Home Safety Vacation Travel Tips

To grandmother's house you go? Or justgetting away from this cold for a few days? Take the time to think about what you share with your friends and followers this upcoming holiday season. 

I remember growing up and whenever we were going on a family vacation we didn't go around broadcasting that our home was going to be vacant for an extended time. Why? Well living in a small town, news tends to travel pretty quickly and if the word got around to the wrong crowd that our home was going to be empty for a long time, we knew that was a burglars dream.

Fast forward to the year 2013, now we tell the whole world that we are going on vacation through social media. So how can we continue to share our vacation experiences with our friends and family while still being cautious about who sees this information? Here are some tips:

1) Make sure your privacy settings on social media sites are restricted to private. This allows for you to share information only with the people you want to share information with, not the entire world.

2) Don't give people a timetable of how long you will be gone or that your home is vacant. The worst thing to do is to let people know when you are leaving or when you will be coming home.

3) Consider making a fake post thanking a friend or family member for house sitting while you are away.

4) Ask a neighbor or friend to check up on your home and make sure that everything still seems to be in order.

5) Don't be shy about leaving an interior light on in the home, this shows potential intruders that someone is still occupying the residence.

Hopefully these tips will give you the peace of mind that you can still share your vacation with your friends and family via social media without worrying about coming home to a nightmare.

Travel Safely!

Michigan Winter Driving Tips

The winter driving season provides a whole new set of hazards to Michigan drivers. Those of us who make are morning or evening commutes to work through heavy traffic areas such as Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing, or Dewitt have a sense of how heavy traffic mixed with snow/ice can be a major pain. 

During these stressful driving times it is important to remember these winter

driving tips:

- Keep windows, lights, hood, and roof clear of the snow and ice.

- Turn on your lights to increase visibility to other motorists. By doing so,

you will help see and be seen by other motorists.

- Slow your speed down. The posted speed limit is meant for ideal driving

conditions, driving in the winter typically means that the roads are not in

ideal conditions.

- Brake early and gently to avoid skidding. Do not pump your anti-lock brakes in the event of a skid, the proper technique is to stomp and steer.

- Do not use cruise control or overdrive in winter conditions.

- Beware of the snow ridges that occur from snowplows. Making an abrupt lane change can result in losing control of your vehicle.

- Do not pass on the right side of the road. If you do need to pass make sure you leave plenty of clearance for vehicles behind you who may need to brake suddenly.

- Pay extra attention to traffic and avoid heavy traffic patterns if possible.

- Don't drive at all in adverse conditions if it is possible to avoid doing so.

Driving in Michigan during the winter can be a unpredictable. To make sure you are up the challenge make sure you are prepared.

Stay safe!!!

'Tis the Season for Christmas Tree Fires

Are you decking your halls with boughs of holly or going all out with the Christmas season decorations?

Does your house look like the one on the left or the one on the right?

Either way, I am looking to bring to your attention the dangers of fires throughout the holiday season.

According to the United States Fire Administration, December is the deadliest month in terms of home electrical fires. All in all, home electrical problems, account for 28,600 fires and over $1 billion worth of property damage. 

An electrical fire can do more than damage to your home and belongings. It can result in severe injuries and the loss of life. 

Holiday Season Fire Facts

•    One out of every three Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical issues.

•    One out of every 40 reported Christmas tree fires result in death, compared to the national average of one out of every 142 fires normally. 

•    December is the peak time of year for candle related fires. 56% of candle fires occur because they are too close something else that can catch fire.

•    2 out of 5 home decoration fires are started by candles.

Tips to Prevent Holiday Season Fires

•    Don’t overload extension cords

•    Keep clothes, curtains, and other combustible items at lease 3 feet from space heaters, candles, and fire places.

•    Avoid connecting an excessive amount of holiday lighting and decorations into a single circuit 

Christmas Tree Safety

•    Choose a tree with fresh, green needles

•    Keep the tree hydrated, make sure you are adding water to the tree stand daily.

•    Do not place a tree in the way of an exit, even if it is one you don’t “need”. In the event of an emergency it is important to have access to entrances. 

•    Never use real lit candles as tree ornaments.

•    Check to make sure that the wires for your lights are not frayed or worn.

•    Always turn off the lights before going to bed or leaving your home.

Sources: National Fire Protection Association, United States Fire Administration

About Spalding Insurance Agency

Spalding Insurance Agency provides exemplary service and access to Michigan's finest insurance companies. We proudly serve the personal and business insurance needs of people in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Lansing, DeWitt, Perry, Detroit, Holt, Mason, Grand Rapids, Laingsburg, Bath, and other great Michigan cities. For a quote on auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, or life insurance click here. 

1 Tip to Help Avoid a Ticket or Accident during Winter

Like all of you, I awoke this morning to fresh powder covering my car. Like many people, the biggest pain in my morning routine is cleaning off the snow while braving the winter cold. 

Traveling down the road this morning I was amazed to see the amount of people who still had frost/snow covering their windows and side mirrors (only the insane would have left the windshield covered).

Seems pretty unsafe? We have all done this

or contemplated doing so in our mind. It looks 

something along the lines of this:

You step outside and realize

just how cold it is and how much snow is 

on your car. You then convince yourself that you only

have a short distance to drive or that all of the snow

will blow off once you get going. You hop in your car

after clearing off just enough room to see the road

on the drivers side and front windows to see cross

traffic.

Your journey has begun and safety be damned you

consider your time or warmth more important. 

By not taking the time to properly clean off your

car of snow/ice you are potentially setting yourself up for a car accident or ticket. 

If it is not laziness that prevents you from cleaning off your car, it must be a lack of knowledge on how to clean off your car. Luckily for you I have taken the time to provide a 4-Step process known as B.O.R.G. 

1) Buy an ice scraper and leave said ice scraper in vehicle.

2) Open your door car door and remove ice scraper when there is a need for the ice scraper.

3) Remove all of the snow and ice from windows, mirrors, and lights.

4) Get into vehicle and travel safely.

Seems like a pretty simple concept? Don't be too lazy to clear off the snow. Not only is this important for your safety but for the safety of others on the road. By clearing off your car you will decrease the chances of getting a ticket or  into an accident. 

Next time you come out to the car and there is snow on it, remember B.O.R.G. 

About Spalding Insurance Agency

Spalding Insurance Agency provides exemplary service and access to Michigan's finest insurance companies. We proudly serve the personal and business insurance needs of people in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Lansing, DeWitt, Perry, Detroit, Holt, Mason, Grand Rapids, Laingsburg, Bath, and other great Michigan cities. For a quote on auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, or life insurance click here. 

And a Happy New Year....

Spalding Insurance Agency would like to wish you a very Happy New Year. To celebrate ringing in the New Year safely please take the time to remember these safety tips for those of us going out and for those of us who are hosting gatherings.


Hosts

- Make sure all guests have a designated driver upon arrival. A great host makes this their top priority.
- Have phone numbers readily available for local cab companies for guests who have not planned ahead.
- Offer non-alcohol drinks as alternatives to your guests. This can include sparkling juice, pop, water, or punch.
- Encourage guests that are leaving the party to stop drinking hours before the party ends, even if they have a designated driver for the evening.
- Always welcome guests a place to sleep in your home. This will encourage those who "only had a few" and feel comfortable with driving an alternative solution.
- Don't be afraid to take the keys from a guest who plans on driving home and is intoxicated.

Remember as a host, you may be held responsible for your guests actions after they leave your home.

Party Goers

Did you drink? If so, do not drive.

- Plan a head and have a designated driver.
- If you don't have a designated driver, call a taxi , use the bus system, or stay where you are until sober. Don't be afraid to ask to stay the night at your host home. A good host will be prepared for overnight guests.

 Happy New Year!

About Spalding Insurance Agency

Spalding Insurance Agency provides exemplary service and access to Michigan's finest insurance companies. We proudly serve the personal and business insurance needs of people in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Lansing, DeWitt, Perry, Detroit, Holt, Mason, Grand Rapids, Laingsburg, Bath, and other great Michigan cities. For a quote on auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, or life insurance click here. 

Driving Tips for Deer Season

It appears from the photos on Facebook and circling the web that this hunting season has been a success for area hunters. Sadly, this deer season has also had its share of car/deer accidents resulting in injuries and car damage for thousands of motorists throughout mid Michigan.

Having a deer run into your path while on the road is a very scary thing, if you're not prepared on what to do. Being quick to act and knowing some of these preventive techniques will go along ways for the safety of you and your passengers.

Preventative Techniques

- The most important safety tip is to travel at posted speeds or below them. The more conservative you are with your speed, the more time you will have to break for a deer.

- Drive with your lights on for better visibility.

- Scan the side of the roads for eyes shining in your headlights.

- When possible, drive with your high beams on. This is another trick to increase visibility which can help with your reaction time.

- Pay attention to the signs along roads that warn of high deer traffic areas. These signs are there to indicate problem areas for motorists and should not be ignored.

- Wear your seat-belt.

Where are the deer?

- Deer are frequently found in highly wooded areas and mostly on the outskirts of towns. Although it is not uncommon for people to see them within suburban areas.

- Deer travel in large packs. If you see one, you can assume that there are several more nearby.

- From October to January, Deer, are in heat and breeding. The effect of this is that they are highly active and tend to be on the move during prime hours such as dusk and dawn.

What to do when seeing a deer

- The golden rule is to never swerve to avoid a deer in the road. Swerving can cause for you to lose control of your vehicle, resulting in a potential head on collision, driving into a ditch or tree, which can lead to more serious injuries and vehicle damage.

- Slow down when you spot a deer.

If you have the unfortunate luck to actually hit a deer call the proper emergency services that are needed. If no one is injured it is still a good idea to get an official police report of the incident for documentation for the insurance company.

Stay alert and safe travels!

The Results Are In....

With over 50 golfers participating on a gorgeous sunny July day, the results are in for the 2013 Spalding Insurance Golf Classic! With the generosity of our hole sponsors, and those who joined us at Glenbrier Golf Course, $2,251 was donated to the Perry-Morrice-Shaftsburg Emergency Relief Council. 

In just 10 years of tournament play, over $20,000 has been donated to this worthwhile cause, and a big THANK YOU to those who make it possible each year.

Our 2013 Hole Sponsors included:

Unique Touch Housekeeping

The Shirt Smith

Joe’s Body Shop

P.F. Green & Sons

Ridenour’s Auto Repair

Jackie Hurd

Fremont Insurance Company

Bill Leech Repair Service

Michigan Millers Insurance Company

Heb’s Inn

Snyder’s IGA

Elsesser’s Auto Repair

Perry Dental

Garn Restoration

Scepka Builders

Citizens Insurance Company

Chemical Bank

Mid Michigan Glassworks

In addition to the tournament winners, other contests included a 50/50 drawing, Raffles and Closet to the Pin contest, and to our golfers….THANK YOU for spending a part of your day with us. 

The 2014 Spalding Insurance Golf Outing is in the planning stages and  and we look forward to seeing you on the links! 

About Spalding Insurance Agency

Spalding Insurance Agency provides exemplary service and access to Michigan's finest insurance companies. We proudly serve the personal and business insurance needs of people in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Lansing, DeWitt, Perry, Detroit, Holt, Mason, Grand Rapids, Laingsburg, Bath, and other great Michigan cities. For a quote on auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, or life insurance click here.