Theodore & Associates - A Relation Company
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Team
    • History
    • Summerville office
    • Why an Independent Agent?
    • Featured Carriers
    • Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance
    • Introducing Health, Life & Employee Benefits
    • Our Columbia Office Has Moved!
    • Midlands Green Business
  • REQUEST A QUOTE
  • INSURANCE
    • Vehicle Insurance >
      • Auto Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
      • Classic Car Insurance
      • Boat & Watercraft Insurance
      • Motorsport & ATV Insurance
      • RV and Mobile Home Insurance
    • Property Insurance >
      • Homeowners Insurance >
        • How Much Home Insurance is Enough?
      • Renters Insurance
      • Condo Insurance
      • Landlord Protection
      • Flood Insurance
      • Earthquake Insurance
      • Personal Umbrella Insurance
      • Pet Insurance
      • Home Warranty
    • Business Insurance >
      • Condominium Homeowners Association Insurance
      • Cyber Liability Insurance
      • Business Owners Insurance
      • Commercial Property Insurance
      • Commercial Umbrella Insurance
      • General Liability Insurance
      • Commercial Auto Insurance
      • Workers' Compensation Insurance
      • Surety Bonds
      • Specialty Insurance
    • Health, Life & Employee Benefits Insurance >
      • Individuals >
        • Health Insurance
        • Short Term Health Insurance
        • Dental Insurance
        • Vision Insurance
        • Life Insurance >
          • How Much Life Insurance is Enough?
        • Disability
      • Employers >
        • Group Health Insurance
        • Group Dental Insurance
        • Group Vision Insurance
        • Group Life Insurance
        • Group Disability Insurance
        • 401(k)
        • Worksite Marketing Plans
      • Seniors
    • Insurance FAQs
  • ONLINE SERVICES
    • Pay My Bill
    • Manage My Account
    • Report a Claim
    • Applications
    • Customer Reviews
    • Social Media
    • Blog
    • Flood Claim Information
    • Helpful Links
  • CONTACT
COLUMBIA:803.799.9979 SUMMERVILLE:843.871.3950
Visit RelationInsurance.com
THEODORE THURSDAYS
blog

Best practice guidelines COVID-19

3/12/2020

0 Comments

 
Over the span of the last few months, there has been an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus which can be spread from person to person. Certain measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contracting the illness. Due to the large number of cases of illness including rising deaths resulting from the virus, it is important to stay informed. Details are still developing and no vaccine is currently available. In order to keep the virus contained, a travel ban has been issued for many countries (NOTE: The Department of State has restrictions posted on their site as well. Before traveling, be sure to get the latest on the region you plan to visit).

As of February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a name (COVID-19) for the coronavirus that originated from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is important to remember to use standard hygiene practices to avoid this and any other respiratory illnesses (such as seasonal influenza which is typical this time of year in US communities). UPDATE: As the situation evolves daily, the best source of information is the WHO daily situation report that maintains data on the current number of confirmed cases by country.

Travel
CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China. If you must travel:
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Discuss travel to China with your healthcare provider. Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease.
  • Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
If you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, do the following:
  • Seek medical advice - call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
As the situation develops, more countries will be added to the list of travel-restricted areas. Please visit the CDC website to learn more.

Prevention

The CDC recommends the following in order to prevent COVID19 and other viral infections:
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV, except in specific care settings identified below.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019-nCoV, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Facemasks

There are several types of facemasks on the market today. There is a distinct difference, however, between what is commonly known as a “surgical mask” and an N95 respirator:
  • Typical surgical masks are not respirators, and are best used to provide a barrier against droplets including large respiratory particles.
  • N95 masks are respirators that are rated for use in a surgical setting to provide respiratory protection, reducing the risk of passing or contracting a disease.
  • If you are showing symptoms, it is not recommended to use a mask with an exhalation valve.
  • N95 masks may be more effective in reducing the chance of passing of disease in other settings as well.

Additional information

The CDC website has a wealth of information to remain up-to-date on what you should know. Remember not to make any determinations of risk based on race or country of origin. Confidentiality of people with any health issue including COVID-19 should be maintained. As we know more about transmissibility, severity, and other features of COVID-19, we will do our best to update you. Please visit the dedicated CDC page for updated information.These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.
  • For information about handwashing, see CDC’s handwashing website
  • For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s hand hygiene in healthcare settings
CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
  • CDC travel notices
  • Department of State
  • World Health Organization
Information for businesses
  • Communication resources
  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
0 Comments

Flood prevention and Safety

9/5/2019

0 Comments

 
In light of Hurricane Dorian battering our coast right now, flood prevention & safety seemed like a fitting topic for this week.

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies.


Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that we can discuss with you. Contact us for more information.

Preparing for a flood
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should:
  • Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.
  • Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.
  • Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
  • Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

​Acting during a flood
 If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:
  • Get information from the radio or television.
  • Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

Coping after a flood
Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of yourself and your family during the aftermath.
  • Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.
  • Make sure the water supply is safe to drink.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!
0 Comments

Home (and Safe) for the Holidays

12/18/2018

0 Comments

 
3 Steps Homeowners Can Take to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. The United States Fire Administration reported that structure fires, and the dollar loss per fire, is nearly one-third higher between December 1 and January 7. On Christmas Day alone, the incidence of fires caused by candles quadruples compared to any other day of the year.

The holidays can also be a peak time of year for home burglaries as many police departments across the country list the week after Christmas as the highest burglary caseload. You can escape these worst-case scenarios with common sense and a little forethought. To keep your home safe and secure this holiday season, here are three simple rules.

1. Don’t Leave the Kitchen Unattended
One of the leading causes of fires during the holidays isn’t Christmas trees or Christmas lights—it’s cooking. While cooking-related fires are most common on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve aren’t far behind.
Home fires occur in the kitchen more than any other room in the house. Make sure that you have a smoke alarm near the kitchen and that the batteries are in working order before you begin your holiday meal preparations. 
If you follow the rule of never leaving the stove or oven unattended, you can avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Distractions are inevitable when your extended family arrives for Christmas Day festivities. Adding an extra set of hands to assist with cooking can help mitigate the risk of a potential fire hazard. 

2. Mind Your Festive Lights
Even if you follow all instructions, like making sure that the base of your Christmas tree is always submerged in water, you are still at risk for a fire if you don’t manage your Christmas lights safely. To lower your risk of a fire, always follow these light-safety tips:
  • Use low heat, miniature lights.
  • Inspect every light before you put a strand on the tree.
  • Refrain from overloading power strips or outlets.
  • Use lights designated for indoor use only.
Christmas-tree lights should be treated like an open flame. Never leave them on when no one is home, and always turn them off before you go to bed.
Outdoor lights are a little more complex—and just as dangerous. Keep these basic guidelines in mind when setting up your display:
  • Never set up your lights by yourself.
  • Never place lights by gutters that might contain dry leaves.
  • Never hang decorations from the lights.
  • Never rely on strands of lights to support themselves—reinforce them with insulated, not wire or metal, hooks.
  • Never use lights that haven’t been tested and verified by a group such as Underwriters Laboratory.
  • Never ignore warm wires on your daily lights check.
Just like indoor lights, the most important step you need to take with outdoor lights is to turn them off before you go to bed, and when you are not at home.

3. Don’t Leave Your Home (and Gifts) Vulnerable 
Leaving your house clearly unattended is an open invitation for burglars. If you plan on going out of town, even for a day or two, follow these simple rules:
  • Hire someone—a contractor, a neighbor kid—to keep your driveway shoveled.
  • Arrange for a neighbor to collect mail, newspapers or any packages left on your doorstep.
  • Let trusted neighbors know of your travel plans, but do not post your plans—or photos—on social media.
It’s tempting to display beautifully wrapped presents under the tree prior to the holiday but, if your tree is within sight of any windows, you may want to keep your gifts hidden until the day you’re unwrapping them. Burglars often monitor homes, looking in windows for easily accessible items like large presents in the shape of a television.
Even if you’re staying home this holiday season, you still need to take steps to defend your home against burglars:
  • Do not place your presents under a brightly lit Christmas tree; keep them safely undercover until Christmas morning.
  • If you are expecting deliveries—especially expensive gifts, such as a television—make sure that they are signed for and brought inside immediately.
  • Conceal all packaging and boxes in dark trash or recycling bags, or organize the boxes inside your house and take them to the trash in the weeks after Christmas. You don’t want to show the entire street what everyone in your home received for Christmas.


Get Peace of Mind This Holiday Season from Auto-Owners Insurance
This holiday season is the perfect time to check with your insurance agent to confirm that you are protected against everything that could go wrong. The independent agents are experts at seeing gaps in your home insurance coverage that could leave you and your home vulnerable. For example, what if gifts are stolen from the trunk of your car while it’s parked in your driveway? Is that covered?

Your insurance agent can answer all these home insurance questions and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home and your presents are protected this holiday season.  

for more information, please visit Auto-Owners' blog.
0 Comments

    Archives

    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    Absense
    Act
    Adult
    Advantages
    Agency
    Agent
    Aggresive
    Air
    Airline
    Alarms
    Alcohol
    Alert
    Amount
    Appearance
    Appliances
    Appraisal
    Assistance
    Auto
    Automatic
    Automobile
    Autumn
    Awareness
    Bad
    Barn
    Batteries
    Beach
    Belongings
    Beneficiary
    Benefits
    Bicycle
    Bike
    Biking
    Bill
    Bite
    Boat
    Boating
    Bracelet
    Budget
    Building
    Burn
    Business
    Business Income
    Buy
    Buying
    Cancel
    Cancellation
    Car
    Carbon Monoxide
    Carrier
    Cars
    Carshare
    Case
    Cash
    Caught
    CDC
    Celebrate
    Check
    Checkup
    Child
    China
    Christmas
    Claim
    Claims
    Clean
    Cleaning
    Cloud
    CO
    Cold
    Commercial
    Common
    Communication
    Commute
    Company
    Comprehensive
    Computer
    Concerns
    Contagious
    Coping
    Corona
    Coronavirus
    Cost
    Coverage
    Covered
    COVID
    COVID19
    Create
    Creek
    Cyber
    Cyber Liability
    Cybersecurity
    Dad
    Damage
    Dams
    Dark
    Deadline
    Death
    Decay
    Decorations
    Deducation
    Deductible
    Definitions
    Destruction
    Diamond
    Disability
    Disability Insurance
    Disadvantages
    Discounts
    Disease
    Distance
    Dog
    Drive
    Driver
    Driverless
    Driving
    Earthquake
    Easy
    Emergency
    Emotional
    Employee
    Employees
    Employer
    Employers
    Enrollment
    Equity
    Event
    Exterior
    Facemask
    Facemasks
    Facts
    Fall
    Falling
    Family
    Father
    Father's Day
    Faucet
    Financial
    Find
    Fire
    Fire Department
    Fixes
    Flame
    Flameable
    Flames
    Flashlight
    Flood
    Flooding
    Food
    Football
    Freeze
    Freezing
    Fryer
    Furnishings
    Future
    Gap
    Garage
    Gas
    Gear
    Gift
    Give
    Glossery
    Group
    Gutters
    Health
    Healthy
    Heat
    Heavy
    History
    Holiday
    Holidays
    Home
    Homemade
    Homeowner
    Homeowners
    Homeownership
    Homeowners Insurance
    Hot
    House
    Hurricane
    Hygiene
    Ice
    Ideas
    Illness
    Improvement
    Income
    Increase
    Indemnity
    Independent
    Individual
    Inexpensive
    Infection
    Innovation
    Inspect
    Inspection
    Insurance
    Interior
    Internet
    Inventory
    Jewelry
    Job
    Kid
    Kit
    Kitchen
    Laid-off
    Lake
    Liability
    Life
    Life Insurance
    Life Jacket
    Lightning
    Lights
    List
    Local
    Long Term
    Long-term
    Loss
    Lower
    Maintenance
    Map
    Materials
    Medical
    Mental
    Misconceptions
    Misunderstanding
    Money
    Motorcycle
    Natural Disaster
    Necklace
    Night
    Nighttime
    Ocean
    Online
    Open
    Organization
    Outside
    Oven
    Owner
    Package
    Pandemic
    Party
    Pay
    Pedestrian
    Peril
    Period
    Perishable
    Personal
    Pet
    Plan
    Plans
    Poison
    Policy
    Pool
    Porch
    Possessions
    Power
    Premium
    Preparation
    Prepare
    Prepared
    Presents
    Prevent
    Prevention
    Property
    Protect
    Protected
    Protection
    Purchase
    Rain
    Rate
    Rental
    Rental Car
    Resistant
    Resources
    Respond
    Ride
    Rideshare
    Ring
    Risk
    Risks
    River
    Roadtrip
    Safe
    Safety
    Sanitary
    Sanitize
    Santa
    Satisfaction
    Save
    Security
    Service
    Share
    Sharing
    Shed
    Shelter
    Shelter In Place
    Shop
    Short Term
    Short-term
    Shut Down
    Sick
    Sleet
    Slow
    Small
    Snow
    Social
    Solutions
    Special
    Special Event
    Species
    Spread
    Spring
    Storm
    Summer
    Sun
    Supplies
    Support
    Surfaces
    Survival
    Swim
    Switch
    Tailgating
    Tax
    Technology
    Temperature
    Temperatures
    Term
    Terms
    Thankful
    Thanksgiving
    Thaw
    Thunder
    Tips
    Tornado
    Toxic Free
    Tradition
    Travel
    Tree
    Trees
    Trip
    Turkey
    Twister
    Umbrella
    Underinsured
    Underwriter
    Uninsured
    Unsafe
    Upright
    Utilities
    Vacant
    Violent
    Virus
    Visible
    Warm
    Warmer
    Warning
    Watch
    Water
    Watercraft
    Weather
    Website
    Wedding
    Wheels
    WiFi
    Wind
    Winter
    Work
    Workplace
    Yearly

Columbia
3020 Devine Street
Columbia, SC
​29205
803.799.9979
Summerville
204 N. Gum Street
Summerville, SC 29483
843.871.3950
Home
About
​
​Contact
Request a Quote
​Insurance
Online Services
Picture
© 2020. RELATION INSURANCE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Team
    • History
    • Summerville office
    • Why an Independent Agent?
    • Featured Carriers
    • Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance
    • Introducing Health, Life & Employee Benefits
    • Our Columbia Office Has Moved!
    • Midlands Green Business
  • REQUEST A QUOTE
  • INSURANCE
    • Vehicle Insurance >
      • Auto Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
      • Classic Car Insurance
      • Boat & Watercraft Insurance
      • Motorsport & ATV Insurance
      • RV and Mobile Home Insurance
    • Property Insurance >
      • Homeowners Insurance >
        • How Much Home Insurance is Enough?
      • Renters Insurance
      • Condo Insurance
      • Landlord Protection
      • Flood Insurance
      • Earthquake Insurance
      • Personal Umbrella Insurance
      • Pet Insurance
      • Home Warranty
    • Business Insurance >
      • Condominium Homeowners Association Insurance
      • Cyber Liability Insurance
      • Business Owners Insurance
      • Commercial Property Insurance
      • Commercial Umbrella Insurance
      • General Liability Insurance
      • Commercial Auto Insurance
      • Workers' Compensation Insurance
      • Surety Bonds
      • Specialty Insurance
    • Health, Life & Employee Benefits Insurance >
      • Individuals >
        • Health Insurance
        • Short Term Health Insurance
        • Dental Insurance
        • Vision Insurance
        • Life Insurance >
          • How Much Life Insurance is Enough?
        • Disability
      • Employers >
        • Group Health Insurance
        • Group Dental Insurance
        • Group Vision Insurance
        • Group Life Insurance
        • Group Disability Insurance
        • 401(k)
        • Worksite Marketing Plans
      • Seniors
    • Insurance FAQs
  • ONLINE SERVICES
    • Pay My Bill
    • Manage My Account
    • Report a Claim
    • Applications
    • Customer Reviews
    • Social Media
    • Blog
    • Flood Claim Information
    • Helpful Links
  • CONTACT