July 15, 2024 -Swimming Pool Safety
Swimming season is in full swing. Here are some tips to help you get the most of out your pool - safely.
It is important to maintain secure fencing and a locked entrance around the pool and deck area to prevent access when adequate supervision is not available. Install self-closing and self-latching gates in the proper locations.
• Make sure no one swims alone. Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area, and see that less experienced swimmers are always accompanied by a swimmer who has water life-saving skills.
• Equip your door, gate or pool with an audible alarm to alert you if someone enters the pool area or falls into the pool while it is unattended.
• Diving should be prohibited unless a specific area of the pool is designated for safe diving. Water depth and diving-restricted areas should be clearly marked.
• Make sure there is adequate life-saving equipment in the pool area, including life preservers and a rope with life-saving rings, a reaching pole or rescue hook.
July 1, 2024 - When It's Time To Call An Electrician
• Call a Qualified Electrician if You Have:
• Warm-to-the-touch wall outlets or switches.
• Fuses that regularly blow or circuits that often trip.
• Appliances that smell rubbery or as if they are burning.
• Lights that dim, flicker, are unusually bright or have bulbs that regularly burn out prematurely.
• Appliances that spark.
June 6, 2024 - Electrical Extension Cord & Power Safety Tips.
Power and Extension Cord Safety Tips
Be aware of the fire risk that damaged power cords pose, and the fact that extension cords are only intended for temporary use. Consider having a qualified electrician add more circuits or outlets so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords as they can increase the risk of electrical shock or cause arcing or overheating, which can lead to a fire.
• Do not use an extension cord with major appliances.
• Do not run extension cords under carpets.
May 12, 2024 - Electrical Outlet Safety. With warmer weather upon us, many will be plugging in fans and air conditioners. Some helpful tips.
Homes built before 1965 typically have ungrounded two-pronged outlets, while newer construction will usually have three-pronged outlets, which include a hot, neutral and ground wire. Homeowners may want to consider upgrading their wiring to accept three-pronged outlets, particularly if you are replacing older outlets that may be cracked, damaged or covered in paint.
Turn off appliances before unplugging them to avoid a “hot unplug,” which can result in an arc inside that could create a fire hazard.
Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles in outlets near where children will be present.2 These outlets contain an internal spring-loaded shield that requires even pressure on both sides of the outlet to access the electrical contacts. The National Electric Code® has required new and renovated dwellings to include TR receptacles since 2008.3
When plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet, make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.4
Only one high-wattage appliance should be plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
April 24, 2024 - RV Insurance - Do All Campers Need it?
A very good question. While Class A, B or C RVs require insurance since they are motor vehicles...it's not the same on trailers. If your RV is towable, such as a pop-up camper or a fifth wheeler, it likely doesn’t need insurance. General liability insurance from the towing vehicle will extend to what is being towed. However, it’s still a good idea to have coverage to protect the money you’ve invested in the RV, as collision and comprehensive policies likely won’t extend over.
April 4, 2024 - RV Insurance - Why Do I Need It?
RV and camper is right around the corner and it's a great time to make sure you have the coverage you need.
Depending upon the type of RV you own, Class A, B or C...you'll at least need liability insurance. Remember, this is a motor vehicle that drives on the road like any other vehicle. Just like your car, it's also wise to carry collision and comprehensive policies too.
Your state isn't the only one that may require you to have insurance on your RV. If you've taken a loan to pay for you RV, the lender will likely want coverage.Some RV parks also require certain coverages in order to stay there.
March 5, 2024 - Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A smoke detector is the most effective way to detect smoke from a fire and signal an alarm so that you and your family can get out safely. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the buildup of this dangerous odorless and colorless gas. Test the detectors monthly and after you change the batteries to ensure they work properly.
February 20, 2024 - Best Practices for Firewood and Chimney safety
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
- Keep your roof and chimney clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris. Prune trees and branches to keep them away from your chimney.
- Install a chimney cap with a spark arrester to help keep debris, leaves, branches and animals out, and to help prevent burning embers or sparks from escaping and creating a fire hazard.
- Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
February 7, 2024 - Fireplace Safety Part 2.
Keep Fires Burning Safely
• Make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire so the fireplace will vent properly. Do not close your damper until you are sure the fire is out.
• When starting a fire, only use a match or commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Keep fireplace glass doors open while burning a fire. This allows the fire to receive enough air for complete combustion and to help reduce creosote build-up in the chimney. Creosote is a substance that derives from incomplete combustion.3
• Keep metal mesh screens closed whenever your fireplace is in use to help keep embers in the fireplace.
• Only use dry wood in your fireplace. Wet wood can increase the build-up of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires. Select wood – preferably hard wood – that has been seasoned six months to a year.4
• Do not burn plastic: it can release toxic chemicals and cause damage to your chimney, fireplace or wood stove.
• Never burn a Christmas tree in your fireplace, as the sparks from burning needles can increase the risk for a chimney fire. Also, do not burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper or trash in your fireplace.
• Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before leaving the house or going to bed, make certain to fully extinguish the fire.
• Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them and note that ashes can take several days to cool completely. Never empty ashes directly into a trash can. Instead, place ashes in a covered metal container located at least 10 feet away from your home and any other building.
January 19, 2024 - Fireplace Safety Part 1.
There is little as pleasurable on a cold, snowy day than a fire. Here's the first installment of tips to help keep your fireplace safe.
Keep Your Chimney, Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
• Have your chimney, fireplace, wood or pellet stove inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist, to help ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.1
• Keep the area around the hearth clear of debris, decorations and any other combustible materials.2
• If you have a wood burning, insert or pellet stove, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for additional guidance related to operation and venting.
January 4, 2024 - Extension Cord Safety
Electrical extension cords are a great help when needing to extend the reach of power. They look harmless, but care should be taken during their use. They should only be considered a temporary solution.
1. Repair or replace damaged cords as they can increase the risk of not only electrical shock, but also can cause arcing or overheating that can lead to a fire.
2. Do not use extension cords with major appliances.
3. Do run run extension cords under carpet.
December 6, 2023 - Ice Melt and Your Pet
Winter is here and soon you'll be using ice melt to help keep your walkways and driveway safe. Did you ever think how this may impact your pet?
Skin irration and digestive issues are just two examples of potential concerns for your furry friends. Avoid ice melt products that contain; sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and ethylene glycol.
Instead, look for products that use propylene glycol, urea or calcium magnesium acetate. These are safer alternatives.
November 16, 2023 - Umbrella Policies
Your primary car, home or boat policy provides liability coverage. However, your policy limits may not be enough to cover all claimed damages. This is where umbrella insurance comes in. This coverage can help protect against claims made against you for bodily injury due to a car accident or other covered accidents; claims made against you for covered damage to other's property; personal liability claims such as slander or potential out of pocket expenses related to covered incidents.
Would you like to know more? We welcome your call. Never any obligation.
November 1, 2023 - Rental Housing & Pets
Some tips for finding a housing rental for you and your pets.
First, allow as much time as possible for your search. Research animal friendly listings.
Create a resume for your pet with photos, favorite activities, certifications and adoption story. Invite landlord to meet your pet. Sometimes, a landlord will make exceptions to a "no pet" policy if they see your pet is well behaved.
Finally, make sure you never sign a lease that prohibits pets, regardless of what a relator or landlord may tell you.
October 6, 2023 - National Insurance Agency
Insurance. In most cases, this is something most don't think about...until they need it. Now is the time to speak with us about your insurance needs. We can review your current coverage, and give recommendations about your coverage, and perhaps save you money by bundling your policies.
We invite your call for a no obligation quote. If you have yet to become a National Insurance Agency client, you owe it to yourself to experience the difference.
September 13, 2023 - What Does Auto Insurance Cover?
Typically, liability coverage is required in most states. This coverage helps cover someone else’s bodily injury or property damages when you are determined to be at fault for the accident. There are also other coverages that can help cover the costs of damage to you or your auto. To get the most complete protection for your individual needs, discuss available coverage options with your insurance representative..
August 30, 2023 - Liability, Automobile Insurance
Liability coverage includes both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage and is required in most states. This coverage provides compensation for injuries to others, and for the damage your vehicle does to another person's property if you cause an accident.
If you are found responsible for causing damages as a result of an accident, this coverage may pay up to the limit you select, and it can provide for a legal defense if you're sued.
July 24, 2023 - Roadside Assitance, Automobile Insurance
Roadside assistance is coverage you can add to your car insurance policy to help when you find yourself stranded due to unexpected car trouble — like a dead car battery. These unexpected things can happen when you're at work, out running errands, or even when you’re at home.
June 26, 2023 - Loan/Lease Gap Insurance
Gap insurance, also known as loan/lease insurance, can help protect you if your vehicle is financed or leased. If your vehicle is totaled (deemed a total loss), this coverage may pay the difference between the actual cash value of the vehicle and the unpaid balance of the auto loan or lease.
June 5, 2023 - Car Insurance Information
In most states, it's the law that you carry auto insurance on your vehicle. We'd like to help you better understand some of the terms you'll hear when shopping for insurance. In this post, "Liability Coverage".
Liability coverage includes both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage and is required in most states. This coverage provides compensation for injuries to others, and for the damage your vehicle does to another person's property if you cause an accident.
If you are found responsible for causing damages as a result of an accident, this coverage may pay up to the limit you select, and it can provide for a legal defense if you're sued.
May 10, 2023 - National Insurance Agency "Mission Statement".
"Mission Statements" seem to be the rage. Every company or organization needs to let the world know about their Mission Statement.
While we have always used the slogan, "Your Best Insurance Value", it's certainly not a mission statement. Our Mission Statement is within our exceptional customer service, our ability to cross-shop different insurance companies to help you find the very best value, and our decades of experience that are truly your best ally when it comes to insurance.
If you have yet to experience the National Insurance Agency difference, we welcome your call. We're here with free quotes for your homeowners insurance, property insurance, business insurance, automobile insurance, RV and park model home insurance and much more. Never any obligation, of course.
March 29, 2023 - Drivers in Newtown, PA need auto insurance. It’s the law in Pennsylvania.
National Insurance Agency is here to help with your best value in automobile insurance. We’re an independent agency, representing many of the very best auto insurance companies. We cross-shop these companies to help get the coverage you need, and the value you expect. We invite your call or email for an auto insurance quote, never any obligation, of course.
So if you live in Newtown, Levittown, Langhorne, Feasterville…anywhere in Pennsylvania, you owe it to yourself to get in touch and see what National Insurance Agency is all about.
March 14, 2023 - Tips for Buying a Boat, Part 2.
Part two of some helpful tips to help you decide on your new boat.
Capacity
How many people are you hoping to go on your boating excursions with? The capacity on personal fishing boats is generally smaller than a pontoon boat, which are made to hold anywhere between 8-15 adults comfortably.
Equipment
What type of equipment will you want onboard? Here's some suggestions:
• Trolling Motor
• Lights
• Depth finder
• Live well
• GPS
• Canopy/bimini
• Stereo
• Tables
• Emergency survival kit
• Fire extinguisher
Towing
Will your car be able to tow the new boat? According to Auto Bytel, the average 21-foot boat trailer weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds, while most boats in this size range hover in the 4,000-5,000 pound range. This means that you'll want an SUV or truck that is rated to tow between 4,500-6,000 pounds in total.
Storage Limitations
Will your new boat fit in your garage during the off season? Alongside your garage? In a separate storage space?
And a few other components to consider…
• Horsepower
• Engine Type
• Hull (Deep V, Modified V, Pontoon, etc.)
• Storage Onboard
No matter what you decide, get out there, matey, and enjoy the open seas!
February 28, 2023 - Tips for Buying a Boat, Part 1.
Spring is just around the corner. It's time to think about the wonderful weather and outside activities. For some, this may include considering a new boat purchase. Here are a few questions that can hlep get you on the right track in selecting the right boat.
Use
What are you hoping to use your boat for? All boat styles have a different design tailored to the use. Speed boats may be better for tubing and water skiing, but wouldn't hold as many people or be as fish-accessible as a pontoon or fishing boat. Maybe you're in the market for a sailboat, or leaning towards a houseboat. There are so many different varieties of boats, so make an informed decision on which one is right for you (information provided by Discover Boating).
Cost
What's your budget? This may help decide whether to purchase a pre-owned boat. According to Discover Boating, new boats depreciate anywhere between 25%-33% immediately after leaving the dealer's lot. So if you buy a pre-owned boat, someone else has already paid that depreciation cost - more boat for fewer dollars! However, buying a new boat will offer a warranty, the newest technology, and that nice shiny look as you move across the water - the choice is up to you!
February 14, 2023 - Be Ready for Winter, Part 2
Yep, it's February, but we can still have freezing low temperatures and dangerous driving.
It’s best to avoid driving during a snow or ice storm, but sometimes driving is necessary. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, even if you do not anticipate that you may have to be out on the road during stormy conditions. Before severe winter weather, check your lights, heater, hazard signals and windshield wipers to make sure all are working properly. Above all, if you have to drive in winter weather, drive slowly and be mindful of patches of snow, ice and potentially black ice that may be on the road. Always stay aware of weather conditions by checking local news and weather apps, and signing up for weather alerts.
It’s also important to make sure your car is stocked with the appropriate tools and supplies in the event of an emergency. Some important automotive accessories to have on hand include:
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables.
• Road flares, brightly colored flag or help signs.
• Cat litter or sand for tire traction.
• Road salt to melt ice.
• Emergency tire repair kit.
• Cell phone car charger and external power source.
• Local street maps in case you don’t have access to GPS.
• Windshield brush and scraper.
• Shovel
In addition to auto-related items, pack the following items into a safety kit in your car for when you may be driving during stormy conditions, or in the event your car breaks down in a snowstorm:
• First-aid kit with medications and prescriptions.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Hat, coat, gloves and a blanket.
• Lighter and waterproof matches.
• Pocket knife and tool kit.
• Water and non-perishable food items.
Finally, make sure to let others know you may be traveling, your estimated time of arrival and any routes you plan to take in the event of an emergency.
February 1, 2023 - Be Ready for Winter Part 1
There's no doubt that winter is upon us. Here are a few tips that can help you get through winter.
• Snow and ice removal. Make sure you have a snow shovel and ice melt to help keep wallkways clear.
• Fuel. Ensure that you have enough heating fuel for your home's furnace and your generator.
• Wood. If you have a fireplace, make sure you have enough wood. Inthe event of a power outage, your fireplace may be needed for heat.
• Warm clothes, food and medications. Have warm clothing and blankets on hand, stock non-perishible foods and necessary medications.
January 20, 2023 - Tips to Help Keep Your Pipes From Freezing - Part II
If frozen pipes have ever burst in your home, you already know how frustrating — and costly — the water damage can be.You can take preventive measures and get smart about how to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are some tips.
• Open the doors on cabinets where plumbing is located to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
• For pipes that are at risk of freezing, let water drip from faucets. This applies to both hot and cold water.
• Keep the heat in your home set to at leat 55 degrees.
January 5, 2023 - Tips to Help Keep Your Pipes From Freezing - Part I
1. Close inside vavles supplying water to outdoor faucets.
2. Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain. Keep them open during cold winter months while the water supply is off.
3. Keep garage doors closed to maintain a warmer interior tempertaure for exposed water pipes.
December 16, 2022 - Why an Independent Agency?
As an independent agency, we represent many different insurance companies. We can cross-shop the firms we represent to ensure that you get the very best value for your insurance dollar. It's important to us that you have the protection you need at a cost you can afford.
Plus, we're a local small business with a staff dedicated to your satisfaction. Everyone at National Insurance Agency works diligently every day to ensure that you are pleased with everything we do.
December 5, 2022 - What is Not Covered by An Umbrella Policy?
Generally, damage to your own personal property is not covered under a personal umbrella policy.
Other examples of coverage not included in a typical umbrella policy are:
• Business losses. Damage to your business property or losses related to the running of your business generally would not be covered by a personal umbrella policy. This exclusion applies even if your business is operated out of your home. Consider purchasing business insurance if you need this type of coverage.
• Intentional acts. A personal umbrella policy isn’t designed to protect you from liability connected with your own intentionally harmful behavior; for example, if you intentionally harm a visitor to your home.
Umbrella policies are typically very affordable and can be a great way to help protect yourself against the potentially devastating costs of major claims that exceed the limits of your primary home and auto policies.
November 22, 2022 - Is an Umbrella Policy Right For You? Part 1.
Whether it’s a serious car accident involving extensive medical bills or an incident on your property, you may quickly find yourself responsible for damages that exceed the limits of your auto, homeowners or boat policies. That’s when having an umbrella insurance policy can provide coverage that goes beyond the limits of your primary coverage.
Travelers umbrella insurance can help provide coverage for:
• $1 million to $10 million of liability, which can help protect assets such as your home, car and boat.
• Claims like libel, slander, defamation of character and invasion of privacy.
• Legal defense costs like attorney fees and other charges associated with lawsuits.
• Liabilities that happen outside the United States.
A Travelers umbrella insurance policy is a valuable addition to any auto, homeowners or other policy for extended personal liability protection.
In today’s world, anyone can face a lawsuit, even if you’ve done nothing wrong. That’s why it’s more important than ever to consider adding an umbrella policy as an extra layer of protection for your assets – and your peace of mind.
November 7, 2022 - 5 Tips for Buying a New Car - Part 3
5. Negotiate the Best Price
A good negotiator usually can get a better deal than someone who simply agrees to pay what the dealer is asking. Dealers may price their cars higher than the amount they actually expect to receive in preparation for negotiations.
If you take time to research prices online before you visit a dealership, you'll have a better idea of what a competitively priced car should cost. Often, the best time to buy is during end-of-the-year sales, when dealers need to make room for newer models, notes the Las Vegas Review-Journal.3
Negotiate the actual price of the car rather than the monthly payment. Focusing on payments makes it easy to lose sight of the full amount you'll be paying over time, says Autotrader.
If you can't get the price you want, don't be afraid to walk away. Remember there's always another car.