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Why Do I Need Personal Umbrella Liability Insurance?

Why do I need an umbrella policy?An umbrella insurance policy protects you from a downpour—that worst-case scenario where you could lose everything in a lawsuit.After a hectic work week, Jim Marshall was looking forward to a relaxing weekend with his wife and kids. He was just a few blocks from home when his cellphone rang. He glanced down to see who was calling. That split-second distraction was all it took for him to miss the approaching stop sign.Jim plowed into the side of a passing… READ MORE

Proper Gutter Maintenance

Maintaining your gutters is important, as it can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. In fact, if gutters are obstructed and rainwater doesn’t flow properly, damage from rainwater or freezing can add up quickly.In order to keep your gutters in good condition, consider the following tips:Soft wash your roof using a high volume, low pressure system first. Otherwise, more debris will clog your gutters following the next rainfall.Utilize a garden hose to clear hard-to-reach… READ MORE

Businesses Need Both Cyber Threat Intelligence and Business Risk Intelligence

Devising an all-encompassing strategy that protects your organization from cyber criminals, data breaches and other cyber security threats is no easy task. You need to ensure protection from not only hackers, but also the actions of your own staff.Your employees may not intentionally threaten your organization, but without proper training and policies on using, storing and transferring data, there will always be a chance of them inadvertently putting your business at risk. In order to protect… READ MORE

Should I Buy Flood Insurance For My Business?

What You Should Know About Flood InsuranceFlooding is a risk to any business, whether you are inland or near the coastline. In fact, in the past five years all 50 states have experienced floods, and at least one in four businesses that shuts down from a natural disaster never reopens. According to the U.S. government, the average commercial flood claim in the past five years has been around $89,000, and the average property damage due to flooding adds up to more than $3.5 billion… READ MORE

7 Hiking Safety Tips

Hiking is a fun activity in Maine and New Hampshire for people of all ages as well as a great source of exercise. However, if you go on a hike unprepared, you could end up getting lost or even injured.To stay safe on a hike, do the following:Make a gear list that accounts for essential items, like water, a first-aid kit, rain gear, extra food and a compass.Bring a map and take the time to understand it before you go on a hike. While you should also bring a GPS, it’s good to have backup… READ MORE

Sharing the Road With Bikes

Drivers and bikers constantly share the road. In order to keep cyclists safe from vehicle collisions, drivers need to be both attentive and cautious.The following are some safety tips drivers should keep in mind when sharing the road with bikers:Slow down and give bikers plenty of room when you pass them.Be particularly cautious around young bikers. Anticipate sudden movements and create as much space as possible between the vehicle and the bike.Respect bike lanes. Avoid parking and driving… READ MORE

How To Maintain Your Home For Fall

Fall is right around the corner, and, as the weather changes, it’s important to prepare your home and identify potential problems before they arise. Consider performing the following annual fall maintenance tasks to ensure your home is safe and ready for the months ahead:Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician. Clean and replace the furnace filter if needed.Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures.Check for damaged or loose shingles to… READ MORE

What do Cryptocurrencies Mean for Businesses?

Technology has helped add efficiency and modern conveniences to daily life, and now computer experts have applied digital traits to new, online currencies. Cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, only exist digitally and their decentralized nature can offer a number of advantages. However, as these currencies continue to grow, it’s important to know the risks regarding their use.Most cryptocurrencies are decentralized and work without administrators or a central bank. Instead, a network of… READ MORE

Smoking Cessation Tips

Quitting smoking is one of the best choices you can make to improve your overall health, but it’s also extremely difficult. The following are some suggestions to get you started on your journey to being smoke-free:Make a quit plan. A quit plan will help you stay focused and motivated. This plan should outline your quit date, reasons for quitting, smoking triggers and ways you intend to fight cravings. You can build your own quit plan from scratch or with help from Smokefree.gov.Avoid… READ MORE

Are You Prepared For A Flood?

Did You Know? According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are one of the most common disasters in the United States. Even small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Plus, it only takes an inch or two of water to cause major damage to your home.When A Flood Watch Is Issued:Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation… READ MORE