You live in a climate where the temperature starts dropping in October and there's a strong chance of snow from November through February. So, you are most likely thinking about putting your motorcycle away for the winter.

Your motorcycle is an investment of your finances and your time, and it's important to think about keeping it clean and safe while the weather is cold and snowy. Wherever you may choose to keep it for the winter season, remember these tips from the Foremost Insurance Group and the American Motorcyclist Association:

Clean it up

Give your bike a good wash and wax and cover it with a breathable cloth cover. This will keep dirt and dust, or other airborne matter in your garage, from settling on your bike.

Gas it up

Top off your tank and add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer prevents your fuel from breaking down and producing a brown residue that can coat your carburetor. Run your engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated gas. Since gas is flammable, do not store a motorcycle with a full tank of gas in an area where there is open flame, pilot lights, sparks or motors.

Change the oil

Just before you put your motorcycle into storage, change the oil. Used oil that sits in your bike all winter becomes corrosive and can damage your motorcycle's parts.

Check the coolant

Since motorcycles are not used in freezing temperatures, many riders overlook the use of coolant. Use a floating-ball device to check if your coolant level is sufficient to resist freezing. If it's low, always add according to the manufacturer's directions.

Charge the battery

Remove your battery, store it at a temperature above 32 degrees and trickle-charge it once a month. If you're able to run the bike once a month, leave the battery in the bike and disconnect the negative cable end.

Remember the tires

If you can manage it, store your bike with the motorcycle off the ground. If you can't do this, make sure the tires are properly inflated, set the bike on its stand and rotate the front tire every so often to avoid flat spots.

By taking the time to properly prepare your motorcycle for storage, you'll save more time in the spring when you want to take your motorcycle out on the open road.

Motorcycle insurance

It's important that you have the right motorcycle insurance. You need an insurance policy that offers the coverages that are important to your specific bike and lifestyle. Take a look at our coverage options on our motorcycle insurance page, or get a quote.

Important things to look for when choosing a specialized motorcycle insurance policy:

• Safety Apparel Coverage to protect your investment in helmets, leathers, gloves and any other clothing designed to minimize injury in the event of an accident.
• Optional Equipment Coverage for chroming, custom painting, side cars or anything else that was not included as standard by the manufacturer.
• Optional Towing and Roadside Assistance in case your bikes breaks down and can't be ridden when you're away from home because you run out of gas, get a flat, or have other mechanical issues.
• Optional Replacement Cost Coverage on bikes purchased new and insured within 30 days.
• Flexible payment plans so you can choose the plan that best fits your budget.
• Deductible and coverage limit options.
• Premium discounts.

For more information on motorcycle insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost.com

If you have a fireplace, you probably like having a crackling fire on a cold winter's night. Watching the light dance on the walls and enjoying its warmth is one of the most charming aspects of the otherwise cold and harsh season.

Yep, there's definitely something alluring about having a fireplace in your home. According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association (HPBA), a fireplace ranks second among the top features buyers seek in a home! Additionally, approximately 80% of American homes have a fireplace, hearth, or pellet stove.

Unfortunately, the perks of having a fireplace also come with a bit of responsibility. Any homeowner with a fireplace should know that the desire for a crackling fire also requires a lifetime commitment to make sure it is in proper working order. Here are eight basics of preventative wood burning fireplace maintenance:

Have the chimney inspected annually, and when necessary, cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.

Install a chimney cap on top of the stack to help ensure that debris or animals don't block the flue.

Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and have a fire extinguisher.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are over 25,000 chimney fires each year in the United States, accounting for over 120 million dollars in damage to property! Most of these occur because the chimney hasn’t been swept lately, so if you’ve followed our instruction above, you should be good to go.

Additional precautions should be taken when you use the fireplace:

Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of potentially flammable objects and materials.

You may be surprised to learn that heating systems are the second highest cause of home fires, just after cooking! Everyday objects like nail polish, plastic toys and polyester plants are extremely flammable and should not be left anywhere near a fireplace.

Clean out the ashes from your previous fire and store them in a non-combustible container until you can properly dispose of them.

If the layer of ashes on your hearth is deep enough that it comes in contact with the grate, that grate may burn out and decrease its lifespan. Excess ashes also reduce the volume of wood that can be placed in the fireplace.

Give the ashes from a wood-fire a good 24 hours to cool down before removal.

Use a fireplace grate.

These grates allow for a better-quality burn, better drafting, and the protection of your fireplace floor. Use either a steel bar, caste iron, or grate heater depending on the frequency of use.

Never leave a fire unattended.

Do not close the damper until the embers have completely burned out.

If you are the proud owner of a gas fireplace, this resource provides great information and recommendations about how you can best care for that investment. Now go enjoy that warm and toasty glow.

Source: foremost.com

Posted by MAIA on October 30, 2020

Effective Monday, November 2nd, certain plates and/or registrations ordered through Registration Drop Off Centers will be centrally distributed and mailed from the new Lowell Fulfillment Center. Centrally distributed plates will now be sent from both Lowell and Quincy Headquarters.

Plates/registrations will be mailed to owners if they have a Massachusetts state-assigned number (S/SA#). Customers who do not have a state-assigned number will still need to pick up their plates/registrations at the Registration Drop Off Center.

This applies both to transactions dropped off by individual customers and by commercial customers (such as agents and runners). Process for Runners and Agents

When dropping of transactions, runners/agents must separate transactions for Individual Customers (with or without S/SA numbers) from transactions for Businesses (with FIDs).

For Individual Customers, the runner/agent will return to pick up the Temporary Plate in a Temporary Plate Sleeve and the Temporary Registration to pass along to the Individual Customer. The permanent plates/registration will be mailed to the customer within 7 business days of confirmation of payment.

For Business Customers, the runner/agent will return to pick up the License Plate, Decal, and Certificate of Registration to pass along to the Business. Revised Documentation

The following documents have been revised due to this change. The revised versions will be posted to the RMV website on November 2nd.

Registration Drop Off Center Form for Individual Customers (REG123)

Registration Drop Off Center Form for Commercial Customers (REG127)

Registration Drop Off Center Pre Drop Off Information Sheet (REG125)

Registration Drop Off Center Post Drop Off Information Sheet (REG126)

Note: For the form for commercial customers, there is no longer a separate version for each drop off location. They have been consolidated into just one form. Questions?

The RMV has created a webpage for COVID-19 information. Please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information

Are you a snowbird? If you flock to a warmer climate during winter, you know that preparing your home before you leave is a tedious, sometimes difficult task. However, creating a thorough winter checklist can help protect your house against theft, water damage and other unwanted surprises. To help ensure everything goes smoothly, here are some important things to remember as you pack up and secure your home for the winter!

Forward your mail.

This is something you can do without leaving your house! Try logging on to www.USPS.com and clicking the "Track & Manage" tab. The United States Postal Service (USPS) can forward your mail for up to one year. For flyers or anything else that comes to your door, ask a neighbor or a family member to occasionally check your home for anything that accumulates on your doorstep or in your mailbox.

Do not turn off the heat!

Set your thermostat between 55 and 60 degrees. If the house temperature is too low, your water pipes could freeze.

Shut off the water.

Doing this minimizes the risk of a flood. Be sure to turn off any valves inside, including automatic irrigation systems. To avoid any type of water leaks, it's always an option to have your pipes drained by a professional.

Prep your appliances.

Depending on how long you'll be gone, consider unplugging your refrigerator to cut down on energy costs. Be sure to clean it, throw out all of the food and leave the fridge doors open to prevent mildew. Other appliances you can unplug are your washer and dryer, microwaves and televisions.

Perform exterior maintenance.

If you live in a snowy area, arrange for someone to plow your driveway and sidewalks to avoid any liability issues. Make sure to also clean out your gutters so water drains easily. And of course, don't leave out any outdoor furniture or flowerpots that could blow away in the wind – put these items in storage!

Perform indoor maintenance.

Check your smoke alarm and make sure it has brand new batteries. If you have a chimney, close the flue to keep out any unwanted visitors such as birds, bats or squirrels. Putting a guard on top of the chimney is also something to consider. To put your mind at ease, go around and do last minute checks on all of your doors and windows. This is your last opportunity to make sure all of the locks work properly.

Consider setting up light timers throughout the home.

This will make it look like someone is home and ward off intruders. It's also not a bad idea to close all of the drapes at every window so no one can see that you're gone.

Inform neighbors that you’re leaving.

It's beneficial to have someone nearby on close watch in case they see anything suspicious around your home while you're gone. Be sure to give them all of your contact information in case of an emergency, and let them know when you'll be returning.

Remember, give yourself enough time to prepare and finish your checklist. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re forgetting something, so I hope these tips help you make your move with peace of mind. Enjoy the sun, and be safe!

Source: foremost.com

Even though it’s not an official holiday, Halloween is much beloved by children and adults alike. What could be more fun than trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, or costume parties?

To make sure treats are safe for children, follow these simple steps:

Snacking: Children shouldn’t snack on treats from their goody bags while they’re out trick-or-treating. Give them a light meal or snack before they head out – don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Urge them to wait until they get home and let you inspect their loot before they eat any of it.

Safe treats: Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Food Allergies: If your child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Do not allow the child to eat any home-baked goods he or she may have received.

Choking hazards: If you have very young children, be sure to remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.

Bobbing for apples is an all-time favorite Halloween game. Here are a couple of ways to say “boo” to bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present on apples and other raw fruits and vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

Try this new spin on apple bobbing from FightBAC.org: Cut out lots of apples from red construction paper. On each apple, write activities for kids, such as “do 5 jumping jacks.” Place a paperclip on each apple and put them in a large basket. Tie a magnet to a string. Let the children take turns “bobbing” with their magnet and doing the activity written on their apple. Give children a fresh apple for participating.

If your idea of Halloween fun is a party at home, don’t forget these tips:

Beware of spooky cider! Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties.

No matter how tempting, don't taste raw cookie dough or cake batter that contain uncooked eggs.

“Scare" bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. These include finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings.

Bacteria will creep up on you if you let foods sit out too long. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for more than two hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90°F).

fda.gov

Here are 8 fun, safe and socially distanced ideas for your family to drive, hike, and experience across New England this fall

1). BELKIN FAMILY LOOKOUT FARM- Natick, MA.

The closest Apple picking location to Boston. Besides just picking apples, Lookout Farm offers Train rides, farm animals, Cider Donuts, and Crafted beer for the adults. Outdoor dining is available by reservation only on the Resy App.

2.) ZOO NEW ENGLAND: BOSTON LIGHTS

Panning the 72 acres of Franklin Park Zoo, Boston Lights will impress visitors of all ages with more than 50 large scale displays comprised of hundreds of colorful lanterns. This spectacular event is sold out until November. Be on the lookout for available tickets.

https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/boston-lights-member-tickets/

3.) FENWAY PARK

Though you can’t enjoy sitting down for a game, Fenway park still offers plenty to enjoy and look at. Take a walk down Landsdowne Street and enjoy the outdoor memorabilia and outdoor dining.

4.) MOHAWK TRAIL

One of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts- Mohawk trail is an Instagram- worthy fall must have experience. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods. It is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Pack a lunch, eat outside and enjoy the foliage - It’s worth the trip (and the photos)

5) PLYMOUTH ROCK

With more than 30 acres to stroll, outdoor living history exhibits, and gardens to enjoy, a visit to Plymouth is a fall essential! The staff have adjusted their protocols to meet physical distancing requirements while still providing engaging programs, and presentations.

6) C.N SMITH FARMS

This place is by far the best for picking your own pumpkins. They are currently booking by reservation only- So be sure to go to their site to schedule in before you take the drive.
https://cnsmithfarminc.com/

7) BARRETTS: SCREENS AND SCREAMS

Due to health and safety requirements, Barrett’s will be presenting an all new drive in experience starting this weekend. Bringing a double feature of horror on screen from old school classics to modern day favorites. Food is provided and delivered to your car by Abington Ale house. Go to their sites for available tickets.

http://www.bhmansion.com/buy-tickets/

In 1984, October was designated as Crime Prevention Month. Since then, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has been working with local law enforcement, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses, and other organizations to help them spread the word about crime prevention and personal safety. With shrinking law enforcement budgets across the country, the role that each of us can play in preventing crime is more important than ever.

Each week in October has a distinct crime prevention theme.

Week 3: Working Together to Reduce Violent Crime

NCPC is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Officer Safety Initiatives (NOSI) Program to help keep communities safe from the damaging impacts of violent crime.

NCPC is devoting Week 3 of Crime Prevention Month to reminding communities and individuals that driving down violent crime is a responsibility shared by all. You can support violence prevention efforts by helping NCPC educate people young and old about the steps we can all take to protect ourselves and our neighborhoods – because everyone’s safety depends on it.

For more information on protecting your home and belongings, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: www.ncpc.org/

The Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law takes effect on February 23, 2020. Until March 31, violators of this law will receive verbal warnings. After March 31st, citations will be issued. It is still illegal to compose or read texts, emails, or social media; or watch videos or use the camera function on your phone. Drivers under 18 are banned from all phone use.

Fines and Penalties:

• First offense - $100
• Second offense - $250 and the driver is required to take a distracted driving education course
• Third offense - $500 which is surchargeable to your insurance

What you Need to Do:

• If you find that you need to use your phone while driving, it must be affixed to the dashboard, center console, or windshield. You cannot hold the phone in your hand.
• Only one touch or one swipe is allowed to activate GPS or to make or receive a call.
• You can no longer manually dial a phone number or enter a GPS location while driving.

What We Recommend:

• Program your GPS before you drive.
• Call or text anyone before you depart to let them know you'll be driving and won't be using your phone.
• If you have an iPhone, go into settings and enable Do Not Disturb While Driving. If you have an Android, download the DriveMode app. These features will silence incoming calls and texts and will send an automatic response to let people know you are driving.

Your heart is the powerhouse to your whole body—that’s why it’s important to provide it with the attention and care it needs.

When you care for your heart, your entire body benefits. When your heart is healthy, all aspects of your physical health will be too. A healthy heart means a better quality of life and allows us to function at our best.

Today is World Heart Day! Check out these five effective ways to improve and maintain heart health:

1. Eat the right things

Consuming the vitamins and minerals your heart needs provides the foundation for a healthy heart. Foods that support heart health by reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation include:

• Oats and barley
• Fatty fish
• Dark leafy greens
• Nuts and seeds
• Beets
• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Legumes
• Low-fat dairy

Sodium is a silent but harmful ingredient in most processed foods—the average American gets about 80% of their daily salt intake from these alone. By limiting the amount of processed foods you consume, you may be able to eliminate excess sodium from your diet.

Looking for an alternative to salt to flavor your foods? Try adding a bit lemon, vinegar, or different herbs. This adds flavor without the negative effects of sodium.

2. Get enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease—regardless of age, weight, smoking, and exercise habits. Sleeping too little changes the way our body functions and can affect blood pressure. This also goes the other way—too much sleep can also negatively impact heart health. Make sure to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night, and you’ll be on track for supporting better heart health.

3. Exercise daily

Three types of exercise are vital to heart health: aerobic, resistance, and flexibility (think running, strength training, and yoga, for example). By varying the type of exercises that are performed every day, you can strengthen and train the heart in different ways. Get the minimum of 30 minutes a day of movement to get your heart pumping.

4. Stop smoking

Smoking—with all of its negative side effects—is detrimental to heart health and is the cause of many diseases. In the U.S. alone, smoking kills the equivalent of three crashed jumbo jets every day. By simply quitting smoking or avoiding it altogether, you’re saving your heart from almost inevitable complications.

5. Manage stress

We all have busy lives and stress is inevitable. While we can’t avoid it entirely, we can make attempts to manage stress in a healthy way. Take a yoga class, set aside 30 minutes of “me” time, or practice deep breathing. A little goes a long way in time and stress management. Small steps like these each day can lead to big strides toward better heart health.

Source: selecthealth.org

While installing support rails, fixing broken steps and securing lifted corners of the carpet are all excellent ways to prevent falls, there also are some VERY simple things you can do in your own home in an instant to make you less susceptible to injury. Surprisingly, falling is the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Adults over 65 and young children are the most vulnerable to injury from a fall, but prevention is a good idea for any age.

Here's our top 10 list of very simple things to do to prevent injury from a slip and fall. When we say SIMPLE, we mean it. You can do any and all of these things immediately to have a big impact on safety in your home:

• Secure and remove cords out of walkways and traffic areas.
• Use non-skid mats on floor rugs or remove floor rugs altogether.
• If the shower or tub is slippery, put a non-slip bath mat on the floor.
• Use a nightlight.
• Never stand on an unsecure chair, table or anything with wheels.
• Clean up spills right away.
• Keep traffic areas clear. Pick up things that are lying on the floor like books, towels, shoes, blankets. Secure and remove cords out of walkways.
• Wear sensible shoes, even indoors. Yes, there's a higher chance you will slip and fall in those high heels! Be extra alert if you wear flip flops, loose slippers or shoes with slick soles.
• Exercise helps. Improving strength and balance makes falling much less likely.
• Check medication side effects for drowsiness or dizziness.

These solutions are easy and relatively inexpensive. There are several great resources online to make your home even more secure and you can even request professional help. For folks over 65, people with health issues or for those that are caring for someone who is susceptible to a slip and fall, it might be a good idea to go the extra length and make your home secure. Home improvement solutions may cost more, but independence might be the smartest investment you could consider.

foremost.com