Stuff to Store? Read These Self-Storage Tips

If you're like me, you sometimes look around and wonder, "How did I accumulate all this stuff?!"

Thankfully, we're not alone. Nearly 11 million households have items in a storage unit. That represents a 65 percent increase from 10 years ago.

Whether you're about to get married and combine households, a parent looking to free up space or a retiree looking to downsize, a storage unit may be just what you need. But before you start throwing things in boxes to haul off to your local storage facility, consider these self-storage tips.

• Is the facility clean? Before you store your belongings in a storage unit, make sure that it is well-maintained. Ask if routine cleaning is performed on empty units. Also ask to see an empty unit to make sure it is mold and dust free.
• Is it climate-controlled? Based on where you live, you may want to consider a climate-controlled facility. Many items are susceptible to pests and extreme temperatures. For example, leather, wood, wicker, electronics, musical instruments and photographs could be severely damaged if exposed to humidity or frigid cold. Keep in mind that some items should never be put in a storage unit including medications and medical supplies; combustible, flammable, hazardous or toxic chemicals; and weapons, ammunition or construction equipment. Many facilities have rules governing acceptable items. Use common sense when deciding what to store.
• Is it accessible? Does the storage area offer drive-up access? Or will you be lugging boxes up flights of stairs? Depending on what you're storing, that information could be very important. Also, take a look at when and how often you'll need to access your items. Some facilities provide access only during certain hours of the day and limited access on weekends. If you'll be making regular visits to retrieve items, it's best to make sure you have easy access.
• Is it safe? One of the most important self-storage tips is to consider the safety of your unit and the facility as a whole. In addition to a lock - which you should always have on your unit - some facilities offer extra security like video surveillance or password-protected gates.

Another way to make sure your itemsare protected is to insure them. Although most homeowners policy cover personal property in a storage unit, it is good to contact someone to make sure you have appropriate coverage. This is especially important if you have pricey items like jewelry and artwork that may need to be covered separately with an inland marine policy.

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

Work Zone Driving Safety Tips for Motorists

Across the nation, nearly 1,100 people die and more than 40,000 people are injured each year as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). SHA offers these tips for driving safely in work zones:

1. Slow down. Speeding and aggressive driving are major contributors to work zone crashes.
2. Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits are often reduced, traffic lanes are often changed, and people are often working on or near the road.
3. Don't tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you (use the 3-second following rule). The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear-end collision.
4. Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely through the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
5. Keep a safe distance between you and the construction workers and their equipment.
6. Pay attention to the signs. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.
7. Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway, avoid changing radio stations, and do not use your cell phone while driving.
8. Schedule enough time to drive safely to and from your destination. Check radio, TV or online for traffic information before you leave. Expect delays when road-work is ongoing, and leave early so you can reach your destination safely and on time.
9. Keep up with the flow of traffic. Motorists can help maintain the traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try to cut in line.
10. Be patient and stay calm. Work zones aren't in place to inconvenience you. Remember that the work zone crews are working to improve road conditions for you and make your future drive time safer and easier.

For more information on work zone safety, go to: http://www.safezones.maryland.gov/workzonesafety.html or http://www.marylandroads.com/OC/Workzone.pdf

Today's safe driving tips brought to you by Chesapeake Employers Insurance.

Five Ways to Stay Safer on the Road

In addition to avoiding the most common driving distractions, take extra precautions to avoid cell phone distractions:

• Let it roll. Incoming calls to voice mail, that is.
• Do it later. If someone calls you while they’re driving, ask them to call you back later and hang up.
• Pull over. If you must talk or text, pull off the road first.
• Lead by example. If you want your children to drive safely, show them how it’s done. A Consumer Reports survey found that almost half (48 percent) of young drivers had seen their mom or dad talking on a cell phone while driving, and 15 percent saw their parents texting.
• Know your state’s driving laws. Several states have banned texting while driving. Distraction.gov lists the laws for individual states.

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.