A Different Kind of Halloween Fright!

If you're anything like Meagan in our office, your favorite candy is a Reese's Peanut Butter cup. She's been known to melt them into s'mores, freeze them during the summer, crush them into cookies or cupcake frosting and eat them at her desk. Obviously, she is a peanut butter fan and can eat them without reservation...but back in her days as a camp counselor she experienced a moratorium on her favorite candy due to a peanut allergy of one of her campers. And with food allergies on the rise, even activities like Trick or Treating are endangered. That's a different sort of scare for Halloween fans...

The Seattle Times had an article on how parents in Chicago are handling Trick or Treating with allergic kids. Since a peanut butter cup can send allergic kids into shock - and those nut proteins are in several candies - Halloween is a juggle between social activities and safety.

One mom, Jenny Kales, started a blog about her daughter's struggles with a peanut allergy and has a post devoted to handling Halloween. She recommends that allergic kids carry two bags - one for candy they know they aren't going to be able to eat (we're looking at you Reese's) and ones that could be safe depending on their ingredient label. Kales then recommends that her daughter try to swap her dangerous candies for her friends' safer ones. Whatever is left that is unsafe is swapped by her parents for lollipops and the like.

Kales also suggests that allergic kids go Trick or Treating on a full stomach. Candy that is dangerous will likely seem less problematic on an empty stomach (especially with younger ones who may not have had a reaction for some time). Some parents even tag along with EpiPens in case something sneaks by the snack food censors.

If you're interested in more of what Jenny Kales has to say, check out her blog at http://www.nut-freemom.blogspot.com/.

It's an Edmonds Kind of Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner...and that means Monday night will be packed with trick or treaters. Downtown Edmonds is getting in on the action with the annual Halloween event. Merchants and businesses around Edmonds are getting together in the spirit of the spooky holiday. In past years, the center of town has been full of families and friends - some planning to get together and others running into each other in the spirit of the holiday. Music, candy, and everyone decked out as princesses, superheros or pumpkins make for a great night!

Wear a costume, bring dogs, cats, parents and a bag to grab treats. In past years, as many as 5,000 adorned, costumed boys and ghouls came to Edmonds to take part in this tradition. The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce website has all of the information you need about the event - included street closures event locations, and vendors that are involved - http://www.edmondswa.com/events/halloween-extravaganza.html.

Come out for the Happy Hauntings....if you dare (as they say).

Have a great weekend!

It was 86 Long Years...

In honor of Game Six of the World Series taking place tonight, it's time to discuss a historical event very near and dear to the hearts of those in Boston. In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won the world series and broke the Curse of the Bambino.

For those who don't know, the legend it involves Babe Ruth, 86 years of play off disappointment and a whole lot of superstition. In the offseason of 1919-1920, the Red Sox sold slugger Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees (which could be part of the rivalry between those two teams). Once Babe Ruth left the team, the Red Sox couldn't seem to win. They went from the winner of the first World Series and several playoff titles to a team that went title-less for decades. The Yankees, on the other hand, became one of the most successful teams in baseball.

Understandably, it was thought that Babe Ruth's departure had to do with the change, and that he is the "Bambino" in question. Fans tried different ways to break the curse, from painting street signs to say "Reverse the Curse" to purifying Fenway park.

Nothing worked until October, 2004 when the Red Sox took on the Cardinals...and won in a 4 game sweep. Eighty-six years later, the Curse of the Bambino was broken.

Makes you wonder if the Red Sox are afraid it'll take another 86 years for a title...

Make Yourself at Home at the Home Safety Council

Everyone knows how important it is to keep your home safe - new parents baby-proof, older adults put in safety bars and everyone puts safety mats in the bathtub. But what if you have a safety situation you haven't encountered before? Or are just curious as to what you could be doing differently around your house? We found a great website for you to check out!

The Home Safety Council (we mentioned their fire safety tips in the post about the Great Chicago Fire) has a website full of resources for kids, adults, seniors and people of all ages. Their resource section provides information for specific types of safety issues, fire escape planning guides, games for kids and even resources in Spanish. Visit http://bit.ly/u2Cnvx to see what all they have available for you!

As an added bonus, keeping your home safe helps prevent insurance claims, which helps keep your premiums low year after year after year.

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips!

With Halloween a week away, people are starting to carve pumpkins and get involved in the festivities of the holiday. While some of us are content munching on candy (it's on sale, how could you not?) others don costumes and facepaint. One tradition that holds true across all age groups is carving pumpkins...and we've compiled a few tips to help you carve that pumpkin with care.

-First of all, make sure you're using the right equipment. Many stores sell kits with specially designed saws for the sole purpose of creating the perfect Jack O'Lantern.

-Whether or not you use a special kit or a knife, make sure you point the knife away from your hands and fingers, and the hands and fingers of everyone else.

-Make sure you're paying attention! Most of the injuries seen from carving pumpkins happen because someone is distracted while holding a knife.
-Finally, once your pumpkin is carved, be sure that you never leave lit candles inside unattended or too close to anything. Candles in a pumpkin are just like candles anywhere else.

Safe and happy pumpkin carving! If you have a great work of pumpkin art send a picture to info@mcdonaldmcgarry.com. We'd love to see them!

Are You Ready for "ViaDoom"?

On the off chance you've not been around Seattle for long, it's time to remind you about a very important traffic disruption happening for the next nine, or so, days. The Alaskan Way Viaduct, the highway that rises just above the city's waterfront is becoming a tunnel and the Department of Transportation is starting work on that project this weekend.

As of 7:30 tonight, the section of Alaskan Way between the West Seattle Bridge and Royal Brougham Way will be closed. While northbound lanes will be open intermittently for events, drivers are told to prepare for detours and alternate routes until the roads open again in the early morning hours of October 31st.

So what can you do? Plan for more traffic. Since the Viaduct serves as one of the main north-south thoroughfares, people will probably divert to I-5...meaning more traffic for us. We'd recommend you either find an alternate route or plan extra time to get to your destination.

Want more information? Check out the Seattle Times, or the SeattlePI online and the Washington Department of Transportation has great information at www.wsdot.gov.

Have a great weekend!

7 Things to Know About Auto Insurance

When considering auto insurance there are a lot of ideas and suggestions being tossed around in cyberspace and in the real world. With that said, we are always looking to clarify and explain some tips about your auto insurance. Here are 7 things you should know about your auto insurance:

1) Some of the Really Helpful Coverages are Inexpensive!
There are several coverages on your policy that you make choices about - collision and comprehensive, rental car coverage, towing protection. Some of those coverages, especially towing and rental reimbursement are inexpensive for the value they provide. Definitely something to consider when looking at your insurance.

2) A Lot of Things Can Affect Your Car Insurance Rate

Obviously, your driving record and claims history impact your rates. Insurance companies also look at zip codes (living downtown provides more risk than a rural neighborhood) and your credit history (people with higher credit scores often file less claims and pay their bills on time more regularly). All of this means that your rate my differ from your friends or coworkers.

3) If Your Policy Lapses, It'll Cost You More in the Long Run

Most insurance companies prefer that you have continuous coverage - being licensed and uninsured is frowned upon. Even if you're planning on switching companies, make sure you keep your old coverage in place until you have your new policy in force.

4) Higher Deductibles Can Mean a Lower Premium

I've discussed this before, but a higher deductible means you are willing to shoulder some of the costs of a claim, and insurance companies reward that with a lower premium. You shouldn't, however, raise your deductible too high or you risk digging deep into your own pockets.

5) Look for Discounts!

Is your college student far away? Are their grades good? Do you have multiple policies with the same companies? Can you afford to pay in full? Would you be comfortable signing up for an EFT plan? All of these questions can lead you to discounts!

6) Coverage Affects What You Pay

Like I mentioned above, the coverage levels you choose impact your premium. But does that mean you should put yourself at financial risk in the event of an accident? Definitely not! The trick is to find the balance between an affordable premium and great coverage (and hint: we can definitely help with that!)

7) The Car You Drive Can Impact Your Rates

Insurance companies look at the safety ratings of the cars their insureds drive...and the safer the car, the less expensive it might be to insure. Just something to consider...

While these don't cover all of the finer points of deciding the best auto insurance for your situation, they are some interesting things to consider when looking at your coverage. Of course, if you have any questions, call us - that's what we're here for!

Want a Burger? Dick's Drive In Opens in Edmonds

Almost everyone in Seattle has a story about Dick's Drive In. And they likely know the locations of all of them - Queen Anne, Broadway, Wallingford, Lake City, Holman Road and Edmonds. You read that last one correctly - as of tomorrow at 3pm Dick's Drive In is opening in Edmonds! Those of us used to trekking into the city for the crave-able burgers, fries and shakes will no longer have to spend more for gas then for food.

Dick's is having their official Grand Opening tomorrow at 3pm....and then we're guessing they will operate the same hours as their other locations 10:30am-2:00pm. In case you want to get in the action right away, the Edmonds Dick's is located at 21910 Highway 99 in Edmonds - just north of the Top Foods and Starbucks.

Our family has quite a few memories involving a stop for Dick's Deluxes. We've gone looking at Christmas lights, often times stop there on the way from the airport (Meagan spent a summer studying in Italy and she requested a burger on the way back to Edmonds!) and with two kids going to high school on Capitol Hill, the Broadway Dick's was a nearby lunch spot.

So, in honor of the first brand-new Dick's Drive In since 1974 (bonus if you can name the last one built)...what are your memories of the burgers, fries and shakes? Share on our Facebook Page or in the comments below!

Stay in Touch!

One of our jobs as your insurance agent is to partner with you in the protection of what matters to you. Making sure you've got the coverage you need is what we are here for. One of the challenges, however, is that people have changing contact information! We need to make sure that we know how to reach you in the event of an emergency. Often times, we have a mailing address and a home phone number...but people rely on cell phones and email and we'd love to be able to reach you that way too! If you've changed contact information lately, call our office at 425-774-3200, email info@mcdonaldmcgarry.com or visit http://www.mcdonaldmcgarry.com/contact-us and fill out the quick contact form. Thanks in advance!

Tips to Protect Yourself While Working at Home

Changes in technology, not to mention the economy, are making it easier for people to work from home. Looking at the total of self-employed people and those that telecommute, a sizable percentage of the population is working from home - and the numbers are growing.

What people don't often realize is that working from home can impact your insurance protection. A homeowners policy has specific limits for what it will and will not cover. If you're employed by someone else, you should check with them to see how their insurance covers you. Running your own business means that you need to look into coverage for yourself. If you have visits from clients, you'll need to include liability coverage in addition to your product and property liability. Here are a few ideas of coverages to consider:

1) Call us - we can evaluate whether or not your business would be eligible for an endorsement to your homeowners policy. Sometimes it isn't in your best interest or protection to do so, but that is an option that we are more than happy to explore.

2) If you're business brings in a sizable profit, you will want to look into a home business policy - one including loss of use or interruption coverage should your business be put on hold due to a damage to your home.

3) For the most protection you should consider a Business Owner's Policy. This covers you against business risks at home and away, often provides a higher limit of coverage and protection against more hazards.

Of course, the best first step is to talk with us. We've been insuring small businesses for a long time and can advise you on the best coverage for your situation.

School Activities and Auto Insurance

Fall is in full swing, and for those parents with school-aged kids, it means that it's time to go to ballet, soccer games, and field trips. But what does this mean for your auto insurance?

In an auto accident, there is always the possibility that the driver could be legally liabilty for all of the injuries sustained in the accident. Most personal auto policies provide for that, and we encourage our clients to carry high liability limits for that reason. But depending on the vehicle you're driving - if you've rented a van or are driving a small bus - your insurance coverage can change. School employees face this risk the most, as they often have access to the vans, classifying them as a vehicle provided for your regular use. If you know you'll be driving an unusual vehicle for a school or team event, you can call our office and we can advise you on what your policy covers, and options to protect you and your passengers.

We recommend that our clients carry the highest liability limits possible, and we even recommend coverage above and beyond the limits of the auto policy in the form of an umbrella. An umbrella policy can offer more than one million dollars in additional coverage.

If you have questions about what your auto policy covers, let us know! We are always happy to advise you on whatever insurance matters you encounter! For more information on this particular article, visit www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/Transporting-Kids.asp

One of the great things about working with several different companies is that we have a wealth of information from a variety of sources. We work with the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau - the WSRB - that provides information about the fire protection and territories throughout the state. Recently I got an update from them that included an article about the largest companies today and compares them with the largest companies from 1955. Take a look (any of the ones from 1955 sound familar?).

In 1955, the Fortune 500 listed these businesses as the nation's largest employers:
1) General Motors
2) Chrysler
3) U.S. Steel
4) Standard Oil of New Jersey
5) Amoco
6) Goodyear
7) Firestone

Today, these companies made the list:
1) Walmart
2) Target
3) Sears
4) Kroger
5) IBM
6) Hewlett Packard
7) Dell
8) Google
9) Cisco
10) Oracle

Interesting trend from auto-related industries to retail and technology, don't you think?

We're Still Giving Away Faucet Covers!

In the latest edition of McNews, we announced that we are giving away faucet covers again this fall! Last year we passed out faucet covers to the first 25 people that came by our office and we are doing that again this year. We've handed a few out so far, but we have still have a few left.

If you haven't noticed it yet, the rain is starting to come, leaves are falling and despite the fact that there are a few holidays in between, people are counting down to Christmas. Chances are we will get some wet, cold weather in the area come November, and having your faucets protected before the first freeze is a great way to prevent water damage claims. As an added bonus, if you cover your faucets sooner rather than later, you have a better chance of finding a dry, marginally warmer time to trudge outside.

Come by our office to get your faucet cover! We have just a few left, so the sooner the better. Visit www.mcdonaldmcgarry.com for directions or give us a call at 425-774-3200 and we can help you find us!

Turn Over a New Page...

While catching up on local news the other day, I noticed a business in downtown Edmonds was asking an important question: how would it feel not to be able to read a book? Or read the directions on a bottle of medicine?

October is Literacy Month, and while there is a lot of publicity about getting kids to read and helping to end illiteracy, Comstock Jewelry is doing something about it. Comstock Jewelry is collecting books to be distributed by Page Ahead (www.pageahead.org) that ensures the books are given to at-risk children.

There are several studies that show that academic success can be due in part to having books around the home and being read to regularly. Further, developing reading activities helped 91% of children become more interested in readying, and 74% of parents became more involved with their child's reading habits. Page Ahead, teamed up with the Seattle Alumni chapter of Pi Beta Phi, is working with Comstock to collect books for those children who would need them most. For more information about Page Ahead visit their website -www.pageahead.org.

Comstock Jewelry will be collecting books from October 1-29 at their store in downtown Edmonds - 411 Main Street or visit www.comstockjewelers.com.

Mrs. O'Leary & Her Cow...Fire Safety Tips!

On the night of October 8, 1871, a pile of hay in a barn caught fire, and began the two-day ordeal known as the Great Chicago Fire. For two days, the fire destroyed the city. At that time, most of the buildings were made of wood, and between the recent drought and high winds the fire was hard to stop. It jumped from neighborhood to neighborhood, crossing bridges, rivers. When all was said and done, the fire burned over 30 blocks. Luckily, 140 years after the fact, we've learned our lessons and have smartened up a bit about fire safety. Which brings me to the "tips" part of today's blog. With the weather cooling down people are starting to move inside and use space heaters instead of air conditioning, stove tops instead of barbecues, and candles and matches are making their way out of drawers. Fire prevention and safety is a concern each fall, and it is important to discuss some tips for keeping you and your family safe.

The Home Safety Council is an incredible resource for safety tips. They have articles on keeping seniors safe, and even evaluating situations for babies and toddlers. What I'm looking at today is the page they have discussing how to reduce the chances of fire in your home. Here are some of the most valuable suggestions:

• 
  
  As their name suggests, space heaters need space. Keep them at least 3 feet away from things that can burn - newspapers, blankets, curtains. And make sure you turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.


• 
  
  Make sure your candle holders are sturdy, and not flammable. Using a metal or glass candle holder that is big enough for the candle and a bit of room can help keep mishaps to a minimum.


• 
  
  Install smoke alarms inside or near every bedroom, and make sure there is at least one on each level of the home. There are two different types of sensors in smoke alarms - photoelectric and ionization. It would be smart to have a few of both, or alarms that contain both types of sensors.


• 
  
  This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detector...it does need to be done twice a year!


• 
  
  If there are children in your home, be sure that candles are only lit with adult supervision. It's also recommended that you blow them out when you leave the room.


• 
  
  Keep all matches and lighters in a safe place where small children can't access them. Every year, many young kids are burned from playing with matches and lighters.

For more information about home fire safety, or to learn more about keeping your home safe, visit the Home Safety Council's website at www.homesafetycouncil.org/safetyguide/sg_fire_w001.asp.

While the origin of the Great Chicago Fire is still being debated (was it a cow? a milk thief? a rogue craps game?), we can be assured that building standards, fire protection, and the fact we don't rely on lanterns can prevent such an event. Small home fires do happen, however, and it is important to keep these important tips and tricks in mind while planning to keep your family safe.