The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges families to make safety a factor when decorating your homes for the holidays. Following these simple safety steps can prevent fires and injuries. Holiday Injury Statistics • During the two months around the holiday season more than 14,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries related to holiday decorating. • Christmas trees are invoved in an average of 15 deaths and $13 million in property damage annually. •. Candle related fires lead the list of hazards averaging more than 12,000 a year resulting in 150 deaths and $393 million in prperty damage. Use These 8 Safety Tips When Decorating Trees and Decorations 1. When purchasing an artifical tree, look for the "fire resistant" label. This sign indicates the tree is more resistant to catching fire, not that the tree will not catch fire. 2. When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry one. Remember:    • A fresh tree is green    • Fresh needles are hard to pull of the branches    • Fresh twigs will bend not break when handling them    • The trunk butt of a fresh tree wil be stick with resin    • If you bounce a tree trunk on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows the tree is too dry 3. When setting up your tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating a fire hazard.    • Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption.    • Trim away branches to fit the tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand. It should have wide spreading feet. Make sure the water holder is filled while the tree is inside.    • Place trees out of traffic thoroughfares and away from blocking doorways.    • Secure tall trees with guy-wires to walls or ceiling. 4. Use non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations, avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable; keep small parts out of the reach of children to avoid choking hazards, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. Lights 5. For both indoor or outdoor lighting, use only lights that have been tested for safety. They should have a label from an independent testing laboratory.    • Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard  damaged sets or repair them before using.    • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.    • Use no more than three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord.    • Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.    • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted. Just use colored spotlights above or beside this type of tree, never fastened to it. Candles 6. Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.     • Always use non-flammable holders    • Battery operated candles can provide the same ambiance as real ones    • Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper    • Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over    • Never burn candles near evergreens Fires 7. Keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach of children    • Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area    • Keep a screen in front of the fireplace all the time a fire is burning    • Do not burn green boughs or freshly cut wood. Use well seasoned wood (cut at least a year).     • Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes near open flames Emergency Plan 8. Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. Have regular "fire drills" at home. Dave Reed and all our personnel wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.  ...read more

The majority of novice drivers do not have sufficient practical experience to handle the complex task of driving when they are first licensed. One study found a statistically reliable decrease in crash rates among teens who amassed an average of about 110 hours of supervised driving practice before obtaining a license. The risk of a serious or fatal crash increases dramatically with the number of young passengers in the vehicle. For this reason, in many states young beginning drivers are not allowed to carry more than a single young passenger during their first six months driving. The vast majority (more than 80%) of nighttime crashes among 16- and 17- year-old drivers occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. Because of this high risk, many states do not allow young drivers to drive at night for the first six months after obtaining a license. The message for parents of young drivers: Spell out the dangers for your kids. It’s up to you because only 20 percent of schools offer driver ed today, down from 90 percent in the 1980s. “Every time you say, ‘You don’t start this car without a seat belt on, you can’t drive late at night,' you will be saving lives." Read more:http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/dangerous-teen-drivers/#ixzz2dEQguCbz Dave Reed Insurance can help parents of young drivers with auto insurance. Call us at 850 494-2264 or 850 453-8555. ...read more

Here are some ways to save money on your auto insurance 1. Make sure you get all the auto insurance discounts you qualify for a. Multi-car – Two or more vehicles on same policy b. Homeowner – Insured or spouse must own the house of residence; proof required c. Paid in Full – Entire policy premium submitted at time of application d. Advance quote discount – Applications in advance of policy effective date (time varies with company) e. Vehicle discounts – Safety features on vehicle like anti-theft, anti-lock brakes, air bags f. Residency discount – applies when named insured has lived in same residence for more than one year g. Prior Insurance – Applicant has had continuous insurance for at least six months prior to purchasing new policy h. EFT discount – Applies when payments are deducted electronically i. Renewal discount – applies when insured policy has been in continuous force with the company for a certain period of time and is renewed for another term j. Safe Driver discount –Available for policy holders without claims or traffic violations for at least three or five years depending on the company k. Marriage discount – Applies when married couple reside in same household l. Transfer discount – Proof of liability insurance for previous six months m. Senior Driver Training discount – Provide proof of completion of accident prevention course 2. Maintain a clean and up-to-date driving record 3. Raise your deductible 4. Drive a “low profile” car equipped with money-saving safety features 5. Shop around for a good, low cost insurance provider Should you find shopping for automobile insurance confusing, we are here to help guide you through the maze of insurance procurement. Our personalized attention will provide you with quotes from several insurers. Based on your specific needs, whether for a new car or to replace your existing policy, our friendly professional staff will help you select the policy just right for your budget. Cut your costs not your coverage with Dave Reed Insurance, the Peace of Mind People.  Call our Creighton Rd office (850 494-2264) or N. Navy Blvd. office (850 453-8555) ...read more