Arthur S. Page Insurance Agency in partnership with the Council on Aging and the Registry of Motor Vehicles are pleased to present, “Shifting Gears,” a free program designed to educate and encourage elder drivers to be the best drivers possible. The workshop will be presented at the Elks Lodge located at 25 Low Street on November 2nd, 2009 from 9:30am to 11:30 a.m.

Michele Ellicks, community outreach coordinator for the RMV, will present the program and highlight issues facing elder drivers and their families. The program includes safe driving tips; information on how age affect’s one’s driving, and identifies the most frequent collisions for elder drivers. A list of warning signs of unsafe driving will be provided, as well as information on how to obtain a disability placard. Ways to preserve one’s independence without a license will also be discussed.

Portions of the program have been featured on WCVB TV’s Chronicle as well as in the Boston Globe, Patriot Ledger, and Springfield Union News. In July 2000, the program received the Outstanding Public Service Safety Award by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

For additional information please contact the Arthur S. Page Insurance Agency at 978-465-5301.

Being Prepared for Hurricanes

We are now about midway through the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which ends November 30th. In a typical year, according to the National Hurricane Center 11 tropical storms occur and out of these, six convert into hurricanes. Tropical storms and hurricanes are classified the same, mainly by wind speed.

A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a possibility of a hurricane occurring within 36 hours. A Hurricane Warning is issued when a hurricane is expected within 24 hours and during this period you may be advised to evacuate. If you need to evacuate, it is a good idea to have an out of state friend or relative as an emergency contact. Also, if you have pets try to find them alternative housing until it is safe for you to return or obtain a list of pet friendly hotels.

The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property in the event of a hurricane is to protect the areas where wind can enter. It is critical to strengthen the exterior of your home so wind, water and debris cannot enter. You can better protect your home by:

• Protecting all windows and doors.
• Securing loose roof shingles.
• Sealing off all openings, cracks and holes.
• Securing and/or strengthening soffits.
• Limiting possible sources for wind-borne debris.
• Cutting tree branches that could damage windows or walls.

Turning off electrical equipment if service is interrupted: this will help to avoid power surges and the possibility of a fire when power is restored.

One of the most important ways to prepare for a flood is to purchase flood insurance. Flood damage is not covered by your homeowner’s policy and normally takes 30 days from the date of purchase to go into effect. Floods are not just limited to coastal areas and happen in more locations and frequencies then you would think. In fact, they are the most common natural disasters in the United States.