Stay Safe and Protect Yourself from Halloween Mishaps

shutterstock_219087598At OceanPoint Insurance, protecting your family is our top priority. As you make final touches to your costumes, stock up on candy, and gear up for some spooktacular fun, we want to remind you of a few safety tips to keep you and your trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween. Additionally, taking steps to prepare your property and protect visitors is also a good idea.

  • For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape.
  • To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
  • Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
  • Drive slowly and watch for children darting into the street.

Be Aware of Dangers that Might Not be Visible at Night

  • Walk your property before Halloween to identify and minimize potential dangers, especially those difficult to see after dark. For example, check to make sure temporary extension cords are secured to avoid a tripping hazard.
  • Make sure walking surfaces are even and clear of debris, and that any obstacles are clearly marked, such as stakes, exposed roots or holes.
  • Ensure that your front yard, walkway and entryway are well lit so that those unfamiliar with your home can safely navigate.

Halloween is an exciting time for children, but it can also be very dangerous for them as well. Be sure to review these tips with your little ones and make sure they understand their importance. If you have any concerns about keeping your family safe and protecting your property this week, contact OceanPoint Insurance at 847.5200.

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Prepare Your Home for the Winter Season

shutterstock_219740656Another New England winter is coming fast, and so is the damaging ice, snow and wind that comes along with it. While we would rather put off thinking about winter as long as possible, the time to winterize your home is when the leaves begin to fall – not the snow.

To properly prepare your home for the cold weather, we have outlined some tips to help save you time, money and energy this season:

Examine your roof – Inspect for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms or from melting snow.

Clean out the gutters – Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can also help prevent ice dams.

Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations. Use caulking to seal around any wall openings, preventing cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in.

Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water, the better chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting.

Prepare your fireplace – Make sure your fireplace (or any heating appliance burning gas, oil, wood or coal), chimney and vents are clean and in good condition. This will prevent chimney fires and prevent carbon monoxide from creeping into your home.

For more tips on how to properly winterize your home call OceanPoint Insurance today at 847.5200. Remember that no home is fully prepared without the proper homeowners insurance. Be sure to ask your OceanPoint agent to review your policy and ensure you’re fully covered for whatever winter throws your way.

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