Hillcrest Insurance Agency Focused on Protection Newsletter

Transcription

1 Hillcrest Insurance Agency Focused on Protection Newsletter US Hwy 441 Mount Dora Fl (352) E Plant St Suite 6, Winter Garden Fl (407) HOLIDAY SEASON 2016 Kevin Kevin and and Jodie Jodie McEwen McEwen Owners Focused Focused on on Your Your Protection Protection Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May you soar into the new year filled with health, happiness and prosperity We are so very thankful for our business relationships, friendships and partnerships. Wishing you all of the gifts of the season-peace, Joy, and Hope

2 Focused on Protection Page 2 of 6 Let s Celebrate The Season Safely With the Holiday Season in full swing and a million-and-one things on your mind, don t lose sight of safety and put your loved ones - and yourself - at risk. If you hang seasonal decorations, here are a few simple rules to follow: Don t place trees or other big items where they might block escape routes. If you have a tree, keep it watered; don t let it try out - if it does, it s a fire hazard. Unplug interior lights when you go out or go to bed. Don t place candles close to flammable items or in drafts, and, again, extinguish them when you leave the room. When you buy gifts, ensure they are suitable for the age or health of the recipients. Most toys carry age-suitability ratings and, with these, it s best to use caution. With older or less able folk, especially those with unsteady hands, avoid fiddly and sharp items. Holiday guests also need special attention. Remember, they don t know your home like you do, so remove obstacles, install night lights or low wattage bulbs that can be left on overnight and, if they re first-timers, give them a quick tour of your home. If you re going to be the guest - that is, you ll be traveling - leave early for your trip to anticipate weather and traffic glitches, pack your gifts carefully so they don t get damaged in transit and, when you arrive, take the time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings too! Finally, this is the time of year when youngsters get over-excited. They can injure themselves or others, eat too much candy, become exhausted, wander off while you re busy cooking or celebrating, or otherwise get out of control. Keep a close eye on them.

3 Hounds of Hillcrest Woof to all of our Hillcrest Hound Fans!! Remember those pets during this Holiday Season!! The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations. Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet. Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel. That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out! Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract. Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

4

5

6

7 Christmas Tree Safety Everyone loves the smell of a fresh cut Christmas Tree, I know I sure do, but live trees present some hazards that many folks don't think about. Did you know that your live holiday tree can be a fire hazard? It's true! Christmas tree fires do not happen often, but they have the potential to be serious fires when they do. More often than not, these fires occur because the tree has not been properly watered and has become dried out and repeatedly exposed to multiple heat sources. (Or in our case, the dogs drank all of the water out of the reservoir) The mix of dry tree branches and hot holiday lights can quickly become a tragic combination. You must make sure that you keep track and make sure that your tree stand is holding water and that it always has water in the reservoir. Don't place it next to your fireplace, or any candles that you may be lighting. Also, make sure that you unplug your tree when you leave the house to prevent overheating. These tips sound simple -- and they are -- but you must make sure to follow them. It's frightening to see how quickly one spark can turn a whole room into a ball of flames. As our slogan says, we are "Focused on Your Protection" and hope that you and your family have a happy AND SAFE Holiday Season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our clients, colleagues and friends.