Before the Winter Storm

Before the winter storm strikes, it’s important to know the weather terminology that may appear across the bottom of your television screen or on the local radio station.

• Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter weather may affect the surrounding area within the next 36 to 48 hours.
• Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are on the way or will begin within 24 hours. Take cover and be prepared.
• Blizzard Warning: Blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are expected for several hours. Sustained winds of 35 mph are expected to sweep the area. A traveler’s advisory is issued if driving conditions are expected to be dangerous or slow moving.

Here are some other tips to help you prepare for winter storms:

• Winterize your car long before the first snowfall hits. Winter weather is unpredictable and may surprise you early in the season. Prepare a disaster kit for your vehicle that includes:

• Shovel
• Sand
• Tow chain
• Jumper cables
• Screwdrivers, pliers and a knife
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Spare change
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Small can and waterproof matches for melting snow
• Windshield washer anti-freeze
• High calorie, non-perishable food items
• Warm clothes that can be layered
• Compass and map
• Cell phone and charger

• Winterize your trees and bushes by trimming long branches. The ice and wet snow that accumulates on branches can cause damage to your home, car or neighbors.
• Salt and shovel walkways often.
• Drain your pipes if you go on vacation or experience a power outage to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Make certain that each family member has warm winter gear, including a winter coat, gloves, hat or scarf and water-resistant boots.
• Keep your gas tank full in the winter months to protect your fuel line from freezing.
• Have your cell phone charged.
• Stock an ample supply of logs that can be reached easily during a storm if you have a wood burning fireplace.

Contact Us

If you haven’t scheduled an annual insurance review, contact our agency today. We will review your risks and help you make important decisions about your auto, home, life or business insurance coverage.

Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered

in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information.

Excuses, Excuses. What’s Yours?

Five reasons people make buying life insurance anything but top priority

Buying life insurance rarely makes the top 10 on our to-do lists—and we have plenty of excuses as to why. Here are top reasons people push it off, and why that might not be the best idea: 

1) “I’m covered through work.”

Employer-sponsored life insurance is a great benefit to have. But work benefits are usually limited. What’s more, they don’t automatically go with you if you change—or lose—a job. 

2) “I’m healthy.”

The fact is, the best time to buy life insurance is when you’re in good health. The younger you are and the healthier you are, the better your rates will be. 

3) “I’m not insurable.”

Most of us are never as healthy as we want to be. But you might be surprised to find out that you are, in fact, insurable, regardless of age or health. It’s worth it just to ask. 

4) “It’s too expensive.”

There are many types of life insurance available, and there’s usually something that will fit in everyone’s budget. Once you break it down, life insurance is basically a dollars-a-day expense.

5) “I’m single and don’t have children.”

Not being married or having little ones around now doesn't mean there aren't other plans in store for you in the future. Plus, if you are in your 20's or 30's and have debts such as a car and a home, it’s good to get insured now while the cost is the most reasonable.

Is today the day?

The truth is, we don’t usually think about items such as life insurance until someone asks about it, or worse, someone we know experiences a life crisis that puts things in a new light. But why wait? Let us be the one to ask you about it, rather than you experiencing a loss that jolts the issue to the top of your list. 

We can help you find an Erie Family Life insurance policy that fits into your budget and covers your needs for your stage of life. Plus, if you’re an ERIE auto and homeowners policyholder, you can save on your premiums when you add a life policy from Erie Family Life*. Give us a call today to learn more. 610-681-5785

*Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York. Related discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements. 

Disclaimer:

Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered

in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory

information.