Spring is Here!

With all the beautiful weather it’s time to get the bike out of its winter slumber and hit the road. In your excitement to get rolling take a few minutes to do a quick maintenance check. I’m not talking about rebuilding the engine–I’m talking about the really simple stuff. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. Check your oil. Make sure your lights aren’t burned out. Ask your dealer’s service department to teach you how to adjust your chain. Here’s why all of this is important: If your tires are under inflated, or even over inflated, your bike won’t handle properly. If your lights are burned out, it’s harder for cars to see you. If your chain isn’t adjusted properly, well, chains are expensive and you don’t want to replace one if you don’t have to.

 Wayne Ezekiel,CGA,MBA,CAIB

A.A. Munro Insurance Brokers Inc.

President

A.A. Munro In Your Community

 In the age of Internet, telephone banking, and call centers, A.A. Munro Insurance is committed to staying close to our customers and local communities by offering you personalized service at 19 offices throughout Nova Scotia. Our company was established in Whycocomagh in 1944 and where we still maintain an office which employs 11 people.

When we speak of being “in your community”, we mean we shop at the same stores you do, we attend the same churches that you do, our children go to the same schools and play on the same sports teams as yours do. AA Munro Insurance understands your needs and those of your communities and we look for opportunities to contribute to the well-being and growth of both.

Each year, A.A. Munro Insurance gives its time and resources to make our communities safer and healthier for everyone. We do little things like sponsor your child’s sports jersey and we do large things like supporting our local fire departments, hospital, the arts community and many other organizations that help build the quality of life you deserve.

It is through the support of our customers and communities that we have been able to grow to one of the largest independent insurance brokers in Nova Scotia. If you want to find out more about A.A. Munro Insurance you can visit us at www.aamunro.com.

Wayne Ezekiel, MBA

President AA Munro Insurance

AA Munro Insurance has you covered when you travel south this winter..

Visit any one of our 19 offices for travel insurance and you’ll be able to rest easy on your well deserved vacation!

This Just In…..

 Insurance Act Changes That Could Save You Money: To anyone in NS who has been rated for an ‘incident’ on their insurance that they paid for themselves, or did not submit a claim to insurnace for – did you know the law is changing? Nova Scotia’s Bill # 86, Fair Automobile Insurance (2011) Act, introduces changes to automobile insurance in the province. Effective April 1, 2012 for new business… and renewals, insurers will no longer be permitted to use “at fault accidents” as a rating variable where no claim has been presented or a claim is closed with no payment by an insurer. This prohibition also captures accidents which occurred prior to April 1, 2012. If this situation applies to you & you would like further info, please let us know!

Tips for ATV winter driving…

1. Make sure your registration and insurance are up to date. Properly attach your licence plate and carry proof of your insurance.

2. Check your helmet. Invest in a new one if it’s damaged by any dents or cracks.

3. Give your ATV a twice-over. Check that all equipment, including brakes, lights, engine, and tires are in good condition and functioning properly.

4. Familiarize yourself with local regulations and bylaws regarding ATV usage.

5. Get your emergency kit ready to go, including any or all of the following: blanket, snacks/food, waterproof matches, a whistle, insect repellant and sunblock, a flashlight, spare fuel, tea or coffee, water/water purification tablets, duct tape, signal mirror, tool kit, first aid supplies, rope, flares, spare keys, a sharp knife, and/or compass. 

6. If your children want to ride, consider an ATV safety course. If you haven’t ridden before or could just use a refresher, do the same. Don’t let your children use adult-sized ATVs.

7. Consider taking a first aid course. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

8. Get yourself in the mindset for a great riding season. Have fun!

And remember, come to AA Munro Insurance for all your ATV quotes!!

 
 

 

 

Congratulations AA Munro Cheticamp on your new location!!

Christmas Tree Safety

Most of us have our trees decorated by now and our enjoying the glow of the lights of our Christmas trees. A Christmas tree can brighten your home — just make sure it isn’t a fire hazard.

Keeping live trees safe
♦ The fresher and more moist a tree, the safer it is.
♦ Select a tree with needles that do not pull easily from the branches or break when gently bent.
♦ Clean the tree stand with a mixture of one cup of water and a capful of bleach.
♦ Re-cut the trunk diagonally one or two inches above the old cut and
immediately place in water.
♦ Always keep the water level in the tree stand above the cut line.
♦ Remove the tree as soon as possible after the holidays.
♦ Never burn a tree in a fireplace or wood stove.

Christmas tree safety
♦ Place the tree away from exits and heat sources.
♦ Never decorate a tree with burning candles.
♦ Check tree lights for damaged or loose connections. Discard damaged light sets.
♦ Replace burnt out bulbs immediately or other bulbs may overheat and
become a fire hazard. Replacement bulbs should have the correct
wattage/voltage.
♦ Avoid overloading electric outlets and inspect all extension cords before using.
♦ Switch the tree lights off at bedtime or when leaving the house.
♦ If a tree catches fire, do not try to move it. Use a fire extinguisher, if available, to put out the flames. If not, evacuate the house and call the fire department.
Keeping metallic trees safe
♦ Never use electric lights on metallic trees. Use spotlights to illuminate the trees from a safe distance.

Tips For Handling A Power Outage

Tips For Handling A Power Outage

Do not open a refrigerator or freezer after you lose power. A well stocked chest frezer should keep food cold enough for 48 hours without power, and the freezer adjacent to the refrigerator should stay cold enough for 24 hours without power. (As long as the door was never opened.) Also, do not open the door to the freezer right when the power comes on, let the freezer run for awhile before opening that door. The refrigerator has much less time to stay cold. 4-6 hours is about the max a refrigerator can keep things cold without power. If the power comes back on and the temperature in the fridge is 42 degrees or above, you will want to toss a lot of that food. (Dairy, cut up melon, meats, eggs, leftovers.)

Keep a flashlight in every room. May seem extreme, but little flashlights are pretty cheap, and who wants to be trapped in a suddenly dark bathroom?? Also make sure you have a couple battery-operated lanterns. Lanterns are great if you want to read, play cards, or make shadow puppets because you are so desperate to find something to do.

Make sure there is a clear path to the sump pump if you have one in your basement. You never know if you are going to end up bailing water out.

Make sure you have an AM/FM radio of some sort. A lot of people have Ipods, but not all of them have AM radio. Some people rely on a radio that is powered from a hand-crank, which is also a good idea.
Have an ample supply of batteries. Make sure this supply is stocked, and not pilfered for small electronics or toys.

If you do use a generator, make sure it is outside, and not in the garage. You don’t want to add carbon monoxide poisoning to your list of problems.

Winter Safety Tip #4 – Winter Tires

It’s that time of year when you hear the clicking of studded tires on the road. Winter approaches quickly and it doesn’t wait for anyone’s schedule. Have your auto-care professional check your winter tires for any problems, and get them on early so you stay safe on the roads.

Government of Nova Scotia Winter Tire Safety Tips
• http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-safetyfeatures-wintertires-index-468.htm

Related AA Munro Insurance Policies
• http://aamunro.com/policies-auto-regular.htm

Winter Safety Tip #3 – Hunting

A popular way of life and pastime in Nova Scotia is hunting.

When you’re in the woods, wear bright colors and at least one article of clothing that’s colored hunter’s / safety orange. Also stay in communication with everyone you’re with and know where they are at all times.

NS Wildlife Division – Hunting
• http://gov.ns.ca/natr/hunt/

Related AA Munro Policies
• http://aamunro.com/policies-life.htm