In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered?

Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be awarded, be extremely expensive and have long-term financial impact. Those lawsuits can come from unlikely sources, such as our furry friends.

Take Herschel for instance. Herschel is a much-loved, rather timid labradoodle who enjoys taking naps on the driveway while his owner mows the lawn.

Herschel watched from eight feet away as his neighbor, a 39 year old man, showed off his rollerblading skills to his kids. The man wiped out on the sidewalk in front of Herschel’s house and broke his leg. He required surgery, costing around $35,000 in medical costs and $18,000 in lost wages.

Fair or not, the man brought a lawsuit against Herschel’s owner, suing for $220,000 in damages. He alleged that Herschel had caused the accident by getting in his way, despite multiple witnesses to the contrary.

But Herschel’s owner was lucky--a jury vindicated Herschel. However, lawsuits such as these can easily exceed the limits on a homeowner’s policy, leaving the insured responsible for the remainder. An umbrella policy would prevent that, giving you an extra $1 million to $5 million in coverage.

Our furry friends can put your assets at risk in other ways as well. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with half of those occurring on the owner’s property. Dog bites, according to the Insurance Information Institute, account for about a third of all homeowner’s insurance claims, which only cover limited damages.

Protect what you love. Call Lallis & Higgins Insurance to talk about your umbrella options.

College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy. If you have a student heading away to school, below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your coverage.

HOMEOWNERS (varies by state)

Personal Property: Most homeowners policies will cover personal property for up to 10% of your total policy while your child is residing at school (a $100,000 policy equals $10,000 in coverage). Not all types of damage are covered, so read your policy carefully. Some items such as jewelry or expensive electronics, require special coverage. Renters insurance is strongly recommended.

Liability Coverage: General damage to a dorm room or apartment is not usually covered.

Documentation: Creating an inventory of the items your child is taking to school is a good idea. Use photographs and keep receipts.

AUTO (varies by state)

Car Stays Home: Keep your child listed on your auto policy if they will still drive your car while at home on school breaks.

Car at School: Make sure to notify us if your child will be taking a car away to school. In most cases, if the car is registered to you and listed on your policy, it will be covered.

Driving a Friend’s Car: Students are generally covered if they are listed on their parent’s policy and are not regularly using the vehicle. The coverage would be secondary. The insurance for the friend’s vehicle would be the primary coverage.

Discounts: A full-time student meeting certain academic requirements can qualify for a good student discount. Distant student discounts may also be available. Drivers under 21 who have completed driver’s education may also get a discount.

Before your child leaves for school, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance. We can walk you through the steps to ensure you have the right coverage. We’re here to help!

Do you need rental car insurance?

You’ve probably been at the rental-car counter, listening to the representative ask if you want to purchase the company’s insurance. And the thoughts start racing through your head. “Is this a rip-off? Doesn’t my regular auto policy cover me? What about my credit card? Why didn’t I figure this out before I left on my trip?”

At Lallis and Higgins Insurance, we are here to help. And while not every situation is the same, we’ve got some general tips that will help you make an informed decision the next time you’re standing at that counter.

1. Know your personal auto policy.

Because insurance policies vary, it’s a good idea to give us a call — before you rent a car — to make sure you have the coverage you need. In many instances, your personal auto policy will provide coverage for a rental car — but that coverage may be limited to the value of the car you own, rather than the one you’re renting. Of course, if you don’t have a personal auto policy, you’ll need to purchase coverage from the rental company.

And keep in mind that in the event of an accident, many rental companies will charge fees beyond repair costs. They may assess a loss-of-use fee for each day the car is unusable, as well as charge you because the value of the car has decreased. Not all insurance policies cover these fees.

2. Also know your homeowners or renters policy.

If you’re traveling with expensive electronics or other valuable items, you probably want to consider what coverage you’ll have in the event they are stolen. Your personal auto policy and/or credit card coverage likely won’t provide protection for this scenario.

3. Check your credit card protection.

Most credit cards will also provide some coverage, but often payment is limited to reimbursement of your personal auto policy deductible (after that policy pays for repairs). Generally, loss-of-use and other fees are not covered, but it’s important to check with your credit-card provider to determine their policies. And while some cards may offer additional protection for a fee, usually coverage is limited to damage to the car, not liability for any injuries to others. Remember, to receive any sort of benefit from your card, you must use that card to pay for your entire car rental.

4. Consider any unique circumstances.

Are you renting a car in a foreign country, or for more than a week? You’ll definitely want to get confirmation of coverage from both your insurance carrier and credit card company because different rules might apply. Also, no matter where you are, vehicles such as trucks, RVs or exotic sports cars often aren’t covered under standard agreements. And if you’re using a car for business purposes, your personal coverage might not apply. Finally, if multiple people will be driving the car during your trip, make sure your coverages will apply to them.

5. Learn about the insurance offered by the rental car company.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, rental companies offer four main types of coverage.

A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) relieves you of responsibility if your rental car is damaged or stolen. This may also provide coverage for loss of use. Liability Protection provides protection from lawsuits if you are sued after an accident.

Personal Accident Insurance covers you and passengers for medical bills after an accident. You may not need this if you have adequate health and auto coverage.

Personal Effects Coverage protects you if items are stolen from your car. You generally are covered for this under your homeowners or renters policy, but keep in mind that the loss must exceed your deductible for you to receive payment. If you have a high deductible, it may make sense to purchase this coverage from the rental company.

When you go on vacation, you don’t want to stress out about insurance. So give us a call before you leave. Then, when you head over to the rental-car counter, you can stop worrying about your coverage — and start enjoying your trip!

For more information, contact Lallis and Higgins Insurance.

True or False: Your homeowners insurance can increase if you have a trampoline on your property.

True or False: You are responsible when someone trespasses on your property, plays on your trampoline or gets injured.

True or False: Your insurance company can cancel your homeowner’s policy because you have a trampoline on your property.

Unfortunately, all the above are true. Despite the fun and health benefits that a trampoline can bring, insurance companies do not share the same sentiments.

Due to the number of injuries sustained from trampoline accidents, trampolines are an “attractive nuisance” for insurance companies.

If you don’t already own a trampoline, it is important to check your homeowner’s policy for any clause that refers to attractive nuisances like trampolines and pools. Your agent can also advise you on the insurance company’s policies if you choose to add a trampoline to your property.

If you already own a trampoline, you can ignore reporting it to your agent. But, injuries can occur and liability can result. Additionally, if they visit for a different purpose (assessment of property or damage to the home from a storm, for example), they can’t miss the large equipment on the lawn.

You can contact your insurance agent to talk to about a variety of options:

1. The insurance company may offer coverage if you add safety features to the equipment. A trampoline safety netting that encloses the jumper may be sufficient, as it prevents jumpers from falling off the trampoline. The addition of a fence with a locked gate may also work, as it protects homeowners from uninvited guests.

2. Your insurance company may require an exclusion to your policy regarding injuries from a trampoline accident. This means that your premium may not go up, but all medical costs related to the trampoline may come out of your pocket.

3. Your premium may go up as a result of adding a trampoline.

4. Your insurance company may cancel your policy due to a no-tolerance policy.

While there are a number of insurance companies to choose from, coverage varies by company and state.

This means that your sister in one part of the country may have a policy that requires a mandatory trampoline exclusion. But your brother, who’s with a different company and resides in another state, may have a no-tolerance policy when it comes to trampolines.

Rental Insurance for Trampolines

Renter’s insurance may cover injuries sustained by a trampoline. If someone who doesn’t live on the rental property gets hurt, the landlord may be sued because it is their property, however. The landlord’s insurance policy may also be cancelled because of their tenant’s trampoline.

When in doubt, double-check your lease to see if your landlord permits trampolines on the premises or if they have a clause in their insurance policy for trampolines.

A trip to the emergency room can cost more than an increase in premium. Unfortunately, the neurological damage from some falls can be permanent. As such, it is vital to reduce risks by providing the right amount of adult supervision and safety. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for the number of users and weight requirements is another important precautionary measure.

Knowing the homeowner’s policy and the insurance company’s coverage regarding trampolines will prepare you in case a trampoline-related accident occurs in your backyard.

For more information on carriers who insure trampolines, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

thetrampolinemom.com

Summer is in full swing, so that means one thing… What do we do now? Good thing you have Lallis & Higgins Insurance to guide you through the rest of this summer. Here are a few of our favorite summer must dos.

Enjoy an outdoor movie for free

• Summer in the City at the Boston Harbor Hotel is held Friday evenings, and runs through September 8th
• Hingham Shipyard holds free movies every Thursday through August 25th
• Outdoor Movie Night is held at Union Point in Weymouth on Friday July 21st and August 11th

See a free concert

• Enjoy live music at Sunday evenings through August 6th in Abington. Click here for more information.
• Live music is held every Tuesday through August 8th at Sunset Lake in Braintree
• Tuesday through Thursday you can find live music at the Boston Harbor Hotel through September 8th
• Enjoy music by the Plymouth Water front ever Wednesday through August 30th. Click here for more information.

Visit a Splash Pad

• The Petersen Splash Pad at Watson Park in Braintree is open from 10am to 6pm during the summer.
• Randolph’s Imagination Station is located on Pleasant Street near the Williams Gazebo and Randolph Recreation.
• Nelson Memorial Park in Plymouth is located on Nelson St, and is open until 9pm through the Summer.

Spend the day at sea by riding the Hingham to Boston Ferry, or visit one of our many islands for the day

Click here to visit their website to help you plan your next adventure:

Marshfield Fair kicks off August 18th and ends on the 27th.

This Fair offers entertainment and rides for all ages. You don’t want to miss out on their demolition derby! See their website for hours and event times.

We hope you enjoy making new memories with your friend and family this summer, and be sure to say hello when you see one of us from Lallis & Higgins Insurance around town.

If you live in an apartment you may be considering purchasing renter’s insurance. If so, here are some facts worth knowing if you're still wondering about buying a renters insurance policy:

1. The landlord's policy will not cover your personal belongings

Contrary to popular belief, policies carried by landlords typically cover structural damage to the building and not your personal property, so don't expect to have your sofa or cloths replaced if the living room catches fire.

Your renters policy will also cover theft of your belongings, whether they're stolen from your apartment or from anywhere else; including your car. And will pay for another place to rent if your home is not habitable for an extended period of time.

2. Your coverage likely extends beyond your personal possessions

Your renters policy likely will cover your legal costs if someone sues after having an accident at your place, and it will cover a certain amount of their medical bills.

It also will cover costs if you are responsible for damage to other people's property. A common example offered is when you (or your child) throw a baseball that breaks someone's window. Or perhaps you allowed the bathtub to overflow, causing damage in the apartment below.

3. Renters insurance isn't as expensive as you may think

Thinking the cost of coverage outweighs the benefits? Think again. While the price will vary depending on where you live, the averages we've seen range a $10 to $20 a month, much less than you'd spend to replace your belongings.

4. Furry friends may hike up the premium

For all you pet lovers out there, especially those who own "aggressive breeds," don't be surprised if you're quoted a higher premium or denied coverage, depending on the dog.

5. Luxury items may not qualify for standard coverage

Insurance providers often place limits on the replacement cost of luxury items such as jewelry, an art collection and other high-end items you may own. You can ask to schedule these items to be sure they are insured to their full value.

How to evaluate policies

When selecting coverage for your possessions, you'll be choosing from two options: Replacement Cost, or Actual Cash Value. Actual Cash Value is how much your property is worth after depreciation and is the least amount of money of the two types of policies. Replacement cost will give you money to replace the same like/kind item brand new. i.e if you bought a 50’ Samsung TV your insurance would give you money to buy the same like or kind new 50” Samsung TV.

Once you determine which form of coverage best suits your needs, here are some other important considerations:

• Do added safety features, including fire extinguishers, alarm systems and deadbolt locks, reduce the premium?
• Are bundle discounts available to those who carry multiple policies with the company?

Bottom line: If you skip renters insurance to save money, it could backfire and cost you more in the long run. For more information or a quote, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Cbsnews

All college student renters should purchase renter’s insurance. If you have lived away from home and have never gotten yourself insurance before, this article may convince you otherwise.

Protecting your valuables and assets by purchasing renter's insurance could be a worthwhile investment and a way to minimize your risk financially.

Even students living in apartment and dorms who have not amassed a large amount of furniture or expensive belongings should ensure they are protected against theft, accidents or other liabilities.

If the list of your current inventory of valuables is short and mostly limited to electronics such as your laptop, smart phone and TV or clothing, renter's insurance will protect you from any losses.

Purchasing renter's insurance protects your belongings, because your landlord's insurance only covers the structure and liability exposure.

Not purchasing renter's insurance can you leave you exposed to a potential financial loss or setback.

Renter's insurance covers the tenant's personal belongings and provides personal liability protection in case a guest is injured while in the home or property is damaged outside the home.

Some companies offer policies which includes coverage for things such as debris removal, reasonable repairs, fire department surcharge and broken glass. Only 34% of Americans who rent have renter's insurance, according to a March survey released by InsuranceQuotes.com.

Renter's insurance is often overlooked by younger and older people. It's unfortunate, because it's a really inexpensive financial safety net. You need to be prepared for a worse case scenario.

Some policies even provide coverage for when you are traveling and your laptop or other items are stolen. Or it can protect your valuables that are housed in a storage unit.

But What's The Price?

Paying for renter's insurance is fairly inexpensive, and the average monthly cost is under $12 a month.

Making a list of your belongings will help you determine how much it will cost to replace them in case of an emergency, theft or accident. If you have valuable jewelry or family heirlooms, you may need to buy special riders that are separate from the policy.

Renter's insurance will protect you against water damage such as a dishwasher leak from an apartment above yours, vandalism or from power surges or earthquakes, depending on your state and coverage.

When you are comparing quotes, ask the provider about what the policy does not cover, if claims settled on actual cash value or replacement cost and the amount of the deductible.

Some property owners now require their tenants to purchase rental insurance before they can rent an apartment, condo or home. Renters should consider this when they are budgeting for housing expenses.

Sometimes it is unclear who is responsible for damaged personal property such as a leak.

Having renter's insurance is especially important if you have roommates. Making sure all your roommates have their own individual policy is the safest way to make sure everyone is covered correctly.

Renter's insurance will cover alternative housing such as living in a hotel and paying for meals if your apartment is damaged by a fire and you are forced to move out while repairs are being made.

Another benefit to purchasing renter's insurance is that many companies will discount your auto insurance policy if you also purchase renter's coverage. For more information on renters insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Mainstreet.com

Becoming a first-time homebuyer can be both exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. There are a lot of expenses you’ve probably heard about that come with closing on your first home, for instance the down payment, closing costs and agent fees. One expense you may be less familiar with is homeowners’ insurance. Don’t get blindsided by the cost insurance might add to your financial responsibilities – take time to understand your options and get estimates before putting down a large sum on your home.

We’ve assembled a number of most commonly asked questions that first-time homebuyers ask to help give you a better sense of what you need to know when shopping for homeowners’ insurance.

How Much Coverage Do I Need? A Home Inventory Will Tell You.

Start by completing a home inventory (a comprehensive list of everything you own and each item’s value). Make a list or your possessions, describing each item, and noting the make and model and where each item was purchased. Include sales receipts, purchase contracts and appraisals if you have them. Organize your clothing into categories so they are easier to reference.

Here are some handy tips to help you organize your inventory:

• List big-ticket items such as jewelry, artwork and collectibles
• Take pictures of important individual items and store with descriptions
• Save your inventory list on your computer and store it on an external hard drive or disk (you can also send it to a trusted family member for safe-keeping as well)
• Put all the photos, lists and any other documentation (electronic or paper) in a safe deposit box

What Coverages Are Included?

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage of:

• The structure of the home – if your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril (fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, theft, vandalism, explosion, water damage and riots)
• Your home’s contents – if your belongings are damaged or destroyed, it’s typically set between 50 and 70% of your home’s structural coverage (each carrier has its own set of amount covered); high-value items have a cap on repair/replacement value so you should go over these details with your agent.
• Liability – if someone is injured on your property, the liability portion of your insurance policy can help pay for medical, rehab, funeral expenses and legal fees in the event of a lawsuit
• Other structures – if your detached garage or toolshed is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril (see structure of the home for covered perils), your insurance can help pay to have it repaired or rebuilt
• Additional living expenses – in the event that you home is destroyed and needs to be rebuilt, this coverage can help pay for living expenses (hotel and food bills) while you’re displaced

Why Won’t Your Insurance Costs Be The Same As The Current Owner’s?

Many first-time homebuyers assume that they will be paying the same for insurance as the previous owner. In fact, many ask the previous homeowners how much they paid for electricity, school and property taxes, along with the insurance cost when deciding on whether or not to buy the home.

What a previous owner paid in insurance is not always a good indicator of what you’ll pay. There are some predictable and consistent factors, such as if the home is in a flood area, or in an area with many windstorms, hail or tornado claims. But, insurance companies like lenders, take into account your personal information to establish the cost; your age, credit rating, profession and other personal choices are used to determine what kind of insurance they choose and how much you’ll pay.

What Factors Can Affect How Much I Pay For Homeowners Insurance?

The following variables can impact the cost of your homeowners’ insurance premium:

• Home features and characteristics – your home’s age, type of structure, wiring, roof, garage and more can affect your homeowners’ insurance premium. Older homes tend to cost more to insure, and those costs can depend on whether your home is brick, frame, stone or has synthetic siding.
• Location – where your home is located can impact your premium. Proximity to the ocean, exposure to extreme weather (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods) or high-theft neighborhoods can all be factored in.
• Protective devices – burglar alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and deadbolt locks can lower your insurance premium.
• Personal factors – believe it or not, being a smoker may cause you to pay more for your home insurance than a nonsmoker; in their eyes there’s a greater chance for an accidental fire. A good credit history can also lower your insurance.
• Claims history – if you have a history of claims, you’ll pay more and if you made a claim under a previous insurance policy, like a renter’s policy, you’re not eligible for a claims-free discount.
• Previous insurance history – factors like if you’ve never had previous insurance on a residence, have a gap in your insurance history, or if you’ve been previously cancelled by an insurance company for non-payment can impact coverage and cost.

How Can I Save Money On Insurance?

It is possible to cut the costs by making certain adjustments. Some of these are immediate solutions and some require a longer term modification.

• Discounts – Most insurers offer a laundry list of discounts for policyholders. One of the most common is bundling; by bundling your home and auto insurance with the same provide or agent, you’ll be entitled to a discount. As mentioned earlier, safety/protective devices can also reduce your premiums.
• Raise Your Deductible – Raising the amount you agree to pay toward a claim before the insurance kicks will lower your premiums. However, setting it too high can come to bite you in the end if disaster strikes.

How Do I Pay For My Homeowners’ Insurance?

There are two ways to pay your annual homeowners’ insurance premium. You can pay it once annually to your insurer, or elect to pay it as part of your mortgage (escrowing), one month-at-a-time.

How Do I Choose A Provider?

The best advice we can give is to shop around for the rates and programs which best meet your needs. Like mortgage rates, homeowners’ insurance vary between carriers. They also vary in terms of coverage. Don’t be shy about asking friends for recommendations either, referrals are great ways to validate the quality of a provider. However an insurance agent is the best and easiest way to get quotes from several companies in order to choose the best policy for your needs.

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

Prime Lending

Renters Insurance Should Be Considered For College Students Living on Their Own

College students renting an off-campus apartment or house while away at school should consider purchasing renters insurance to protect their personal property, such as a computer, television, stereo, bicycle or furniture, in the event that it is damaged, destroyed or stolen.

Even if a student is a dependent under his or her parent's insurance, the student's personal property, in many cases, is not covered if the student lives off campus. Parents should check their policy or contact their insurance agent to see if renters insurance is right for their son or daughter who is away at school.

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance protects your personal property against damage or loss, and insures you in case someone is injured while on your property.

Why Purchase Renters Insurance?

If you live in a rented apartment, house or condominium, your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your personal property in the event that it is stolen or damaged as a result of a fire, theft or other unexpected circumstance.

College students living in off-campus housing are ideal candidates for needing renters insurance, since many students bring thousands of dollars’ worth of personal items, such as electronics, a computer, textbooks, clothes, furniture, and a bicycle, with them to school. It is the renter’s responsibility to provide coverage for these valuable items.

However, if a college student is under 26 years old, enrolled in classes and living in on-campus housing, the student may be covered under his or her parents’ homeowners or renters insurance policy.

The premiums for renters insurance average between $15 and $30 per month depending on the location and size of the rental unit and the policyholder’s possessions.

Basic Options

Most renters insurance policies provide two basic types of coverage: personal property and liability. Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace personal belongings if they are damaged, destroyed, or stolen. This is the most commonly purchased renters policy.

Liability insurance provides coverage against a claim or lawsuit resulting from bodily injury or property damage to others caused by an accident while on the policyholder’s property.

Unusually expensive items, such as fine jewelry or an art collection, may require the renter to purchase additional coverage, called a “rider” or “floater”. Your insurance agent can help you determine if additional coverage is necessary.

Shop for the Right Coverage

Another important factor to look for when shopping for renters insurance is “actual cash value” vs. “replacement cost” coverage.

Actual cash-value coverage will reimburse the renter for the cost of the personal property at the time of the claim, minus the deductible. It’s important to account for depreciation when considering this coverage option. For example, if a stereo system were stolen from an apartment, five years after the stereo was purchased, the policyholder would be reimbursed for the current value of the system.

Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, will reimburse the full value of the new stereo system, after you purchase the new system and submit your receipts. While the up-front cost is greater, you are more likely to receive accurate compensation for your possessions.

Parents' Homeowners Insurance

As a parent with your own homeowners policy, you may want to contact your homeowners insurance company and ask if your child will be covered while they are away at school. Some companies might still cover your child's belongings under your policy depending on their age and student status. However, you will still be responsible for your deductible under your policy.

Other Points of Interest Regarding Renters Insurance

When a claim is reported, the insurance company will ask the policyholder for proof of purchase for all items reported on the claim. A comprehensive list of possessions, including purchase prices, model numbers and serial numbers, will suffice. It also is a good idea to take photos or video footage of any personal possessions for documentation, making sure it is stored in a secure, off-site location.

When determining how much, if any, renters insurance you should purchase, estimate the value of your personal possessions. This is the amount of insurance you will need to replace the contents of your home if everything were destroyed.

If a college student is living in an off-campus house or apartment with one or several roommates, they may be able to purchase a renters insurance policy together. Some policies automatically extend coverage to any resident of a policyholder’s household who fits the definition of a “domestic partner.” Otherwise, consider carrying separate coverage for each of the adult tenants.

One of the smartest things you can do as a renter is reduce the chances of needing to file a claim altogether by requesting that the property owner install an anti-theft or safety device inside the rental property.

In all cases, it is recommended to reference your current insurance policy or contact your agent when deciding whether or not to purchase renters insurance for a student away at college.

For more information on renter’s insurance for college students, contact Lallis& Higgins Insurance.

naic.org

For many of our neighbors in Quincy and Weymouth, MA, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard - often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly.

Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and garden tools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Don't let your landscaping efforts land you in the hospital! Follow these handy safety tips.

Tool safety tips from the U.S. CPSC

• Dress appropriately. To protect yourself from debris when using lawn tools, wear eye protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and ear plugs may be appropriate depending on how loud the device is.
• Before starting, remove objects from your work area that could cause injury or damage, such as sticks, glass or stones.
• Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. And never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Use extreme caution when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees.
• Teenagers using power equipment should always be supervised by an adult.
• Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Of course, you should never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or any gasoline-powered equipment.
• Do not work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

Lawn Chemical Safety Tips from Texas A&M University

• If you use chemicals to control weeds or pests in your lawn, read the product label carefully so you understand the potential effects on humans, animals and the environment. Follow all instructions.
• Keep children and animals away from the application area, and protect your skin, eyes and nose during and after application.
• Remember, use only the recommended amount. Using more of the chemical will not do a better job.
• Ask yourself if you truly need to use a general pesticide. Is there a product that will specifically treat only the problem you need to solve?

From all of us at Lallis & Higgins Insurance, here's to keeping both you and your lawn healthy this summer!