In the next few days, we will be watching children scramble from house to house in search of the elusive Halloween treat.  However, keeping our kids safe as they are out Halloween night is always a concern.  A little pre-planning can prevent unfortunate accidents that could turn out to be tragic.  Remember, your homeowner’s insurance will cover you in most cases should someone trip and fall on your premises. Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For your guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
• Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

 
Safety tips for kids

• Never, ever, go into a house.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling
• An adult or an older responsible child should always accompany young children. Even older children should go trick-or-treating with an adult, or with friends.  Never go out alone.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
• Do not eat homemade food.
• Examine all candy.  If it has been opened, toss it out.
• Use a flashlight. 

 
Safety Tips for Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Turn your lights on.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

 
Sources: http://www.nsc.org/, https://www.aap.org, https://www.cdc.gov
Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.
 

​Personal Insurance Update
Most of us buy insurance in this order; auto insurance, renters’ insurance, home insurance, and then life insurance.  However, many of us do not think about how the events in our lives may affect our need for different kinds of insurance.  As your life changes, the need to protect your life, investment, and family also changes. It's also a good idea to reexamine your coverages and limits from time to time, especially whenever you make additions or improvements.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  We are here to help you protect your assets.  
Here are some major life events that will affect your need for personal insurance

• College -- If you have a child heading off to college, you may need to update your auto and home insurance.  If your child has a car, the rates may be less in the city of the college.  You will need to notify your insurer regarding the new location.  In addition, if your child is renting, you may need to provide renters’ insurance to the property owner.
• Retirement – If you had commuted regularly to your job, your mileage has likely plummeted in retirement.  If so, you should report it to your auto insurer to significantly lower the cost of your auto insurance premiums.  In addition, you will need to consider other insurance options.
• Marriage or Divorce -- Changes in marital status, or even just moving in together, means the combining of households, cars, and other property, so you’ll want to update your insurance policies accordingly.  Are you both protected? Are coverage limits adequate?
• Having a baby -- When your family grows, you may want to consider life insurance to protect your loved ones.  Life insurance can provide the financial security for many years, and give you peace of mind.
• Moving -- Whenever you move, you will need to update your auto and home insurance.  New addresses may actually lead to lower costs.
• Home Renovations – If you have made major improvements to your home, such as adding a new room, enclosing a porch, or expanding a kitchen or bathroom, report those changes to your insurance company.

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

Business Insurance Update
Is your business prepared to undertake new overtime rules that will be set into place on December 1, 2016?  If you are fined because of non-compliance, your business insurance will not provide coverage.  Business insurance policies are not designed to cover government fines.

The US Department of Labor (DOL) released the final rule that raises the white-collar overtime exemption threshold under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  The new regulations take effect on Dec. 1, 2016. Your business will need to start tracking hours for exempt salaried employees who make under $47,476.
Businesses that will be most affected will be those in the hospitality industry, nonprofits, retail, manufacturing and any agribusiness.

Options for employers

• Pay these employees time and a half for overtime.
• Increase workers’ compensation above the minimum.
• Limit work hours to 40 per week.

Fact sheets and other materials to help employers and workers understand how the rule will affect them and the broader economy are available dol.gov/overtime.
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Here is a link to the Department of Labor’s web page. Click here
As an Independent Insurance Agency we represent many insurance companies to fit your businesses dynamic needs.  Whether you're a new business or a small business, we can help.   Being an Independent Agent means we are not only your agent, but we are your business insurance broker as well.  We understand every business and industry is unique, so we will work with you to find the best business insurance coverage at the lowest rate. Contact us today for a free quote.