<![CDATA[The Allison Insurance Group - Blog ]]>Sun, 06 May 2012 09:34:38 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Ouch! ]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:18:41 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2012/04/ouch.htmlPicture
Last night while sitting out side it happened.  A tingling sensation on my arm *smack* I removed my hand to see I had been to slow and there it was my first mosquito bite of the season. 

Most people have some localized swelling after a bite then it just goes away on it's own.  Occasionally, these bites can lead to serious illnesses such as the West Nile Virus,  Dengue, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus.  The best way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease is to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Use insect repellent when outdoors. Make sure the repellent contains the chemical DEET. Before you start applying, read the product instructions carefully. Put repellent on exposed skin and clothing, but not on skin underneath your clothing. To protect your face from bites, put some repellent on your hands and then apply to your face. Wash your hands afterward. Keep mosquito repellent away from the eyes and mouth.

When possible, wear clothing that fully covers your arms, legs and feet. Wearing light-colored clothing is even better, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark and bright colors.
Avoid using fragrances or scented lotions that may attract mosquitoes.

Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours from dusk until dawn.

Install screens on the windows in your home and repair screens with rips or tears.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so regularly get rid of any standing water around your home, such as water that has collected in flower pots, trash cans, rain gutters or swimming pool covers.
Tips on preventing mosquito bites are provided by APHA and Get Ready.
]]><![CDATA[Chris Allison is Secretary for Insurors Board 2012]]>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:47:57 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2012/03/chris-allison-is-secretary-for-insurors-board-2012.html
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The 2012 Insurors Board of Directors--In Picture from Left to Right: Paul Carson; Chris Allison, CIC; Lou Moran, III, CIC; Battle Bagley, III, CIC, CPA; Steve Bryant, CIC, CPCU, CWCA, LUTCF, AAI; Cindi Gresham;  Roger H. Smith, CIC; Ed Gibbons, AAI; Eddie Miller, III; Dolly Tate, CIC, CISR; Kevin Ownby; Edward C. Kaiser; T. Michael Langley, CIC; Brad Smith; Sharon Simmons, CIC, AFIS, CISR ;Joe Hunt, Jr.

Not Pictured: George Anderson; Don Wake, CPCU
]]><![CDATA[Questions To Consider For Insurance Checkup]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:12:29 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2012/02/questions-to-consider-for-insurance-checkup.htmlPicture
One recent insurance survey suggests that over 30 million U.S. households own insurance policies that are seriously out-of-date. As a result, the following questions should be asked. If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then you should contact your insurance agent as soon as possible so your insurance policies can be appropriately updated.

●       Has your house undergone major renovations or improvements? If so, your home may be underinsured.

●       Has your marital status changed? If you have married, for example, you may now qualify for a multi-car discount on your auto insurance.

●       Have you purchased new valuables or collectibles? If so, you may be seriously underinsured for these items. Specialty policies or endorsements can properly cover them.

●       Are you now participating in a carpool? If so, your exposure to injuring passengers has grown and your liability limits may need to be increased.

●       Are you now retired? If so, your auto insurance premium will likely drop since your annual mileage should decrease.

●       Have you added a burglar alarm with central station reporting for your home? If so, you could qualify for a homeowners premium discount.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2008, International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
]]><![CDATA[Alzheimer's Awareness Month]]>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/11/alzheimers-awareness-month.htmlPicture
_November is Alzheimer's awareness month.  Alzheimer's is a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's. Please remember every individual is different and some people may experience one or more of these signs in varying degrees. If you observe any of them or are concerned please see a doctor.  Early detection of Alzheimer’s is the best way to slow the disease and maintain a high quality of life for your loved ones.

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.

4. Confusion with time or place.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. 

8. Decreased or poor judgment.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.

10. Changes in mood and personality.

For more information visit The Alzheimer’s Association Website
]]><![CDATA[Are All Your Eggs in One Basket? Protect Them!]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:36:42 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/11/are-all-your-eggs-in-one-basket.htmlPicture
_If you depend upon a customer, supplier or other “contributor” for a large portion of your business income, then you should consider examining this important coverage.  Dependent Properties Loss of Income coverage is used to insure against your drop-off in revenue and extra expenses when loss or damage strikes not your business – but rather strikes something or someone that is a “contributor” to your business.  Some Examples of contributors to your business are: Manufacturers, Suppliers, Shippers, Subcontractors; inter-dependent locations; and lead stores for insureds located in malls or office complexes.  This coverage should also be considered for any off-site event which is relied upon by you for a major portion of an your annual income (for example trade shows, exhibitions).  In addition, Critical Machinery that you use in your process can sometimes pose a special risk as well.  Some examples of claims: Your primary supplier sustains damage preventing them from supplying you with a critical product or component and you are unable to stay fully operational.  Your resulting loss of income (from the shutdown) would be covered.  A customer that represents 75% of your annual income loses most of their plant in a storm and must split their Manufacturing between their three other plants located in other states while it takes them over a year to rebuild.  Your resulting loss of income (from the loss of a major customer for over a year) would be covered. 

When you are highly dependent upon someone or something in your business process, you need to contact your insurance agent and review this all important coverage.
]]><![CDATA[November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month]]>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/11/november-is-lung-cancer-awareness-month.htmlPicture
_ November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  The LCA (Lung Cancer Alliance) has several  resources listed for raising awareness, distributing educational material,  and support communities.  The American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smoke-Out every year on the third Thursday of November.  This year it will be on 17 of November.   If you go to their site you can find several ways to help you or a loved one quit. Including quizzes, journals, guides to quitting, and how to support a loved one while they try to quit. 

Quitting smoking will increase the quality of your life and put extra money in your pocket by drastically lowering your health insurance premiums.

]]><![CDATA[American Diabetes Month]]>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/11/american-diabetes-month.htmlPicture
_November is American Diabetes Month and is to help raise awareness about this disease.  Every 17 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes.  And is is estimated that 1 in every 3 American’s will have diabetes by 2050 if something isn’t done to stop this disease.  Diabetes is a serious disease and it takes the lives of more Americans that breast cancer and aids combined. For more information visit Stop Diabetes to learn how to halt diabetes in its tracks. There is a great section on Holiday Meals and how to eat heather year round.  Lowering your risk of diabetes can help you live a fuller life and put more money in your pocket by lowering your insurance costs.
]]><![CDATA[20 Tips on Keeping Safe This Halloween! ]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:37:04 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/10/20-tips-on-keeping-safe-this-halloween.htmlPicture
Read the following 20 Halloween tips on keeping safe and then click the link to play the Official Halloween Safety Game!
  • Do not trick-or-treat alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult. 
  • Younger children should always be accompanied by a trusted adult.
  • Be cautious of strangers and do enter any houses or vehicles of a person you do not know.
  • Plan your candy route with an adult and stay on it! It is important that your parents know where you are.
  • Use crosswalks and sidewalks wherever possible and do not walk in the road.
  • If there are no sidewalks stay on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
  • Always look both ways before crossing the road
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  • Don’t run from house to house.
  • Only visit houses where the lights are on.
  • If your costume is dark put reflective tape on costumes and bags and always carry a flashlight to help drivers see you.
  • Wear a watch so you know when to be home or to check in.
  • Costume accessories, like swords and wands, should be short, soft, and flexible.
  • Wear costumes that fit well and do not drag the floor to avoid trips, and falls.
  • Wear masks that you can see out of to avoid blocked vision.
  • Do not walk near lit candles or luminaries and wear flame-resistant costumes.
  • Take a cell phone with you so you can call to check in or let your parents know you need help or a ride home.
  • Say thank you for your treats, even if it’s something you don’t like!
  • Let your parents or a trusted adult check your candy before you eat it.
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and lastly.......Don’t eat all of your candy at once you’ll get a belly ache!

So do you think you remember everything about Halloween safety?  Play this safety game to find out!

For more safety tips including yard decorations, parties, and even pet safety please visit Halloween Safety Guide!

Happy Haunting!
]]><![CDATA[October is Disability Insurance Awareness Month]]>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:58:22 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/10/october-is-disability-insurance-awareness-month1.htmlYou protect everything in your life right? Your home, car, and maybe even your life.  But what if you become disabled?  3 in 10 people will become disabled for 90 days or more before the age of 65.  Call your insurance agent today to insure that you have the necessary funds to take care of you and your family if you become disabled.
]]><![CDATA[October 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:03:36 -0800http://www.allison-ins.com/1/post/2011/10/october-9-15-is-national-fire-prevention-week.htmlPicture
This week is National Fire Prevention Week.  Do you know what to do if a fire happens in your home. your neighbors house, or at work?  Try the quiz  below to see how much you already know about fire safety.  Once completed you can visit Fire Safety to learn more.  For even more materials to help you prepare your family and community visit the National Fire Protection Association website. They have entire sections for Teachers, Parents, Employers, and Families.

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