Monday, August 12, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Life Insurance - Peace of Mind
Life insurance — it's protection for your family and peace of mind for you. It's amazing when you really stop and think about all the effort you put into protecting your family. You provide a roof over their head, a safe, loving environment and the encouragement to tackle each day confidently. You do all this naturally because you love them.
Life doesn't come with any guarantees and that's why there's life insurance. It helps provide some financial security in the event of the unthinkable. With each payment you know you're helping to protect your family with a way to help cover medical bills, funeral costs, mortgage or rent, college tuition and many other living expenses. That's peace of mind for you knowing that regardless of what happens, you've provided for them. Life insurance can be very affordable, even when you have a tight budget. Allstate makes it easy to find the right solution for you by understanding more about your life and your overall financial goals. Talk to an Allstate Personal Financial Representative to learn more or get a simple explanation below to help you decide if term life insurance or permanent life insurance offers the best protection for you. Term InsuranceUniversal Life InsuranceWhole Life Insurance Term Insurance Dependable, low-cost protection. Provides coverage for a specific period of time. Often the most affordable life insurance option. Payment amounts don't change for the guaranteed premium period. Learn more about term insurance Universal Life Insurance Lifetime protection with flexible coverage options. Provides coverage that will last your lifetime. Allows you the flexibility to change your payments as you need to. Builds a cash value that you can access when it's available. Learn more about permanent insurance Whole Life Insurance Insurance that's meant to last your lifetime. Provides coverage and premiums that are both guaranteed to stay the same. Accumulates cash value that you can access when it's available. Builds addition value, similar to dividends, with a feature called "excess credits."
Monday, July 29, 2013
King of the Grill: Serving Up Grill Safety [INFOGRAPHIC]
Share This Story
Throughout the United States, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer. This federal holiday is observed annually to honor American soldiers who gave their lives in defense of this country.
One of the grand traditions associated with Memorial Day weekend is cooking food on an outdoor grill, enjoying the weather and spending time with friends and family. Grilling and barbecue can be fun and tasty, but certain safety precautions are a must. The infographic below provides some general grill safety information, grilling tips and common pitfalls to avoid to help ensure a safe holiday weekend.
Share this infographic on your site.
One of the grand traditions associated with Memorial Day weekend is cooking food on an outdoor grill, enjoying the weather and spending time with friends and family. Grilling and barbecue can be fun and tasty, but certain safety precautions are a must. The infographic below provides some general grill safety information, grilling tips and common pitfalls to avoid to help ensure a safe holiday weekend.
Share this infographic on your site.Sunday, July 28, 2013
Life Insurance, Is Your Family Protected
Life insurance — it's protection for your family and peace of mind for you.
It's amazing when you really stop and think about all the effort you put into protecting your family. You provide a roof over their head, a safe, loving environment and the encouragement to tackle each day confidently. You do all this naturally because you love them. Life doesn't come with any guarantees and that's why there's life insurance. It helps provide some financial security in the event of the unthinkable. With each payment you know you're helping to protect your family with a way to help cover medical bills, funeral costs, mortgage or rent, college tuition and many other living expenses. That's peace of mind for you knowing that regardless of what happens, you've provided for them.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Dynamic Message Signs: Travel Times and AMBER Alerts
Share This Story
You’re running late to work — again — and the highway is at a crawl. Will you ever make it? Luckily, there’s an electronic road sign up ahead — only 15 more minutes until your exit, it reads. Saved by the sign!
Another day, you’re driving down the interstate when you see a message broadcast on another road sign. “AMBER Alert!,” it says. It gives the description of a car so that hundreds of drivers on the interstate, as well as all the people listening to local TV news and radio broadcasts, know to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
Road signs have come a long way from their origins, the stone markers of Roman times. Of the hundreds of years of road sign history, electronic road signs, also known as dynamic message or variable message signs, have only been around for about the last three decades.
Dynamic road signs started out as diesel-powered machines using small light bulbs to spell the words. In the 1980s, signs that used flip dots became popular. These signs used an electromagnetic field to flip the dots, which were black on one side and fluorescent green on the other, to create messages. Then, in the 1990s, companies began using light-emitting diodes, or LED, technology, which is still used today.
Transportation officials control the signs, alerting drivers to construction work, an accident blocking traffic, detours, dangerous weather conditions and more. For example, if an accident or a disabled vehicle is obstructing traffic, dynamic message signs can guide drivers toward open lanes. If an area is experiencing bad weather, the signs might warn motorists about ice and snow in wintry weather, fog and strong winds, as well as mudslides or falling rocks.
Technology allows officials not only to update the signs, but also to keep track of the traffic flow in order to use the signs to advise drivers about travel times. How do they do that? Well, for example, in Colorado, if a car has an electronic toll tag, like an E-ZPass, sensors are used to find out how fast it is actually traveling, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. These sensors also estimate how many cars are on the road, and as data is collected, a formula is used to identify and remove data on cars that have longer travel times (for example, if the driver stopped for food or coffee). The results are updated frequently and displayed on electronic signs, which give travel time estimates.
In addition to warning drivers about hazards or slowdowns ahead, law enforcement officers also use the signs as a tool to help find missing children via the AMBER Alert system. AMBER Alert — which stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response Alert — notifies state transportation officials and media outlets about a missing child. When an AMBER Alert occurs, information is displayed on electronic highway signs, which often includes the car’s make, model, color and license plate number.
The Department of Justice reports that overall, AMBER Alerts have helped lead to the recovery of 621 abducted children in the U.S., and that children are often released when the adults with them learn that an alert has been issued. So in the case of the AMBER Alert, the electronic signs are not only used to give out important information, but they can also help drivers to do a good deed by reporting sightings of abducted kids.
Today’s dynamic message signs provide valuable information that can make for a more pleasant driving experience and can even save lives. Technology has made huge strides in the last century. What sign innovations do you predict for the next 100 years?
Related Posts:
Another day, you’re driving down the interstate when you see a message broadcast on another road sign. “AMBER Alert!,” it says. It gives the description of a car so that hundreds of drivers on the interstate, as well as all the people listening to local TV news and radio broadcasts, know to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
Road signs have come a long way from their origins, the stone markers of Roman times. Of the hundreds of years of road sign history, electronic road signs, also known as dynamic message or variable message signs, have only been around for about the last three decades.
Dynamic road signs started out as diesel-powered machines using small light bulbs to spell the words. In the 1980s, signs that used flip dots became popular. These signs used an electromagnetic field to flip the dots, which were black on one side and fluorescent green on the other, to create messages. Then, in the 1990s, companies began using light-emitting diodes, or LED, technology, which is still used today.
Transportation officials control the signs, alerting drivers to construction work, an accident blocking traffic, detours, dangerous weather conditions and more. For example, if an accident or a disabled vehicle is obstructing traffic, dynamic message signs can guide drivers toward open lanes. If an area is experiencing bad weather, the signs might warn motorists about ice and snow in wintry weather, fog and strong winds, as well as mudslides or falling rocks.
Technology allows officials not only to update the signs, but also to keep track of the traffic flow in order to use the signs to advise drivers about travel times. How do they do that? Well, for example, in Colorado, if a car has an electronic toll tag, like an E-ZPass, sensors are used to find out how fast it is actually traveling, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. These sensors also estimate how many cars are on the road, and as data is collected, a formula is used to identify and remove data on cars that have longer travel times (for example, if the driver stopped for food or coffee). The results are updated frequently and displayed on electronic signs, which give travel time estimates.
In addition to warning drivers about hazards or slowdowns ahead, law enforcement officers also use the signs as a tool to help find missing children via the AMBER Alert system. AMBER Alert — which stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response Alert — notifies state transportation officials and media outlets about a missing child. When an AMBER Alert occurs, information is displayed on electronic highway signs, which often includes the car’s make, model, color and license plate number.
The Department of Justice reports that overall, AMBER Alerts have helped lead to the recovery of 621 abducted children in the U.S., and that children are often released when the adults with them learn that an alert has been issued. So in the case of the AMBER Alert, the electronic signs are not only used to give out important information, but they can also help drivers to do a good deed by reporting sightings of abducted kids.
Today’s dynamic message signs provide valuable information that can make for a more pleasant driving experience and can even save lives. Technology has made huge strides in the last century. What sign innovations do you predict for the next 100 years?
Related Posts:
Planning my Families Future
Life changes: Will your finances keep pace?
A new marriage. A baby. A bigger home. When life changes, you need to make adjustments. There's one adjustment that may not automatically occur to you: protecting your family's lifestyle.You'll want to make sure your family would have enough income even if you weren't here to provide it. Here are some life-event situations to evaluate how well your life insurance coverage is keeping pace with your family's changing needs.
Births or adoptions
You want to be certain your new child or grandchild won't have to go without life's necessities. And with college costs skyrocketing, you'll want enough coverage to help fund your young one's future education.
Marriages and divorces
You may decide to increase your life insurance coverage when you marry to provide financial protection for your new spouse. If you have new stepchildren, consider their financial needs as well. In a divorce situation, you'll want to continue to provide financial protection for your children.
Caring for a family member
Watching your parents age and lose their independence can be emotionally difficult. Life insurance benefits can help provide for an elderly parent — or special needs child — who depends on you for financial support.
Buying a home
Life insurance benefits can help keep your loved ones in the family home, especially if you still carry a mortgage.
Taking on new debt
You don't want to leave your spouse saddled with debt, so make sure your coverage is sufficient to pay off what you owe.Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA and SIPC, Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506, 877-525-5727. Life insurance and fixed annuities issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL; Lincoln Benefit Life Insurance Company: Lincoln, NE; and American Heritage Life Insurance Company: Jacksonville, FL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York: Hauppauge, NY.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Survival Tips: How to Prepare for a Power Outage
Share This Story
Hundreds of thousands of people can be without power in the wake of a powerful hurricane like Isaac, which is pounded the Gulf Coast with wind and rain in August of 2012. But did you know that, on any given day in America, at least a half million people are without power?
Clearly, a power outage in some form is inevitable. So it makes sense to plan for one now instead of scrambling for a flashlight when the lights go out. Consider these four categories when planning and preparing for a power outage emergency:
Have at least two ways to heat water and cook food that don’t rely on electric power. A solar oven is a great choice on sunny days, and a fuel-efficient outdoor rocket stove, such as the Stove-Tec Rocket Stove, will get the job done in any type of weather.
But if you fill empty beverage bottles with water and freeze them, you can prolong the cold temperatures in your fridge and freezer. When the power goes out, the bottles will help keep food cool longer; keep several in the freezer, and place several more in the fridge. A thermometer will let you know whether or not the food is in the safe-to-eat zone.
You should also store at least a week’s worth of food that doesn’t require refrigeration and is very simple to prepare. Jerky, dried and canned fruit, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, fruit/applesauce cups, V-8 juice, and tuna packs all pack a nutritious punch without requiring any cooking. You’ll find a comprehensive list of handy no-cook foods here.
For food that needs to be cooked, fire up the grill or a stove alternative. Be sure to store enough fuel and/or wood, if necessary.
How will you stay cool in the summer without air conditioning? (battery-powered fans are one option)
How will you stay warm in the winter without power? Blankets and even bubble wrap can be used to insulate windows. You should also have a plan for living in just one or two rooms during a long-term outage; this will minimize the area that has to be heated.
How will you see in the dark? You’ll need several light sources, including flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. Store extra batteries for anything that is battery-powered.
How will you stay in touch with people and get necessary information? Invest in a good quality emergency radio that is battery powered. If it comes with a solar charger, that’s even better.
Does a generator make sense in your circumstances? Or could it make you a target for thieves?
Other helpful items can be found on this survival basics checklist.
Power outages can take us by surprise, and they can be scary to both children and adults alike. Make preparations to keep your family protected in an emergency today to insure peace and readiness tomorrow!
Are you prepared for the next big storm? Sign up for Allstate’s weather alerts to stay in-the-know.
Celebrate National Preparedness Month throughout September with Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom! New resources, webinars, contests, and giveaways will give you new ideas and motivation to ‘get ready for anything!’
You might also like:
Clearly, a power outage in some form is inevitable. So it makes sense to plan for one now instead of scrambling for a flashlight when the lights go out. Consider these four categories when planning and preparing for a power outage emergency:
Sanitation
When the power goes out, some pretty important appliances stop working, and that includes your hot water heater. If the power is out for more than a few hours, you’ll need a way to heat water in order to sanitize dishes, eating utensils, and do laundry (along with purifying water, if necessary).Have at least two ways to heat water and cook food that don’t rely on electric power. A solar oven is a great choice on sunny days, and a fuel-efficient outdoor rocket stove, such as the Stove-Tec Rocket Stove, will get the job done in any type of weather.
Sustenance
Americans have likely lost billions of dollars’ worth of refrigerated and frozen food due to power failures over the past few decades. Once food has warmed to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for two or more hours, it’s no longer safe to consume.But if you fill empty beverage bottles with water and freeze them, you can prolong the cold temperatures in your fridge and freezer. When the power goes out, the bottles will help keep food cool longer; keep several in the freezer, and place several more in the fridge. A thermometer will let you know whether or not the food is in the safe-to-eat zone.
You should also store at least a week’s worth of food that doesn’t require refrigeration and is very simple to prepare. Jerky, dried and canned fruit, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, fruit/applesauce cups, V-8 juice, and tuna packs all pack a nutritious punch without requiring any cooking. You’ll find a comprehensive list of handy no-cook foods here.
For food that needs to be cooked, fire up the grill or a stove alternative. Be sure to store enough fuel and/or wood, if necessary.
Survival
This category covers anything and everything that will insure your basic survival in the event of an extended power outage. It will take some time to assemble everything you need, so ask yourself the following:How will you stay cool in the summer without air conditioning? (battery-powered fans are one option)
How will you stay warm in the winter without power? Blankets and even bubble wrap can be used to insulate windows. You should also have a plan for living in just one or two rooms during a long-term outage; this will minimize the area that has to be heated.
How will you see in the dark? You’ll need several light sources, including flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. Store extra batteries for anything that is battery-powered.
How will you stay in touch with people and get necessary information? Invest in a good quality emergency radio that is battery powered. If it comes with a solar charger, that’s even better.
Does a generator make sense in your circumstances? Or could it make you a target for thieves?
Other helpful items can be found on this survival basics checklist.
Sanity
When the power goes out, it can really be a test to keep your wits about you because suddenly there is no TV, video games, or computer. Have a supply of board games, jigsaw puzzles, a deck of cards or two, and a few books that haven’t been read yet. A battery-powered dock for your iPod will bring hours of entertainment to the music lovers in your family. Have young kids? Stock up on a few sets of earplugs!Power outages can take us by surprise, and they can be scary to both children and adults alike. Make preparations to keep your family protected in an emergency today to insure peace and readiness tomorrow!
Are you prepared for the next big storm? Sign up for Allstate’s weather alerts to stay in-the-know.
Celebrate National Preparedness Month throughout September with Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom! New resources, webinars, contests, and giveaways will give you new ideas and motivation to ‘get ready for anything!’
You might also like:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)