1. Inspect your smoke detectors – add more if not at least one on each floor of your home and be sure to change those batteries.
2. Check/Replace light bulbs to be sure right wattage.  Use fluorescent bulbs as don’t produce as much heat.
3. Check your electrical outlets for frayed wires, loose-fitting plugs, or overloaded outlets. Consult a professional if necessary.
4. Purchase, check or replace your multi-purpose fire extinguisher .
5. Time for your regular air conditioning or furnace inspection?  Be sure to replace any necessary filters.
6. Check for damage to your roof post-winter and clean gutters and drains.
7. Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion.
8. Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and all around/under the dryer to keep clear of excess lint, dust or fabric.
9. Remove those dead or infected trees or limbs.  Time for a good trimming, esp away from utility wires.
10. If you store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools, make sure its still well vented and locked.
11. Any tripping hazards via cracks, breaks or unleveled driveways and walkways?  Nows the time to make repairs to weather-worn areas.

• For more detail, please visit Travelers site for detailed tips.

Urban Legend or Fact?

So what are the important factors to consider to get great and affordable car insurance rates?  Mercury provides a comprehensive list of the factors impacting car insurance premiums:

• Driving record. (Your previous accidents and tickets, so drive safely and follow the road rules to keep your record clean).
• Driving experience.  A young driver (someone lacking 8 plus years of driving experience) will generally pay higher insurance rates.  However, a young driver can counter this with study habits as a good student discount applies with GPAs of 3.0 and higher.
• Vehicle Price. So that little red corvette won’t cost you more to insure because its red.  However, expensive vehicles will generally cost more to insure.
• Annual mileage.  Long commutes and lots of driving will cost you more as generally, the more you drive, the higher your rates will be. And if those are miles logged for business or on a daily long commute, that could also increase your car insurance rates.
• Marital status. Based on statistics, married drivers are generally safer drivers than single drivers.  So married drivers have lower rates typically.  Additionally, married couples usually get to take advantage of multi-car discounts purchased on the same policy.

So the car color choice is yours, but remember to contact us at Sean Paul Insurance to provide you with a auto insurance quote next time you go to buy a new vehicle.

Mercury Insurance, one of Sean Paul Insurance’s top home and auto insurance carriers, has compiled a list of insurance tips to help you weather any storm or natural disaster we might face in the region.  Below is a topline, but for a full read click here:

1.  Know what is covered.  Here is where your agent is critical.  Sean Paul Insurance has extensive experience in the industry and can help you pick the best policy for your home and auto coverage.

2. Catalog your property.  Shoot some video, take pictures and keep copies secure onsite and offsite as well.

3. Create an evacuation plan.  There are excellent resources available in Los Angeles to help you prepare for disasters – contact your local representative or visit the City of Los Angeles website.

4.  File your claim fast.  Keep your policy handy and accessible during an emergency (digital and secure printed copy).

5. Follow up on your claims.  Here is where your catalog comes in handy!

Additional resources include  www.ready.gov and www.FEMA.gov.

Statistical References:  Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Insurance Information Institute and NBC News.

And here are some other interesting tidbits to share with family and friends this season:

$23,439.38 ...Today’s cost to buy your “true love” all the gifts in the 12 Days of Christmas.  Moreover, Insurance Journal estimates that it would cost 20 times as much to insure ($465,000/year for the insurance for livestock mortality, equipment breakdown, inland cargo, workers’ compensation and a special policy for all the golden rings.

$447 billion and 12.9 billion hours…Money and Time Americans are expected to spend shopping, wrapping and returning gifts (that is 42 hours and $688.87 for each of us.)

1.5 billion …Number of cards mailed out every holiday season (a 400 million drop since 2004 thanks to competitoin from the world wide web).

$1.018 billion…U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments and artificial trees from China alone (the lead importer on these items).

All of us at Sean Paul Insurance wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets alone in a parked vehicle. Auto safety in Los Angeles heat is critical.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing to stay cool
• Drink water often.  Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Check on those in your neighborhood who have limited mobility.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area during peak heat hours such as a mall, park, or library.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
•  Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day

And if you fear you or someone you are with is getting dehydrated and possibly suffering from heat exhaustion, treat it immediately or call 911 if worsens.  Check out Mayo Clinic’s First Aid advice here to be sure you would know how to identify symptoms and what to do/when to seek medical advice.

Celebrations begin this weekend around town and the Los Angeles Fire Department has helped compile a list of professionally produced shows around LA County at:  safejuly4th.org.  In the Silverlake – Echo Park area, there’s the Dodger Stadium fireworks show which will light up the skies after the 6:10 game.   Around Los Feliz, there’s the Hollywood Bowl fireworks show which will be launched with the Barry Manilow performance, which starts at 7:30pm.   In the Pasadena area, The Rose Bowl will be having their 86th Annual 4th of July Celebration from 9am on with fireworks beginning at 9:30pm.  And the Eagle Rock Rec Center will have a 4th of July celebration from 5-9:30pm on July 1st if you want to start early.  Have fun and be safe.