65 Merrimack Street, Unit #5
Lawrence, MA 01843
Call us at (978) 975-4484

Here is a photo of Madeleine with, OTTO, the mascot for Plymouth Rock Assurance Co.

If you live in New England, it’s likely there are ice dams on your roof from the recent snowstorms. Ice dams can be very destructive because water from melting snow can back up behind the dam and leak into your home underneath the shingles.

There are two basic approaches to dealing with ice dams:

1. Hire a professional. This is the safest way to remove snow and ice from your roof.
However, if you wish to tackle the problem yourself, follow these recommendations from roofing experts:

• Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup on the roof
• Try not to damage your shingles
• Avoid standing under icicles or roofs with large amounts of snow
• Use extreme caution when using ladders because rungs become very slippery with snow and ice on them
• Don’t use a roof rake near electrical wires
• Have someone nearby check on you in case you need assistance or are injured

2. Create channels in the ice dams.

• If you notice an ice buildup, fill a large sock with a melting agent (preferably calcium chloride) and lay it across the dam perpendicular to the gutter
• The sock will release the melting agent gradually and create a channel in the ice for water to empty through
• You may need several socks for an ice dam that runs the length of your roof

Does my house have ice dams?
Look for these warning signs:

• Large icicles hanging from gutters
• Water dripping from the roof overhang
• Leaks, stains or damaged ceilings or walls inside your home

What if water is dripping inside my home?
If you notice leaks in your home, it’s important to do what you can to mitigate the damage:

• Collect the dripping water in buckets and pans
• Mop up standing water
• Move furniture, clothes and valuables out of harm’s way
• Call a professional to deal with the snow on the roof and to dry out your house

Please remember to use extreme caution and consult a professional before attempting any dangerous home repairs yourself. Feel free to share this information with friends and family if you have found it valuable.

We care about protecting you, your family and your property and we’re glad to serve you.

Only 2 inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in damages:

Life insurance can provide a secure foundation for your financial planning program. Life insurance provides much needed financial security in several situations. Here are six reasons why you need life insurance:

1. Providing replacement income for your dependents – If people depend on your income, life insurance can replace your income for them if you die prematurely. A common example of this scenario is parents with young children. This also appliesto couples for which the survivor would have financial difficulties if they no longer had the incomeof their partner.
2. To pay your final expenses – Life insurance can pay your funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts and medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
3. Create an inheritance for your heirs – Even if you have no other assets to pass to your heirs, you can create an inheritance by buying a life insurance policy and naming them as beneficiaries.
4. Pay federal and state Death Taxes – Life insurance benefits can pay estate taxes so that your heirs will not have to liquidate other assets or take a smaller inheritance. Changes in the federal “death” tax rules betweennow and January 1, 2011 will likely impact this tax on some people.
5. Create Savings for your Spouse or Family Members – Some types of life insurance create a cash value that, if not paid out as a death benefit, can be borrowed or withdrawn on the owner’s request. Since most people make paying their lifeinsurance policy premiums a high priority, buying a cash-value type policy can create a kindof “forced” savings plan. Furthermore, the interest credited is tax deferred (and tax exempt ifthe money is paid as a death claim).
6. Protect your business – Life insurance for business may be taken out for several different purposes. One purposeis to provide for the successful liquidation of your financial interest in the business for thebenefit of your heirs. If you have a business partner, you should each have a life insurance policy, enabling an automatic buyout of the interest of the deceased. It protects the estate of the deceased, and ensures the continuation of the business.