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Internet and Social Media Safety - Pay Attention!

4/24/2014

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released the results of a comprehensive study  on the impact of social media and technology on kids and families. Although there are real benefits to kids using the Internet and social media, there can be some serious downsides too. 

From the AAP: "Because children have high levels of exposure, media have greater access and time to shape young people's attitudes and actions than do parents or teachers, replacing them as educators, role models, and the primary sources of information about the world and how one behaves in it." 

That statement alone screams, "Pay attention... THIS IS IMPORTANT!"

Here are some statistics found in the study:
  • Teenagers spend, on average, 8.08 hours a day using various forms of media, not including time spent doing school work or talking or texting on a cell phone. This includes television, commercial or self-recorded video, movies, video games, print, radio, recorded music, computers, cell phones, and the Internet.
  • Most children are introduced and use the Internet while they are kindergarten age or younger.
  • 90% of 13 to 17 year-olds have used some form of social media and 75% have a profile on a social networking site.
  • 38% of youth share photos, stories, videos and art.
  • 47% of online teens have uploaded pictures where others can see them.
  • 27% of teens record and upload video to the Internet and 13% stream video live to the Internet for others to watch.
  • 30% of parents stated they do not monitor their child's Facebook activity.
  • 77% of all 8 to 18 year-olds have their own cell phone; 87% of teens 14 to 17 own a cell phone, and 31% of these older teens have smartphones.
  • 20% of all media consumption occurs on mobile devices (cell phones, ipod/tablets, or handheld games).

This level of technological engagement increases the risks of exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and depression in children and young adults. It is important for parents to teach their children to be safe, responsible and technologically proficient cyber citizens when accessing media in all it's forms.

The National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) has shared the following guidelines to help parents:
  • Openly discuss all aspects of the Internet with your children as they age. Discuss both the positives and the negatives. Help them think critically about their actions online.
  • Place the computer in a family area of the household and do not permit private usage.
  • Create a safe-computing contract with your child about his use of social media sites and online computer use.
  • Discuss digital citizenship with your child: if you wouldn't say it in person, don't post it online!
  • Know each of your child's passwords.
  • Encourage the use of privacy options on all social networking sites.
  • Monitor what your child's friends are posting regarding your child's identity.
  • Enable Internet filtering features if they are available from your Internet Service Provider.
  • Install monitoring software or keystroke capture devices on your family computer that will help monitor your child's Internet activity.
  • Know what other access your child has to computers and devices like cell phones, ipods, and tablets.

Here are some common sense rules for kids and teens:
  • Never post your personal information, such as a cell phone number, address, or name of your school.
  • Be aware that information you give out through social networking sites, instant messages, emails, and blogs could put you at risk of bullying and other types of victimization.
  • Never meet in person with anyone you first "met" online. Some people may not be who they say they are.
  • Remember that posting information about your friends could put them at risk.
  • Never respond to harassing or rude texts, messages, and emails. Delete any unwanted messages or friends who continuously leave inappropriate comments.
  • Never give your password to anyone other than your parent or guardian.
  • If you wouldn't say something to another person's face, don't post it online!
  • Only add people as friends to your site if you know them in real life.
  • Think before posting your photos. NEVER post or send semi-nude or nude pictures of yourself or anyone else! Personal photos should not have revealing information such as school names or location.
  • Use the privacy settings of social networking sites.

This is an important conversation to have with your family, so if you haven't talked about it recently, there's no time like the present! 

At ALINK Insurance Services, your safety and protection are our primary concern. If you have questions about life, home, auto, recreational, or commercial insurance, please contact us.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We're here to help!
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Renter's Insurance - Is It Really That Important?

4/18/2014

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According to the Insurance Information Institute, the majority of American homeowners have insurance while only 31% of renters purchase renter's insurance. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that more adults from the ages of 24 to 34 are renting than ever before (up more than a million from 2006 to 2011), however most in that age category do not have renters insurance. A survey by Nationwide Insurance revealed that 75% of the renters who are not insured are unaware that they can get monthly coverage at a relatively low cost.

So is renter's insurance really that important?
“It’s clear that there’s a misconception... about the importance of renters insurance and how much it really costs,” said Matt Jauchius, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer. “For the $20 renters spend on items such as coffee and streaming video, they can get excellent coverage to help protect their belongings. Considering renters share many of the same risks as homeowners, it’s not only important; it’s a no-brainer.”

Nationwide survey respondents--more than 1,000 renters ages 23 to 35--said it would cost an estimated $5,000 to replace their belongings in the event of a catastrophe, but 40% do not see renters’ insurance as a necessity. With millennials being the largest demographic in America at 86 million (7% larger than the baby boomer generation), a large population of renters have a significant amount to lose from being uninsured. (Source)

Here are a few things to consider if you are currently an uninsured renter:
  • Those without renter's insurance are significantly more likely not to know the value of their possessions. Creating a home inventory will help ensure you are adequately covered.
  • By purchasing renter's insurance, your belongings are covered against losses from fire or smoke, lightening, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm and water damage (not including floods). Your possessions are not covered by your landlord's insurance.
  • Like homeowners insurance, renter's insurance also covers your responsibility to other people injured, at your home or elsewhere, by you, a family member, or your pet, and pays legal defense costs if you are taken to court.
  • Renter's insurance covers additional living expense (ALE) if you are unable to live in your home because of a fire or other covered peril.

There are two types of renter's insurance policies:
  1. Actual Cash Value - pays to replace your possessions up to the limit of your policy, minus a deduction for depreciation.
  2. Replacement Cost - pays the real cost of replacing your belongings (regardless of depreciation) up to the limit of your policy.

The I.I.I. offers a Renter's Insurance Checklist that can help you select the right coverage for you.

At ALINK Insurance Services we would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this important (yes, it's important!) coverage. We're here to help!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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Spring Has Sprung: Central Air Conditioning Maintenance

4/11/2014

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It's a beautiful day in Colorado. Blue skies... sunshine... temps in the 70's. Spring is definitely on it's way! Before you know it, you'll need to turn on the air conditioning to cool off on an especially hot summer-like spring day. Now is the best time to schedule a check-up on your central air conditioning unit(s) to make sure it's ready to do the job. If you haven't had regular check-ups in the past, you may be wondering why you should start... to save money! Having an HVAC contractor service your unit(s) can save thousands of dollars down the road if they discover something minor that could potential lead to big issues later on - often those big issues occur at the most inconvenient time (end of July? on consecutive 90 to 100 degree days?).

In order to safely test a central air conditioning unit, the ambient temperature should be 65 degrees or higher. In Colorado, this time frame can be as early as April, but definitely by May. It's a good idea to schedule a check-up early as the HVAC companies will get busier and their schedules tighter as the weather heats up. This testing should be done annually, and the cost varies from $75 to $100, provided no major repairs are needed.

During the service call, the HVAC technician should perform the following:
  • Check for proper refrigerant (freon) levels. A low level indicates a leak, which will need to be located and repaired before adding more freon.
  • Check all electrical components and controls.
  • Clean evaporator and condenser coils as needed.
  • Oil motors as needed.
  • Calibrate the thermostat.
  • Check Condenser.
  • Check filters.

Here are a few basic maintenance tips for the homeowner:
  • Check the condensing until outside to make sure it's not covered up. Some homeowners intentionally cover the unit, even though it's not necessary because it's designed to withstand the natural elements. Clear dead leaves, lawn furniture, toys, newspapers, and other debris that collects throughout the winter away from the unit.
  • Run the air conditioner before you need it. If you wait until it's hot, you could possibly be stuck in a long line of homeowners waiting for an HVAC technician.
  • Change filters regularly. Dirty filters reduce efficiency, restrict air flow, and can lead to mechanical failure in some cases.
  • Be sure your thermostat is set to the cooling mode.
  • Never use water to clean the air conditioning unit. A clean unit will operate at top efficiency, but using a hose and water to clean it could run the risk of electrical shock and possibly shorting electrical components.

At ALINK Insurance Services, saving you money and providing excellent service and security is our goal. Call us for any questions you may have concerning your current policy and coverages. We're here to help!
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Distracted Driving

4/3/2014

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April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month.


In a news release today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the Department of Transportation's first ever national advertising campaign and law enforcement crackdown on texting and driving - aka DISTRACTED DRIVING. You may see or hear television, radio, and digital advertisements with the slogan U Drive. U Text. U Pay.  Watch the ad here.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes in 2012. 

According to NHTSA statistics, 71% of teens and young people say they have composed and/or sent a text message while driving, and 78% of teens and young adults have read a text message while driving. The problem isn't only with teen drivers, however. With smart phone usage on the rise, distractions also include reading and responding to emails, checking social media sites, and using other functions on your device, including scrolling through your contact list and making phone calls.

Some other interesting statistics from the NHTSA:
  • 4.6 seconds is the average time a driver's eyes come off the road when sending or reading a text message
  • At 55 mph, you would drive the length of an entire football field per text
  • Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use

U.S. DOT has provided the following guidelines:
  • Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
  • Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
  • SPEAK UP when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call or send the text for the driver so his or her full attention stays on the road.
  • Alway wear your seatbelt (need you be reminded?). Seat belts are your best defense against other unsafe drivers.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies offers a free online Distracted Driver Training Course to help educate people to be safer behind the wheel. You can access it here.

At ALINK Insurance Services, your protection and safety is our primary concern. Please contact us with any of your insurance questions or needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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