DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

507-226-8121 [email protected]

Keep Your Pets Safe on the 4th of July

By

sophie1Tucker1

 

 

 

 

 

 

For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to watch the pyrotechnics that mark the holiday. But for our pets, fireworks are another story. Many pets can be traumatized by the noisy rockets and firecrackers so many of us enjoy. Our dogs, Sophie & Tucker respond to the sounds of local fireworks differently. Sophie wants to save us from unknown attackers and Tucker wants us to join him under the covers.

At DeKok Insurance Group, Joy and I hope your 4th of July is happy and safe for you and your pets. So along with our other story about fireworks safety, here are some tips to help you protect your pets on Independence Day in Minnesota, or wherever you celebrate.

Protecting your pets . . .

Many pets are very frightened by the loud noises caused by fireworks. If you can’t take them away from the noise, here are some pointers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that will help them have a more peaceful holiday.

  • Don’t take your pet to a public fireworks display. In addition to the noise, they may be spooked by the crowds.
  • If possible, leave your pet inside in a safe, secure room. Do not leave them outside, even if your yard is fenced. They may try to flee, and they may succeed; July 5 is a busy year at many animal shelters in {city}, as dogs and cats are frequently found miles from their homes. Taking your pet on a walk early in the day can help tire them out.
  • Give your pets a comfortable place to rest, as well as plenty of food and water. You might even leave a TV or stereo on to drown out the fireworks. Provide soothing music, if possible. A favorite toy (or their favorite owner!) can help comfort them, too.
  • Make sure your pets have an ID tag or microchip, in case they get scared and escape.
  • Check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication intended to calm them. They may be able to provide you with a prescription or suggest alternatives.
  • And, of course, keep your pet away from used and unused fireworks.

With some planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone – and less scary for your pets. Whether you’re staying at home or are visiting somewhere else, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our independence!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone  507-226-8121

Better coverage. Better prices.

Jon DeKok has been serving insurance clients for over 30 years. He specializes in home, auto, umbrella, recreational vehicle, business, and life insurance. He is licensed in the state of Minnesota.

When Things go BOOM in the Night – Fireworks Safety

By

花火イメージ

 

For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories – whether at home in Minnesota or away on vacation.

But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Homes each year in MN are damaged by wayward fireworks. Thousands of people are injured in accidents.

At DeKok Insurance Group, we (Joy & I) want your holiday to be happy and safe. So here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your property on the Fourth.

Protecting yourself (and others)

  • To minimize the risk of injury, don’t use consumer fireworks. Attend a public display conducted by professionals in Rochester or your town.
  • If using consumer fireworks, always follow instructions. Do not attempt to re-light “duds” or create homemade fireworks.
  • Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at more than 1,000 degrees, can cause third-degree burns. Kids under the age of 15 account for approximately 40% of fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
  • A responsible adult should always be present when children – even teenagers – are around fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old.

Protecting your home

  • According to the National Fire Protection Association, the best way to protect your home is to not use fireworks at home.
  • Remember, fireworks can cause grass fires and other types of blazes as well. Make sure you light fireworks in a safe area, away from homes and buildings, as well as other combustible material. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
  • Look out for tree limbs or bushes that could catch fire. Trimming vegetation to keep it away from your home is a good idea anyway, but it could save you from a catastrophic fire on the Fourth of July.
  • If your gutters have accumulated leaves, pine needles or other flammable material, clean them before using fireworks near your home.
  • Finally, if you won’t be home on the holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house if others in your neighborhood will be using fireworks.

With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re staying at home or heading to into the town nearest you, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our independence!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone  507-226-8121

Better coverage. Better prices.

Jon DeKok has been serving insurance clients for over 30 years. He specializes in home, auto, umbrella, recreational vehicle, business, and life insurance. He is licensed in the state of Minnesota.

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