Author Archive

With Valentine’s Day on Monday, everyone knows it’s time to talk about the heart! But not just the chocolate filled one you got for your sweetheart, the one beating in your chest. February is American Heart Month, and in honor of this national health observance, take some time to learn more about cardiovascular disease. This years initiative focuses on the small steps anyone can take toward better heart health.

What Comprises Heart Disease

In the United States, 1 in 4 deaths results from heart disease often making it the leading cause of

Black History Month provides an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and sacrifices of Black Americans. As this history has been neglected in the past, it is important to recognize the Black community’s cultural tenacity and triumphs in the face of extreme adversity. February also serves as a chance to understand how far we, as a nation, still need to go and commit collectively to ensure that Black History isn’t separate, but instead a fundamental and enshrined part of the American story.

Origins

Black History Month started in 1926

Before Snow Storms and Extreme Cold

To prepare for a winter storm, you should do the following:

Add these supplies to your emergency kit:

Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways (visit the Environmental Protection Agency website for a complete list of recommended products)
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
Sufficient heating fuel
Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm

Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how

As New Englanders know, winter can be a beautiful time of year, but winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. While the past year’s winters have been on the milder side, old man winter’s impact shouldn’t be under estimated. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can cause ice dams, slips and falls, and other unpleasant winter-related issues. Properly maintaining your home may aid in keeping common home problems at bay this winter.

Use these 10 tips to help you avoid winter woes at home and truly enjoy the chilly season.

Stop the

Tis the season for toys! Making it a perfect time to remind those shopping for children this season to heed the safety advice of experts. When purchasing toys for children, it is important to consider several safety factors. Toys should be age-appropriate, well-constructed, durable, and suited for each particular child’s physical, mental and social capabilities.

U.S. Toy Safety Regulations

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets mandatory toy safety regulations, as follows:

All Ages

Electrical toys shouldn’t have shock or thermal hazards.
Toys shouldn’t contain toxic materials.
Toy paint should not contain traces of lead.
Art

In the season of giving no there is no better way to celebrate than supporting struggling families in our Massachusetts community. For FBinsure the Holiday Hope Project run by Child and Family Services in New Bedford holds a special place in our hearts for Christmas giving. This program matches sponsors, like FB,  with a Child & Family Services client who may be burdened with financial worries, illnesses, mental and physical disabilities, limited education and resources, and personal tragedies, leaving them unable to provide a holiday for themselves or their families.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published on their website on Nov. 16, 2021, that the COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) is being put on hold due to pending litigation.

The OSHA ETS went into effect on Nov. 5, 2021, and was set to have two compliance dates: one date for employers to finalize their policies on vaccine mandates or weekly testing requirements and another date for the weekly testing to begin. Keep reading to learn more about what’s next for the ETS.

The 5th Circuit

MA Oil Remediation Laws

In July of 2010, the State of Massachusetts put a law into effect addressing oil leaks from home heating systems. The law had two major provisions requiring:

The installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not have these devises
Insurance Companies that write home insurance must offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.

Some homeowners were exempt from taking these leak prevention steps if:

The oil burner is located above the oil storage tank and the entire

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. During this yearly event, government and industry leaders come together to raise awareness about the important of cybersecurity across our economy.

Did you know:

95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error.
88% of organization experienced phishing attempts in 2019
$3.86 million is the average cost of a data breach in 2020

“Do your part. #BeCyberSmart.”

This theme was selected to empower both individuals and organizations to take ownership of their unique role in promoting cyber security with the key message being, “If you connect it, protect it.” With

Welcome Exchange Insurance Agency

We are excited to announce that, as of this fall, Exchange Insurance Agency out of Charlestown, MA has become the newest addition to the FBinsure team.  Based in Boston, Massachusetts & led by industry veteran Doug Cameron, Exchange is a comprehensive independent insurance agency that specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance.

“At Exchange, we operate with a simple mantra: out our clients’ interests first, above all else,” said Mr. Cameron in our recent press release. “Every customer is unique and so are their insurance needs