Melody Avecilla

Emergency – are you prepared?

Saturday, 20 June 2009 05:56 Melody Avecilla

EVERY year we face possible disasters – wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms. If a disaster strikes your home, are you and your family prepared? Do you know where important documents, medications, and essential supplies are in case you have to evacuate? Do you and your family know how you would get out of your house, what you would do with your pets, where you meet each other if you get separated? Do you have a single point of contact you can call to let others know you’re safe?

If not, now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until faced with a disaster to begin thinking about emergency preparations.

Be alert to the dangers of drowsy driving

Friday, 12 June 2009 22:38 Melody Avecilla

DRIVING while drowsy is an unnecessary risk you shouldn’t take.

Sleep deprivation has become widespread in North America as people try to squeeze more and more activities into each day.

One consequence: more vehicle crashes attributed partly or wholly to sleepiness.

NHTSA says about 1 million crashes a year are thought to occur because of driver inattention or lapses—and fatigue makes such inattention more likely.

Leave a legacy through charitable giving

Friday, 05 June 2009 22:26 Melody Avecilla

SCHOOLS, hospitals, museums, zoos, arts organizations, recreational facilities and places of worship all strive to make the world a better place and to improve the quality of our everyday lives. Many, if not most, of these organizations are non-profit, which means they are supported primarily by public and private contributions.

Contributing money to a charitable organization is not only a generous act, but also one that is extremely rewarding. You may want to make a larger contribution to a local organization or cause but feel it would put a strain on your budget.

Earthquakes – not just in California

Saturday, 30 May 2009 00:08 Melody Avecilla

When you think about earthquakes, you probably associate this disaster mainly with California. Truth is, an earthquake can happen anywhere in the United States and Canada. In fact, according to the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), nine states experienced a major earthquake – 7.0 or greater – in the last 200 years: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and Washington. Another fact: The central Mississippi Valley region has more earthquakes than any other part of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.

Helmets – the Best Accessory for Motorcyclists

Friday, 22 May 2009 22:29 Melody Avecilla

Many activities have their own protective gear and equipment. If you’re planning to ride a motorcycle, you should wear over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, a long-sleeved jacket, full-fingered gloves and a helmet manufactured to meet US Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

Motorcycle helmets have been specifically designed for this activity. Ahelmet is the best protective gear you can wear while riding a motorcycle. In a crash, a helmet can help protect your brain, your face and your life.

Stay safe while working outdoors

Saturday, 16 May 2009 00:02 MELODY AVECILLA

STATE Farm and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants everyone to be aware of the need for caution and responsibility when tending to lawns and gardens. CPSC has proven that nearly 400,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from lawn and garden tools. One out of fi ve deaths involves a child.

Will you be covered after you retire?

Friday, 08 May 2009 22:50 Melody Avecilla

THE life insurance coverage provided by your employer is one of the many benefits you may not think about on a regular basis. As long as you are working, it is something listed on your pay stub and in a yearly benefits statement.

Your coverage is there as long as you are employed. But what happens when you retire? Will you still have all the coverage you had? Does it retire when you do?

Getting the best deal on a new vehicle

Friday, 24 April 2009 23:05 Melody Avecilla

THE purchase of a new vehicle is often based on emotions rather than on objective decision-making. To ensure that you get the best deal, here are a few simple steps you can follow.

First, you must determine your need for a new vehicle. Would a used vehicle fit your need? Advertising is often intended to entice customers into buying a new car. With the appealing ads, customers often get dreamy visions of owning a new vehicle. Before entering a car dealership, make sure you are acting on need rather than want.

How much homeowner’s insurance do I need?

Friday, 10 April 2009 07:47 Melody Avecilla

EVERYDAY people ask themselves, "How much Homeowner’s Insurance do I need?" The answer varies, depending on each person’s situation. Usually you should insure your home for its whole value, this means the actual building and all of its contents.

In order to find out exactly how much your home is worth, you should have it appraised. You can have an appraiser, builder or insurance agent give you an estimate on its value. However, if you ever re-model or add on to your home, its value will increase, and you will then need to purchase more coverage.