Tips to Keep Your Christmas Jewelry Sparkling

Whether it’s given as a symbol of a lifetime commitment or just as a heartfelt gesture, jewelry is a popular Christmas gift for people of all ages. Taking care of each piece properly is important to keep it looking beautiful for years to come.  

Old-fashioned methods tend to work best when it comes to cleaning most precious metals, but each has its own unique properties so it’s important to understand the differences before you begin scrubbing.

Gold

·         Gold doesn’t tarnish, but it can become dull or discolored from repeated exposure to oils in your skin, lotion, makeup, or other chemicals.

·         One of the best cleaning agents for gold is plain old dish detergent. Squirt some detergent into a bowl filled with warm water and let the item soak for a few minutes. Scrub it gently with a toothbrush and sit it on a towel to air dry. Finish up by giving it a quick polish with a soft polishing cloth.

Silver

·        Silver is a softer metal and scratches easily, so it requires more delicate care. Clean sterling silver pieces with a soft 100% cotton or flannel cloth; use mild dish detergent and warm water to clean rhodium-plated silver.

Gemstones

• Most gemstones are durable in and of themselves, but you still need to handle them carefully, especially if the stone is in a high or unique setting. Repair loose stones (and the prongs, which is likely the problem) as soon as possible to prevent them from falling out.
• Some stones are stronger than others and should be stored accordingly. For instance, don’t throw a diamond ring on top of a pearl necklace if your jewelry box is less than perfectly organized—the diamond could scratch the pearls.
• The best cleaning methods vary depending on the type of stones. Harder gems like diamonds are best cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush (to gently scrub away dirt and grime that builds up in the setting); softer, organic stones like pearls and amber should just be wiped clean with a soft cloth.

General Jewelry Care

• As a rule, remove your jewelry when doing a physical task that could damage the piece.
• Keep your jewelry away from harmful chemicals, such as chlorine or bleach.
• Put on your jewelry after you apply perfume, hairspray, or lotion, as each contain ingredients that could damage various metals.

For an added layer of protection, consider purchasing insurance for your most precious jewels. Whether you’re now the owner of a brand-new wedding band or engagement ring as of Christmas, or recently inherited an heirloom that’s been in your family for generations, keep those pieces the treasures they are with proper coverage. Some insurance plans require regular inspections and cleanings to keep the coverage in force, but the requirements vary among different plans.

Here at ETA Insurance Group, we help protect what matters most to you. Give us a call to learn more about the best plan for your needs and budget.

How to Prevent Common Holiday Fire Hazards

Photo: Budget Direct

As the song says, in many ways the holiday season really is “the most wonderful time of the year”. But in other ways, it can be the most dangerous time of year.  The important thing is to be cautious so your celebrations are more “wonderful” than “dangerous”.

The holiday season may not seem like a peak time for house fires, but the truth is, nearly 47,000 fires occur during this time, according to the American Red Cross’ website. Below, we look at a few common holiday fire hazards and how to prevent them.

Real trees. It’s just not Christmas without a tree but keeping a live one healthy takes work.  Place your tree in the center of the room, away from drafty windows and at least three feet away from a heat source. Water the tree daily (if not more) to keep it hydrated. (Dry trees are a major safety risk.) A real tree should be tossed right after Christmas or when it becomes dry.

Candles. Candles are widely used in many secular and religious holiday traditions and celebrations, and their increased usage means they’re a bigger potential fire hazard. To minimize the risk, never decorate your tree with candles or open flames. Keep lit candles a safe distance from Christmas trees, decorations, drafty windows (and window treatments like curtains or draperies), and heat sources like portable heaters and radiators. Always extinguish lit candles before leaving your home or going to bed.

Lights and decorations. String lights and other decor add a festive touch to our homes both inside and out, but look at each item before using it. Never use lights with frayed cords (and replace any burned out bulbs if possible). Check lights, ornaments, and other decorations for broken pieces or sharp edges—while not a fire hazard, per se, you don’t want your holiday gathering to end with a trip to the emergency room because of a nasty cut.

Fireplaces and portable heat sources. Just like candles, fireplaces and other heat sources (space heaters, pellet stoves) tend to be used more this time of year. Keep decorations and other flammable items (such as table linens) away from these heat sources. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s website, 42% of decoration fires start because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Monitor your heat and fuel levels and extinguish everything properly before leaving your house or going to bed.

Keep your holidays memorable for all the right reasons. Follow the above tips or visit nfpa.org to learn more about keeping your home safe this season and all year round.

Five Ways to Prevent Package Theft This Holiday Season

Many of us shop online all year round, but there is a definite uptick during the holidays. Consumers love the convenience, but one major downfall to online shopping is the increased risk of package theft, also called “porch piracy”. A 2016 survey conducted by the home security company Ring.com found that nearly 20 percent of homeowners reported having a package stolen within the previous year.

Protect yourself from package theft by following these few simple tips:

               -- If possible, have packages delivered to your workplace so they are actually in your hands.
  
               --Utilize your home security system’s cameras. Keep them turned on anytime you and your family are away from home so you can track the activity at your house.

    --Instruct drivers to leave packages at another location. According to statistics on Ring.com’s website, 73% of homeowners have packages dropped off at the front door, so this is the most obvious location for a thief to look. Both FedEx and UPS have apps that allow you to choose where you’d like your packages delivered, so take advantage and choose an alternative drop-off location, such as at your back door or with a trusted neighbor.      
      

         --Sign up for delivery alerts. Most e-commerce sites will notify you when your package ships and give you an expected delivery date. If you know when your package is arriving, you can rearrange your schedule so you or a family member can get home and take the package inside so it’s not sitting on the porch for hours.

       --Request a signature for your deliveries. This might be the most inconvenient option, especially if you and your family are out of the house all day, but most delivery companies offer extended hours during the holiday season.  You can choose to get your package dropped off in the evening or on a weekend to ensure you’ll be home to sign for it.

The holiday season can be stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to worry about potential package thieves.  Besides the tips listed above, ask your neighbors to look out for any suspicious vehicles or individuals in your neighborhood so everyone’s property and belongings stay safe.  

ETA Insurance Group is a local, independent insurance agency that works with over 50 carriers. We offer a full line of insurance products for all your needs, from home and auto to health, life, and Medicare. As independent agents we can shop around to find you the best coverage for your needs and your budget.  

Holiday Safety Hazards for Your Pets

Our pets are part of our family, so it’s only natural that we’d want them involved in our family holiday celebrations. But some of the holiday items and customs that are second nature to us can be hazardous, even deadly, to our pets. Below are a few of the most common holiday safety hazards for our four-legged friends and how to avoid them:

Christmas decorations. Decorating our homes both inside and out is one of the best parts of the season. And no home is complete without a Christmas tree. But both can be dangerous for your pets. Cats often love to play with tinsel, but if it’s ingested, it can get stuck in their digestive tract and require emergency surgery to remove it. Trees are another potential hazard. Some cats love to climb; make sure your tree is secure in the stand so your kitty doesn’t knock it over. Many dogs are also drawn to tree water.  Remember to add fresh water regularly so it’s not sitting and stagnating. Standing water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could make your dog very sick. Broken lights or ornaments can cut or burn your pet’s paws or digestive tract if they play with or swallow them. Artificial trees are much less work and can look just as majestic as a real tree; they’re also safer for pets.

Plants. Holiday plants add that festive touch to our homes throughout the season, but unfortunately, most of the prettiest ones are also the most dangerous for pets. Holly and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal problems (mistletoe can also cause cardiovascular distress). Poinsettias are poisonous. Play it safe and decorate using artificial plants.

Electrical cords and lights. Keep all electrical gadgets out of your pet’s reach. Cords can cause electrical burns if the animal chews on them.

Candy and sweets. We like to overindulge during the holiday season, but allowing our pets to do the same is a bad idea. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and should be completely off-limits. Baked goods in general are often too rich for pets, and some artificial sweeteners can cause liver failure and other health problems. If you’re not sure if a sweet treat is potentially harmful, play it safe and don’t give it to your pet at all. (Many of us often slip table scraps to our pets—keep in mind foods like onions, raisins, and grapes are toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided).

Potpourri. We love to make our homes smell festive and welcoming, but many home fragrances can be dangerous or deadly for pets. Liquid potpourri can be caustic due to the essential oils and detergents in them, and the regular bagged variety can cause digestive problems if swallowed. Keep all home fragrances out of your pets’ reach, or find alternatives that make your home smell nice but are safer for your pets.

Guests can be another potential safety risk for your pet. Put your dog or cat in another area of the house, preferably a quiet room, if they're nervous or skittish around strangers and you're having guests over. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association website has lots of great information about how to keep your pet safe this holiday season.

How to Have a Fun, Safe Holiday Party

Photo: Westbay Management

There are plenty of things to look forward to during the holidays—beautiful music, decorating your house both inside and out, and just being with your nearest and dearest, whether it’s at an informal get-together or a black-tie holiday gala.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, you want to keep both your guests and your property safe. Below are a few tips to host a fun, safe gathering.

Make it family-friendly.  It’s not easy for everyone to get a sitter. Alleviate some of the pressure on your guests by inviting the kids along, too.  Have activities for the little ones, like a holiday-themed craft, movie marathon, and some games. Designate one or two responsible teenagers to oversee the activities so both the kids and adults can enjoy the night.

Suggest a potluck. If you’re on a budget, a potluck meal is your best option. If you’re having a traditional dinner, as host you’d be responsible for the main course and your guests can bring the side dishes. Or if you’re laying out a buffet, make one or two dishes and ask your guests to bring the other items (including paper goods).  

Choose a theme. Theme parties can make planning much easier because the food, décor, and dress code are all tied together.  Ugly Christmas sweater parties have been the big trend around the holidays for the past few years, but other trends are starting to catch on. One is a “vintage” Christmas party, where guests bring dishes right out of their mother’s or grandmother’s cookbooks from the 1960’s or 1970’s (and don’t forget to dress accordingly!) Another trend is a crafting party (or “Santa’s Workshop party”, if you will), where you and your guests create and decorate wreaths, ornaments, and package toppers (if not the packages themselves) for yourself and everyone on your list.  

Serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Not every guest will want to imbibe, so take that into consideration when planning your drink menu. Have a variety of food and beverage options so none of your guests feel uncomfortable or pressured to drink.

Be a responsible host.  Hosting an event is a lot of work. It falls on you to keep all food, drinks, and supplies stocked, guests mingling, and the night flowing smoothly.  It’s not always easy, but your most important job by far is keeping your guests safe. If it looks as though some of your guests have had a little too much, offer to drive them home, call one of their friends or family members to give them a ride, or ask another guest to take them home.

The holidays are definitely a time to celebrate, but if you’re planning to host a party this year, help your guests celebrate responsibly.

Are there any other tips you’d add to our list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Five Reasons to Shop Small This Holiday Season

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the official start of the holiday season. And the day after that is Small Business Saturday, one of the most important shopping days of the year for Mom and Pop retailers. American Express started this initiative back in 2010 as a way for shoppers to support their local businesses.

It’s important to support the small businesses that remain the heart of the communities they serve, but it’s just as important to support local service providers, such as banks, medical professionals, and yes, insurance agents!

Working with local businesses has many benefits, such as:

-Getting to know the vendors you patronize regularly helps to build camaraderie in the community. During the holiday season, many small establishments hold Open Houses or other events that allow customers to stop in and see what they have to offer. You might discover a new favorite lunch spot or shop for that perfect last-minute gift.

-Strong customer service and personalized attention—owners often learn their regular customers’ tastes and preferences and can recommend new products or services accordingly.

-Boosting the local economy by keeping your dollars in the community.

-Encouraging entrepreneurship among local students and young professionals.

-Stressing quality over quantity. You might find a smaller selection of items at a Mom and Pop operation, but they likely have better craftsmanship and will last longer than those you find at a larger chain store. Service providers like insurance agents can work with you to find better deals or cost savings to stretch your dollars further.

ETA Insurance Group is proud to be a small business and member of our local community. We are located in the heart of Nesquehoning, PA, but work with clients throughout Pennsylvania. We encourage everyone to think of their small businesses first when shopping. After all, it’s not only important to shop small this holiday season, but all year round!

Five Car Care Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Photo: RepairPal

Your car is very much like your body—the more you take care of it, the better it will perform. And like your body, your car needs checkups now and then just to keep everything running like it should. Cars are incredible machines and many models can run for years before they start slowing down a bit, but that doesn’t mean they run forever. They have expiration dates just like everything else.

As a responsible car owner, one of the worst things you can do is ignore warning signals from your car. A small, fixable problem that you ignore today could lead to serious, more expensive problems later. Today’s models have warning lights for essentially every function—if your dashboard is lighting up, it’s time to stop and investigate the problem. It could be something simple (low or empty washer fluid) or serious—in any case, listen to what your car is telling you.

Below are just a few of the mistakes you don’t want to make when it comes to taking care of your car:

Put off scheduled maintenance. Pennsylvania state law requires annual vehicle inspections. Although this is the ideal time for you to take care of your car, don’t let it be the only time of year you take care of your car! Simple maintenance like changing the oil and filter (ideally every 3,000 miles) and keeping the fluids filled are all easy ways to keep your car running well all year long.   

Try to fix a problem yourself. Unless you have experience working on cars, or a warning light pops up for something simple like low oil, fluid, or you get a flat tire and know how to change it, let your mechanic pinpoint and repair other problems. Trying to fix it yourself can actually make a problem worse, and you’ll likely have to take it to a mechanic to undo your “repair” anyway, so just eliminate a step and go right to a garage.

Take your car to an unqualified mechanic or service center. If you’re going to go to a 

professional, however, make sure they know how to service your vehicle.  

Ignore the “check engine” light. The engine is the heart and soul of your vehicle, and if the “check engine” light on your dashboard is on, make an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible. That light could signal a wide range of problems, so it’s not something you want to leave unchecked.

Keep driving when your car overheats. If your engine is overheating, pull over immediately (or as soon as you can do so safely).  Continuing to drive with an overheating engine could lead to an engine fire, which could cause serious bodily injury to the driver (or death). Don’t take the risk. If your engine overheats, pull over and call for a tow truck or roadside assistance.

Even the most diligent driver can experience an issue or collision because of factors beyond their control, but keeping up with basic maintenance is one way to keep your car as safe and reliable as possible.

National Stress Awareness Day: Tips for Relieving Stress

November 7 is National Stress Awareness Day.  But if you’re living with chronic stress, you’re already aware of it. Stress can cause a wide range of health problems, from physical conditions like weight loss or gain, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders, to mental conditions like anxiety and depression. It can impact every area of your life, and although you probably can’t eliminate it from your life completely, it’s important to find healthy ways to live with it. 

Photo: Success Under Pressure

Below are a few tips to help manage your stress:

Learn to say “No”. One of the single biggest stressors for most people is simply taking on too much, whether at work, home, or volunteering in the community.  As the saying goes, “If you want something done, ask a busy person”, but even people with jam-packed calendars should take a break from doing it all now and then. Saying “no” doesn’t come naturally at first, but the more you say it (and you can be selective—many of us just like keeping busy), the easier it becomes! Giving yourself some time to relax and recharge is healthy…and necessary for your overall well-being!

Practice good time management skills. Remember the panic you felt as a kid when you waited too long to do a homework project that had been assigned several weeks earlier? And maybe you were up until midnight or later the night before the project was due, scrambling to finish? If you were that kid, unless you develop better time management skills, that feeling won’t go away when you’re an adult. Get yourself a calendar and keep it updated. Refer to it often. Virtually every type of device out there has a calendar, so there’s really no reason not to keep track of bill payments, social events, appointments, and various lists.

Exercise regularly. Between work and family, your spare time is likely limited. But taking care of your physical health is important for keeping your stress level in check. Just taking a brisk walk around the block a few times a week can help keep your weight down and burn off excess nervous energy. If you have more time, try to fit in a few regular sessions at the gym or take up a hobby with a physical component, like running or hiking.

Get enough sleep. It can be a vicious cycle—if you’re stressed about something, it often keeps you up at night. Lack of sleep causes you to feel sluggish, cranky, and just not feeling your best, so you can’t tackle the problem weighing on your mind very efficiently.  If you have trouble sleeping or just unwinding after a stressful day, try reading (preferably something not work-related), keeping your mobile device in another room so you’re not tempted to check messages or scroll through social media every few minutes, or jotting down some thoughts in a journal. Regular journaling is a great way to get your inner thoughts and worries down on paper and ease some of your mental burden.

Practice yoga, meditation, or another relaxing activity. Yoga and meditation are effective ways to manage stress because they both require focus and concentration on something other than the worries on your mind. Meditation is the practice of sitting quietly and focusing on your breath; yoga is an ancient practice incorporating physical, mental, and spiritual components that focus on breathing and includes a series of stretches and controlled movements.  

Make a regular habit out of managing your stress. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many demands on our time; you’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel if you make a conscious effort to reduce or eliminate some of your major stressors.

Prevent Scary Auto Accidents This Halloween

Photo: Driving Test Finder

Halloween is the holiday for celebrating everything spooky. But here’s something truly scary: Halloween is one of the most dangerous holidays when it comes to automobile accidents. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.

What’s to blame for such a creepy statistic, and more importantly, how can we keep both kids and motorists safe on this night that’s supposed to be fun?

Luckily, there are a few easy things adults can do to protect the little ghosts and goblins in their neighborhood, and themselves if they plan to get behind the wheel.

Tips for Drivers

Yield to trick-or-treaters. Even if kids understand the basics about crossing the street properly, as a driver you should always be prepared for little ones to dart out in front of you.

Try not to pass stopped vehicles. Maybe the driver is going house-to-house with their child for trick or treating, or dropping them off at a friend’s. (And if you are dropping kids off, always use your 4-way hazard lights).

Skip the cell phone. Texting and driving is a bad habit any time of year, but it can be especially dangerous on Halloween with so many kids out and about. Keep your full attention on the road; you can answer your text messages or calls when you get to where you’re going.

If you’re going to a Halloween party, identify a designated driver in your group or have one on standby rather than get behind the wheel yourself.  

Try alternate routes. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere or want to avoid large groups of trick or treaters, plan to take a different route through town to get to your destination.

Safety experts recommend discouraging new drivers from being on the road on Halloween simply because there are more children and potential distractions around you.

Tips for Parents

Take your child trick or treating if you can. This is the best way to ensure your child will only visit familiar houses, cross streets properly, look for cars, and overall have a safe night.

Teach your child the correct way to cross the street. Teach them to look both ways when crossing, and to only cross at corners or crosswalks. If you’re taking a young child trick or treating, make sure they are holding someone’s hand—either yours or an older child’s.

Skip your cell phone. If you’re out with your child but scrolling through social media or checking text messages, you could unknowingly lead your child into danger if you’re not paying attention to oncoming cars or what’s going on around you.

Halloween is supposed to be a time for some spooky fun—follow some basic rules, encourage your children to do the same, and enjoy the night!

Fall Home Heating Tips

Photo: Business Insider

There's something to love about every season. Whether it’s summer’s longer days and leisurely pace, the beauty of winter’s first snowfall, spring’s renewal and warmer temperatures, or fall’s incredible foliage and cooler temps (not to mention pumpkin spice everything!), if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with four seasons, you’re luckier than you probably realize!

But along with the changes in weather come the changes in how you take care of your home and property. Sure, there’s a lot to love about fall, but one thing many homeowners don’t love is the thought of rising heating costs as colder temps approach. Heating your home is certainly a necessity, but it can  =eat up a big piece of your household budget every month. It’s important to take care of your heating units so you’re not wasting money or any of that cozy warm air.

Below are a few ways to keep your home heating system’s efficiency high and costs low:

Furnace or oil burner inspection. Scheduling a furnace or oil burner cleaning should be one of those routine appointments you put on your calendar every year, like going to the dentist or taking your dog for their annual checkup at the vet. It’s that essential for keeping your home nice and toasty all winter long. A professional HVAC technician can give your heating system a thorough check-up to make sure it’s running properly and identify small problems before they turn into big ones.

Fireplace and chimney cleaning and inspection. Along with your home’s central heating system, many homeowners like to stoke their fireplace on exceptionally cold nights. If this sounds like you, make an appointment with a chimney sweep, who can clean and inspect both the fireplace and chimney before peak season.

Find and seal leaks. Check your windows and doors for any openings or cracks and seal them accordingly with caulking or weather stripping.  Air often escapes through windows in older homes, and drafty conditions are both uncomfortable and expensive (if the cold air is coming in, then the warm air is escaping from inside!)

Watch your thermostat. For some households, winter means a regular tussle over a comfortable temperature—it seems as if someone is always too hot or too cold! Heating professionals recommend turning your thermostat down at night (and piling on the blankets) and any time you and the family are away from home. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to an agreed-upon temperature that keeps everyone happy!

Clean your air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter can make your heating unit work twice as hard. Changing the air filter regularly (at least monthly) will keep your heating system running well, and improve the air quality in your home.  Family members with allergies or asthma will certainly appreciate having less pollen or other allergens circulating through the air in your home.

A few quick routine maintenance tasks can help you save money and stay warm all winter long. Would you add any other tips?

Tips for Storing Your Summer Toys

As much as we might dislike it, summer eventually comes to an end and it’s time to start thinking about cooler weather. For those of us who own seasonal “toys” like motorcycles, boats, or ATVs, the end of summer means putting these vehicles into storage for the winter. It’s just as important to take care of your toy when you’re not using it as when you are. You want it in good condition when you’re ready to get back on the road, trail, or water in the spring.

Below are a few tips to get your summer toys ready for fall:

Motorcycles

•          Top off your fuel tank.
•          Check all fluids.
•          Check your tire pressure and add air if necessary. Check your tires every few weeks throughout the fall and winter and pump them up as needed.
•          Prevent rust and corrosion. Give your bike a good waxing to minimize moisture, which can cause severe damage to the body of the bike.
•          Give the whole bike a thorough going-over before your first ride of the spring.

Boats

•           Wash it thoroughly and apply a coat of wax to minimize moisture.
•           Change the oil.  Replace the filter, flush out any lingering oil, and add the new oil.
•           Top off your fuel tank.
•           Refresh your coolant system. Drain the coolant in the system, flush with water, and replace with fresh antifreeze.
•          Spray the carburetor with anti-fogger to protect your engine’s moving parts.
•          Remove any on-board equipment and essentials (life jackets, fire extinguishers, GPS devices, etc.) and store them in a cool, dry location through the winter. Don’t leave any sensitive electronics onboard and exposed to the elements.

ATVs

•         Wash your ride thoroughly.
•          Check your coolant. Top it off or change it completely if it’s more than two years old.

•          Add fresh fuel to your tank.
•          Change the oil and oil filter.
•          Remove and charge the battery. Store it in a cool, dry location and connect it to a trickle charger.
•          Block up any holes or pipes to discourage rodents and other critters from building a home inside your machine!

Take the time to do a few simple maintenance tasks that will keep your toy in good condition throughout the winter. When the warm weather arrives, you should be ready to go in no time!

ETA Insurance Group can help you protect all of your summer (and winter!) toys. From boats and ATVs to snowmobiles, we can shop around to find you the best coverage for your needs and budget. Contact us today for more information. 

Why a Home Fire Evacuation Plan is Important

October 7-13, 2018, is Fire Prevention Week, which is the perfect opportunity to practice (or devise) a fire evacuation plan for your household.

A fire can be devastating, easily causing thousands of dollars in property damage, not to mention the lasting physical, emotional or psychological effects it can have on a family. An evacuation plan can help everyone in the house understand what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out. You may not be able to save your home or all the contents, but if you have a plan in place, you significantly increase the odds of getting all family members out safely. Remember—timing is everything, as you may literally only have a few minutes to get out.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a great resource for developing an evacuation plan for your home. According to an NFPA study, only one of every three households in America has developed and utilized a fire evacuation plan. Every member of your family should be involved in creating one for your home and understand how to use it. Below are some general fire safety tips:

• Make sure your home has smoke detectors in every bedroom, kitchen (away from the stove), and living room—ideally every floor in your home should have at least one smoke detector.
• Encourage everyone to know two ways out of every room in the house.
• Designate a meeting place in front of your house for everyone to gather when they leave the house.
• Test your smoke detectors at least twice a year (a good rule of thumb is to test them when the clocks are changed during Daylight Savings Time).
• Once your escape plan is developed, test its effectiveness with a drill once or twice a year—once at night and once during the day.
• If your smoke detector does go off, leave immediately and don’t go back in for any reason. You may not make it out a second time.
• Call the fire department from a safe space outside your home.

Practicing good fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. It only takes a few minutes to develop a plan that could prevent a tragedy.

Most homeowners' insurance includes coverage for loss or damage related to fire. You can also purchase fire insurance for additional protection. This extra coverage helps with the costs of repair, replacement, or reconstruction of property above and beyond what your homeowners' policy covers. 

How to Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Fall

Photo: Pennington

As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, everyone will be spending more time indoors, and that includes furry little pests. Unfortunately, critters might be cute (who doesn’t like watching a little squirrel or chipmunk in the wild?), but once they invade your property, they can be downright annoying, if not destructive. Besides the obvious areas like garbage cans, sheds, and garages, critters can invade your actual home and cause quite a bit of damage.

Below are a few tips for securing your home against these unwanted visitors. Get more tips and advice from the National Pest Management Association's website.

·        Try to locate the animals’ point of entry and seal it. Holes or cracks in a building’s foundation, a door that’s not quite closed, unsecured attic windows, and a whole host of other neglected spots in your home’s physical frame can invite little vermin.  Do a close inspection of your home’s exterior and look for any spots where small creatures could fit through, and seal them with expanding foam, caulking, or other sealant (ask your local hardware or pest control professional for the best products to use).
        
 Check your doors and windows.  Seal any loose weather stripping, repair ripped or missing screens, and check the door hinges (to make sure the door is hung and can close properly) and window closures to make sure the window closes tightly. Animals like mice or even bats can fit through very small openings, so keep everything shut to deter their entry into your house.

  Don’t store pet food in the original bag. Your dog or cat aren’t the only ones who like dried kibble—wildlife will eat it, too.  Rather than keep the food in its original paper bag, store it in a metal garbage can (mice can’t climb up the slippery sides—although they’d also have some real trouble removing the lid!) or a plastic bin with a snap-top lid.

  Clean up yard debris. Maintaining our yards is a lot of work, but if you have a stacked woodpile, excessive piles of leaves, or grass clippings strewn about, these are all perfect materials for critters to use for building nests either on your property or elsewhere and generally creating a bigger mess for you to clean up.  Raking and bagging leaves is a big job, but it’s necessary to keep pests out of your yard. Another tip: keep your tree and shrub branches trimmed. Pests can easily use long branches to enter your attic or basement.

Set traps. If you’re seeing a lot of mouse droppings or other signs of infestation (chewed boxes or other possessions) in your basement or attic, set traps in different locations around the area. If you can’t seem to catch the critter but they’re still leaving their mark, call a pest control company if your DIY methods aren’t working.

Pests can chew through wiring, nest in your attic’s insulation, or simply spread disease through the germs they carry (yes, even those cute little squirrels and chipmunks can make you sick!)  Protect your family and property by doing a few simple maintenance tips and keep unwanted critters out of your home.

Growth, New Staff, and Name Change for ETA Benefits Group

There have been some big, positive changes in our agency recently! 

ETA Benefits Group is pleased to announce a record year of growth since expanding its line of benefits and insurance to encompass the availability of Medicare plans and Medicare advisory services.  “This was a natural benefit expansion for us,” says agency president Joseph Pilla. “Healthcare insurance is among our core strengths. We’ve grown considerably over the last year and have added two new professional staff members and promoted a third to better handle Medicare services.”

ETA Benefits Group is also changing its name to ETA Insurance Group, effective immediately. Pilla says that the name change makes sense as the company nears its 20-year anniversary in business. The agency’s commercial insurance services have steadily grown in recent years, making the agency a one-stop shop for all business needs, from benefits to risk management and insurance. The agency’s growth and strength in the property-casualty market also encompasses personal lines of insurance such as auto, homeowners, and more available through partnerships with several dozen of the nation’s premier insurance companies.  “At one time, we primarily served employer groups throughout the state, but now with a full line of insurance programs for families and individuals too, it makes sense to change our name to more clearly indicate the insurance availability.”

“You’ll be seeing a new sign over our signature Main Street marquee,” says Pilla. “We’re the same people with a new name, still dedicated to providing friendly, reliable service to our neighbors.”

Pilla also announces the appointment of two new staff members and the promotion of a third:

•         Sharon Ford, Insurance Sales Specialist.  With more than 25 years in the insurance industry, Ford’s primary focus is Medicare sales and service.
•          Michelle Antiga, Receptionist.  In this role, Antiga’s primary focus will be customer service. 
•          Joann Chickilly, promoted to Insurance Sales Specialist focusing on the senior market for Medicare and personal lines.  

Give us a call for all your insurance needs! ETA Insurance Group is an independent, locally-owned, full service insurance agency and employee benefit consulting firm comprised of dedicated and experienced insurance advisors. Since 1999, we have proudly served businesses, families, and individuals throughout Pennsylvania, with a strong presence in the Northeast, Central, and Lehigh Valley.

Common Car Insurance Terms Explained

Like just about every professional field, insurance is full of industry-specific jargon and acronyms that can leave the average person scratching their heads, or calling their insurance agent in a panic, asking what something means.  We thought we’d clear up some of the confusion.

Let's take a closer look at an important document most people don't spend much time reading in great depth--your auto insurance policy. Read on for a helpful explanation of some of the most common auto insurance policy terms:

“Binder”.  A temporary insurance policy that shows proof of insurance until the insured receives a permanent policy.

“Comprehensive”. Also called “comp”, this coverage pays for loss or damage to your vehicle from something other than an accident, such as a fire, flood, hail, or other weather-related incidents.  

“Collision”. This coverage pays for accident-related damages, regardless of who caused the accident. The carrier must pay for the repair or up to the actual value of your vehicle.

“Contract”. An insurance policy is sometimes referred to as a “contract”, as it is an agreement between the insurance company and policyholder.

“’Dec page’”. Short for the “declarations” page or called the “dec” for short, this is an important part of an insurance policy because it contains all the vital information about the coverage—the insured’s name and contact information, policy period and limits, and other important details.

“Deductible”. This is the amount the insured must pay in a loss before the company pays out any money.

“Premium”. The amount a policyholder pays to the insurance company to maintain the insurance policy.

“Named Insured”. The named insured is the actual owner of the insurance policy.

“Second Named Insured”.  This is the second person named on the insurance policy who has the same coverage as the primary named insured.

“Vehicle Identification Number”.  Commonly referred to as the VIN, the vehicle identification number is the unique 17-digit code given to every on-road vehicle in the United States.  The VIN is found on the identifying documentation for your vehicle, including your insurance and registration cards.

If you’re still confused or overwhelmed about your car insurance or any other coverage, contact us! We work with several carriers for a wide range of coverage, and as independent agents we have the flexibility to shop around for the best plan for your needs and budget.

Options for Keeping Your Valuables Safe

Where do you keep your most important papers? If your answer is something like “In a shoebox under the bed”, “In the attic/basement”, or “Somewhere in my desk drawer” (or you’re not sure!), it might be time to get more organized with your storage methods.  Buying a home safe or fireproof lock box, or renting a safe deposit box from your local bank, is a great way to keep your valuables safe in case of an unexpected event, such as a burglary or natural disaster like a fire or flood.

There are three standard types of home protection units:

•          Safe with a combination lock
•          Fireproof box
•          Safe deposit box*

*Usually rented from, and kept on-site at, a local bank.

All of these safety units are good investments if you want to keep your prized possessions and valuable papers in one place. But what should you put in them?

Home safe or fireproof box

Your home safe or fireproof box should hold the items that you don’t use often, but would need to access quickly when you do need them. Some examples would include:

•         Birth certificates of all family members
•          Social Security cards
•          Passports
•          Spare car keys and all vehicle titles
•          Wills, Power of Attorney documentation (if you are named as such for a relative), and other important legal documents
•          Medical information for all family members (including physicians’ names, prescribed medications, and dosages)
•          Bank account information (including retirement accounts, investments, etc.)
•          Computer back-up discs and SC cards
•          Spare cash
•          Armed forces documentation papers (which could also be kept in a safe deposit box at the bank)

Safe deposit box

A safe deposit box would contain important items you don’t need or use regularly and don’t want to keep in your home. This could include:

•        Heirloom jewelry or watches
•        Collectibles (such as coins, stamps, or baseball cards)
•        Savings bonds
•       Property deeds

You should not keep your only copy of a document (such as a will) in a safe deposit box.  

If you're thinking of buying a home safe, there are several types available. A fireproof box is useful, but a burglar could pick it up and take it out of your home (although, if it’s locked, they would have a tough time getting it open). A traditional safe is usually quite heavy and might require a hand truck to get into your home; these models are best kept on the ground floor or in the basement. Smaller models that can be bolted to the floor or wall are usually kept in a spare bedroom, home office, or library.

Besides having secure storage units for your important possessions, consider purchasing insurance for valuables like jewelry, collections, sports equipment, collectible firearms, and artwork for additional peace of mind in the event of a burglary or natural disaster. ETA Insurance Group works with several carriers who provide this important coverage. Contact us to learn more!