Falling leaves may be pretty, but disposing of them can get ugly. Plus, options (or laws) for burning, bagging, and composting are different in each area. Here’s what to know:
Don’t burn
Many local governments are banning leaves and other yard trimmings from landfills, and you may be tempted to burn the leaves in your yard. Leaf burning, however, becomes a fire hazard that can lead to air pollution and health problems. The open burning of leaves produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons that contain toxic, irritant and carcinogenic compounds, such as carbon monoxide. Burning leaves is not recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—nor is it legal in most states.
Do bag
If you’ve got a lot of time and a strong back (who has either, right?), bagging leaves is one option. This moderate physical activity helps build upper-body and core strength and gives you the opportunity to get outside for some fresh fall air. Remember, sticks, rocks, pine cones, limbs and other debris should not be mixed with loose leaves. Also, check with your municipality or borough to see what, if any, weight limit or bag color has been specified for leaf-filled bags, Then, when they’re ready to go, put them at the curb on your regular trash collection day or as directed.
Try composting
Composting is an environmentally-friendly form of recycling that helps soil retain moisture and nutrients and increase fertility. When leaves are composted along with nitrogen-filled grass clippings, the resulting compost becomes organic fertilizer or mulch for flowerbeds, gardens or around shrubs. The EPA’s Web site offers a free detailed guide on how to create your own compost pile in your backyard. The most important thing to note is what can and cannot be composted. Stay away from meat trimmings and bones—they may attract pests.
What you need to know about the law
Laws for leaf disposal vary depending on where you live. Visit your city’s Web site or call your local public works department for more information.
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The annual apparition of spooky skeletons, broomstick-riding witches and carved pumpkins is a sure sign fall is well under way. Second only to Christmas in terms of how much consumers spend on decorations,¹ Americans of all ages seem to love celebrating Halloween.

The Halloween spirit has spread to the inside and outside of the home as well, with homeowners setting up elaborate displays that range from haunted houses in the basement to graveyards on the lawn, as well as high-tech LED lighting outdoors. When planning and setting up your Halloween decorations, it is a good idea to consider any potential risks involved. Taking steps to prepare your property and to protect any visitors can help spare you from a truly frightening night.
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Be Aware of Dangers that Might Not be Visible During the Day

• Walk your property before Halloween to identify and minimize potential dangers, especially those difficult to see after dark. For example, check to make sure temporary extension cords are secured to avoid becoming a tripping hazard.
• Make sure walking surfaces are even and clear of debris, and that any obstacles are clearly marked, such as stakes, exposed roots or holes.
• Ensure that your front yard, walkway and entry way are well-lit so that those unfamiliar with your home can safely navigate. If using a fog machine, be careful that the fog does not make it difficult to see tripping hazards.

Remember that Welcoming the Neighborhood Inside Also Invites Risk

• When hosting a haunted house, make sure to allow adequate floor and exit lighting. Keep exits clear to help prevent tripping.
• Avoid advertising the event in your neighborhood or on social media.
• If charging for admission for a haunted house or other forms of entertainment, be aware that this could be considered a business activity and you should consult with your agent or insurance company representative to ensure you have the proper coverage.

Be Smart about Where You Place Decorations

• Set up decorations with traffic flow in mind. Place them to prevent tipping over, blowing away or becoming a tripping hazard.
• When plugging in your scary indoor decorations, do not overload electrical outlets.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to help avoid damage to your home or injury to your guests. For example, make sure inflatable decorations are secured properly and kept away from sources of ignition.

Set Up Spooky Lighting with Caution

• Avoid any kind of open flame.
• Consider using battery-operated candles or LED lighting as a safe alternative to candles.
• Do not drape costumes or other fabrics over light bulbs, which generate heat and can start a fire.

Choose Decorations Wisely

• Avoid dried flowers, cornstalks and crêpe paper because they are highly combustible. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• Use lights and other electrical decorations that have been tested for safety – look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or another nationally-recognized laboratory.
• When plugging in decorations, avoid daisy chaining extension cords, which may cause overheating.
• Never staple, nail through or fasten electrical wires or extension cords in any way that might damage the wire or insulation. This could cause electrical shock or fire.
• Plug all outdoor lights and decorations into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to help reduce the risk of electric shock. Portable GFCIs for outdoor use can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold.

Do Not be Frightened by the Risks

• Give yourself peace of mind and speak with your insurance agent to make sure you are properly covered.
• Consider an umbrella policy that could provide extra protection in case of an accident.

Sources:
¹ https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/ghouls-and-ghosts-galore-158-million-people-celebrate-halloween-this-year

When thinking of the cause of a kitchen fire, it is common to think of cooking. But not all kitchen fires start because of cooking hazards. Non-cooking related fires commonly involve refrigerators, freezers or dishwashers. The following tips can help prevent non-cooking related fires from occurring in your kitchen.

• Plug all kitchen appliances, including microwaves, toasters and coffee makers, directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord as it can overheat and cause a fire.
• Use the right outlet for the right appliance. For larger appliances, such as ovens and refrigerators, be sure to only use properly grounded outlets with circuits that match the rating plate on the appliance. If you have older 2-prong outlets in other locations of your kitchen, have a qualified electrician replace it with a properly grounded 3-prong outlet. Do not use an adapter.
• Replace any power cords that become frayed or otherwise damaged. Never use a cord that shows cracks or other damage.
• When moving kitchen appliances, be aware of power cords. Rolling over or pinching power cords can damage them.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.
• Keep your stove and oven clean. Built up food splatter or grease can later ignite when the stove or oven is turned on for cooking.
• Check and clean stove hoods and filters regularly. If your stove hood vents externally, make sure insects or birds do not build nests or otherwise impede air flow through it.
• Never use a gas or propane oven to heat your home. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it can also give off toxic gases.

What to Do If a Kitchen Fire Flares UpBy exercising caution at all times in your kitchen, you can help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. But if a fire does flare up, you need to be prepared.

• Your safety should always come first. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to fight the fire, leave the scene, call 911 for help, and let the fire department control the fire.
• If a small fire flares up and you are going to attempt to extinguish it, call 911 for help first. A fire may grow out of control more quickly than you anticipate. It is safer to have help already on the way. 
  Using a fire extinguisher

Hurricanes are most prevalent from June 1 to Nov. 30, and can inflict serious damage to homes and businesses, especially in the form of extreme wind and water damage. Fortunately, careful planning and organization can help you better prepare for and manage the damage and costs associated with the aftermath of dangerous hurricanes.

Here are some helpful tips for preparing for and managing potential loss before, during and after a hurricane.

Before the hurricane, you should:

• Know the difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning.
  • Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.
  • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds 74 mph or higher) are expected within a specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
• Conduct a Household Inventory. It will help you record an accurate assessment of your belongings.
• Prepare a hurricane evacuation kit that can be reached within a moment's notice of evacuation.

Preparing the Outside of Your Home If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs before the threat of a storm. Secure any yard objects, and store outdoor furniture.
• Use permanent shutters to best protect windows. You can also use half-inch plywood panels with pre-drilled holes every 18 inches for screws. Watch a one-minute video to see how leaving just one window or door unprotected can lead to catastrophic damage in a hurricane.
• Have a supply of plywood and nails on hand to board up your home. You risk paying high prices and standing in long lines if you wait until the last minute to purchase these storm essentials.
• Make sure you have flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local Agent. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowner policies do not cover damage from flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
• Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a hurricane, have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
• Build an emergency plan using Know Your Plan, a free app that contains disaster preparedness checklists and can be used on iPhone, iPad and iTouch. It was developed by the Insurance Information Institute and Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check your emergency supplies. Make sure everything is stocked and in working order.
• Gas up your car.
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bikes, toys, hanging plants and lawn decorations. If possible, disassemble the swings on your child's swing set to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outdoor antennas.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Store drinking water.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Review your evacuation plan with your family.
• Move your boat securely or transfer it to a designated safe area. Use rope or chain to secure the boat to a trailer.
• Use tie downs to anchor your trailer to the ground or your house.

When a hurricane warning is issued, you should:

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If you are in a mobile home, make sure it is tied down and evacuate immediately.
• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances. Too many running appliances can create a power surge when the power is turned back on.

If officials issue a mandatory evacuation, you should:

• Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads, and watch for washed-out bridges.
• Unplug appliances, and turn off the electricity and main water valve.
• Tell someone outside the storm area where you are going.
• If time permits and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding. If possible, move it to a higher floor.
• Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to your designated shelter.
• Lock up your home before you leave.
• If you have time, bring your laptop computer with you. This will provide an invaluable bank of information.

After the hurricane, you should:

• • Help injured or trapped persons.
  • Give first aid where appropriate.
  • Do not move anyone seriously injured unless they're in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
  • Avoid loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
  • Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by rising floodwater.
  • Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
  • Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
  • Take pictures or video of storm damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims. Make a list of all damaged and destroyed items.
  • Assess the damage to your home, and make temporary repairs to prevent further destruction.
  • Hold off on permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster approves your reimbursement.
  • Cover broken windows and damaged roof coverings immediately.
  • Remove standing water from your home.
  • Keep all receipts related to repairs and temporary housing.
  • Drive only if absolutely necessary, and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
  • Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
  • Inspect utilities for gas leaks and damage to electrical work and water and sewer lines.

For more information on steps to take to protect your home or business, go to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety website, disastersafety.org or disastersafety.org/hurricane.

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