We all love the magic of Halloween. Whether it be trick-or-treating, going to costume parties, or making a trip to a neighborhood haunted house, the season makes everyone feel like a child again. For parents, however, there is often a fine line between Halloween fun and Halloween worries, especially when it comes to road and personal safety. To ensure adults have peace of mind, and children have a safe holiday, Merriam Insurance recommends you follow this list of suggested Halloween safety tips: A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds If your older children are going alone, plan, review, and agree upon an acceptable route. Be sure your children understand that they are to never cross streets between cars. They should always cross the street at a corner. Agree on a specific time your children should return home Remind your children to never enter a stranger's home or car, and to not approach a house that has its porch lights off, indicating they are not participating in the evening’s festivities. Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stay in a group with their friends Tell your children to not eat any treats until they return home All costumes should be fire-resistant Avoid wearing masks that obstruct vision or long garments that can become a tripping hazard. Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags or provide glow sticks. Ensure all make-up is nontoxic. Always test for allergic reactions in a small area first Remove all [...]

Accidents in the home is not a subject most of us dwell upon, but being prepared for potential hazards can make a world of difference. Here are some helpful home safety tips that can be easily implemented to help provide a secure environment and a safer home for you and your family. Home Safety Tips Store Medicine Properly. Choose a safe place that small children cannot reach, and be sure that all safety caps are secured. Keep Emergency Phone Numbers Handy. You never know what can happen. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 60,000 young children in the United States are treated in emergency rooms each year for accidental overdoses. Be sure to keep the Poison Help Line phone number handy (1-800-222-1222). Keep Sharp Kitchen Tools out of Reach. Because we use most kitchen tools every day, it is not practical to keep them under lock and key. More important is ensuring they are out of reach of children. Teach your children that kitchen tools and utensils are never to be touched or used without an adult present. Bathroom Safety. Keep the toilet seat and lid down to prevent accidents. Install nonskid mats in the shower, and watch small children closely when they are in the shower or taking a bath; drowning can occur in just two inches of water. It will also benefit residents of any age to have night lights on in all bathrooms to prevent tripping on rugs or bumping into objects. Keep [...]

To stay viable, businesses are required to sustain higher revenues than expenses, and the auto insurance industry is no different. Auto insurers gain revenue from the premiums their customers pay and incur expenses when fulfilling their obligation to pay for damages. If total claims are higher than total premiums, the company faces a serious problem. The costs to repair damaged vehicles continues to increase, as does the cost of the medical procedures necessary to help accident victims recover from their injuries. Although the total cost of insurance may go up most years, there are certain measures you can take that may help control or reverse this trend, including: Multi-Policy Discounts. The more insurance policies you purchase through the same carrier, the more discounts you may receive, and the convenience of having one bill for all your insurance policies is of further benefit. Defensive Driving Course. Join Brian Merriam, CPCU, ARM, AAI in Schenectady, New York at 376 Broadway for a New York State sanctioned Defensive Driving Course. This 6-hour, two-night course (3 hours each night) is valid for 3 years and can save you 10% on your auto insurance as well as remove points from your license. Risk Reduction Credits. Vehicles equipped with daytime running lights, anti-theft devices, passive restraint systems, and anti-lock braking systems may qualify you for additional discounts. Your risks may not be as great as the premium you are paying suggests. Merriam Insurance recommends we meet and review your policy to ensure your policy correctly reflects [...]

After the national tragedy in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the nation’s oldest mission lost its insurance coverage because of its high-risk location. If it couldn’t secure new coverage, hundreds of needy New Yorkers would be deprived of basic needs. Merriam Insurance filled that void and provided the shelter with comprehensive coverage thanks to its expertise in writing policies for churches, missions and shelters.

Statistics recently gathered by Beazley Insurance indicate that in 2017 the average theft through fraudulent wiring instructions was $357,000. Some thefts were only a few thousand dollars; however, others were in the millions. Fraudulent wire instructions have become a significant threat to the well-being of individuals and businesses. Even if you do not directly handle or wire funds, defrauded consumers and their attorneys may seek to involve all parties associated with the transaction. What are you doing to prevent fraudulent wiring instructions from being followed? Here are some risk management practices you might want to consider: Don't rely on emails to receive wire instructions. It is recommended you implement procedures to call and verify email instructions that are received. If your only option is to email the wire instructions, you should first call to verify the account numbers. You should also know that talented fraudsters may be able to impersonate bank or other office personnel, so be wary. Make doing business with people you know a preference. While unrealistic for some, many manage their risk by predominantly dealing with attorneys and banks they know. Inform everyone involved in the transaction, as many may not be aware that fraudulent wire instructions are an issue. If they play any role in the transfer of their funds, be sure you have communicated clearly with them about this threat to their financial well-being. Aggressively educate yourself... Bear in mind that when fraudulent wire instructions are followed and money is lost, we all lose—even if the loss was not specifically the [...]

This season millions of Americans will head outside to camp, kayak, hike, and bike. To ensure that you maximize your valuable leisure time, here are 5 tips to recreate safely for the whole season. Plan Ahead and Prepare. Knowing where you’re going to hike, paddle, or bike is just the beginning. There are many other factors to consider. How are the bugs during the day you’ll be outside? Are there any trails that are closed? What animals might you encounter, and what precautions can you take to safely enjoy their presence? These, and other questions, can usually be answered by the local land management agency (The National Park Service, local rangers, etc.) or by a reputable outfitter. Buy or Rent the Proper Equipment. Every outdoor activity requires proper gear. Basics such as a map, water bottle, and appropriate clothing are essential. Other activity-specific gear (such as a headlamp for longer day hikes) is often required as well. Visit your local outdoor supply store to get advice about what to purchase, or contact a reputable outfitter near your trip location to rent the necessary items. Check the Weather. This may seem simple, but weather patterns often change quickly. Knowing what to expect will help ensure you and your family remain dry, warm, and comfortable. Be sure to check more than just the percentage chance of rain the day of your trip. Wind, temperature, humidity, and time of day also play a role. Tell Someone Where You Are Going. Providing a trusted [...]