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Hurricane Preparedness Week in Massachusetts

Governor Charlie Baker declared this week, July 11-17, to be Hurricane Preparedness Week here in Massachusetts. It is never to early to get ready for a storm, as we can see with Tropical Storm Elsa. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above normal Atlantic Ocean hurricane season for 2021.

Preparation

Preparation is the best way to be ready for a dangerous storm such as a hurricane or tropical storm. Have a few flashlights with extra batteries, your cell phone fully charged, a battery powered radio. Keep all of your personal documents in a fire proof box in a readily accessible area. Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food items, such as canned food, bread, peanut butter, crackers and lots of water. The American Red Cross suggests having 1 gallon of water per person per day. A first aid kit is essential. Find out exactly what to put in a first aid kit.

Evacuation Zones

Massachusetts coastal regions are labeled as Evacuation Zone A, B, or C. It is important to know your zone at home and at work, since many people commute to Boston which is part of all three Evacuation Zones. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has created a map to help residents determine if they are in a hurricane Evacuation Zone.

Storm Surge

The most damaging element of a hurricane is the storm surge. A storm surge is when the winds from a hurricane force huge amounts of water from the ocean on to the land. If a hurricane hits at high tide the storm surge is most destructing. It is important to have an evacuation route and destination planned out in case your home or work is evacuated. Massachusetts Public Safety Administration has outlined how to make a plan.

If we have a hurricane this season make sure to call us with any damage that has occurred to your home or auto. Remember that flood and earthquake damage are not covered by your homeowners policy unless you add the respective endorsement/policy. Read our blog about what type of storm damage is covered by your policy,

Classic Car Insurance – What You Need to Know

Whether you have a 1951 Ford Pick-up Truck or a 1957 Corvette, you want to make sure your classic car is properly insured for the best price. Classic car insurance is a boutique type insurance that focuses on the unique features of classic cars. Individuals who collect classic cars are passionate about their hobby. We are able to protect their investments in a custom way. Classic car insurance is different from standard car insurance in the following ways:

Classic cars are not covered for daily commuting, just leisurely rides. The premium is considerably less than a standard auto policy.
Classic cars have a higher theft rate. The older parts can be sold for a premium in the open market, so coverage takes this in to consideration.
Classic cars are insured at an agreed value rather than actual cash value for standard cars. Agreed value is a value that you and the insurance company agree on as the value of the classic car. In an accident the company guarantees the policy will pay the full insured amount without depreciation in cases of a covered total loss.
You must have a standard auto policy in order to get a classic car policy.
Driving mileage is restricted on a classic car policy.
Clean driving records are required for classic car coverage.

At Mancuso-Nowak we provide insurance through Hagerty Classic Car Insurance Program. Their online system allows the insured to view coverages and options to choose from and the agency will tailor a policy for you. Please contact us with any questions on your classic car insurance www.mancuso-nowak.com.

Dehydration and Children

Summer is here…finally! There are so many fun activities going on during the summer months here in Massachusetts. With so much going on, it is important to remember to hydrate your children properly. According to Dr. Holly Benjamin, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Chicago, by the time children say they are thirsty they are already 3% dehydrated. The amount of water/fluids a child needs depends on their age. Children ages 1-3 need 4 cups a day, ages 4-8 need 5 cups a day, ages 9-14 need 7 cups a day and over 14 yrs old need the adult recommendation of 8-10 cups of water a day. The scary part of this is that only 10% of girls and 15% of boys get this recommended amount of water a day. The culprit is sugary drinks instead of water.

Here are some easy ways to keep your child hydrated this summer:

Make drinking water fun and colorful, freeze strawberries with water in an ice cube tray and add them to your child’s drink
Buy some crazy straws that make drinking water cool
Eat high water content foods like watermelon
Bring water bottles with you whenever you leave the house…and remember to use them!
Have children drink a full cup of water 30-60 minutes before vigorous activity then continue with water breaks every 20 minutes
Popsicles! The best are homemade, non-sugar loaded type, but there are many healthy options at the store

Some signs of dehydration are dizziness, dark urine, irritability, and lethargy. Children are more prone to dehydration, so it is important to keep a watchful eye on their water intake. If you believe your child is mildly dehydrated then get them to a cool, shaded spot and have them drink water. Preventing dehydration can be as easy following some of the tips above. We want you to have a fun and safe summer!

Do You Need Business Insurance for Your Home-Based Business?

The short answer is yes. Many people believe that a standard Homeowners Policy will cover a business out of the home. This is an incorrect assumption. Here is why it is important for you to have a Business Policy. Let’s look at a popular home-based business, LuLaRoe, and some situations that could arise.

Not Covered by Homeowners, Covered by Business Owners:

There is a fire and your LuLaRoe inventory is ruined
From that fire you not only lost your inventory, but your business income has been interrupted
Someone slips, falls and is injured at one of your parties at your house
The UPS delivery person slips on your property and is injured while delivering a box of LuLaRoe leggings
Someone from one of your LuLaRoe parties has a little too much to drink and gets in an accident on the way home
A hacker steals all of your LuLaRoe client information, including credit card numbers

Now that you want to protect yourself from these types of situations, you will need to set up a Business Policy.

Most popular options for coverage:

A Rider to your Homeowners Policy will provide limited coverage, but is a low cost option (this is better than nothing!).
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) will have more comprehensive coverage to protect against the losses above and many others.

According to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, 61% of at-home businesses do not have adequate coverage. Do not be one of those people. Call us today to find out more information about protecting your home-based business! www.mancuso-nowak.com.

Blizzard Safety!

As you can see out the window there is a blizzard! As veterans of winter storms, we New Englanders know the drill: snow, whipping winds, freezing temperatures. With this wonderful trio of Mother’s Natures forces we can often lose power and heat.

Preparation is the best way to be ready for a blizzard. Have a few flashlights with extra batteries and fully charge cell phones, iPads and laptops. Keep all of your personal documents in a fire proof box in a readily accessible area. Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food items, such as canned food, bread, peanut butter, crackers and lots of water. The American Red Cross suggests having 1 gallon of water per person per day. A first aid kit is essential. Find out exactly what to put in a first aid kit.

If you lose power and heat, keep warm by having plenty of wood readily available for a wood burning fire place. You can use a gas fireplace by bypassing the electrical igniter, read the manufacturers instructions on how to do this if you are not sure. Stay in the room with the alternative heat source and keep lots of extra blankets around. If you do not have heat for an extended period of time, go to a relative or friend’s house that does. Make sure all carbon monoxide detectors are in working order!

During a storm make sure to unplug sensitive electrical items such as computers and TV and microwaves (if these are possible to do easily). By disconnecting them you will prevent a power surge when the power comes back on, if you have lost power during the storm and do not have surge protectors. Turn your refrigerator and freezer up to the coldest setting (remember to turn back after you have power returned) to keep food from spoiling if the power goes out. Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed. If you lose power your food will stay colder for a longer period of time, if they are not opened.

If the power goes out and you plan to use a generator, please follow specific safety instructions.

After the storm call us with any damage that has occurred to your home or auto www.mancuso-nowak.com. Stay safe and stay warm!

Are Your Tires Winter Ready?

The slippery winter months are upon us. From mid November to mid April the roads can be treacherous. The only part of your car that meets those treacherous roads are your tires. Your tires will be affected when the temperature outside is above or below 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 19 degrees tires lose elasticity and thus their traction on the road. Make sure your tires are in the best condition this winter to avoid some slipping and sliding. Here are some tire tips:

Make sure the tires are inflated to recommended tire pressure (found on the inside of the drivers door frame)
If your tires treads are worn down they should be replaced, low treads make for poor traction in snow
Buy snow tires for the winter and put them on all 4 tires. These tires are designed to keep their elasticity when the temps go below 19 degrees.
At minimum have all-season tires (M+S rated) on all 4 tires
When winter is over do not keep snow tires on during the warm/hot months they will deteriorate

Keep yourself and family safe when on the roads this winter, make sure your tires are winter ready! Drive slowly, avoid quickly breaking and accelerating when on the roads the next few months. Even with the best winter tires proper driving is essential. Snow tires aren’t miracle workers they need someone safely using them! www.mancuso-nowak.com

Tips to Host a Great and Safe Holiday Celebration!

Are you expecting lots of guests at your holiday party? Navigating a crowded home can be difficult and sometimes not safe if you are not organized about it. Maintaining a clean, welcoming, fun, and festive residence can allow for everyone to enjoy a the day without worry.

If you feel overwhelmed by the expectations of family and friends, don’t let this bring you down. Instead, have confidence in your hosting abilities. As you prepare to have those you love into your place of comfort, it is important to keep safety in mind. The last thing you need is for someone to get hurt during a time of celebration. Here are some tips to be a great host for your guests:

Celebrations are supposed to be all about fun, not stress. One person can’t do everything alone, enlist some help – before, during and after the party. Everyone loves to feel useful!
Ask guests if they have any serious food allergies before purchasing the food. This way, you can avoid serious medical issues.
Prepare beforehand if children are coming to your home. Put away all dangerous items and leave around kid friendly activities to keep them occupied as the adults mingle.
Just because it is a holiday party doesn’t mean you have to offer alcohol. Provide a variety of drinks, such as soda, sparkling water, and juice.
Be prepared for potential disasters to occur. Remove slipping and falling hazards and don’t leave anything out that could cause an accident.

At Mancuso-Nowak Insurance Agency, we hope these tips help you make your guests feel right at home this holiday season. Of course you want your celebration to go without any problems, but sometimes these are unpredictable. If you feel your home requires more protection than it already has, home insurance could be the solution. We care about providing comprehensive coverage that won’t let you down. Our team also wants to make sure that Massachusetts residents understand their insurance options. Let one of our professional agents work closely with you to find reliable products that give you peace of mind today.

Halloween Horrors for Homeowners

Halloween can be a scary time of year, but don’t let your home turn in to a horror show! We are talking about protecting your home from two of the most common homeowners claims during Halloween: fire and trip and fall. Accidents from knocked over candles can turn alarming quickly.

To prevent fire accidents:

Avoid any open flames!
Use flashlights or battery powered lights to give your jack-o-lantern or decorations an eerie glow
Inside and outside only use lights that have been tested by a reputable fire safety agency

Trip and fall claims can be numerous and scary on this spooky holiday. Kids are wearing masks and costumes that are bulky and sometimes hard to walk in.

Here are a few simple steps to help prevent slip and fall accidents:

Install railings on you stairs (with most insurance companies this is a must or you will not be covered)
Keep your house and steps well lit for the trick or treaters
Properly light outside walkways
Keep cords and decorations close to the wall and out of the way
Clean up spills immediately…kids are pretty tricky with where they drop things, so be mindful of your walkways
Fix all broken steps: outside and inside (make sure stair rugs are properly secured)
And if applicable, properly shovel and use a non-slip ice melt

It is always a good idea to have an umbrella policy also. Our motto: You don’t need to be a millionaire to be sued for a million dollars! A $1M umbrella policy is an inexpensive way to give you that extra protection in case you have a slip and fall accident on your property and are sued. Call us for details www.mancuso-nowak.com. Have a happy and safe Halloween!

As the Weather Cools Down, Don’t Let Your Fireplace Cause an Accidental Fire!

The cold weather is slowly settling in to our area. As temperatures drop, it may be time to start up the fire place. Your children may enjoy sitting in front of the fire on crisp cold nights and sharing fun stories. Your fire place may also be a central meeting area for guests and family members. Whatever the case may be, it is important to put safety first, or problems could ensue. The last thing you want to happen is damage to your home due to an accidental house fire.

Whether you have a wood, metal, or another type of stove, you should be aware of the potential accidents that could occur. This is especially true if the fire place is the primary source for heat in the house. Here are some tips that can help you and your family take the proper precautions for protection:

Before you light the first fire of the season, make sure your chimney has been inspected. This should be done by a certified specialist so no one gets hurt.
Never burn other materials in the fire place besides seasoned hardwood. Putting cardboard, paper, or flammable liquids in there is not a good idea.
Keep the front area of the fireplace clean by removing all flammable items surrounding it. Have your family help you keep this space organized and clear of debris.
Stack the firewood you use for the stove at least 30 feet away from your home. This is for safety so if a fire were to start, more damage will not occur.
Every year, make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.

At Mancuso-Nowak Insurance Agency, we hope these fireplace safety tips help you make it through the fall and winter with no fire problems. If a fire does grow out of control, immediately contact your local fire department. In addition, having the right level of home insurance can help protect you from financial loss when the unexpected occurs. The goal of our team is to make sure that Massachusetts residents understand their insurance options. Our dedication to your needs makes us different than the rest!

Hired and Non-Owned Coverage: Does Your Business Need It?

First of all what is hired and non-owned coverage? Hired liability coverage provides protection when an owner or employee rents or borrows a car for business purposes. “Non-owned automobile insurance provides liability protection when an employee occasionally has to drive his or her personally owned vehicle for business purposes. It assumes that the vehicle is not owned, registered or contracted in your (the owners) name or on your behalf.”

Almost every business has exposure from hired and non-owned auto liability. Some small businesses don’t own any vehicles, but they need to use vehicles in some aspect for work. You need hired and non-owned coverage if your business:

has employees or owners that use personal vehicles as their company vehicle
has employees use their own vehicles to run errands for work
rents cars during business trips
subcontracts delivery drivers

If you have this type of exposure it is wise to get a commercial auto policy with symbols 8 (for hired) and 9 (for non-owned) in the liability section. If you have any questions about commercial auto and hired and non-owned coverage, please call us www.mancuso-nowak.com.