Santa, Veterans and Winter Protection

Nate Crosby |
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newsletter

Santa did in fact come to town

This week Santa made a surprise early appearance in our Ashland office and took time out of his busy schedule to snap a selfie with Macy. When I asked him where our Santa Claus rally was in the stock market he just smiled, winked, put his finger to his nose and dashed out the door. From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! We are thankful for your trust.

Wreaths Across America

This year we were honored to be asked to participate in Wreaths Across America, which is an organization that places wreaths on the graves of veterans in more than 3,700 cemeteries across the United States. The organization’s mission is to honor those who have served as well as teach our children about the sacrifices these brave men and women made to defend and secure the freedoms we enjoy and continue to fight to preserve today. It was a cold day but our hearts were warm with pride of what this great country produces, generation after generation. Thank you to all veterans. If you want to learn more about Wreaths Across America you can find it here.

Protect Your Home and Business: A Winter Weather Risk Management Guide

If you’re living in the Midwest, the snow and ice season is upon us! Grange Insurance put together a helpful guide for protecting your business and home from the winter blasts. Download the full guide here. 

Electric space heaters – did you know that space heaters account for 40% of home heating fires? If you use a space heater in your home or business, make sure you:

  • Give the unit at least 6 feet of space away from any combustible materials
  • Unplug the space heaters at the end of each day and make sure it’s cool before you leave for the day
  • Only use a space heater as a temporary heat source

Holiday lights – did you know they cause roughly $9 million in direct property damage annually? Stay vigilant by:

  • Outdoor décor and cords need to be weather resistant
  • Don’t overload outlets with too many decorations and avoid plugging extension cords into power strips
  • Take exterior lights down within 90 days to minimize damage from weather and critters who can chew on them

Ice Dams – when warm air escapes the attic space due to insufficient insulation, snow melts and turns to water then can turn to ice in the right temperatures. Check your insulation and consider having a professional install ice guard on your roof.

Preparing your building exterior and interior – the winter months can increase slips, trips, and falls so here are some ways to prepare:

  • Have plans in place for snow and ice removal from the exterior areas
  • Inspect your roof periodically before and after the winter months arrive
  • Ensure all gutters are cleaned thoroughly by removing buildup and unclogging drains
  • Keep heat set at no lower than 55°F
  • Test all alarms prior to the winter season, including fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors

Safe Winter driving – reduce your speed, avoid hitting the brakes, do not use cruise control, and above all else stay off the roads if you are not comfortable driving in snow and ice. Check your vehicle for:

  • Coolant and wiper fluid
  • Condition of your tires
  • Put supplies in your vehicles – such as blankets, food, water, jumper cables, cell phone charger, and more

Snow removal – snow can be very heavy so be careful when shoveling or removing it. Consider hiring a professional or using a snow blower if you can.

Working in cold weather – many professionals spend much of their time outside in the elements. With dipping temperatures, it’s harder to maintain comfortable body heat. Try these tips:

  • Wear a hat, gloves, extra layers of socks, and base layers of clothing.
  • Take short breaks frequently in a warm, dry location if you must be outside for an extended period.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Stay safe!

Holiday Office Schedule

Our office will be closed Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd.

Disclaimer: This newsletter represents the opinions of Crosby Advisory Group. This newsletter is not designed to replace individual investment advice. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Not all investments are suitable for all investors. NMD Insurance is our insurance agency. CAG Marketing is our business growth division of Crosby Advisory Group, LLC. Crosby Advisory Group is a fee based investment advisor.