How many windows are in your house? While they allow natural light to bathe your house in warm sunshine, they can also provide insurance and other benefits if they're insulated. Lower Heating and Cooling Costs Up to 60 percent of your home's hot or cold air easily escapes through single pane windows. You'll feel drafts when you stand near those non insulated window, and you'll notice an increase in your heating and cooling costs. Installing insulated windows is a large expense since costs range from several hundred to a thousand dollars per window. You'll quickly make that money back as you lower your heating and cooling expenses by at least 10 percent, though. Reduce Noise Barking dogs, busy roads and other outdoor sounds create unwanted noise inside your home. With insulated windows, you won't hear as many disturbing noises and will be able to enjoy your sanctuary in peace. Increase Security Single paned windows break easily, allowing burglars to enter your home whenever they want. Plus, older windows may not feature secure locks. You protect your home, possessions and family when you install secure insulated windows. With this benefit, you could save money on your home's insurance costs. Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions Homes cause up to 28 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. Double paned insulated windows cut those emissions and protect the environment. Insulated Window Options While insulated double pane windows provide numerous benefits, you do have other temporary and affordable options.

• Thermal reflective plastic attaches easily to drapery rods or hooks on a window's four corners. While it filters roughly half of the natural light, you can still see outside and remove the plastic whenever you want.
• Heated shrink film is also easy to apply and remove as needed. Typically clear, it insulates your windows without affecting your view.

In the long run, insulated windows provide numerous home insurance and other benefits. That's why you should strongly consider replacing your home's old windows with insulated windows as soon as possible.

Cold, wet weather makes for seasonal safety hazards for employees and customers of many business types. Most people usually assume that folks in the building trades are the primary workers and job site visitors subject to cold exposure injury. Other industries such as frozen food facilities, butchering operations and cold storage facilities have year-round exposure to injuries caused by damp and cold. Outdoor Cold Climate Injury  When the Polar Express speeds through your area it leaves an indelible detrimental incident to your business in its wake. Workers and clients or customers cannot reach your place of business. When your area finally digs out, be alert to slippery sidewalks and parking lots and take the right precautions. Cold Related Injuries and Illnesses But there is more to employee protection than keeping them safe from slips and falls. Continued exposure to coldness contributes to several kinds of Cold Stress. These illnesses include hypothermia, Cold Water Immersion, Trench Foot, Frostbite, and Chilblains. Hypothermia Hypothermia comes from prolonged exposure to cold. Long exposure to cold results in an abnormally low body temperature. When hypothermia attacks, the brain is one of the first major organs affected and causes the person to think unclearly and move in a lumbering way. This illness is exceptionally dangerous as the lack of clear thinking allows a person to enter a dangerous situation, not know it is happening and ultimately unable to take precautionary measures. Some people suffer severe injuries or even die as a result of hypothermia.

Symptoms of Hypothermia 

Early Symptoms of Hypothermia 

• Fatigue
• Shivering
• Confusion and disorientation
• Loss of coordination

Late Symptoms

• Shivering stops
• Dilated pupils
• Slowed breathing and pulse
• Blue Skin
• Loss of consciousness

Hypothermia First Aid When a worker displays symptoms of hypothermia, follow these steps:

1. Alert the supervisor and call for medical help.
2. Move the victim into a warm room or shelter
3. Take off wet clothing
4. Using an electric blanket warm the body as follows: chest, neck, head, and groin. If no blanket is available use skin-to-skin contact under loose dry layers of clothing, blankets, sheets, or towels.
5. One the body temperature has risen, keep the victim dry and wrapped in blankets.
6. Should the victim not have a pulse, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Chilblains Surprisingly, chilblains occurs in temperatures ranging from a little above freezing to about 60 degrees F. Chilblains happens when skin is repeatedly exposed to this temperature range. The unrelenting exposure to cold causes the capillary beds (groups of small blood vessels) just beneath the skin to become damaged. Chilblains damage is permanent and with skin exposure to similar conditions occur redness and itching returns especially to the ears, fingers, toes, and cheeks. Symptoms of Chilblains 

• Inflammation
• Itching
• Redness
• Possible blistering
• Possible ulceration in severe cases

Chilblains First Aid  People falling victim to chilblains should take the following steps:

1. Slowly warm the skin
2. Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling
3. Keep blisters and ulcers clean and covered
4. Never Scratch

Trench Foot This disease is the illness the military suffered from prolonged exposure to cold and dampness while wearing constraining boots or shoes in the trenches during WWI. If often occurs in temperatures above freezing all the way to about 60 degrees F. Trench foot can develop quickly with only 13 hours exposure to harsh elements. Trench Foot Symptoms  In most case, victims complain of:

• Tingling in the feet
• Foot itching
• Burning pain in feet
• Swollen feet
• Blisters and infection can happen in advanced cases that have not had treatment.

Prevention and Treatment  Keeping feet warm and try is the best prevention measure against trench foot. Most cases respond well to moving the victim to a warm place, soak the victims feet in tepid water and then wrap the feet in dry toweling. Frost Bite When temperatures drop to freezing (32 degrees F) human bodies begin to constrict blood vessels nearest the skin and skin begins constricting. In extreme cold, or if the body exposure to mild to moderate cold continues for too long, the protective constriction of skin and closing of blood vessels reduces blood flow to some body parts to levels that are dangerously low. The result is freezing and the eventual death of these blood vessels. There are four degrees of frostbite and each has its own pain level. Frostbite Treatment Whether a person has first degree frostbite or fourth degree, the treatment is the same. Follow these treatment steps:

1. Move the victim to a warm place
2. If the feet are frostbitten do not allow the injured person to walk as frostbitten toes and/or feet suffer more damage.
3. Use warm - not hot water for immersion of the affected area.
4. Avoid massaging or rubbing the affected area as added damage is likely.
5. Use only the water to warm the skin. Affected areas are numb and using any electrical device to warm the skin can lead to further burns.

It's holiday meal time. Are you ready to prep your food safely? Utilize safe food handling tips to ensure you and your guests remain healthy as you indulge in your favorite foods together this year. Wash Your Hands Hot soapy water kills germs on your hands before and after you handle food. Be sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds.  Use Sanitized Cutting Materials From the knives to the cutting boards, use only sanitized cutting materials to slice, chop and dice ingredients. Never cut raw meat and other foods with the same knife or on the same cutting board either unless those cutting materials have been washed thoroughly. Thaw and Marinate Properly Tightly packaged turkey, ham and other frozen foods thaw and marinate safely in the refrigerator. Don't let them sit on the counter to thaw or marinate because bacteria multiplies quickly at room temperature and can cause food poisoning or food spoilage.  Cook to the Right Temperature Use a food thermometer and check the internal temperature of all hot dishes before you take them out of the oven or microwave. Suggested temperatures are:

• Beef, Lamb and Veal Roasts, Steaks and Chops: 160-170 F
• Pork: 160 F
• Turkey and Chicken Breasts: 170 F
• Turkey and Chicken Legs, Wings and Thighs: 180 F

If you don't have a thermometer, look for signs of doneness. Thoroughly cooked food steams, poultry and chicken juice runs clear, fish flakes easily and egg yolks look firm not runny. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly No matter how carefully you plan the food, you'll probably have leftovers. Chill Aunt Sally's carrot soufflé and grandma's pumpkin pie within two hours. If you leave them on the counter, they could grow bacteria and spoil.  Replace Towels Regularly Dish towels, wash clothes and sponges clean your dishes, but they also harbor bacteria. As you prep your holiday feast, remember to switch the towels regularly. Wash towels and dish clothes in hot bleach water, and pop sponges onto the top shelf of the dishwasher. With these food handling safety tips, you're ready to enjoy your holiday meals and stay healthy. Happy cooking!

If winter temperatures plummet in your neck of the woods, prep your car now. Several procedures protect your vehicle and help it run properly all winter. Check the tire tread. In most states, it must be at least 2/32-inches, which you can measure by placing a penny in the tire - adequate tread will cover part of Lincoln's head. However, because your vehicle's ability to stop on slippery surfaces decreases when the tread reaches 4/32", consider replacing worn tires with all-weather tires for better traction. Change the windshield wipers. These two pieces of equipment clear snow, ice and debris from your windshield. To work properly, they must be free from rips and wear. Charge the battery. With full juice, your battery's ready to start no matter how low the temperature falls. Clean the terminals and double check that the battery's secure, too. Fill the fluids. Antifreeze, windshield washer, transmission and brake fluid assist your vehicle in running smoothly. Fill these fluids to the recommended level as you prep your vehicle for winter. Keep your vehicle fueled at all times. You never know when you'll become stuck in traffic or a snow drift, and you'll be thankful for a full gas tank in those situations. Stock an emergency kit. A few supplies assist you in flagging help and staying safe in almost any weather. They include:

• A small shovel
• Traction material like kitty litter or sand
• Flares
• Fire extinguisher
• Blanket
• Charged cellphone
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Water and non-perishable food like energy bars or nuts
• Small amount of cash for fuel or other emergencies

Update your auto insurance. From fender benders to hail damage, adequate insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures you have financial resources to fix your vehicle. Don't let winter weather keep you at home. Follow these tips and prepare your vehicle now.

The “polar vortex “in January shattered temperature records throughout the central and eastern U.S.:. New York City hit 4 F o and Chicago suffered -16 F. o The cold snap killed more than 20 people, , schools closed, highways shut down, and people remain inside and kept warm.

Your home, like you, needs to stay warm. Here are a few guidelines to help you and your family keep toasty indoors this winter.

• Cover your drafts. Seal all open areas. Including doors and windows. You can buy “snake rolls” online through DIY, or roll up an old towel and put it at the source of the draft. Caulking works great for windows.
• Replace your furnace filters monthly. Although this item might be out of sight and out of mind, put it on your calendar.
• Winterize your air conditioning unit and pipes. Drain all water from the air conditioner. Get styrofoam covering for your pipes to keep them from freezing. Make sure all water spigots are turned completely off.
• Replace your doors and windows with storm units.
• Pay attention to the thermostat. It’ s easy to run your heater on high, but you’ll also get a huge electric/gas bill each month. Adding a blanket or two instead will help keep your bill under control.

For more information on staying warm, feel free to get in touch with us or visit our agency.

Most people are careful to make sure that they have all the necessary insurance in their life. Insurance has made its presence in almost every aspect, such as car insurance, home, flood, and more. There's even insurance for your art collection or antiques. The level of coverage corresponds to the policy limits. Typically when it comes to insuring valuables and collections people tend to purchase the highest possible coverage to protect if something happens to their jewelry, art, antiques, etc. However, when other insurance is evaluated, like car and home insurance lower premiums are achieved by opting for minimum coverage. This is not always the best decision. The truth is that your home and car insurance can actually be more important than you think. The coverage that you purchase is the limit in which your insurance company responsibility ends and your personal liability begins. Those individuals with significant assets should increase their coverage limits to protect their personal liability. Those that have $150k to $250k in auto coverage and a large home policy but need more, should consider an umbrella policy. An umbrella insurance policy takes over coverage once limits are reached. This type of insurance coverage is an extra step in asset protection, so this is a decision that should not be made in a vacuum alone. It is best to consult with an insurance agent to review your specific situation and design a plan that will fit your needs. The flexibility of coverage and in the context of the other insurance as well as your assets is all important in making the decision to purchase an umbrella policy. We know that you have all the basic insurance plans covered, but speaking with an insurance agent is a good idea. Make sure that you are on the right track and have taken into account all the necessary details in creating a comprehensive plan to carry the correct coverage to ensure you sleep well at night.   Content provided by Transformer Marketing.  

As a truck driver in Alabama, there are high expectations that you need to meet or exceed. Truck drivers are held to a higher code of conduct than passenger vehicle drivers. Driving and operating a truck require more skill and expertise than a passenger vehicle. Alabama truck drivers need to have a high amount of liability coverage, especially if they are new to the job. As far as premiums are concerned, your driving routes determine how much you pay. Although trucking insurance can become expensive, being underinsured can cause a major financial loss if you are involved in an accident. Premium Ratings A trucker's premium rate is based on the type of equipment you operate. Whether you drive a refrigerated truck, standard flat bed, or large semi significantly impacts your premium. Being fully insured will give you peace of mind knowing that you and your truck are covered in the event of a mishap. Coverage As a truck driver, you need to consider many different coverage types, such as: • Physical damage • Cargo • General liability • Truck liability Physical Damage: Physical damage coverage is insurance for your truck in the event it sustains damage. The two different parts of physical damage coverage includes collision and comprehension. Collision coverage insures your truck if it collides into someone's property or vehicle. Comprehensive coverage insures you for the remaining incidents that can occur. When you are considering physical damage coverage, consider the actual cash value, deductible, and the stated amount. Cargo Insurance: Cargo insurance covers the freight or commodity your truck is carrying if it is damaged. It it is lost or sustains damages, cargo insurance covers these instances. Consider removal expenses and earned freight coverage when you are considering cargo insurance. General Liability: General liability covers you if you cause someone bodily harm, damage someone's property, and other situations that may occur. Truck Liability: Truck liability insurance is the most expensive type of coverage for a trucker. Injuries that you, other people, or property endure as a result of a trucking accident is covered by truck liability. Content provided by Transformer Marketing. Source: http://www.yja-inc.com/coverage/trucking-insurance/, http://www.truckinsure.com/tliability.htm

Your car has been recently deemed totaled.  Now what?  Well first let’s determined what ‘totaled’ is. A ‘totaled’ car means that the damage and cost to fix is more than the value of the car.  That doesn’t mean that the car can’t be fixed.   If you are unsure of what your options are to do with the car, here is a short list:

• Take the insurance check and let the insurance company take care of the car.  Usually your insurance company will take ownership of the vehicle in exchange for the money .  This is the most popular way to handle the car.
• Don’t file the claim and fix (if you are unable to drive it) the car.
• Keep it and don’t fix the vehicle (if you can drive it).  It may be throwing good money out the door by fixing it.
• Donate the vehicle.  There are countless donation centers that will take your beat up old vehicle and use it for their charity.
• Keep it and sell it for parts.  You won’t get a whole lot of money when you do this but this is a good option.  Especially if you have a vehicle that it is hard to find parts for.

Content provided by Transformer Marketing.

Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for Huntsville's largest fireworks display and July 4th celebration! Bring the whole family and enjoy delicious food, patriotic entertainment and breathtaking fireworks - the largest show in town!Build your own rocket, experience Space Shot and meet TOPPS and RamJet from the USSRC. The celebration is from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. on July 4, with the fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. PARKING: A customized parking pass will be emailed to you approximately one week prior to the event. You must use parking pass holder's legal name and a valid email address at the time of purchase. A photo ID matching the name on the parking pass will be required for entry into the event. Parking passes valid for standard passenger vehicles only. One pass per vehicle is required. PURCHASING YOUR PASS: There are a limited number of passes available and reservations must be made online prior to the event. When making a reservation, a valid email address will be required. This will be used to email your parking pass to you. We will not share your email address with others and will use it to let you know about upcoming events at the USSRC. You may opt out at any time. ACTIVITIES: Patrons are encouraged to arrive early (6 p.m.) and enjoy all the on-site activities. In addition to the fireworks, there will be:

• A kid's zone with activities such as building paper rockets, a moon bounce, face painting and chalk art.
• Rocket Park activities (G-Force, Space Shot and Kids Cosmos) will be open at no additional charge.
• TOPPS and RamJet, the mascots at the USSRC, will be on-site for photos with the guests.
• The 274th Army Materiel Command Band will provide entertainment from 6-9 p.m.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: No outside food or beverages will be permitted inside the event. Food and beverages will be available to purchase. Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cotton candy, shaved ice, popcorn, beer, soda and water. MUSEUM: The main museum, all traveling exhibits and Davidson Center for Space Exploration will all be CLOSED during this time. Children 12 years old and under get in free to the USSRC during regular business hours on July 4. No refunds will be issued in the event of inclement weather. Content provided by http://rocketcenter.com/fireworks/

According to the FBI's National Crime Information Center, one vehicle is stolen about every 25.5 seconds in the U.S., which amounts to a total of 1,235,226 stolen U.S. vehicles and upwards of 7.6 billion dollars in vehicle losses. Despite the tremendous expense involved when a car is stolen, many consumers still aren't preparing in advance to handle the possibility of a vehicle theft. A number of common misconceptions have contributed to consumers adopting a defeatist attitude about vehicle theft. There are a number of vehicle owners that feel it's all but impossible to prevent becoming a victim of vehicle theft, even when protective methods like anti-theft devices are used. This type of defeatist attitude can have serious and unnecessary consequences for vehicle owners. The Wiser Drivers Wise Up project was started by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, the Insurance Information Institute, and The National Insurance Crime Bureau to dispel the defeatist attitude and teach drivers how to handle their vehicle being stolen. The program includes five auto theft myths that can actually leave a vehicle owner more vulnerable to having their vehicle stolen:

1. Older vehicles aren't targeted by thieves. Statistics clearly show this myth isn't true. For example, The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that the five top stolen model years for 2009 were: 1994 Honda Accord, 1995 Honda Civic, 1991 Toyota Camry, 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup, and 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup.
2. The majority of vehicle thefts occur in unprotected areas. Again, statistics clearly disprove this myth. According to one FBI report on the subject, more than a third of all vehicle thefts take place from a home. The same report showed that only two in 10 vehicle thefts take place in a parking lot and that only a very small number of vehicles are stolen or carjacked along roadways, highways, and alleys. So, parking in an area felt to be secure doesn't decrease the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen.
3. Anti-theft devices aren't hard to install. Unless, you're trained on the complexities of a vehicle's electronic workings, then it's best to pay for a professional to install, wire, and test the anti-theft device for you. It might be tempting to go with the cheapest price, but keep in mind that a cheap price doesn't always equate to a bargain. Check with the Better Business Bureau to help you determine if the installer is running a reputable business, especially if a business is offering a substantial price difference from their competitors. If the technician that will be installing your alarm system hasn't been certified by the Mobile Electronics Certification Program (MECP), then you might want to consider a different installer. Make sure that the installer provides instruction on how the alarm system works and is operated. You will also want a written warranty from the installer.
4. The police usually find stolen vehicles. Only half of all stolen vehicles are ever recovered. The first few days following the theft will be critical, as the chance of recovery diminishes with each day the thief possesses it. The highest number of vehicle thefts occur on Saturdays and Fridays. The highest number of recoveries is from vehicle thefts occurring on a Monday or Tuesday.
5. Insurance companies always provide victims of vehicle theft with a rental car. Check your policy. Although theft coverage is part of a comprehensive Auto insurance policy, it might or might not include a rental replacement car following a theft.

Content provided by Transformer Marketing. In closing, vehicle owners shouldn't make the costly mistake of assuming vehicle theft is an inevitable occurrence. It's also advisable to do an annual review of your Auto policy for mandatory coverages, needed coverages, and coverage features like rentals and roadside assistance.