Taken from http://www.army.mil/article/71393/New_Year_s_Eve_Safety_Tips/
“New Year’s Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year. However, safety is a must when participating in the festivities. Whether you’re staying in and celebrating with friends and family, or you’re traveling to a party or city bash, following a few safety tips will ensure that you’re safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in the New Year!
• Designate a Driver: If you are going to be driving New Years Eve, don’t drink and drive. If you have a friend who does not prefer to drink, make sure they take the wheel. You might even be on the water this New Years Eve. The person in charge of navigating the boat needs to be cautious, and this still applies to them! It is important to be safe on the water as well, so drink sensibly.
• Be Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting. Stay away from those who are out of control and might cause harm. Taking preventive measures is key. If someone is really intoxicated, prevent them from trying to drive or leaving with someone they do not know. It’s important to keep an eye out for each other.
• Don’t Drive: If you don’t have to go behind the wheel, avoid it. More people will be driving under the influence on this particular night, so avoid a potentially dangerous accident by staying off the road. Otherwise, be alert and drive defensively. Most importantly, wear your seatbelt! Also, using public transportation is a wise option. If taking a cab is too expensive, crashing at a friend’s place nearby is a convenient solution.
• Stick Together: This way we can look out for our friends and family. Going out to parties and nightclubs means a fast-paced, crazy night; so be sure to travel in groups. Having a safety net around you in this environment is imperative.
• Monitor your Alcohol Intake: A majority of people will be drinking on New Year’s Eve, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just be sure to pay attention to how much you and others are consuming. Drinking too much alcohol can have lethal affects. Be responsible.
• Don’t forget about your pets! They are just as much a part of the family as everyone else. If you are using fireworks, anything with loud noises, or fire, be sure that pets are kept at a distance as well as children. None of these are a good mix.
• Be careful with open flames: If you’re burning candles, incense or oil burners, remember to extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room they are burning in. Pay extra attention to pets and children around open flames.
• Be extra careful with Fireworks: If you are letting off fireworks in a residential area, be sure to practice proper safety precautions when using them. Let off fireworks in a field or other open area where homes and power lines are out of site. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to re-light a firework that did not go off when first lit. Also, be sure pets and children are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited. Finally, always have an adult present when using any type of firework.
Everyone wants to have an unforgettable night (in a good way!). By simply using some common sense, we can keep it that way. Ring in the New Year safely!”
At this time Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy New Years. Just as a reminder our offices will be closed on Tuesday January 1st 2012.
Scurich Insurance Servicesdid not originally write this article.
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Its that time of the year again, and the staff at Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season. we will be closed Tuesday December 25th.
For information about Commercial Insurance or Personal Insurance simply contact Scurich Insurance Services today at 800-320-3666.
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Its Friday and Scurich Insurance Services would like to help you unwind for the weekend with this weeks joke of the week.
Ten things to say about gifts you don’t like
10. Boy, if I had not recently shot up four sizes, that would’ve fit.
9. It would be a shame if the garbage man ever accidentally took this from me.
8. Perfect for wearing in the basement.
7. Well, well, well…
6. I really don’t deserve this.
5. Gosh, I hope this never catches fire!
4. I Love it, but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3. If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!
2. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the federal witness protection program.
1. To think I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
For information about Commercial Insurance or Personal Insurance simply contact Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666.
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Scurich Insurance Services with any questions today regarding your insurance policy.
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Taken From: National Fire Protection Association
Written By: John Hall
“The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of year. However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are much more common during this season.
Christmas tree fires
In 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 230 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. Home Christmas tree fires caused an average of four civilian deaths, 21 civilian injuries, and $17.3 million in direct property damage per year.
Although these fires are not common, when they do occur, they are unusually likely to be serious. On average, one of every 66 reported home structure Christmas tree fires resulted in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home structure fires.
Nearly half of the home Christmas tree structure fires were in December and one-third were in January. Fifty percent of home Christmas tree structure fires occurred on the 15 days from December 22 through January 5.
Electrical failures or malfunctions were involved in one-third (31%) of the home Christmas tree structure fires. Nearly one in five (18%) occurred because some type of heat source was too close to the tree. Decorative lights on line voltage were involved in 14% of these incidents. Nine percent of home Christmas tree fires were started by candles.
Nineteen percent of home Christmas tree structure fires were intentionally set. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of the intentional Christmas tree fires occurred in the 15 days after Christmas and may have been related to disposal.
The risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones. Researchers found that dry natural trees burned easily but trees that had been kept moist are unlikely to catch fire unintentionally.
Fires involving holiday lights or other decorative lighting with line voltage
Holiday lights and other decorative lighting with line voltage were involved in an estimated average of 160 home structure fires per year in this same period. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries, and $9.0 million in direct property damage per year. Almost half (45%) occurred in December and 12% were in January. Seventeen percent of these fires began with Christmas trees. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in two-thirds (69%) of the fires involving holiday or decorative lights.
Falls related to holiday decorating
In a study of fall-related injuries during the holiday season, Stevens and Vajani estimated that an annual average of roughly 5,800 fall injuries related to holiday decorating were treated at hospital emergency rooms between November 1 and January 31 in 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003. Sixty-two percent of those injured were between 20 and 49 years of age, compared to 43% of the population in this age group. With 43% of the injuries resulting from falls from ladders and 13% caused by falls from the roof, it appears that the majority of these falls occurred during outdoor decorating. Falls from furniture, typically inside the structure, accounted for 11% of the injuries. Some falls occurred when people tripped over or slipped on tree skirts or other decorations.”
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Make sure your Homeowners Insurance policy is up-to-date. Simply contact the professionals at Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666 for a free evaluation of your current Homeowners Insurance Policy.
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Taken from: About.com
By Charles Montaldo
“Shopping during the holiday season can present unique danger. Taking a few prevention measures can help keep your holiday season joyous.
The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips from the Los Angeles Police
Department Crime Prevention Section can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your driver’s license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.”
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For a free insurance quote contact Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666, or fill out one of our quote request forms located on our Products and Services page.
Scurich Insurance Services did not originally write this content
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