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There are plenty of potentially hazardous activities that go along with the holiday season and the start of winter, such as stringing up Christmas lights, navigating the icy roads, and hopping on those skis or other snow sports equipment, just to name a few. This is also the time of year when we break out the snow shovels and ice melt, so that we, and our neighbors and visitors, can safely navigate our walkways and sidewalks.

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We all want to be the one to find a gift that makes the holidays unforgettable for that special child in our lives. Whether you're a parent, aunt, neighbor or godparent, don't let your quest for holiday magic steer you towards a purchase that might be unsafe or inappropriate.
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The holidays tend to revolve around food: potlucks, family dinners, cookie decorating and seasonal celebrations offer dozens of opportunities to cook, bake and dine to your heart's content. Whether you're whipping up something in the kitchen or delivering homemade goodies, here are a few tips on food safety for the season:

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After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.

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Just for fun, let's take a look at some of the weirdest insurance policies out there.
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Have you heard of supermodels insuring their legs or singers taking out a policy on their priceless vocal chords? That's probably not necessary for most people, but many of us probably do have a few valuables that can and should be insured separately.

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It's often noted that America is an excessively litigious society which may or may not be accurate, depending on who you ask. But there's no question that the rules and regulations that have made it relatively easy to sue for personal injury in the US have resulted in some truly bizarre lawsuits and legal proceedings. Read on for some of the most entertaining ones we found.
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Gathering school supplies, updating vaccines, and returning to a regular sleep schedule are part of a long list of things that need to be done before sending kids back to school. If your child also has a food allergy, preparing to go back to school takes extra effort and due diligence. Here are some things you can do to make sure your child's medical needs are met throughout the school year.
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Summer in Illinois is coming and with it is the opportunity to experience all kinds of warm-weather mishaps. Here are some common summer dangers and how to avoid them.

Top 10 Summertime Accidents:

1. Car accidents: More teenagers are killed in motor-vehicle accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day than at any other time of year. If your teen is licensed, don't let that carefree summer attitude spill into his or her driving habits. Review safe driving rules, don't allow your teen to drive with too many passengers, and limit trips to only the essentials.
2. Heat stroke: Being active or just spending too much time under the hot summer sun can cause your body to overheat, leading to a serious condition called heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks, and wear loose fitting clothing to allow your body to cool properly.
3. Water accidents: It's not surprising that the rate of drowning and boating accidents spike in the summer. Don't let kids play in the water unattended, and make sure young children and adults wear life jackets while boating or swimming in the lake or ocean.
4. Bike crashes: Whether you're riding a motor or manual, bike accidents can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Always wear a helmet when riding bikes or motorcycles, and be sure that your kids wear them, too.
5. Sunburns: A long day in the sun can cause burn injuries severe enough to warrant medical treatment, and also increases your risk of skin cancer. Stay safe by wearing adequate sunscreen and protective clothing, and hang out in the shade whenever possible.
6. Food poisoning: Warmer weather combined with more opportunities for outside dining is a recipe for foodborne illness. Store meat, fish, and poultry separately from fresh and non-perishable foods. Keep all perishables at appropriate temperatures, and always use a meat thermometer when cooking outdoors. If there is any indication your food may be contaminated, don't think twice: toss it.
7. Playground mishaps: Playgrounds get more use in the summer months, and they also send many kids to the emergency room. Most playground injuries occur on public playground equipment, so make sure the playgrounds your children use are safe, and never let them use equipment unsupervised.
8. Bug bites: Mosquitoes, bees, ticks and other insects are out in full force during the summer, increasing the chance of bites, stings, and allergic reactions. Always wear protective clothing when recreating outdoors, apply insect repellent and, if you're allergic, keep antidote medicine close at hand.
9. Fireworks: Fireworks injure thousands of people each year, and approximately one quarter of those are under the age of 15. In addition, the misuse of fireworks causes over 15,000 fires every year. Use fireworks carefully and responsibly, and always have a safety plan.
10. Pet hazards: Don't forget our furry friends. In summer, dogs and cats are at an increased risk for many of the same dangers as humans: ticks and bug bites, heat stroke, getting hit by a car, or being poisoned as the result of eating dangerous foods. Never leave your pet unattended or off leash, and make sure she is getting adequate food, water and care.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Atlas Insurance Brokerage today.

For most American families, summer is outdoor celebration time, fireworks time, barbecue time, and fun-in-the-sun-by-the-pool time. If you're the one who happens to be hosting, however, it's important to recognize that these quintessential summer activities present unique risks, as well as potential liability issues.
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