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 AND safe
Never leave your grill unattended.
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!
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.
Don't brake hard.
Avoid excessive idling.
Use overdrive gears.
Remove all excess weight in your vehicle.
Maintain a constant speed in highway driving.
Rob Phipps Receives MBCC Tribute
The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) recently cited agency president Rob Phipps for his community sponsorship role, along with staff members at Phipps Insurance Agency and the Ashland Insurance Center, for MBCC's annual Against the Tide project.
Against the Tide raises money for Breast Cancer prevention. The events include a one-mile swim, two-mile kayak, and three-mile fitness walk. This fun and inspirational program attracts participants of all ages and abilities. It was held on June 21 at Hopkinton State Park and generated $70,000 in donations.
Ashland Lions Golf Tournament Raises $$ for Charity
Ashland Insurance Center was key sponsor of the Ashland Lions Club golf tournament in May.
The event was organized by David Kurzontkowski (right), manager of our Ashland office. It raised over $8100 for Lions' charitable programs.
BUYER ALERT
Shopping for Insurance on the Internet can have Serious Pitfalls
Consumers who follow the advice of Internet-based insurers to spend a few minutes online and buy the lowest priced policy can get burned. Will the low-cost insurer really provide the same level of coverage the buyer has now? Will they pay claims promptly and fairly? Will they know enough about the individual or family to match the right policies to their needs? The old adage holds true: "You get what you pay for."
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.
Heat detectors in your garage could save your house and your life.
We have had two of our clients experience fires in their garage in the middle of the night.
The presence of heat detectors awoke them and alerted them to the fire.
Unfortunately heat detectors are not required under the state building code.
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.)
New Child Car Seat law in MA - The new law, went into effect in July, requires children to ride in either car seats or booster seats until they turn 8. There is a $25 fine for failure to comply. One exception: children at least 4 feet 9 inches tall are exempt. The purpose of a booster seat is to make sure that safety belts are properly positioned across the child's waist and shoulder.
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.
GOOD NEWS for the family treasurer! Our good driver rates are among the lowest in the state, and our auto-home account discounts among the highest! It really will pay to get a review from us before you renew. Call us today at 508-435-6388.
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.
Prompt answers about MASS. Auto. We want to make sure your auto renewal goes smoothly. If you've heard things about "cut-rate prices" or "unique discounts" or "shopping over the Internet" that don't seem reasonable, share those comments with us. We will make sure that you have the right information.
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.
Thank You for Referring Us to a Friend!
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.
Susan
Nigrosh Consulting
