Happy Memorial Day from Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

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With Memorial Day just around the corner, we look forward to annual town parades, that first cookout of the season, and
gathering together with family and friends. The following information gives a brief history of the holiday, courtesy of Google.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011).
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. It was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, but has since expanded; it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day also often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.

So while we enjoy that extra day off, attending the parades and cookouts, we should also time to take a few moments of thanks for all those who have given their lives for their country, as well as all the men and women who are serving in the military in foreign countries, away from families and loved ones, to assure our safety.

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Universal Cell Phone Chargers No Longer a Pipe Dream

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By 2012, it is anticipated that most cell phones in the United States will use the same kind of connector to charge their batteries. This technology has already been adopted in Europe. LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson, among others, have agreed to use the Micro-USB technology as the common universal charging interface. This single standard will not only make life easier for the more than 3 billion mobile phone users in the world today, but it will lower cost, and help the environment.

While a relatively simple agreement, this represents a huge leap in ease of use for cellphones. If the trend continues and more companies agree to this consensus, every phone charger will become interchangeable between phones. Only 1 or 2 cellphone chargers will be necessary per houseold, rather than the current average of 4-5, reducing the effective cost of owning a cellphone.

Furthermore, cell phone manufacturers are developing chargers that will consume about 50 percent less power. Eliminating the need for people to replace lost chargers will significantly reduce greenhouse gases emitted in the manufacturing and transporting of these extra chargers. It will also mean less waste in landfills because people won’t simply throw away chargers when they stop using their old phones. It is estimated that 700,000 pounds of old cell phone chargers are added to our landfills in the United States annually.

Saving energy and saving our planet is huge. Huge savings for auto, home, business and life insurance are just a call away at A. Gordon Insurance!

Bill Cordaro
Commercial Accounts
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

Bicycle Theft Prevention

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Now that the weather (in MA anyway) is growing ever so slightly more amenable to outdoor activities, you may find yourself on a bike. Unfortunately, bicycles are favorites for thieves, especially on college campuses. An unlocked, ungaurded bike is one of the easiest things to steal; don’t forget, thieves are enjoying the warmer weather too.

The National Bike Registry is a pretty cool service; by registering with them, if your bike is stolen, police have a way to identify it as yours if found. Otherwise, it will end up in police auction. As the name suggests, this is a national database that covers all 50 states. It’s definitely worth the time to register with them, especially if you have a nice bike.

According to the III:

• Bicycles are generally covered under homeowners or renters insurance. However, there is usually a $250 – $500 deductible. Your homeowners or renters policy also provides liability coverage in the event of a collision that results in injury to another person. There are no deductibles for liability claims.
• Once you purchase a bicycle, keep the receipt for it and any accessories you add. Also, take photographs of the bike. Store these documents off-premises and alert your insurance professional to your new purchase. If you own an expensive bike, consider purchasing a floater. This will provide more coverage than a homeowners or renters policy. For instance, in the event of an accident, a floater covers the cost of bike repairs. A floater costs approximately $9 for every $100 of the bike’s value and there are no deductibles.

The best way to prevent bicycle theft is simply to lock your bike up. Cable locks are generally able to be cut, so invest in a sturdy U-Lock. In addition, make sure your bicycle is locked up correctly:

 

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

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MA Insurance: Pool Safety

Courtesy of sxc.hu

As a swimmer and a lifeguard, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in and around pools. While a great source of summer fun, deep water fun demands the respect of those who participate. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 7.4 million swimming pools and 5 million hot tubs used for recreation in America. Unfortunately, there are generally over 3,400 related drownings  each year, with 20% of the victims under 14 years of age. Here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe around pools.

ABC Pool Safety is a great resource for simple steps you can take to avoid pool accidents. Here’s what they say, in a nutshell:

Pool accidents can be prevented with three steps:

1. A – Adult supervision:
   • Adult supervision is the single most important aspect of safe pool use. Make sure there is a supervising adult at ALL TIMES. This means removing kids from a pool in the event of a telephone call or use of the restroom. Furthermore, in a large party or group, always have one adult designated to watching kids in the pool. Drowning often happens without sound or commotion, and if no adult is actively watching, it can go unnoticed.
2. B – Barriers:
   • Barriers that keep children away from the pool when not in use are essential (especially for small children). There are a variety of affordable products available for this function. Make sure that any furniture or structures that children could use to climb over the barriers are kept INSIDE the fence.
3. C – Classes:
• This step refers to CPR classes for parents should a crisis arise, and swimming lessons for children so that they are comfortable and able to swim in the pool. Never assume that floaties or inflatable toys are adequate substitutes for life-vests or similar safety devices. 

 For the full article, click here.

Further more, the Insurance Information Institute recommends the following:

1. Contacting town or municipality officials- every town or area has a specific set of guidelines as to what constitutes a ‘pool’ or ‘spa’. Contact the appropriate officials to make sure that your pool or spa meets the safety guidelines. If an accident does occur, this will help when dealing with your insurance provider.
2. Alert your insurance agent- If you purchase a pool, give your insurance agent a call. Pools increase your liability risk, and most providers have minimum standards of coverage required for pools and water recreation. Make sure everything is copacetic isurance-wise before taking the plunge.
3. Keep small children away from filters or pool cleaners; the suction from these devices are much more dangerous to small children than to an adult.
4. Never keep electronic devices such as radios near pools or on pool surfaces. DON’T BE THESE GUYS!
5. Limit alcohol use/consumption aroud pools. According to the CDC, a large portion of adolescent and adult poolside accidents occur as a result of alcohol.

Be safe, and have fun! Look to Gordon Insurance for your MA insurance needs and please use us as an informational resource; our business is your safety and peace of mind.

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

MA Insurance: Grilling Safety

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 Summer for most Americans means “busting out the grill” and hosting some barbeques in the warm weather, whether it be with friends, family, or both. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Americans enjoy more than three billion barbeques each year. By my calculations that’s enough chicken and steak to reach around the circumference of the Earth four times! (I just made that up, but still, there’s a lot of grilling going on). As you prepare a succulent host of BBQ food this year, remember to keep grilling safety in mind!

Some things to remember:

1. Wear a protective fire-resistant apron or similar garb, and mitts that reach up to your forearms to avoid burns.
2. Keep you grill’s gas cylinder AWAY from your house or flammable structures.
3. Check for leaks often by sprinkling soapy water around the gas valve; if there’s a leak, bubbles will form. Never check for a gas leak by using a match. This can happen.
4. Make sure the gas is off whenever the grill is not in use.
5. If using a charcoal grill, only use lighter fluid specified for charcoal grills. NEVER USE GASOLINE. Also never add more lighter fluid once a fire has already started; if needed, add small sticks or other tinder to augment the flame.
6. When finished, douse coals with water before disposing of them in the trash.
7. Our specialized outdoor flame/fire consultant advises you to take extra caution when grilling in the woods. Only you can prevent forest fires.
8. Check grill hoses for cracks or leaks; make sure the hose doesn’t kink.
9. Keep additional open flames away from the grill.
10. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Never attempt to repair a grill yourself.
12. Remember that grills can remain hot long after the fire is out.
13. Be safe and have fun!

 

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

Motorcycle Safety

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With the warmer weather of spring, expect to see more motorcyclists on the road. March 22nd – April 30th was proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period by Governor Patrick.  It has been a long winter and riders are eager to get out and enjoy their bikes so please be sure to keep an eye out for them when driving.  Here are some tips for sharing the road with our fellow drivers of the two-wheeled variety:

1. Because of their small size relative to cars, motorcycles look much farther away than they actually are. When at an intersection or when being passed by a motorcycle, assume that the motorcycle is closer than it looks.
2. Also because of their size, motorcycles can be completely hidden in blind spots. Check both blind spots thoroughly when switching lanes. Motorcycles can also be obscured by other moving objects, especially SUVs.
3. Motorcycles commonly slow down by downshifting rather than using the break. Therefore a motorcycle may slow down without its break lights coming on. Allow extra following space when behind a motorcycles to account for this.
4. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have self-cancelling turn signals; sometimes a rider’s signal will remain on even when they are not making a turn. Keep this in mind and be patient (especially with young, less experienced riders)
5. Although protrayed differently in action movies, motorcycles can not stop “on a dime”. In fact, in poor weather conditions, motorcycles generally take longer to stop than cars, as it is easy to lose control with only two wheels. Never tailgate a motorcycle, even on town roads.
6. Before you use your car’s spray-clean feature to clean your windshield on the road, check to see if there is a motorcyclist behind you. They will not appreciate suddenly entering a rainstorm of dirty windshield fluid that will form behind your car.
7. Never, ever, ever share a lane with a motorcycle.

Here’s a driver’s ed video with tips on sharing the road:

Andrew G. Gordon Insurance: April 2011

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April is a month that welcomes spring with its famous “showers that bring May Flowers”.  With weather that changes from day to day, April is a fickle month with temperatures ranging anywhere from 15º to 80º that always includes the possibility of a late-season snow storm.  In spite of it all, the crocuses and daffodils manage to bloom and remind us that the warmer half of the year is ahead.

One of the infamously less appreciated events in April is the dreaded holiday known to most Americans as “income tax day”.  This year, however, due to the Patriot’s Day holiday, the filing deadline is extended to April 19^th.

A short side note: Patriots Day is a celebration of the beginning of the American Revolutionary War between the British and the Colonial Americans which began on April 19, 1775.  Both Massachusetts and Maine celebrate the holiday on the third Monday in April (nearest to the 19^th).  As such, a reenactment of the battle is annually held on Lexington Green, with a mid-morning parade in Concord featuring fife and drum bands.  But, if you plan to attend, it’s best to get there early to get a good vantage spot.  And don’t forget to take advantage of the several pancake breakfasts hosted by area churches.

April also offers the Boston Marathon, the oldest marathon in the world – founded in 1897.  It too, is held on the 3^rd Monday in April during the Patriots Day holiday. The race begins in Hopkinton and ends at Copley Square in Boston, a total of 26.22 miles.  About 20,000 runners from around the world take part.  The first starters are the wheelchair runners.  Next are the Elite Women, then the Elite Men and then wave after wave of other runners.  The race lasts most of the day, with some runners straggling in after dark.

And, of course, for you fishermen out there, April is the opening of the Cod fishing season in Massachusetts!

Have a great April!

Sandi C.
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

Be Kind to Yourself: De-Stress Your Life

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Now that we’re beyond the stress of holiday preparations, shopping, and the flurry of social activities and obligations, it may be the perfect time to welcome in 2011 with an evaluation of the demands on our everyday life.

Carl Honore is the author of “In Praise of Slowness” which describes our culture’s addiction to “more—better—faster”.  His response to this is “Be here now.”  He indicates that Americans with full-time jobs and children under 18 years of age are particularly stressed.  Long hours at work are shortchanging families.  One way to change this lifestyle is to add balance.  Cutting down on outside activities or time spent in front of the TV may provide more time that can be spent with the children. 

Key to de-stressing is slowing down and enjoying the minutiae of life, thus improving the quality of our existence.  Discovering activities such as meditation, gardening, bird watching, reading, etc also helps one to slow down and celebrate the small moments.  These can provide calmness, peace and quiet to your life.

The quality of life should be most important to us all and we should enjoy each and every day as well as celebrate all the relationships we share with others.

Donna M. Bellavance
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

For topical and timely insurance issues, visit  http://www.agordon.com

Burglary and Crime Prevention Tip

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  Put your car keys beside your bed at night
 
 
 Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr’s
 office, the check-out girl at the market, and everyone you run across. Put your
 car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or
 someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your
 car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until
 either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a
 neighborhood watch Coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and
 you start to put your keys away, Think of this: It’s a security alarm system
 that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It
 will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking
 until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the
 key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.. If your car
 alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the
 burglar/rapist won’t stick around..
 After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to
 see who’s out there and the criminal won’t want that. And
 remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The
 alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be
 shared with everyone; it could save a life or prevent a sexual abuse crime.

For more relevant insurance information and practical tips, visit the A. G. Gordon, Inc. website.

Carbon Monoxide: Gaseous Ninja

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is one of the most lethal gases to encounter.  It’s particularly dangerous because it’s everywhere, and extremely hard to detect. This “silent killer” is both odorless and colorless, and in high levels can kill in less than 5 minutes. It bonds with hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyglobin, which prevents oxygen from reaching the brain. CO is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe.

Preventionis the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

	DO have your fuel-burning appliances — including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves — inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
	DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.
	DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
	Note: Propane is also colorless and odorless, which is why propane companies add a sulfur compound to the formula to make the gas smell bad.

 

	DON’T idle the car in a garage — even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
	DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
	DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors — even in a fireplace.
	DON’T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
	DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
	DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.*List courtesy of www.epa.gov *

 

A Few Words About CO Detectors: 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up — BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that the technology of CO detectors is still developing, that there are several types on the market, and that they are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested, and their performance varied. Some performed well, others failed to alarm even at very high CO levels, and still others alarmed even at very low levels that don’t pose any immediate health risk. And unlike a smoke detector, where you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, CO is invisible and odorless, so it’s harder to tell if an alarm is false or a real emergency.

Related Articles

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Protection Tips (homesecuritysource.com)
• Carbon Monoxide Hazards and Your Home (homeownersinsurance.org)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning – All Information (umm.edu)

For more insurance information, as well as topical and relevant resources, visit our website, www.agordon.com.