Winter Driving Tips

Lisa SpencerHome and Auto Insurance, Insurance, News, Personal Lines

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Make certain your tires are properly inflated. Never mix radial tires with other tire types. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up. If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, …

Preventing Ice Dams

Lisa SpencerHome and Auto Insurance, Personal Lines

By Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk of “This Old House” magazine Take care of trouble spots and you will enjoy a winter free of icicles – and the damage they can do to your roof. Dam Busters Stopping ice dams is simple, in principle: Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. You do that by increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof, as shown in the illustration below. By taking care of these trouble spots, listed here in order of priority, you should enjoy a winter free of dams and use less energy to boot. Read the tips here >>>

Easy Steps To Reduce Cast Iron Boiler Failures Due To Thermal Shock

Amy MitchellBusiness Insurance, Insurance, News

By William P. Desrosiers in “Business, Energy Efficiency, Equipment Care” Thermal shock leads to many cast iron boiler failures, but boiler manufacturers set operational limits to avoid the cumulative conditions that lead to thermal shock. By following manufacturer’s specifications and scheduling consistent, coordinated servicing, cast iron boiler owners can reduce the risk of thermal shock. Tell me more >>>

Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Kimberly WarnerBusiness Insurance, Insurance

This information is from the FCC’s Cybersecurity Hub. Broadband and information technology are powerful tools for small businesses to reach new markets and increase sales and productivity. However, cybersecurity threats are real and businesses must implement the best tools and tactics to protect themselves, their customers, and their data. Visit www.fcc.gov/cyberplanner to create a free customized Cyber Security Planning guide for your small business and visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect to download resources on cyber security awareness for your business. Ten key cybersecurity tips to protect your small business.  

Mind the Insurance Gap

Mary LyonsBusiness Insurance, Health Benefits, Insurance, Voluntary Benefits

Is your business unprotected? “Of course not,” you probably say. But how sure are you? Almost 40% of small companies would likely go out of business if the business owner unexpectedly died, according to a new report, the New York Life Small Business Insurance Gap. Tell me more >>> If you would like more information about protecting your business, contact Mary Lyons, GBA, Insurance and Benefits Sales Consultant, Health Benefit Solutions.

Data Breach Preparedness: Critical Risk Management Priority for Small and Mid-sized Businesses

Amy MitchellBusiness Insurance, Insurance, News, Risk Management

After hearing a lot lately about big companies suffering data breaches, it is important to remember that, according to inc.com, half of all cyberattacks target small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Based on a 2016 State of SMB Cybersecurity Report, CNBC reported that in the prior 12 months half of all SMBs in the U.S. had been hacked. Read the full article >>>

Why Small Business Owners Shouldn’t Underestimate the Risk of Power Outages

Kimberly WarnerBusiness Insurance, Insurance, News

By Alexander Huls for The Hartford When the electricity goes out at home, it’s often a simple inconvenience. Usually you can remedy this temporary situation with a flashlight and a good book or some board games. But for small business owners, the cost of power outages due to bad weather, accidents, or construction, can be severe – especially if they don’t have business insurance. Tell me more >>> If you have questions about protecting your small business during a power outage, contact Kimberly Warner, Small Business Solutions, Murray.