The above vintage postcard is cute, but on a serious note chimney fires are dangerous and proper maintenance and regular inspections can help prevent them. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CISA) is all about advancing public awareness about the dangers of chimney fires. The article The Facts About Chimney Fires has many useful maintenance […]
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5 Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Every year, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (not linked to fires) sends 20,000 people to the emergency room and causes more than 4,000 hospitalizations. And, you might consider them the fortunate ones. CO also is responsible for more than 400 deaths in America each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. […]
Read MoreNow Is the Time to Prepare for Winter Driving
The winter months in Maine can be tough. Driving in snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice becomes something of the norm. These conditions increase risk of fatal car crashes by 34 percent. It usually takes a few storms before you can comfortably get your bearings back when on the road. Why not take a look […]
Read MoreCybersecurity 2020
There is no doubt that this year is changing our lives on a global scale. One aspect of these changes is in the area of cybersecurity. The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have increased and broadened risks for cyber attacks as we are more dependent upon digital services and spend more time online. A quick […]
Read MoreRainstorm Home Maintenance
Summer thunderstorms can bring soothing sounds and usher in cooler temps, making for great sleeping weather. They can also be far more severe bringing in torrential rain, powerful wind, and sometimes even hail, causing damage to our homes and surrounding property. While weather alerts can help us quickly prepare for an impending storm, preventative measures […]
Read MoreA Windy March Afternoon
When my husband and I bought our house, one of the first investments we made was to have two very large (over 80 feet) white pine trees removed. The trees were close to the foundation and leaned precariously over the roof of our upstairs bedroom. This decision introduced us to the cost of being homeowners, […]
Read MoreSnowmobile Safety Week January 18-26, 2020
Snowmobiling is a great way to get outside and enjoy Maine winters. With over 14,000 miles of trails across the state, you can discover the beauty of Maine from a unique vantage point. Maine has over 290 snowmobile clubs that maintain and groom the trails. Often these clubs host a number of social events and promote […]
Read MoreDEER VERSUS YOUR CAR INSURANCE
Let’s consider this scenario You purchase your first car from a local dealer…let’s say a Pontiac Grand Am. You love your car. It may not the fanciest model, but it is yours. Five years later, you know how to drive it in a variety of weather conditions, including the snow and how to back into […]
Read MoreFrozen Pipes! Are you covered?
It sure feels like winter! We are having record lows for November. Usually we are not talking about frozen pipes during the fall season, but these frigid temperatures are a good opportunity to bring the subject up. One of our employees recalls when a pipe froze and burst in her hall. Luckily, she reacted quickly […]
Read MoreDistracted Driving Kills
My 12 year old son is really into cars. The first thing he checks out is the vehicle’s computer display. He fully expects his first car to be self-driving with “smart glass,” which would turn his car windows into video displays. While this could very well be a reality for him, I am already talking […]
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