Health Insurance Enrollment Process

planning to get or give a flat-screen TV, a new laptop or a smartphone this holiday season? If so, you're not alone. For the first time in over 25 years, electronics are virtually tied with toys as the top Christmas gift item, as holiday shopping surveys conducted by the Research Group in America. CEO Britt Beemer said, "electronic sales, particularly flat screen televisions, fly at the door this Christmas season."

The Insurance Information Institute offers good advice to protect your expensive electronics. Among some of their suggestions and ours:

• Contact your insurance agent to see if your current policy covers new equipment or if you need additional coverage
• Learn what your homeowners or renters policy does and does not cover and what your dedutciblesare
• Find out what your credit cards and guarantees will not cover. Be sure to fill all the guarantees
• Keep a copy of your invoice
• Add new items to your home inventory
• Read product manuals for how to correctly define, maintain and clean your new electronic goodies
• Investing in good surge protectors, but even those who will not protect your equipment against lightning. The best protection is to unplug expensive equipment during lightning storms

See more in our message last year: Make sure your expensive gifts are protected - Ensure valuables

For owners in the country, the damage to the roof or snow and ice dam leakage snow subject to common winter threats to your home. How do you know if you have ice dams? Wikipedia has a good picture of an ice dam forming on a slate roof. Essentially, if you have large icicles hanging from your roof, you probably have an ice dam problem. The stalactites are a symptom, not the underlying problem, which is usually one of the insulation. How Stuff Works offers a pretty good non-technical explanation of what ice dams are and why they occur.
If you have ice dams on your home, you need to approach them with a two-pronged strategy:
First, you must get rid of ice dams and to minimize damage immediate
Your best bet is to hire an experienced professional to do this - it can be a risky task .. Some people want to go out and chop off ice, but it is not a good idea to be the climbing on snow and ice from roofs or use ladders on slippery ground. Also, using the wrong tools to remove snow or ice from your roof pieces can cause damage to your shingles or your gutters. Not to mention the damage to you: flying chunks of ice can be very heavy and sharp. Many people also use salt or other chemical concoctions to deal with ice dams, a less-than-ideal "fix" because the chemicals can damage or discolor your roof and can leach into the ground, damaging plants and greenery. If you have a low roof, one of the most common ways that people treat ice dams is buying a roof rake designed and remove snow directly above the ice dam. Again, this can pose risks to you and your roof.
Second, you need to diagnose the underlying problem and take steps to prevent ice dams from forming.
Although ice dams can sometimes occur due to freezing rain, more often than not they are a symptom of a problem of isolation that must be addressed, as there is d other problems that the ice dams that can occur as a moisture buildup that could lead to rot, mildew or mold. Not to mention that with poor insulation, heating costs are almost literally going through the roof. While there are a number of products that can treat symptoms and prevent ice dams, the best way to protect the value of your home would be to get the expertise of a sealing, insulation, or conservation contractor of energy to diagnose and correct the problem root. Builder and consultant Paul Frisette offers his thoughts on why ice dams are formed and how to avoid ice dams by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
ice dams and the owners and rental insurance
The Insurance Information Institute examines what is covered and what is not in terms of water damage. "Owners standard renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof "III also offers this basic useful rule:" in general, water which comes from the top down, like rain, is covered by a standard home insurance policy, while the water that comes from the bottom up, like a river in flood, is covered by an insurance policy separate flood "when in doubt about your coverage, call your agent. - which is what we are here to
snow loads and other hazards to public and commercial buildings
commercial and public buildings with flat roofs are sensitive! other winter woes. In addition to the risk of ice dams, flat-roofed buildings can be damaged or cut a deep snowpack. Deep snow followed by heavy rain can be particularly dangerous, especially for older buildings. One of our insurance partners, Utica National, published a risk management consulting practice on the weather and the harsh winter roofs. The board includes general guidelines to help estimate the weight of snow.

On average, about 98.7 million fans tune in to watch the game Super Bowl Sunday. If you'll be hosting or attending a Super Bowl party this weekend when the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts, you have to plan ahead for your safety and that of your guests.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests that the appointment of a driver should be top of the super bowl party list for everyone. They note that:
"According to the most recent figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 08, alcohol-impaired driving accidents accounted for 32 percent of total deaths the movement of motor vehicles. the Super Bowl Sunday (February 3rd at 5:59 on February 4), 49 percent of the deaths occurred in crashes in which a driver driver or motorcycle had a level of alcohol concentration in blood (BAC) of .08 or higher. overall, more than 13,000 Americans died this year in accidents involving an impaired driver. "
Whether you plan on being a host party or participant in the game, III provides a list of tips and suggestions to help you stay safe. Moreover, the party guests have a special imperative to protect customers. It is the right thing to do - more, it can protect you against liability
Here are some additional tips Fans of Natioanl Highway Transportation and Safety Administration will not let fans drive drunk program
Tips .. guests of the party
If you are hosting a super Bowl party, remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you were serving ends in an impaired driving. To protect you and your guests.

• Make sure all guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange carpooling with other sober drivers
• Serve lots of food and include plenty of beverages not alcohol at the party.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

Tips for participants of the party
If you attend part of the super Bowl or watch a sports bar or restaurant:

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too quickly. Pace yourself-eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages.
• Designate your sober driver before the start of the game and give that person your car keys.
• If you do not do have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a return home; call a cab, friend or member of the family to come get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Search and use a local Sober Rides program.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
• Always fasten it is still your best defense against other impaired drivers.

Additional resources
Drunk Driving Laws by State

It's nice to have a gourmet meal prepared by a celebrity chef - but $ 70,000 is too much to pay for the privilege. This is the amount of money that one elderly couple lost in an investment scheme unscrupulous. They, along with about 0 other investors "were elderly and limited resources," were coaxed into investment schemes in high-risk lunches and fancy dinners.
Milt Freudenheim discusses these free lunch scams in his New York Times Article Bad investment advice can transform an expensive free lunch.

"financial fraud is the question of the protection of consumers 1 to AARP," said Andres Castillo, who heads a program that monitors AARP seminars and similar forms free meal. In a poll AARP last year for people 55 and older, 9 percent said they had attended a free financial seminar over the last three years. This translates into about 5.9 million people, . the group said

Freudenheim quotes an official SEC saying that if someone tries to sell you something, you should ask two questions before going further: "Are you allowed "and" The product is registered? "
Freudenheim also offers resources for consumption, some of which we 'are recommended above:

• FINRA background check - a free tool to help investors research the professional backgrounds of brokerage firms FINRA registered broker and current and former
• US Securities & Exchange investor education on the Commission's website - check out brokers and investment advisers
• American Securities Administrators Association North - use the map to find your local regulator. The site has other good advice for investors and

We would also like to add: ..
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners map to the state insurance services , where you can view the agent license information

New England is still recovering from flooding north folder. If you missed it, you can see the extent of damage in this gallery of dramatic pictures of Northeast flooding. Now it is time to move forward. We collected various resources recovery for those who have suffered damage in the floods.
Are you eligible for assistance in case of disaster? A DisasterAssistance.gov you can ask for help online, or take a limited pre-screening questionnaire to see if you qualify for assistance. Other resources are available. including preparing in advance for emergencies, and resources for disaster recovery
Rhode Island
Rhode Island storms and floods -. This page provides information and updated resources for residents and businesses in Rhode Island 5 counties that were affected by the recent floods. The first step in recovery resulting in the deposition of using the disaster recovery with FEMA. To date, FEMA has opened disaster recovery centers in Cranston and Warwick. The site offers information from FEMA on how and where to seek help, as well as links to other recovery resources. Check back for updated information
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Storms and floods - This page provides information and updated resources for residents and businesses in Massachusetts that have been declared areas major quake March 29 :. Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties. The first step in recovery resulting in the deposition of using the disaster recovery with FEMA. To date, FEMA has opened five centers of recovery disaster and FEMA inspectors assessing storm damage in seven Massachusetts counties. The site offers information from FEMA on how and where to seek help, as well as links to other recovery resources. Check back for updated information.
Insurance Insurance
standard home does not cover flood damage, so if you have a specific flood policy, you may be out of luck. Check if you have a rider of failure of the sump pump to complement your owners, who can offer some relief.
Even if your homeowners policy does not cover flooding, if you have experienced something more than minor damage, you may want to file a claim:

• When your insurer investigating the cause actual loss, you may have some coverage.
• If you qualify for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) assistance, you will probably need a denial letter from your insurer. By law, FEMA can not duplicate any assistance that insurance already covers.
• Your insurer and the agent may be able to provide resources and services to companies for emergency restoration professionals in your area. They may have other resources and tips to help you mitigate and recover from your loss.
• If you have comprehensive insurance as part of your standard car insurance policy, you may be covered for water or flood damage to your car. You would need to contact your agent to check the specific provisions in your policy coverage

resource recovery

• Flood Recovery -. Floodsmart.org of
• Recovery and face flooding of the damaged property - FEMA
• FEMA: Mold can be a hazard when evacuees return home - this release includes some recommended steps for dealing with mold
• mold cleanup, disposal and sanitation - information of the Centers for Disease Control
• cleaning Flood: Indoor Air Quality - of environmental protection Agency
• How to clean up after a flood (PDF) - from the Colorado Extension Service
• flood clean-sheet damage (PDF) - good information on what can and can not be recovered in terms of fabrics and garments of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute
• What to do with a flooded car: It depends on the water depth

A 03 review of the pediatric data from more than 3,000 hospitals in 36 states showed that in this year alone, 2.7 million children were treated for choking, and nearly 2,000 deaths - an average of more than 5 deaths per day. Although airway obstructions in young children occur less often than other types of injuries, the mortality rate is higher, according to new research from the National Medical Center of children. Read more about the study in Consumer Safety Reports blog :. Choking deaths are alarming new study
While conventional wisdom and many warning labels are suitable for children under three years Consumer Reports on Safety said

Apparently, three years is not the magical year when choking longer a risk to children. Although toys with small parts carry a warning that they are "not for children under 3", a recent study shows that the average age of children who die of suffocation incidents is 4.6 years. in fact, 25 percent of the products involved in the choking death has spent the toy labeling criteria set by the Consumer product Safety Commission.

While small toy parts and foreign objects represented most of choking incidents, foodstuffs are the cause of 42% of incidents. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics research, hot dogs are to blame for about 17 percent of food-related asphyxia at children. Seeds, nuts, grapes and raw carrots too often pose a threat.
Resources
choking Food Consumer Reports
Tips to stifle the prevention of American Academy of Pediatrics
Food choking
Special Report: Risk of choking for children

If you intend to buy a new car for your bound student, your first thought might be to mix deck of the vehicle give the car grandmother or your car and buy a replacement. But experts say you might want to think twice about a strategy like this. The new cars have all the latest security features, consider four important drivers younger, less experienced.
Before making any decision, you might want to check with the recent recommendations of Consumer Reports . On their Car Blog , they have a video and a post talking about considerations when buying cars for teens and seniors. They offer their recent choices for the best car options in different classes for each population. See also their choice for smaller drivers and tall drivers)
In their position, they are few other important points about young drivers :.

Many states have graduated licensing programs progressing teenagers through a series of steps to achieve full freedom of action, limiting the hours of driving, passengers and use the mobile phone. Even if your state does not have such a program in place, you can implement at home. Studies have shown that there are biological risk factors that decrease your teenager becomes a young adult, indicating immaturity as a major concern. Limit risk when the teen is 16 and even 17 years can increase the chances of responsible driving without accident.

They also cite a post before about defensive driving schools adolescence. This is a great idea to help your teen learn to practice and prepare for emergencies. In addition, it can help you save money. Ask your insurance agent about car insurance available appropriations, as good student, Advanced Driver Training, or Motor Club credits.