Hurricane Preparedness for Your Home and Car

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. While fireworks are a beloved tradition, they can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, the best way to enjoy fireworks is at public displays conducted by professionals. Despite their legality in some areas, using fireworks at home poses significant risks. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries requiring medical treatment due to fireworks-related incidents. These injuries often affect children and young adults, with many incidents involving amateurs using professional-grade, homemade, or illegal fireworks. However, even legal consumer fireworks like sparklers and small firecrackers can cause serious harm. Fireworks are also responsible for starting an average of 19,000 fires annually. To ensure a safe celebration, follow these important firework safety tips. Fireworks Safety Tips If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, adhere to the following safety guidelines: Supervise Young Children: Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. Avoid Impairment: Do not use fireworks if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol. Wear Protective Eyewear: Both those using fireworks and bystanders should wear protective eyewear to prevent injuries. Use Outdoors Only: Never light fireworks indoors. Always use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials. Single Device at a Time: Light only one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting. Never Hold in Hand: Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands or ignite them in containers. Do Not Relight: If a firework malfunctions, do not try to re-light or handle it. Soak it in water and dispose of it safely. Dispose Properly: Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them in a non-flammable container Keep Water Nearby: Have a bucket of water or a hose ready to extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of a fire. Better yet, grab a blanket, find a spot on the lawn, and let the experts handle the fireworks show. The Dangers of Sparklers Many people consider sparklers a safer alternative, but they can be more dangerous than you think. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. They can easily ignite clothing, and children often suffer severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five, sparklers cause nearly half of the total estimated injuries. Consider safer alternatives like glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers for a fun and safe celebration. Remember, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display conducted by professionals. Stay safe this summer by following these tips and avoiding the use of fireworks at home. For more safety tips and information, follow and like our social media accounts. Stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

Living in Ft. Myers means being prepared for hurricane season. Protecting your home and family involves planning and taking proactive steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready: 1. Sign Up for Alerts Stay informed by signing up for local alerts and warnings. Regularly monitor local news and weather reports for updates. Prepare to Evacuate 2. Test your emergency communication plans. Learn evacuation routes and ensure you have a place to stay. Pack a “go bag” with essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents. 3. Stock Emergency Supplies Gather necessary supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits. Ensure you have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. 4. Protect Your Property Install sewer backflow valves to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home. Anchor fuel tanks and review your insurance policies to make sure you’re adequately covered. Catalog your belongings by taking photos or videos for insurance purposes. 5. Safeguard Critical Documents Collect and secure important financial, medical, educational, and legal documents. Store these documents in a waterproof container or upload digital copies to a secure cloud service. 6. Follow Local Authority Guidance Adhere to instructions from local authorities during a hurricane. If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. 7. Stay Safe During the Storm Stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room. Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning. Avoid walking or driving on flooded roads. Remember, "Turn Around Don’t Drown." 8. Emergency Response Call 9-1-1 if you are in life-threatening danger. Keep a battery-powered radio with you to receive updates if the power goes out. 9. Post-Storm Safety Return to your home only after authorities say it is safe. Avoid entering damaged buildings until they are inspected by professionals. Stay clear of downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes to protect yourself while removing debris. Do not drink tap water unless it is declared safe by officials. Being prepared can make all the difference during a hurricane. Ensure your family’s safety and protect your home by taking these steps now. Don’t wait until it’s too late—review your insurance policies today and make sure you have the coverage you need. Contact Mr. Auto Insurance for a personalized review of your policy to ensure you’re fully protected this hurricane season.

Our team at Mr. Auto Insurance offers a wide range of insurance policies, including many options to protect your home and business. We even offer specialized policies for farms and ranches. In this article, we’ll go over some key information about farm insurance to help you select the best policy for your needs. Farm Property […] The post What You Need to Know About Farm Insurance first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.

In our experience at Mr. Auto Insurance, most people understandably assume we are a car insurance company. Our team does offer robust auto coverage, but we also provide other types of insurance as well, including coverage for your business. In this article, we’ll discuss a type of insurance at the intersection of these two areas: […] The post What Does Fleet Insurance Cover? first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.

Classic cars can truly be something to behold. They can be invaluable and hold intangible values like fond memories of times gone by.  Although such a cherished automobile can never be truly replaced, there are classic car insurance options that help the owner feel that they are protected in the case that such a vehicle […] The post Protect Your Unique Automobile with Classic Car Insurance first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.

Having auto insurance is vital for any vehicle owner. There are many benefits to quality auto insurance, and they can be a game-changer in the unfortunate event of an accident. If a driver involved in an accident does not have insurance, they will have to pay for damages out of pocket. Without the help of […] The post Auto Insurance is a Necessity first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.

Renting an apartment or house is a great option for many people, allowing flexibility in where one lives and for how long, but there can be some drawbacks. One of these drawbacks can be that, although the building itself is covered by the property owner’s insurance, the personal belongings of the tenants are not included […] The post Do You Need Renters Insurance? first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.

Owning a farm is hard work and requires a lot of dedication. There are many inherent risks that come with running any type of agricultural operation and being able to protect your farm and assets is crucial. Farm insurance is available to provide the comprehensive coverage you need for your unique needs. Farm insurance is […] The post What Does Farm Insurance Cover? first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.

Homeowners in the Fort Meyers, Florida area understand the importance and significance of their homes. Homes in this beautiful part of the country are more than just a structure in which you live; they are a sanctuary for making lifelong memories. One of the best ways to protect your home and sanctuary is with homeowners […] The post The Importance of Homeowners Insurance For Your Home first appeared on Mr. Auto Insurance.