Ways to Fight Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Sprinkler Systems

Similar to the frozen pipe risk detailed above, sprinkler systems are susceptible to freezing and damage. Since most sprinkler system pipes are installed near the ceiling (or roof), the presence of snow accumulation can reduce the air temperature around the sprinkler lines. Vacant buildings, or those seldom visited, pose a higher exposure and warrant special attention.

 Snow & Your Roof

To avoid roof collapse, snow removal should begin prior to reaching the snow load limit of the roof.

For safe removal that won’t endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor. Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) Regulations and Standards should always be followed when working on a roof.Fall protection should always be implemented when working on a roof.

A heavy duty push broom with stiff bristles or roof rake may be used to brush off the snow down the slope of the roof.
Do not pull snow back against the slope or sideways since the snow may get underneath the cover and can break shingles.
A shovel or snow blower should not be used since they may tear up the roof cover system.
If you see indications that the roof is deflecting under the weight of the snow in certain areas, be sure to keep people away from those areas and seek the help of a professional snow removal expert.

Source:  Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety


Information received at our agency by:

ServiceMaster Restoration

of Montgomery, Frederick, Howard & Washington Counties

Call (301) 972-9100, for emergency service.  

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ARE YOU IN NEED OF INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Call Corinne Stone at (301) 791-7910 x 106 as open enrollment ends March 31, 2014.  Corinne Stone is authorized to sell plans through the Maryland Health Connection and with private medical carriers.  

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Frozen Pipes

Winter weather can cause water pipes to freeze and burst if you haven’t prepared them for the cold temperatures. A frozen pipe that bursts can quickly flood your house and cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Prepare for a Freeze

Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off. If you leave town or will be gone during a freeze, consider turning your water off at the shut-off valve and draining your pipes. If you’re unsure how to drain your pipes, call a plumber. Call your electric or gas utility company to ask how to protect your water heater.

Inside Your House

• Open the cabinets under the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
• Maintain the heat in the building, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for a long time. 

1)      Consider maintaining the heat to a level comfortable for occupancy

2)      Turning the thermostat down while away may not provide enough ambient heat to keep pipes from freezing

• Let indoor faucets drip, but don’t run a heavy stream of water.
• Find your shut-off valve

Outside Your House

• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam, or covers designed to protect outdoor faucets from freezing.
• Take the hose completely off the exterior hose bib/faucet.
• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure the lid is on tight.
• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
• Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
• Drain swimming pool circulation systems.

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

If a frozen pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve.  Call a plumber for help if you can’t reach the shut-off valve or stop the leak.  Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

If your policyholder has damage, they should consider the taking the following steps:

o   The policyholder should consider making temporary repairs to protect the property from further damage.  This would include:

§  Securing the services of a plumber to repair the damage to the plumbing system.

§   Removal of water to begin the drying process.

o   The damage to plumbing caused by freezing is generally covered ( however, vacancy issues can lead to exclusions of coverage)

o   Securing emergency services to begin the drying process is imperative to reduce further damage to the dwelling.

§  Consider a mitigation vendor if water damage is severe and walls are wet

§  At very least, shop-vac and use dehumidifier until help arrives.

o   Keep all receipts for temporary repairs for adjuster review.  Also, please keep damaged property available for inspection.

o   If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs.

o   Don’t make permanent repairs to the dwelling until after the adjuster has had an opportunity to inspect the loss. Permanent repair to the plumbing system is OK.

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Summer Home Maintenance

Now that summer has arrived we find ourselves with lots of projects to tackle.  But don't forget the maintenance of your home.  We would like to share the below link to a blog with some imformative tips that will help alleviate any unexpected suprises so you can enjoy your summer.

Is there something you do that would help others in their summer home maintenance?  We would love to hear from you!!




http://usinspect.com/blog/summer-home-maintenance-checklist

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With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner we found a great article for Memorial Day traveling safety.  Enjoy and safe travels!


http://voices.yahoo.com/memorial-day-travel-tips-35056.html?cat=27

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Are you prepared for a severe storm?  The link below offers a check list of preparation ideas. 
A few more suggestions to keep in mind:

• Be sure to grab your medications
• Have a point of contact that is out of town in case you are separated from your family.  Have a plan for everyone to check in with onthe point of contact to let them know of their safety. 

http://www.safeelectricity.org/index.php/information-center/library-of-articles/61-storm-preparation-springsummer/99-severe-storm-preparedness-kit-checklist

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The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange announces its Connector Program to ensure that Maryland’s uninsured have access to the new health insurance options. Click on the following link further details.


http://marylandhbe.com/navigator-program/

Read More " "

New law will crack down on distracted driving

Maryland agents and their customers will have new motivation to put down their phones while driving when a new law takes effect in October. Legislation passed earlier this month by the Maryland General Assembly gets tough on distracted driving by strengthening the state’s existing law. House Bill 753 makes the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving a primary offense and provides for significant increases in fines for distracted driving violations.

Currently, use of a hand-held phone while driving is a secondary offense, and drivers cannot be pulled over and ticketed for that offense alone. Under the new law, police will be allowed to pull over drivers solely for using a hand held phone while the vehicle is in motion. What was once a fine of not more than $40 for a first offense and a fine of $100 for second offense has increased substantially—up to a $75 fine for the first offense, $125 for a second offense and $175 for a third infraction.

The law takes effect on Oct. 1, 2013.

Read More "New law will crack down on distracted driving"

The Basics of the Employer Mandate & Penalty

Beginning in 2014, larger employers may face a penalty if any full-time employee (FTE) goes to the Exchange and receives a premium tax credit or cost-sharing assistance (together, a subsidy) to purchase coverage and either the employer does not offer minimum essential coverage to FTEs and their dependents, or the coverage it does offer does not provide a minimum value or is unaffordable. Click on the following link for additional information on The Basics of the Employer Mandate and Penalty.

Should you have any questions, please contact Corinne Stone at 301-791-7910 Ext 106 or at corinne@bowersinsurance.com.

http://www2.dmpemail1.com/emersonreid/dsc/collateral/110512_P_ERC_Basics_of_Employer_Mandate_Penalty.pdf?utm_source=DMC&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_content=G1sQC1teByFSChVUSxURWhEXR1EMAlVLAV5URgNbFQxQQl8DUgQQVlwUOFEPB0dDDQ9CAAtVFwUXWR8%3D&utm_campaign=5951:Employee%20Mandate%20Penalty

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Dog Bites Drive Up Insurance Payouts; Premiums Could Be Next

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/insurance/story/2012-05-21/dog-bite-liability/55120450/1

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Don't Be an Unlicensed Contractor's Next Victim! - Maryland Home Improvement Commission

DLLR's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Don't Be an Unlicensed Contractor's Next Victim! - Maryland Home Improvement Commission

Chuck with a Truck Don't be an unlicensed contractor's next victim!

What to do if you meet Chuck with a truck just trying to make a buck.

Chuck is any unlicensed home improvement contractor. He's very friendly when he's trying to get your money. Once you pay him, he may disappear or never return your phone calls; he may do a terrible job and cost you more money to have a licensed, reputable contractor repair his mess. Sometimes you see his flyers on your door or a nearby store. He also advertises on the Internet or in the local paper. Sometimes he shows up at your door and says he's working in the neighborhood. He may be a friend or a friend of a friend. No matter how you meet Chuck with a truck, he's bad news. You should stay away to protect yourself and your money. Is it really worth it to save a buck with Chuck when it comes to your family's safety? You could lose much more, including your home.

Ten facts you need to know about unlicensed home improvement contractors:

1. It is a crime to act as a home improvement contractor, subcontractor or salesperson in the State of Maryland without an MHIC license.

2. An unlicensed contractor may have a criminal history of violent crimes; he may be on probation. Perhaps he's also ripped off other homeowners.

3. Each year, unlicensed home improvement contractors defraud Maryland homeowners of millions of dollars by cheating and stealing.

4. Often unlicensed contractors charge for work they never perform or for unnecessary repairs.

5. Elderly homeowners are favorite targets of unlicensed contractors.

6. Many unlicensed contractors come to Maryland from other states, so recovering money or stolen items can be very difficult.

7. Often an unlicensed contractor will quote a very low price and then demand more money or engage in a "bait and switch" scam.

8. If a home improvement ad, contract, or vehicle, says "Licensed and Bonded," the individual is most likely not licensed and has no bond. Bonding companies typically do not issue performance bonds for residential jobs.

9. Unlicensed contractors drive vehicles with no MHIC number posted on the sides of the vehicles. Sometimes the MHIC number is a fake, so it's important to check with MHIC to see if the license number is valid and was issued to the individual who offers the home improvement service.

10. Many unlicensed contractors held a MHIC license in the past and had their license revoked because they performed shoddy work, failed to complete jobs, or for other violations of law.

  Chuck's Top Five Favorite Scams

1. "I'm in the area and have some extra materials in my truck. I noticed your driveway needs repair. I can help you today and only charge you half price."

2. "I am working in the area so I can give you a special deal because my operating costs are low."

3. "If you pay cash, I can give you a better deal."

4. "The job is much bigger than I thought - I need more money."

5. Charging for new materials or items and then installing used or stolen materials.

Don't Be Chuck's Next Victim

1. Ask to see every contractor's MHIC license and then check with MHIC to make sure the license is still current. You may check online or call 1-888-218-5925 (toll free) or 410-230-6231 (Baltimore area).

2. Ask for a copy of the contractor's current general liability insurance certificate.

3. Ask for local references and don't hire anyone without talking to a reference. Ask to see the job and also ask the references if the contractor completed the work on time and on budget, if the contractor responded to telephone calls or email, and whether they would hire the contractor again.

4. If the contractor has employees who will be working at your home, ask to see a copy of a current worker's compensation insurance certificate. If the contractor tells you that he doesn't have employees because he hires subcontractors, ask to see the subcontractor license of each individual who will perform work at your residence.

5. If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Often a sweet deal ends up being very expensive to repair.

Real Examples of How Chuck Wrecks Lives

In Baltimore County, a group of 4 individuals with criminal histories, including a woman who was still on probation for previous criminal activity, stole over $30,000 from an elderly homeowner by performing unneeded and duplicative jobs over a period of months.

In Cumberland, an elderly man lost $16,000 to a group of driveway sealcoat con men. The thieves made the man drive them to his credit union to withdraw cash. The driveway sealant was a worthless mix of paint and water.

In Howard County, an individual who spent years in jail for armed carjacking and other violent crimes, advertised door-to-door to perform roof and gutter repairs.

In Prince George's County, a retired couple had a roof collapse after Chuck removed a load-bearing wall and left their home exposed to the winter cold. The couple paid him $20,000 to build an addition onto the first floor of their home.

In Wicomico County, a father-and-son team left a historic home off its foundation for over a year after taking over $50,000 from an unsuspecting homeowner. Along with dissipating the homeowner's retirement account, the work left the home structurally unsound and caused it to be condemned.

Before you hire any home improvement contractor, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission to make sure the contractor is currently licensed!

Return to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing home page

Questions or comments regarding the Maryland Home Improvement Commission may be directed to mhic@dllr.state.md.us.

Questions or comments regarding the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing may be directed to op@dllr.state.md.us.

Questions or comments regarding the DLLR website may be directed to webmaster@dllr.state.md.us.

Updated April 26, 2011

Read More "Don't Be an Unlicensed Contractor's Next Victim! - Maryland Home Improvement Commission"

DLLR's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Consumer Advice - Maryland Home Improvement Commission

SERVICES TO CONSUMERS
• To make sure the contractor you choose is licensed. It is a criminal offense to do home improvements without a license and there is no protection from the Guaranty Fund for the homeowner who uses an unlicensed contractor.
• Find license status at our website
OR
• call 410-230-6309 or 1-888-218-5925. Ask if complaints have been filed against a contractor and whether they have been resolved or are still open.
• Obtain complaint forms by phone or at our website
• Obtain Guaranty Fund claim forms.
About Lead
TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
• Request references from prospective contractor-check them!
• If the contractor is providing lead paint abatement services, see if the contractor is accredited to do this work. Call 410-537-3825.
• Get a copy of the contractor’s current liability insurance certificate.
• Always get a written contract.
• Pay no more than 1/3 of the contract price as down payment.
• If a building permit is needed, ask to see it before work starts.


Return to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing home page
Questions or comments regarding the Maryland Home Improvement Commission may be directed to mhic@dllr.state.md.us.
Questions or comments regarding the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing may be directed to op@dllr.state.md.us.
Questions or comments regarding the DLLR website may be directed to webmaster@dllr.state.md.us.

Updated December 8, 2009

Read More "DLLR's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing"

Important Health Savings Account Requirements

Individuals who make Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, including employer contributions, will receive Form 5498-SA from their financial institution or HSA trustee and Form 1099-SA will be issued if an HSA distribution was made. All individuals who have an HSA must file Form 8889 as an attachment to their Form 1040 for any year in which they make or receive HSA contributions or for any year in which they receive an HSA distribution. For further information, visit www.irs.gov/form8889 or contact your tax accountant.

Read More "Important Health Savings Account Requirements"

Winterizing Your Home

Here are a few helpful hints from Paul Davis Restoration on winterizing your home:
1. Get the Furnace Ready:
a. Call an HVAC professional to inspect furnace and clean ducts.
b. If home is heated by a hot water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
2. Get the Fireplace Ready:
a. Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
b. If the chimney hasn’t been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
3. Check the Exterior, Doors, and Windows:
a. Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
b. Use weather stripping around doors to prevent warm air from creeping to your roof, causing ice dams.
4. Inspect Roof, Gutters and Downspouts:
a. Adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof.
b. Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts.
5. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
a. Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
b. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace/water heater.
6. Prevent Plumbing Freezes:
a. Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
b. Drain all garden hoses.
c. Insulate exposed plumbing pipe.s
d. Drain AC pipes and if your AC has a shut off valve, turn it off.
e. If you go on vacation, leave the heat set to at least 55 degrees.

Read More "Winterizing Your Home"

Reminder to Employers to Distribute Creditable Coverage Notice to Medicare-Eligible Participants by October 15, 2011

http://emersonreid.dmplocal.com/main/index.php?wd=ArticleGateway&article_id=2163&smart_skin_id=58&viewers_email=corinne@bowersinsurance.com&id=2759&ids=57c37dac136252a6e724eb6274a29eef01e9fe8a&utm_source=DMC&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_content=G1sQC1teByFSChVUSxURWhEXR1EMAlVLAV5U&utm_campaign=2759:Market%2520Beat%2520Newsletter%2520-%2520with%2520auto%2520trigger

Read More "Reminder to Employers to Distribute Creditable Coverage Notice to Medicare-Eligible Participants by October 15, 2011"

Health Reform Update- Small Employer Tax Credit

As you know, the Affordable Care Act allows certain employers
to be eligible for a tax credit. Specifically, the credit is geared
toward employers with 25 or fewer employees with average
income of $50,000 or less. Small employers face two important
deadlines in the coming weeks:
• September 15 – Corporations that file on a calendar year
basis and requested an extension to file to September
15 can calculate the small employer health care credit on
Form 8941 and claim it as part of the general business
credit on Form 3800, which they would include with their
corporate income tax return.
• October 17 – Sole proprietors who file Form 1040 and
partners and S-corporation shareholders who report their
income on Form 1040 have until October 17 to complete
their returns. They would also use Form 8941 to
calculate the small employer health care credit and claim
it as a general business credit on Form 3800, reflected on
line 53 of Form 1040.
In addition, tax –exempt organizations that file on a calendar
year basis and requested an extension to file to November 15
can use Form 8941 and then claim the credit on Form 990-T,
Line 44f.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
along with the IRS, will be targeting small businesses and tax
preparers through a new outreach campaign that includes
YouTube videos, emails and tweets to remind employers about
the upcoming extension deadlines and provide details on other
important information about the credit including:
• Business who have already filed can still claim the
credit.
o For small businesses that have already filed and later
determine they are eligible for the credit, they can
always file an amended 2010 tax return. Corporations
use Form 1120X and individual sole proprietors use
Form 1040X.
• Businesses without tax liability this year can still
benefit.
o The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 provided that
for Tax Year 2010, eligible small businesses may carry
back unused general business credits (including
the small employer health care tax credit) five years.
Previously these credits could only be carried back one
year. Small businesses that did not have tax liability to
offset in 2010 should still evaluate eligibility for the small
business health care tax credit in light of this expanded
carry back opportunity.
• Businesses that couldn’t use the credit in 2010 can
claim it in future years.
o Some businesses that already locked into health
insurance plan structures and contributions for 2010
may not have had the opportunity to make any needed
adjustments to qualify for the credit for 2010. These
businesses may be eligible to claim the credit on 2011
returns or in years beyond. Small employers can claim
the credit for 2010 through 2013 and for two additional
years beginning in 2014.
Additional information about eligibility requirements and
calculating the credit can be found on the Small Business
Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers page of IRS.gov.

Read More "Health Reform Update- Small Employer Tax Credit"

Pool Safety

- Always watch children when they are in or around the pool.
- Teach children basic water safety tips (no running, how to recognize when someone is in danger of drowning, etc.)
- Know how to shut off pool equipment in case of an emergency and post instructions so others can quickly do so.
- Never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use – they can make tempting targets for toddlers to reach out for.
- Share safety instructions and pool rules with anyone who might at some point be in or around the pool.
- Teach your children to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons. Be sure you know how to swim as well.
- Learn how to do CPR on children and adults and update these skills regularly.
- Keep the pool area free from electrical devices, glass, and other hazards.
- Never let anyone swim alone.
- Limit alcohol use around the pool area. (The CDC reports that alcohol is a factor in many adolescent and adult deaths related to water recreation.)
- Place life-saving devices such as rings and poles within easy reach of the pool.
- Install pool and gate alarms along with a 4 foot tall fence around the perimeter of the pool.

Read More "Pool Safety"

June 16th Workplace Privacy Seminar

Smith & Downey will be sponsoring a free breakfast seminar on June 16th to discuss Workplace Privacy. See the attached for further details on topics and how to register.

We have seen a substantial increase in the number of inquiries regarding privacy-related issues. These questions pertain to both the acquisition of “private” information about employees and job applicants and the protection of an employer’s “private” information such as its trade secrets.

In response, we are sponsoring a breakfast seminar that will discuss the following issues:

ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION ABOUT EMPLOYEES/APPLICANTS
1. Background checks, including an overview of applicable federal (e.g., Fair Credit Reporting Act) and state (e.g., Maryland Job Applicant Fairness Act) laws;
2. The non-health plan-related laws governing an employer's acquisition of employee medical and genetic information;
3. Drug and alcohol testing;
4. Criminal history considerations;
5. Social media considerations;
6. Social Security numbers (and related issues); and
7. Miscellaneous privacy issues, including employee use of employer telephones and computers.

PROTECTION OF EMPLOYER’S PRIVATE INFORMATION
1. Overview of Uniform Trade Secrets Act; and
2. Use of non-disclosure, non-compete and trade secret agreements.

The seminar will be held at Abilities Network, 8503 Lasalle Road, Towson, Maryland 21286, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

Continental breakfast will be provided and there is no charge for the seminar. Space is limited, so please contact Jamie Pasko at jpasko@smithdowney.com or 410-321-9000 if you would like to reserve a spot.

Read More "June 16th Workplace Privacy Seminar"

Managing Health Care Costs

With the rising cost of gas prices we all need to look for ways to reduce other expenses. One way is to review your health care costs by using generic prescription drugs and in-network health care providers. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has useful tools on their website to help you with this task. Go to the following link to see how you can reduce your health care costs.

https://member.carefirst.com/wps/portal/Member/FinancialResources/CareCosts?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wcmwps/wcm/connect/Content-Member/CareFirst/MemberPortal/FinancialResources/noTabStandard/ManagingCareCosts

Read More "Managing Health Care Costs"

Health Care Reform

Do you have questions on health care reform and its impact to you? If so, click on the following link to be directed to Health Care Reform Information on the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield website.

https://member.carefirst.com/wps/portal/Member/FinancialResources/HealthReformImpact?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wcmwps/wcm/connect/Content-Member/CareFirst/MemberPortal/HealthReform/Tab/hrReformNews

Read More "Health Care Reform"