members of the L Street Brownies have been dipping on New Year’s Day since the early 1900s. And the Coney Island Polar Bear Club in New York has been around about as long. But members don’t just swim in the Atlantic Ocean on the first day of the year. They swim every Sunday from November through April.
The largest American plunge is the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, also known as “Plungefest.” The event, which draws more than 10,000 annually and raises money for the Special Olympics, takes place in January, February or even March.
As for why they do it, some say taking a dip in frigid water is rejuvenating. In addition, participants say the plunge increases energy and decreases stress.
Experts in the medical community, however, aren’t completely on board. While healthy people feel discomfort for about 30 seconds, the shock of the cold water is a real risk for others, particularly for those with heart disease or other health issues.
So, if you’re considering taking the plunge, just ask your doctor first. We here at DeWees Insurance Partners will applaud you, even if we think you’re just a little bit, well, crazy!
Now that summer’s over and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to think about pulling your boat out and putting it away until next year.
As you begin to prepare your boat for the winter, take the time to make sure it still has the right insurance protection. After all, we here at DeWees Insurance Partners want to make sure you’re ready for the next boating season! (And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also be ready to invite your favorite insurance agent out for a day on the lake. Just a thought.)
First things first: Insurance
If you have a small boat with limited power, you may have some coverage under your South Carolina homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you aren’t sure, please check with us. Of course, larger and faster boats, along with personal watercraft, require their own policies. And we can help with those, too!
But do you even need boat insurance during the offseason when your boat won’t even be in the water? Well, that depends. Keep in mind that your boat can still be damaged no matter where it is. Often, damage from fire and theft isn’t covered unless you have a watercraft policy. And there always is the chance that we could get a streak of great weather in November that lures you to take the boat out for a day or two! There are plenty of reasons to keep year-round coverage, but if you have questions about seasonal policies, give us a call: (803) 386-0003.
And while you’re thinking about insurance, consider your current watercraft coverage. Is your boat older? It might be time to move to cash-value coverage instead of agreed value. Do you have a lot of expensive fishing equipment? Make sure you have enough optional coverage so your gear isn’t at risk. You might also want to consider uninsured boater coverage and a personal umbrella policy, which provide more liability protection than a standard watercraft policy.
And remember, you might be able to save money on your insurance by taking a boating-safety course, increasing your deductible or bundling your policies with one company.
Now: A different kind of protection
After you’ve squared away protecting your boat with the right insurance options, it’s time to think about protecting your boat in a more literal sense – by properly preparing it for winter. Below are some general tips to follow, but, of course, you should check your owner’s manuals for manufacturer recommendations.
Your engine
Follow manufacturer instructions when winterizing your engine, but you’ll want to flush the engine with fresh water and make sure to drain fuel from the carburetor to prevent a build-up of deposits. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate cylinder walls and pistons.
Stern drive
Do a thorough inspection and remove plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and clean the lower unit with soap and water.
Fuel tanks
Fill your fuel tanks to avoid a buildup of condensation and add fuel stabilizer, following the product instructions.
Fresh water system
Drain the fresh water tank and water heater, and pump a nontoxic antifreeze into the system. Then, turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze coming out.
Interior
Remove all valuables from the boat. Clean drawers thoroughly, and turn cushions on their edges to allow air to circulate. Clean the refrigerator and freezer.
Cover it up!
A cover will keep your boat clean and protect it from water and UV rays, which can break down hoses and fade upholstery.
Now, with your boat safely stowed, you can focus on your other toys this winter. Snowmobiles, anyone?
Despite the fact that Halloween in Columbia involves walking around at night amongst ghouls and witches, it really only takes a little common sense to make the night safe for everyone.
Here are five questions to ask so your entire family, even pets, can enjoy a safe and fun evening of trick-or-treating or handing out candy to others:
Add reflective tape to costumes, clothing and candy bags to make it easier for drivers to see you and your group. That also goes for pets who are tagging along. Put reflective tape or flashing lights on their leashes or collars. Carrying flashlights and glow sticks is a good idea as well — they make you more visible and help you see better, too.
Costumes, including masks and shoes, should fit well to prevent blocked vision, trips and falls. Baggy clothing can also increase the risk of contact with candles. If you purchase costumes, make sure they are marked as flame-resistant. And accessories such as swords and knives should be soft and flexible.
It’s best to have a plan before taking your kids trick-or-treating. You should only go to known neighborhoods and houses that have outside lights on, and children should never enter someone’s home unless an adult is with them. If you have older children going out on their own, have them tell you their plan.
It’s always a good idea to examine the items your kids have collected before they dig in. And it’s not just about tampering, either. Be aware of choking hazards, too, particularly for young children. And remember, when it comes to eating treats, moderation is key.
Even if your dogs and cats are just hanging out at home while you hand out candy, don’t forget about them. They shouldn’t eat candy at all, but especially chocolate, which can be toxic. Make sure candles are placed in areas where they won’t be knocked down. And remember that, depending on your pet’s personality, having people constantly coming to your door can be stressful. You might want to create a comfortable spot for them away from your home’s entrance.
With the right plan, you can make Halloween fun — and safe — for your little ghosts and goblins. And you can probably snag a little leftover candy for yourself, too.
If there’s anything more satisfying than melting into the couch following a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner complete with all the fixings, it has to be shopping for the best deals of the season the day after in Columbia.
Hitting the shops on Black Friday has become a ritual that is as all-American as watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. And why wouldn’t it be, considering what a win-win it is for South Carolina’s customers and retailers alike?
Over the years, however, Black Friday has evolved. Stores that used to open at 6 a.m. now open at midnight, and Cyber Monday has entered the picture, offering bargain prices online the Monday following Black Friday. All of this means that getting the best deals now requires a bit of strategy.
At DeWees Insurance Partners, we want you to get the best deals for your holiday shopping, so here are a few pointers for maximizing your experience.
From the DeWees Insurance Partners to you, we wish you a very productive and enjoyable Black Friday!
Fun fact:
Considered as the kick-off to the Christmas holiday season, Black Friday is often described as the busiest shopping day of the year. This has been true since 2005. The millions of Americans who shop on Black Friday have been keeping the streak alive for nearly seven years.
College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy. If you have a student heading away to school, below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your coverage.
HOMEOWNERS (varies by state)
AUTO (varies by state)
Before your child leaves for school, call (803) 386-0003. We can walk you through the steps to ensure you have the right coverage. We’re here to help!
Finally, we’re welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves, the start of school and, of course, football season!
Football season brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities for football fans, from game-day tailgates and sports bar outings, to friendly bets and bowl parties. At DeWees Insurance Partners, we want your football season to be both exciting and safe, so as you cheer your team to victory, consider the following tips.
Wherever and however you’re watching the game this weekend, we hope you enjoy every last minute. Go team!
Game Day Insurance Tips
Here are a few pointers for making sure your insurance provides an additional safety net on game day:
As days get shorter and nights get longer, our habits begin to change. Most of us typically spend more time hunkering down at home and less time frolicking at the beach. That usually means resuming favorite fall pastimes like huddling through football games and drinking hot cocoa on the sidelines of our little ones’ soccer games.
Arriving along with the season of autumn is a host of safety hazards we didn’t have to think about over the summer, creating the need for a little extra vigilance. As the temperatures drop and you settle in for the approaching cold spell, consider the following pointers for ensuring you and your family stay not just warm, but also safe!
Warm up carefully. All types of heating units can be dangerous. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, secure it with a screen to prevent sparks, and make sure the fire is completely out before you retire for the night. If you depend on your home’s furnace, make sure it has been inspected before you start to use it again. And, if you resort to space heaters, make sure they are in good working order (no frayed cords) and out of the reach of children.
Enjoy ambiance safely. If you use candles to add a warm glow to a cold night, make sure they are safely out of reach of children, can’t be overturned by pets, and are not close to flammable items such as blankets, paper or other furniture. If you’re known for falling asleep before heading to bed, extinguish all candles early in the night to avoid an unsafe, all-night burning situation.
Exercise yard safety. If you’re going to be pruning trees and shrubs, hanging Halloween decorations, raking leaves, or engaging in other yard activities, use caution: be careful on ladders, avoid power lines, and put away yard tools when you’re finished.
Be grounded. Make sure you make weather-friendly shoes and boots handy for the whole family. This is the season for slippery driveways and walkways. Without proper footwear, you can find yourself on your back or in the hospital.
At DeWees Insurance Partners, we wish you a fabulous and foible-free fall season!
Contact Us!
At DeWees Insurance Partners, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at (803) 386-0003. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
Content provided by Safeco Insurance.
Each year, tens of millions of kids head off to school with backpacks full of books and supplies, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. Thousands of those kids will end up with injuries caused by those packs.
It sounds ridiculous, but imagine an 80-pound child carrying a 20-pound backpack (yes, it happens). How well would your back hold up lugging around 25% of your weight in books every day?
Fortunately, more and more parents — and schools — are aware of the damage heavy backpacks can cause. Here are five things the National Safety Council says you can do to make sure your student’s academic workload doesn’t turn into a physical one as w
A little bit of thought can make a big difference when it comes to backpack safety. And those lighter loads make for happier — and healthier — kids. Here’s to a great school year!
Many homeowners see their energy bills each winter and think, “How can I be spending this much when the house isn’t even that warm?”
To get an answer to that question, you should start with some other questions that will help determine just how efficiently you’re heating your home.
Taking some time to answer these questions can increase your efficiency, decrease your bills and perhaps even prompt another, more pleasant question this winter: “Is it too warm in here?”
