Protection from Mail Theft

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Mail theft is a pervasive issue across the country, and it’s important to take proactive steps to protect yourself from falling victim to this crime. Thieves often target mail that has not yet been picked up, searching for items such as gift cards, credit card applications, and utility bills that can be used to steal your identity.

Here are some additional measures you can take to safeguard your mail:

Invest in a Locking Mailbox:

Obtaining a locking mailbox is one of the most effective and convenient ways to prevent mail theft. While the cost may vary, starting around $80, the investment is well worth the peace of mind. Consider coordinating with your neighbors to purchase a community mailbox if you live in a community setting. A handy neighbor can assist with the installation process, and it’s important to ensure that the chosen mailbox is approved by the postal service.

Regularly Retrieve Your Mail:

Make it a habit to collect your mail promptly, as close to the delivery time as possible. If you work during the day, retrieve your mail on your way home from work. Avoid leaving mail in the mailbox overnight or for an extended period.

Use Caution with Outgoing Mail:

Avoid using the red flag on your outgoing mailbox, as it can signal to potential thieves that there may be valuable items inside. Instead, wait until the mail carrier’s expected arrival time or consider taking your outgoing mail to work where it can be securely mailed through the company’s system.

Seek Assistance from Neighbors:

When expecting valuable or important mail, such as birthday cards or holiday packages, consider asking a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail for you. Additionally, with the United States Postal Service now delivering packages for Amazon on Sundays, remember to check your mailbox on Sundays for any special deliveries.

Opt for Informed Delivery:

Informed Delivery is a free service provided by the USPS that allows you to preview images of your incoming mail before it is delivered. By signing up for this service, you can stay informed about what mail to expect and take appropriate action if something is missing or appears suspicious.

Shred Unwanted Mail:

Dispose of unwanted mail, especially those containing personal information, by shredding it before throwing it away. This helps ensure that any sensitive details cannot be easily accessed by potential identity thieves.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to mail theft and protect your personal information. Remember to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your local authorities. Together, we can create safer communities and thwart the efforts of mail thieves.

Hosting Thanksgiving? 3 Must-Know Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration

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Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a rewarding experience filled with delicious food and quality time with loved ones. However, amidst the fun and festivities, it’s essential to be mindful of potential risks and liabilities associated with hosting a party.

Here are three crucial things to keep in mind:

1.) Alcohol Awareness: While alcohol is often a part of Thanksgiving celebrations, it’s important to be responsible and mindful of your guests’ well-being.

As the host, you may be held liable if a guest drinks excessively at your party and subsequently gets involved in a car accident. To ensure everyone’s safety, keep an eye on your guests’ alcohol consumption and provide alternative transportation options if needed, such as arranging for a taxi or using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

2.) Tripping Hazards: Accidents can happen, and as the host, you have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for your guests. Tripping hazards can lead to injuries and potential home insurance claims.

To avoid such incidents, consider the following:

  • Clear a designated walkway from your driveway to the front door, removing any obstacles like extension cords, cracks in the sidewalk, and if it’s freezing outside, ice patches.
  • Keep hallways and staircases free from toys, decorations, or any other objects that could impede guests’ movement.
  • Ensure your rugs are properly secured and free from bunching, reducing the risk of tripping accidents.
  • By taking these precautions, you create a safer space for your guests and minimize the potential for accidents.

3.) Distracted Cooking: Cooking your Thanksgiving meals can create a major fire hazard if not handled carefully. Cooking-related incidents are a leading cause of home fires, and to prevent kitchen accidents, consider the following tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with the location of your fire extinguisher in case of emergencies.
  • Stay focused on cooking tasks and avoid multitasking or leaving the kitchen unattended while appliances are in use.
  • Know how to handle different types of fires. In the event of a grease fire, smother it rather than using water. For an oven fire, keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat source.
  • If you plan to deep fry your Turkey or any other food, ensure the fryer is positioned at least 10 feet away from your home to prevent the risk of fire.
  • Taking these precautions will help you maintain a safe cooking environment and reduce the likelihood of accidents or fire-related incidents.

While hosting Thanksgiving Dinner can create lasting memories, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and be prepared for any potential liabilities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your home or liability insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to our agency. We’re here to assist you and ensure you have a joyful and worry-free holiday celebration.

Discover Multiple Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill Each Month

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Saving money is always a welcome endeavor, especially when it involves taking a few simple steps. Electricity bills can quickly accumulate, but by implementing a few minor changes, you can lower those bills and allocate the saved funds for other purposes in your monthly budget.

Follow these easy steps to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill.

Effortless Measures to Lower Your Electricity Bill:

Home Heating

  1. Schedule regular maintenance and inspections for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates efficiently and prevents unnecessary energy waste.
  2. Check and replace the furnace filter as needed, typically every couple of months, to ensure optimal performance.
  3. Avoid blocking heat registers or return ducts, allowing for proper airflow and maximum efficiency.

Home Cooling

  1. Invest in an air conditioner with a high energy efficiency rating (EER). A unit with an EER of 10 can save twice as much energy compared to one with an EER of 5.
  2. Regularly clean the air conditioner filter to prevent strain on the system and maintain its efficiency.
  3. Set your desired temperature and keep it consistent, rather than frequently adjusting the thermostat.

Appliances

  1. Insulate your water heater and refrigerator to minimize energy consumption. Proper insulation can yield significant savings.
  2. Opt to air dry more of your clothes, which not only saves energy but also preserves the quality of your garments.
  3. Unplug appliances when not in use, as they continue to draw power even in standby mode. This applies to phone chargers as well.
  4. Aim to do full loads when using the dishwasher and washing machine to maximize their energy efficiency.
  5. Clean the dishwasher drain weekly to prevent clogs and maintain efficient operation.
  6. Set the thermostat of your refrigerator between 38 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal energy usage.

Other Tips

  1. Turn off lights when leaving a room to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
  2. Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives, which not only save money but also have a longer lifespan.
  3. Consider installing dimmer light switches, allowing you to adjust lighting levels while using less energy.
  4. Utilize power strips for computers, televisions, and other electronics. By switching off the power strip, you can fully disconnect them from the power source and eliminate standby power usage.
  5. While we can’t directly lower your energy bill, we can assist you in finding ways to reduce your insurance costs.