Brakes are extremely vital to your automobile working properly. Ensuring that your brakes are in proper working order is imperative to avoid danger on the roads. Brakes do give drivers some warning signs when maintenance is needed, but ultimately the car needs to be taken apart for a true inspection of the braking system. The point is, you’d rather be safe than sorry! It wouldn’t be pleasant if when you hit the pedal, nothing happened. Don’t let this be the way you find out that your brakes aren’t working!
Although changing of your car’s brakes should be done by a professional, you can certainly watch for indicators that your brakes may need service. Squeaking or squealing of the brakes is the first indicator that your brakes may need attention. Rainy conditions can also cause squeaking, so give the brakes a few days to dry after damp weather. Turn all avoidable noise off in the car, and listen very closely for a clicking sound when the brake is pressed, as this can be another sign of trouble.
Cars are all slightly different to operate, with different years, makes and models; creating a need for familiarity with the car in order to notice a change. When pushing on the brake pedal, be careful to be attentive to the pedal pressure. If the pedal is losing pressure, this could mean that your car needs brake fluid. Either way, this means that your car should be serviced by a professional. If the brake pedal is pulsating when you push on it, your car certainly needs attention sooner rather than later! Driving your automobile with these problems will only cause more damage to the car, so get this taken care of as quickly as possible.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
It isn’t always fun, but every once in a while your car really needs a good interior cleaning! This can be done before or after the washing of the exterior of your car according to ehow.com. First, take a trash bag, and get all of the trash that has been accumulated out of the car. This includes papers, empty bottles and anything else that doesn’t belong.
The second step is removing all of the items that do not belong in the car. (If you’re anything like me, then you might have books, magazines, extra clothes, shoes, and many other things in your car). Next, grab a towel and some car cleaner, and wipe down all vinyl surfaces to help control dust. Use a paper towel and glass cleaner to wipe windshield (front & back), all windows, mirrors, and radio unit to avoid streaking.
Last but not least – vacuuming. First remove all the carpets from the car, as often dirt and trash can get pushed underneath. Use the vacuum attachments available to reach small spaces in the car to the best of your ability, and shake carpets out before placing back into the car. For finishing touches, place a new air freshener in your car!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Just the thought of bed bugs makes people cringe! Not understanding the source of the bugs, or how to exterminate them, can make life much more stressful. Before you say you’d never have bed bugs in your house, remember, the infestation has nothing to do with cleanliness. Clutter can contribute to the spreading of bed bugs, but typically the initial source is from something brought in to the home. Usually this happens when luggage is brought back into the home from a vacation.
Once the bed bugs are in your home, the damage is done. Unfortunately, the only way to verify that you have an infestation in your home is actually finding a bed bug, at which point you should immediately call a professional exterminator (you can actually spread the problem if not correctly dealt with). So what do these little buggers look like? Well, not too much different than a tick or roach. Bed bugs have six legs and are reddish in color. They do not fly, they scurry much like an ant, typically into dark, hidden areas.
Often these creatures ‘feed’ in the very early hours of the morning. Feeding consists of drinking blood, like mosquitoes; bed bugs only drink about two drops of blood every five to ten days. This causes no pain or discomfort for the person being bit, and can take two to fourteen days before redness or irritation is visible on the skin.
Can bed bugs really hurt you? Well, bed bugs are not known to transport diseases, and if you are bit, you should try not to itch since this can turn into an infection. People who already have medical conditions or children have a greater risk for infection because of an already low immune system.
Although bed bugs are not fun to have in your home, take care of them in the most efficient way possible, using a professional exterminator. After verifying that you do indeed have bed bugs (by finding a bug in the house), stop and call a professional! (Unfortunately, an infestation of bed bugs isn’t covered by your homeowners insurance.) With bed bugs, communication is vital! Allowing embarrassment to keep you quiet from informing guests about the infestation may cause people who were unaware to spread the bugs to their home or office.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts business or personal home insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Have a special event that you want to remember forever? Jen Osojnicki is an experienced lifestyle photographer with a glowing passion for working with individuals, couples and families to capture ‘the shot’! Jen’s enthusiasm and unique style is evident in every picture she takes and she enjoys capturing relaxed emotions, allowing for your true personality to be captured. Jen mainly focuses on family portraits, weddings/engagement photos, senior portraits, and also environmental/business headshots.
Jen’s passion is in wedding photography, and as she puts it, she loves “documenting love”! She truly enjoys capturing your special day and works in an unobtrusive manner to record your event as it naturally unfolds. Jen knows how important your wedding is, and only schedules one wedding shoot per day so that all her attention and time is focused on you! She also has several wedding packages to choose from, or you can customize a package that works best for your needs. And don’t worry about missing a shot. Jen uses only professional Cannon digital equipment and always has back-up equipment in case something unexpected happens.
In addition to weddings, Jen also enjoys individual and family portraits, and unique photographic events, such as the increasingly popular “Trash the Dress” sessions. Jen’s unique style and knowledge of current trends are evident in her pictures and her use of different outdoor locations really brings photos to life with bright colors and unusual scenery. The beach, train tracks and abandoned buildings are some of Jen’s favorite locations. Viewing Jen’s gorgeous photo gallery for yourself is really the only way to understand her natural and energetic style!
Don’t just choose any photographer to capture your memories. Make sure you select one who has the passion and drive to capture your day in a meaningful and memorable way that you can look back on for years to come! Choose Jen Osojnicki! And through Berry Insurance’s Partners Program, Jen is offering an exclusive discount of $50 off a sitting fee! Call Jen today to schedule an appointment!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts personal or wedding insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Having the right amount of air in your tires it vital since low tire pressure can be very hazardous! Keeping tires filled to the correct pressure will extend the life of the tires, improve gas mileage, and also provide an overall smoother ride. Tires that are filled to the correct air pressure are more able to stop on command, and are also less likely to skid out when taking turns.
Do not just simply add air to your tires. Be sure that you actually need to first! When checking the air pressure in your tires they should be cool (because they are less inflated), so wait about an hour after driving. Every car is different when it comes to the correct tire pressure. You can check the side of the driver’s seat, the inside of the gas cap, or in the glove box to find the correct pressure for your tires. If you cannot locate the pressure in any of these locations, you can always find it in the Owner’s Manual of your car or check with your dealer.
Once you’re ready to fill the air, the valves on the tires should be removed one at a time. Use a tire gauge to check the current pressure of the tire, and then decide if it needs air or not. Sometimes, the front and rear tires require different pressures, so be careful to be mindful of this! Take the air gun and add the amount of air necessary. Added too much? Don’t worry; there is a way to fix this (as long as you do not explode the tire first)! Just push on the release lever of the air pump. This process should be repeated with each tire, replacing the valve caps as you move around the car so that you will not lose them!
As a final reminder, be sure to check the air level of your tires before and after air is added. This will help you determine if there are any leaks in the tire and if you’ll need to get a plug or replace.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
According to a National Fire Protection Association study, there are approximately 400,000 house fires each year in the United States, which account for 75 percent of all structure fires. This study also indicated that residential fires result in over 3,700 deaths per year. Indeed, fires typically kill more Americans than all other natural disasters combined.
Having properly placed fire extinguishers in your home is an excellent loss control measure that targets the most common cause of property loss.
Before purchasing fire extinguishers, learn about the different types of fire extinguishers. There are four basic types, as follows:
Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper.
Class B extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil.
Class C extinguishers are suitable for electrically energized fires.
Class D extinguishers should be used on flammable metals and are typically specific for the type of metal in question.
The following are some tips concerning this important fire protection device.
Most home fire safety experts recommend medium size, multipurpose fire extinguishers that are labeled as suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires.
A fire extinguisher should be kept in your garage, kitchen, and on each floor of your home.
You and other potential users in your household should thoroughly read the extinguisher’s instructions on a periodic basis.
A professional fire equipment supplier should inspect each extinguisher annually.
Note that prices on fire extinguishers start at around $20. Many insurers offer modest premium credits to encourage homeowners to purchase and maintain extinguishers.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal Massachusetts home insurance or business needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
With hurricane season upon us here on the East coast, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants Massachusetts residents to understand what to do in case of a natural disaster. Usually when natural disasters hit, panic overwhelms communities because citizens are not prepared. Staying calm and having a plan when faced with a challenge is imperative. Being prepared with an emergency evacuation plan allows for proper/timely migration for you and your family from affected areas.
What do you have that you’d want to protect? Some of the most popular responses range from family, homes, businesses, boats, and even animals. Below are some tips to protect what’s yours in case of a hurricane.
In protecting your family, be sure to make an emergency action plan. An emergency action plan designates a specific safe area, where all family members will meet if separated. A contact person should also be established so that all members of a family understand what to do, where to go, and who to call in case of an emergency.
Protecting property, such as a home or business, begins with having recent pictures of the interior and exterior of your home or building. An inventory of your personal belongings is also recommended. Business owners should discuss an action plan with employees, so that panic does not occur. All loose items should be secured because of high wind speeds, and computer data should be backed-up in case of a power outage. During hurricanes electricity is often lost, which can cause a power surge. To avoid this, unplug all sensitive electric equipment.
Pets are often considered a part of the family, but in an emergency, they can often be the last thing on your mind. The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team assists in getting animals to safety in emergency situations. Animals are often taken to nearby shelters to be taken care of if injured, or kept until their owners come to claim them. Having a tag on your animal is imperative during times of emergency, mostly because this is the only way that Massachusetts shelter employees know an animal is up to date on their shots, and to whom they belong. Also, knowing a few pet friendly hotels in the area could be very beneficial in case of an emergency. Planning ahead makes natural disasters more manageable!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
In 2009, President Obama first declared the month of September as National Preparedness Month. This year, with the wake of Hurricane Katrina only 5 years behind us, having our nation caught off guard during emergencies is something we never want to see happen again. Once again, the President has declared this month to be one focused on preparation. Being ready when disaster strikes is the main objective, as natural disasters are not going to be stopped, but they can be planned for.
With Hurricane Earl gearing up to sweep the East coast this weekend, hurricane tips are in high demand. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants residents of the Commonwealth to be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best! You can also check out more tips at Ready America.
First, all families should have a plan! Where is your family going to meet if getting split up? Planning before disaster strikes is half the battle, so be sure that each member of your family knows the plan and the contact person for their family. Second, be sure to familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area, as well as having an emergency bag already packed and ready in case you must leave home in a hurry. Lastly, stay educated! Make sure you know the latest updates going on within your town and the surrounding communities!
It’s September and Berry Insurance wants all citizens to be prepared for the worst, so get your family emergency plan ready for this weekend’s hurricane! Prepare, Plan, & Stay Informed!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Today’s current economy is undoubtedly causing you some stress and anxiety, especially if you are considering making a large purchase, such as a home. You might be wondering how it is even be possible to get a mortgage or refinance your existing loan, or even what that process might entail due to the market today. And with all the credit failures and closings of businesses, how do you know you are choosing the right mortgage broker? Thankfully, there’s Greenpark Mortgage.
Greenpark Mortgage, founded in 2001, is committed to providing the community with dedicated mortgage professionals who not only offer the best possible rates, but also the highest levels of customer service. They are one of the most highly regarded amongst mortgage companies in Massachusetts and take pride in working with you to obtain the best possible interest rate due to their strong relationships in the market. And with 5 convenient locations in Franklin, Methuen, Needham, Quincy, and Westborough Massachusetts, Greenpark is sure to have a local agent near you.
Virna Brown, Senior Mortgage Consultant with Greenpark, operates out of the Needham, MA branch and conducts business in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Graduating from Bryant University in Rhode Island, as well as being a lifetime Massachusetts resident, gives Virna the upper hand in being familiar with the New England market. Virna uses her knowledge of the area and her mortgage expertise to help guide clients in the right direction for their specific situation.
While Virna specializes in working with new home buyers, she can also assist with other mortgage needs, such as refinances, or FHA, VA, USDA, Debt consolidation or Rehabilitation loans. Her patience, understanding and knowledge of the industry make this difficult process easier for you to navigate. And Virna wants you to know that Greenpark also offers a great discount for any members of the Massachusetts Teachers Association – just give her a call to find out the details! Virna’s twenty years of experience, passion for helping others, and commitment to clients continues to help individuals, couples and families land in their dream homes!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Partners of Berry Insurance program, or how Berry’s social media engineers can help you with your digital marketing strategy, be sure to call us today! And for more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Well if the summer turns out to be anything like the spring, we’re not out of the clear yet! With hurricane/tropical storm season starting June 1st, New England is bound to get our share of heavy rains in these next few months. And even if we manage to avoid the big storms, cold fronts containing strong thunderstorms (like we had last night), can release inches of water in a few short hours.
And as we all experienced, where there is rain, there may be flooding. Not in a flood zone? Unfortunately, you may still get hit. FEMA reports that at least 25-30% of ALL flood insurance claims come from low to moderate risk areas. So before you get hit with the next big one, be sure to give us a call at (800) 941-3317 to discuss flood insurance. Flood insurance is run through a federal insurance program, requiring homeowners to wait 30 days after applying until the policy is issued. So don’t delay!
Need more incentive to get your policy today? After all the flooding we had in late March/early April, FEMA is now in a process of remapping certain counties in Massachusetts. This means that if you aren’t in a flood zone now, you may be very soon.
Why is that important? Well, the lower-risk flood zone areas are the areas which can obtain the cheapest flood insurance policies. If you live in a moderate or high-risk zone, the cost for the policy will be much greater.
There’s one caveat though that helps you. If you purchase a policy today, and then your zone changes tomorrow, you will be grandfathered in at the lower zone. This means you’re basically purchasing your policy ON SALE!!!
So give us a call today at (800) 941-3317 or visit us online at www.berryinsurance.com to request your FREE flood insurance quote. We’ll also let you know if (and when) your town will be re-zoned so you can get your flood insurance policy ON SALE today!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Although changing of your car’s brakes should be done by a professional, you can certainly watch for indicators that your brakes may need service. Squeaking or squealing of the brakes is the first indicator that your brakes may need attention. Rainy conditions can also cause squeaking, so give the brakes a few days to dry after damp weather. Turn all avoidable noise off in the car, and listen very closely for a clicking sound when the brake is pressed, as this can be another sign of trouble.
