Driving in Winter Conditions

• Check your vehicle emergency supplies kit and replenish it if necessary.
• Bring enough of the following for each person:
  • Blankets or sleeping bag
  • Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and wool hats
  • Newspapers for insulation
  • Plastic bags for sanitation
  • Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks
  • Warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water
• Bring your cell phone and make sure the battery is charged.
• Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take another person with you.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Before leaving, check the weather reports for all areas you will be passing through.
• Watch out for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog.

If You Are Stranded

• Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters).
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
• Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally.
• If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping.
• Huddle together for warmth. Wrap yourself in newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats to help trap more body heat.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.
• Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Anyone who's been through a flood knows that recovering after this kind of disaster isn't easy. You're forced to accept that irreplaceable family treasures and memories may be gone forever, your furniture is destroyed, potentially along with your home. It's a devastating and emotional moment and a lot to take in all at once. But you know the only thing you can do is move forward, and begin the steps needed to restore your home.

As soon as the floodwaters recede, you can return to your home as long as officials give the OK to do so. Before entering your home, however, make sure it is safe!

Tips for staying safe upon return:

• Check for structural damage and use extreme caution. One way to do this is to check if the walls are vertical and straight.
• Turn off the electricity in your home at the main breaker or fuse box. Make sure you stand in a dry spot to do this! If you can't stand in a dry spot, call an electrician who will take care of the risk.
• Two people in rain boots standing on a wet floor
• Turn off the gas. If you smell something unusual, leave immediately and call your gas company from another location.
• Check your sewage system. Repair damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. These serious health hazards.
• Take precaution when inspecting your home. Your home may have sagging ceilings and areas that are still flooded. Also beware of critters like snakes, spiders and rodents that may have taken refuge in your home!
• Bring waterproof boots, a first aid kit, cleaning supplies and a battery-powered flashlight with you before entering the house! You never know what you'll run into.

Tips for claim reporting:

Another important step to take when recovering from a flood is reporting your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. While flood coverage is typically not provided under most homeowners and renters policies, flood insurance may be available to you through the federally regulated program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you need assistance to locate your flood insurance carrier, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A claims adjuster should contact you within a day or two after report of the claim, depending on the severity of the flood event.

When reporting a claim, you should have the following information available:

• Your name and address
• Policy number
• Date the loss happened
• Description of events that led to loss
• Active phone number
• Confirm what's covered under your NFIP policy (some policyholders may only have building or personal property items coverage, not both)

Tips for inspections:

The next step, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is to prepare for your inspection. After deeming the structure safe for entry, take as many photos or videos of the flood-damaged property on the outside and inside. Take pictures of high-cost items as well like washers and dryers, hot water heaters, televisions and kitchen appliances. It's also a good idea to separate the damaged from undamaged items prior to the inspection.

When the adjuster arrives, they will inspect your property including taking measurements and photos and give you an overview of the NFIP flood claims process. Remember that some flood insurance claims are more complex than others. Some may be opened and closed quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to resolve.

If your vehicle was also damaged in a flood event, it's best to call your auto insurance provider to see if you're covered for the loss.

If you are a Lallis & Higgins insurance customer and need to file a claim on your home or auto, contact us.

foremost.com

Our warmest New Year’s wishes from the entire team here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance. Calendar year 2021 and these ever-challenging global events placed heavy burdens upon us all. But in many ways, and supported by family, friends, and all of you, 2021 was a uniquely remarkable year, reminding us of hope, family, gatherings and more. This time of year reminds us to recognize the joy that each and every one of you has brought to our lives. We recognize that our business exists because of your friendship, fellowship, trust, and loyalty.

Our New Year’s resolution is to nurture our ever strengthening partnership with you and to deliver value to you, your business, and your family through the entirety of 2022.

Throughout this Holiday season may you be blessed with health and surrounded by friends and family. We hope that the new year brings all of you uninterrupted good health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy New Year from Lallis & Higgins Insurance. As Anne Frank said, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”

Surprisingly, one of the most common problems that homeowners face this time of year is frozen water pipes. Here is some information to safely get pipes thawed:

What should you do if a water pipe freezes?

You should make sure it never happens again! When the water freezes, it tries to expand inside the pipe. It pushes against the sides of the pipe, as well as any nearby valves, seams and faucets. The freezing action of the water is more than capable of rupturing any pipe.

Unfortunately, a water pipe may freeze even if you have taken precautions. Whatever the cause, it's important that you thaw out your pipe for two reasons:

You almost certainly need the water.

You should be at home when the pipe thaws, just in case the pipe and/or joint is ruptured.

Bear in mind that a frozen pipe doesn't leak—the water is ice. You'll discover you have a leak only after the ice melts. If you're not home, a ruptured pipe can cause a great deal of damage.

Here are some methods to thaw out frozen pipes:

CAUTION!: Before you try any of these methods, first open the faucet the frozen pipe supplies. The steam you create while heating the pipe can burst the pipe if it doesn't have an escape.

Method #1: Use electric heat tape on the pipe, and wait for it to thaw out. This is a good method to use because it slowly thaws the pipe, which means it reduces wear and tear on the pipe itself.

CAUTION!: Remember to use only heat tape certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for use with mobile homes. Be careful never to wrap the heat tape back over itself. This could cause the heat tape to overheat and start a fire.

Method #2: Wrap the pipe with several layers of cloth or toweling and pour hot water over the cloth / toweling. Repeat several times until the pipe is unfrozen.

Method #3: Direct a heat lamp on the pipe itself. Place the lamp at least a foot away from the pipe. Cover adjacent areas with a layer of aluminum foil so the heat does not scorch these materials. Make sure the heat lamp is on dry ground. Even better, plug it into a ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.

CAUTION!: Do not use any direct heating method if the frozen pipe is next to a gas pipe! Call a professional for help.

Method #4: Hold a hand-operated hair dryer to the pipe, and slowly move up and down the length of the frozen section. Make sure you are standing on dry ground. Because you are working this close to water, plug the dryer into a GFCI protected outlet.

You will know the pipe is thawed out when water starts to trickle out of the open faucet. Let the water run for a while to completely clear the pipe. Then, close the faucet and check for leaks.

CAUTION!: Do not use a propane torch to thaw out frozen pipes. Do not use a propane torch even if it has a fire spreader attachment. This is not only a fire hazard, but it's also a quick way to destroy your plastic plumbing pipes.

We want you to be safe in your home and prevention is the key.

Source: foremost.com

Santa’s wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Patriots Place

Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland – a Christmas Classic – is returning to Bass Pro Shops at the Patriots Place store in Foxboro! The rest of the Christmas season families are invited to create new traditions and lasting memories at Bass Pro Shops through no-cost pictures with Santa, crafts for kids, and games and activities to celebrate the season.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland

Gillette Stadium Holiday Magic of Lights Foxboro

Gillette Stadium will be hosting the Magic of Lights. You and your family will be able to enjoy a one-mile holiday lights display drive-thru from Friday, November .19 through Friday, December. 24
https://magicoflights.com/events/foxborough/

Marshfield Holiday Light Show at Fairgrounds

The Marshfield Holiday Light Show will be back starting November 19 – December 30, this is great family night out
https://boldmedia.ticketspice.com/marshfield-holiday-light-show

La Salette Christmas light display in Attleboro, MA

If you are looking to experience the Christmas spirit brightly decorated, you should check out La Salette Shrine in Attleboro. The shrine is decorated with the most extensive and beautiful display of Christmas lights in the area. Begins November 25th- January 2nd
https://lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/christmas-festival

South Shore Sights and Lights BYOB- 21+

Check out some of the South Shore's most beautiful holiday light displays, listen to music, sing songs, and make new friends! Halfway through the trip, we will arrive at a dining establishment where all guests can grab a drink or 2! There will also be a full bar and appetizers available to all guests!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7pm-south-shore-sights-and-lights-holiday-trolley-tour-adults-only-byob-tickets-175216175297?aff=ebdiayyoutube

ZOOLIGHTS! At the Stone Zoo

Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Take a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/zoolights/

The polar express 4-D Experience at Jordans Furniture in Avon

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4-D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
https://www.jordans.com/content/attractions/mom

A Christmas Carol- The Company Theatre Center for the Arts

The Company Theatre is proud to bring back a joyous South Shore holiday tradition, our signature production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Three spirits visit the miserly Scrooge on Christmas Eve and whisk him away on a journey through memories of his past and glimpses of his future.
https://www.companytheatre.com/a-christmas-carol/

Flooding can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. With flood insurance, you're able to recover faster and more fully.

Use this tool below to see how much flood damage – even from just a few inches of water – could cost you.

Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home.

See how much a flood could cost you.

Buy flood insurance today.

Call Lallis & Higgins Insurance, the same company who sells your home or auto insurance.

Source: floodsmart.gov

The Monday following Black Friday, known as Cyber Monday, has become one of the top shopping days of the year. But like so much else in 2021, not all of the deals will be just on Cyber Monday. Retail experts predicted many of the online shopping activity and special holiday sales started as early as Halloween and may continue throughout the holiday season.

But online shopping – even on Cyber Monday – has risks. Be wary of misleading advertisements, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers. The following tips will help you shop online this holiday season, so you can achieve maximum savings while keeping your personal information and hard-earned money secure.

Beware of false advertising and phony websites.

If a company is selling the hottest item of the year at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for false advertising and keep a close eye on the web address in your browser. Scammers love to create lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer. Make sure websites use the correct spelling of a business name and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers.

Shop with trustworthy sellers on secure sites only.

Be wary of businesses you aren’t familiar with. Check their BBB Business Profile on BBB.org, look at the rating, and read customer reviews. In addition, be sure any web page you purchase from is secure. Secure web addresses begin with HTTPS:// and not just HTTP://. Never put personal or credit card information in forms on non-secure web pages.

Keep your antivirus software up to date.

Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your computer or mobile device, and that it is up to date. This will help you to avoid non-secure websites and pop-up phishing scams, and help keep your personal information safe.

Price check before you buy.

Dozens of online retailers will claim they have the best price on an item, but their offers can be misleading. Do your homework by comparing prices. Remember that the best deal may not be the real deal.

Take advantage of rewards and loyalty programs.

Check your credit card rewards program for special point offers that could add up on Cyber Monday and throughout the holidays. Make purchases using loyalty programs; many major retailers offer them.

Use your credit card.

It’s always best to make online purchases with your credit card. If any shady charges turn up later, you will be able to contest them through your credit card company. Debit cards don’t offer this same protection. Never make purchases with online sellers by giving them prepaid debit cards or wiring them money.

Understand return policies.

Online store policies may change for Cyber Monday offers. Read the fine print before you buy. Understand the return or exchange policy for the specific item you would like to purchase. Be aware that stores may not allow returns for “final sale” or “closeout” items. Make sure to get gift receipts, so the recipient can return or exchange the item if necessary.

Watch out for phishing scams.

Busy schedules and increased purchases make it easier to miss – and fall victim to – a phishing scam. Look out for unsolicited emails, texts, calls, or letters. These messages may claim you have a free gift waiting for you or that there is a problem with a delivery – all you need to do is click on a link or give up your personal information. Avoid phishing scams by ignoring suspicious correspondence and calls from unfamiliar phone numbers.

Source: BBB.org

Very warm Thanksgiving greetings from all of us at Lallis & Higgins Insurance. As business owners, clients, prospective clients, friends and family, and suppliers our sense of appreciation for all of you has never been higher.

Like us, each of you have had unique and serious challenges during the last couple of years, most likely both professionally and personally. We are reflecting upon these challenging times with a “glass half-full” perspective and we hope that you all are doing the same. Each and every one of you has delivered a positive and enduring effect on us and our business as well as on those around you. We hope that in some way we’ve done the same for you.

Wishing you sincere peace and joy this Thanksgiving holiday. While surrounded by family and friends, we take time for positive reflection upon all of life’s blessings, we hope that you do as well. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

What Is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance provides coverage for your lost, damaged, or stolen personal possessions. It also provides coverage for injuries to another person that might occur in your rented home or apartment.

For example, if someone is hurt in your apartment, and the injury is deemed to be your fault, that person can file a liability claim with your insurance company to cover the costs associated with the injury.

If the injured person chooses to file a lawsuit against you, your renters liability insurance would pay for your legal defense, up to the limits set on your policy. If you do not have renters insurance, these costs would be your responsibility to pay out of pocket.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters insurance provides financial reimbursement to cover a tenant’s lost or damaged possessions as a result of fire, theft or vandalism. It also covers a tenant’s liability in the event that a visitor is injured on the premises.

Whether the renters insurance or the landlord insurance pays for the costs associated with the injury will depend on the circumstances of the incident, the location on the premises where the injury occurs, and who is at fault.

Renters insurance can also provide compensation for alternative living arrangements in the event that your rental unit or rented home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage or an apartment fire.

How Does Renters Insurance Work?

Renters insurance will help to pay your costs if you suffer a loss, such as a burglary. The amount of compensation you will receive depends on the type of loss and the amount of coverage you have in place.

For example, you can buy “actual cash value” (depreciated) coverage for your personal property, or you can buy replacement cost coverage for your personal possessions.

Certain items such as jewelry, collectibles or other valuable items may have a value limit or require additional insurance coverage to provide full coverage for loss, theft or damage. You will also be responsible for a deductible, which is an out-of-pocket expense.

In the event that a visitor to your home, condo or apartment is severely injured, that person can file a claim with your insurance company, and your insurer will address the claim.

Is Renters Insurance Necessary?

Renters insurance is necessary if you are renting a home or apartment and want to be sure your valuable possessions are protected from loss, theft or damage, and protects you in the event of liability claims as well.

You are not required to carry renters insurance by law, but a landlord can require renters insurance in your rental agreement in your lease.

Carrying renters insurance protects you and the landlord by ensuring that no matter what happens on the premises, either your renters insurance or the landlord’s insurance will provide compensation.

As an example, what happens if a neighboring tenant leaves cooking unattended and starts an apartment fire that damages your unit and belongings?

It’s possible that some combination of the neighbor tenant’s renters insurance, the landlord’s property insurance, and the personal property insurance in your renters policy will come into play to cover the cost of repairs.

Why Is Renters Insurance Important?

Renters insurance is important because your possessions are not protected by the landlord’s insurance policy. Landlord insurance covers damage to the building but does not protect your possessions.

Another good reason to have renters insurance is for protection against liability claims. The liability portion of your renters insurance will provide compensation if a visitor to your rented home is injured. If that person files a lawsuit against you, your renters liability insurance will also help to cover the costs of your legal defense.

Renters insurance can also cover temporary accommodations in the event that you have to live elsewhere while your rental is being repaired due to fire, smoke or water damage.

How Much Is Renters Insurance?

The cost of renters insurance is generally quite affordable. You can typically expect to pay between $100 and $250 per year on average, depending on where you live and the coverage amount you carry on the insurance policy. The national average for renters insurance is $15 to $30 per month.

The best way to find the renters insurance you need and to find an affordable policy that meets your need is to contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: trustedchoice.com

A couple on a snowmobile about to start their day of adventure and discovery

When you ride the trail, put safety first! Follow the snowmobile safety tips listed below.

Know the law

Check with the local DNR, law enforcement agencies, dealers and clubs to make sure you follow all the rules in the area where you are riding.

Gear up

For optimum protection, always wear protective gear such as a safety-certified helmet, warm gloves, a windproof outer layer and boots.

Think ahead

Always carry your owner's manual, an extra belt, extra spark plugs, a tow rope, a small tool kit, spare parts, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and a few survival items such as a space blanket, waterproof matches and a compass.

Tread lightly

Respect nature and ride only in areas where it's permitted. Wait for enough snow to cover vegetation so you don't destroy it, avoid running over trees and shrubs and don't disturb wildlife around you.

Maintain control and stay sharp

Keep your speed right for the conditions and your experience. Be aware of current terrain, visibility and weather conditions, potential hazards or obstacles. Ride only when your senses are sharp. Never do drugs or drink and then ride.

Check it out

Be sure your snowmobile is running properly before riding. Review your owner's manual. Follow the recommended service schedule and be sure an authorized service provider makes all repairs.

Take a friend

Don't snowmobile alone. It's more fun - and safer - to ride with a friend along.

Take care crossing roads

When crossing roads, make sure you stop completely and that no traffic is approaching from any direction. Remember basic hand signals when you are turning.

Slow down at night

At night your visibility is limited to the distance of your headlight. The slower you go, the more room you have to stop. Also, avoid riding along road shoulders at night where your headlight, and those of street traffic, could cause confusion.

Beware of water

Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities. Never cross over a frozen lake, pond or stream. You run the risk of breaking through the ice, and starting, stopping and turning are more difficult due to less traction.

Know your protected with Snowmobile Insurance

In addition to snowmobile safety, be sure you have proper snowmobile insurance coverage to protect your vehicle and provide liability coverage in case someone gets injured or property is damaged during the use of your vehicle. Learn more about coverage options for snowmobile insurance or contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: Foremost.com