Secure Your Valuables

Secure Your Valuables

Most families have items that hold special meaning to them, whether its heirlooms passed down from generation to generation or high-value possessions. When it comes to protecting these prized belongings, safe storage space is key. Art, jewelry, and fine china are a few examples of valuables that need to be stored in special conditions; and to be kept in pristine condition, each of these collectibles require special care.

Fine Art

Some of the best artwork is hidden safely away to preserve the natural beauty of the piece. Art can easily be damaged and the most common risks include tears, smudges, stains, and even fingerprints. To protect your art from the elements over time, minimize direct contact with the piece as much as possible. This may mean storing it away from prying hands and animals or setting up a barrier or protective covering. If you do choose to store it, you have several options to ensure its quality. You can wrap the piece in plastic or place it in a Styrofoam box as both options will keep your art safe from outside contact. Your art’s storage space should be dry and kept at a consistent temperature to promote longevity.

Fine Jewelry

From engagement rings to grandma’s vintage pearls, all of the precious gems, stones, and metals that make up jewelry collections should be cared for accordingly. For pieces you wear every day, you can protect them from tarnishing or wear and tear by placing them in a softly- lined jewelry box. The box’s cushion can prevent scratches from occurring accidentally when the pieces are placed in their secure home. If you own high-value jewelry that is only worn on special occasions, then it needs to be kept in a more secure location. Safes and lockboxes are good options, and they should be placed in hidden locations to keep thieves out.

Fine China

Fine China is often only used on rare occasions, so that means it can be stored for lengths of time between uses. If this is the case with your fine china, keeping it stored in the right conditions can be the difference between damaged pieces and usable ones. If your china isn’t stored within the safety of a suitable display cabinet, the alternative is to place it in specialty storage bins. These types of bins are available from several major retailers and can ensure your china stays in good condition. The other option would be to use regular storage boxes. If this is the case, your priority should be to wrap all of the china individually and make sure they are placed securely in the box. Labeling the boxes correctly is also a crucial step, as a worst-case scenario could be mishandling a box that is improperly labeled.

Possessions can be considered high-value because of price or sentimental value. Either way, it’s important they are protected in all possible ways, and that includes insuring them. At Penny Insurance Agency, we understand that your high-value assets need to have the proper coverage for your ultimate peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our customized plans for valuable items.

References:
https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/storage/store-a-painting/
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-store-fine-jewelry-2043583
https://www.thekitchn.com/7-smart-tips-for-storing-your-fine-china-226164

Top Fall Driving Hazards and How to Handle Them

Top Fall Driving Hazards and How to Handle Them

There’s a reason fall is a favorite season for many. With crisp air, changing leaves, warm sweaters and sweet treats, there’s a lot to love. Even with these great things, there are some dangers that drivers need to be aware of to stay safe this season. There are unique challenges that come with navigating the roads in the fall, but there are also ways to stay vigilant and to avoid accidents.

With the cooler weather comes hazardous driving conditions. Rainy fall days may be nice to spend inside close by a warm fire, but there are times when you’ll need to brave the rain. Driving in wet conditions adds an extra threat, especially when paired with the fallen leaves. Leaves can make the roads even more slick and cover important road markings and potholes, so you should take extra precaution when driving through wooded areas. If you do happen to start sliding on leaves or a wet road, you may be hydroplaning. To counteract your car while hydroplaning, it’s important that you stay calm and take your foot off the gas pedal.

Fall leaves may create ice-like conditions on the road, but don’t let that stop you from keeping an eye out for actual frosty patches, too. Frost can easily form on cars and on the road overnight. When driving to work or school in the morning, be careful on parts of the road that are shaded or on bridges, as frost is common in those areas. If your windows or mirrors are frosted over, take extra time before leaving to defrost them. An additional tip for those driving in the early morning or late evening is to be aware of fog. Fog can set it quickly and can impair your view of the road. Instead of using high beams to combat fog, switch on your low beams.

By this time of year, most kids across the country have officially started a new school year. This means school traffic, whether by parents or buses, is filling the roads. The roads are busy and drivers need to be aware of the conditions that heavy traffic creates. To avoid feeling rushed on your commute, try to leave for your destination earlier. By factoring in a little extra time for traffic, you may not feel as stressed by all of the cars on the road. With school buses, make sure to leave ample space on the road. If a school bus is stopped and has its stop sign out, abide by state laws and do not pass. Additionally, watch out for children coming and going near school bus stops.

Another thing to watch out for early in the morning and during evenings is wildlife. Fall marks migrating and mating season for deer, so expect to see more of them on the road during these hours. If you do happen to come across a deer, slow down and try to avoid swerving on the road. Swerving in this instance may cause you to hit something worse, like a tree or another driver.

Overall, fall brings many hazardous driving conditions, but none that can’t be avoided with vigilance and cautious driving. Taking these precautions can make all the difference. By getting adequate auto insurance, you have an additional layer of security if something were ever to happen on the road. At Penny Insurance Agency, we want to give you the best coverage possible. Contact us today to learn more about the options available for auto insurance.