Jay Waitte, Author at Waittes Insurance

5 of the Most Haunted Places in Connecticut

As one of the first areas to be colonized by European settlers, as well as the site of Native American activity for thousands of years, it comes as no surprise that Connecticut has a long and storied history – and where there is history, there are hauntings. Today, with Halloween approaching, you can visit numerous haunted sites across the state, absorbing the atmosphere and quite possibly getting the scare of your life. However, even among Connecticut’s many haunted places, there are a few that stand out for being exceptionally spooky. Take a look at 5 of the most haunted places in Connecticut.

1. Norwich State Hospital, Preston

During its operation from 1904 to 1996, the Norwich State Hospital was the site of numerous tragedies and horrific events, from a patient who hanged himself in 1914 to a hot water heater explosion in 1919 that killed two employees. Today, the hospital stands in ruins, and has an exceedingly creepy atmosphere – numerous sightings of ghosts and reports of strange sights and sounds have been common. Although the actual facility is closed and guarded, you can view and take pictures of the hospital from the road.

2. Union Cemetery, Easton

Known as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the entire United States, the Union Cemetery contains burials dating back to the 1600s alongside modern-day graves. Famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the site and even caught a glimpse of the White Lady, the graveyard’s most notorious ghost. Be careful of visiting at night – policemen guard the cemetery, which is off-limits after sunset.

3. Fairfield Hills State Hospital, Newtown

What is it with old hospitals and hauntings? The Fairfield Hills State Hospital housed criminally insane patients from 1931 to 1995, and, like the Norwich State Hospital, has a long and cruel history and many reports of hauntings. Unfortunately, it is strictly off-limits to visitors.

4. Dudleytown, Cornwall

Dudleytown is a ghost town in northwestern Connecticut, which was founded by Thomas Griffis in 1745. The deaths of many of its occupants have led to modern-day reports of hauntings; however, today’s owners of the Dudleytown land do not allow hikers to visit.

5. The Warren Occult Museum

Named for Ed and Lorraine Warren, the famous paranormal investigators, this museum is home to the actual doll that inspired the horror movie “Annabelle”. The doll is known to be haunted, moving on its own and even writing messages on the walls. Unlike the other sites on this list, you can visit the museum freely…if you dare!

Waitte’s Insurance Agency wishes you and your family a very fun, and SAFE Halloween!

3 Ways Cold Temperatures Can Damage Your Car

Cold Auto In New England, fall is in full force; the leaves have changed colors, Thanksgiving preparations have begun, and the air is slowly getting colder and colder as winter approaches. While these changes may signal the approach of the holiday season, however, the colder weather also signifies another change: the increased danger to your car or other vehicles.

Freezing weather brings a unique set of challenges to driving safely and keeping vehicles operational, so it is important to know what kinds of issues you may have to deal with, and how you can effectively respond to them. Last month, we featured an article about ways to safeguard your home from cold East coast winters. Now, we would like for you to take a look at the top three ways that cold weather can damage your car, and what you should do about each one.

1. Your car has trouble starting.

Normal car batteries are meant to withstand weather from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so when the temperature drops below the lower end of that range, the battery may stop working, preventing your car from starting. The same effect can occur with your spark plug or other ignition components. In order to prevent this from happening, get your battery and spark plug checked so that you know ahead of time if you should expect any problems, and can act to stop them before they happen.

2. Your transmission fluid (and other liquids) thicken.

Freezing weather thickens liquids, which includes your transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, and oil. When your transmission fluid is too thick to flow properly, you may have trouble operating your vehicle or getting it to function at all. You should get all of these liquids checked at least once as the cold weather begins to set in so that you can know whether it is safe to drive or not.

3. Tire pressure goes down.

When the temperature drops, most tires lose pressure at a rate of 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower tire pressure can lead to poor tire performance and damage or failure, which can be especially dangerous in snowy or icy conditions. Do not attempt to drive with low tire pressure. In order to combat this obstacle, check your tire pressure every few weeks, and inflate your tires as necessary.

We want you and your family to remain safe not only in your home during the upcoming holiday season, but when driving as well. Please take the necessary precautions before traveling this winter, and be sure to contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency for any and all accident claims.

Ensure a Safe Thanksgiving For You and Your Family

Thanksgiving is a holiday that all family members can share in and enjoy; it is the one time of year when your entire family can come together, sometimes from all areas of the nation and beyond. However, the importance of Thanksgiving as a holiday can only be matched by the importance of staying safe and vigilant; because it is such a prominent holiday, there are many more dangers during this time that people don’t experience during the rest of the year. Thankfully, by taking preventative measures, you can provide a safe Thanksgiving every single year.

Fire Prevention

Three times as many fires happen during Thanksgiving than any other time of year. The vast majority of these fires are started in the kitchen, so keep the following tips in mind when cooking:

1. Make sure to secure any loose hair or clothing when cooking; long sleeves could trail in a gas flame or burner, catching fire and spreading it to the rest of your home.

2. Use caution with turkey fryers; because people often use them for the first time on Thanksgiving, they pose a distinct fire hazard.

3. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand just in case a fire breaks out, and make sure that you and your family members know how to use it.

4. Stand by your food; don’t leave the kitchen when something is on the stovetop.

5. Keep children away from the stove at all times.

Home Security

If you are travelling away for Thanksgiving, it is crucial to keep your home safe from burglars, who will take advantage of your empty home. Follow these tips for maximum safety:

1. Don’t post your plans on social media; burglars can keep track of this and use it to their advantage.

2. Make sure to remove any ladders, decorations or other objects that provide easy access to your windows or any other entrances in your house from the outside.

3. Invest in a home security system, which will alert you if anyone breaks into your home.

4. Don’t leave any signs that you are away; for example, put your lights on a timer, and turn off your phone so that it does not ring off the hook and indicate that you are not there. Have a friend come by to pick up your mail so that it does not pile up out front.

Travel Safety

When traveling to meet family and friends during Thanksgiving, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Be prepared: if you are driving, carry an emergency road kit, and leave yourself extra time in case of bad weather.

2. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t text and drive. It is illegal and you drastically increase your chances of having an accident.

3. If you are flying, try to get to the airport early, because Thanksgiving crowds will cause significant delays.

In the event that unforeseen circumstances have occurred and you require either an automobile or homeowners’ policy consult, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Waitte’s Insurance Agency hopes that you and your loved ones have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

Own a Snowmobile in Connecticut? Here’s What You Need to Know

As December sets in, it’s just a matter of time until snowfall hits Connecticut, which means that it’s time to prepare your snowmobile and understand the laws attached to using it. Thankfully, snowmobiles can be extremely helpful and easy to use, as long as you understand the rules and restrictions that you need to follow.

To start, consider which licenses and registrations are required for snowmobile use. Connecticut law requires that any snowmobile that is used outside of the property owned or leased by its owner must be registered with the state. In order to do this, you can register with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The snowmobile’s registration must be carried inside the vehicle at all times, and its registration plate must be clearly displayed on the back. Furthermore, the registration number must be displayed in letters at least three inches high and made of reflective material, on each side (right and left), halfway between the top and bottom of the front section of the snowmobile.

Out-of-state registered snowmobiles may be used in Connecticut only if they are registered in a state that grants similar privileges as Connecticut, which as of now is only the state of Vermont. Connecticut residents must register their snowmobiles with the state DMV. Out-of-state snowmobile users can register their vehicles with the state by submitting an Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (form H-13) and a $35 fee.

Minors (age 16 or 17) may only register a snowmobile if parental consent is granted and financial responsibility insurance is provided. The minimum age for registering a snowmobile in the state of Connecticut is 16.

Snowmobiling is restricted on public highways unless the snowmobile is driven by a licenced motor vehicle operator. In order to cross a public highway, the snowmobile must come to a complete stop and cross at a 90-degree angle, yielding to motor vehicles using the highway. Make sure that you cross at an area that is unobstructed and where there is a minimal chance of running into vehicles using the highway.

Understanding and abiding by these rules will help you have a smooth and stress-free snowmobiling season. Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles with any questions you may have, and be sure to contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency for your snowmobile insurance quote.

5 Charitable Organizations Worthy of a Helping Hand

Charity: Happy group of volunteers collecting clothing donations

As the holidays are in full swing, the majority of us are thinking about gift shopping, visiting with family and loved ones, and the overall feeling of joy amplified by festive holiday music and warmth. However, it is important to remember that with all of the blessings that the holidays can bring, there are always those who have little to be cheerful about. From people facing hunger and homelessness to those battling life-threatening illnesses, the holidays can once again be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ with our help. As you appreciate what you have this season, a little effort can go a long way by donating or volunteering to any of these charitable organizations:

1. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army was established in 1865 as an evangelical Christian organization with the goal of supporting people in need with social services, which include food aid, disaster relief, assistance for the disabled, help for the ill and elderly, clothing and shelter for the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. The organization’s store uses 82 cents of every dollar for these services, which provide help for over 130 million people in 5,000 communities across the country. You can help The Salvation Army in Norwich by volunteering at their holiday store, open December 11-24, or by donating at any time. Furthermore, by shopping at The Salvation Army, you help support the people receiving donations or assistance from this organization. Learn more by visiting ctri.salvationarmy.org/SNE/.

2. The Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project helps injured veterans or service members heal after serving their country on or after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Through projects that support the four pillars of mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement, the organization helps veterans adjust to life with a service-related injury. You can help by donating to the organization or volunteering at one of their numerous events. Visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org for full details.

3. Save the Children

Save the Children helps support children facing hunger, disease, homelessness, abuse, and a lack of education in the United States and around the world. If you’re looking to help, visit www.savethechildren.org for fundraising tips and other ways to make a difference.

4. The Pink Fund

The Pink Fund provides financial support to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. They assist in paying for medical bills and other devastating financial losses for breast cancer patients so that their main focus is on healing and recovery. The Norwich branch of this organization needs your help with donations and volunteering at their awareness programs. To learn more, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

5. Connecticut Food Bank

One out of seven people struggles with hunger daily in the state of Connecticut. The Connecticut Food Bank provides food and other services for those who need, and deserve a warm meal and care during the holidays. You can become part of the solution by donating food, funds, or even your time to the Connecticut Food Bank by visiting www.ctfoodbank.org.

Together, we CAN make a difference in the lives of those in need! Waitte’s Insurance Agency wishes you and your family a festive December and the happiest of New Years! And remember, always drive safely and responsibly before and after holiday celebrations.

Health Insurance Changes in 2016: What You Need to Know

The passing of the Affordable Care Act, the launch of HealthCare.gov, and the establishment of numerous health insurance marketplaces all marked important changes in the infrastructure of health insurance around the country. More changes are coming in 2016, partly as a result of government changes on the national level and partly because of market shifts in response to these changes. Thankfully, you can make sure that you stay ahead of the curve by keeping track of the expected health insurance changes in 2016, including these five important projections:

1. Higher premiums

As in 2014 and 2015, health insurance premiums are expected to increase by about 5 percent – which may not seem like a lot, but adds up when considering the cost of insurance for employees, dependents, and spouses. Most large employers plan to have employees cover about 20 percent of their own premiums and 24 percent of their dependents’ premiums.

2. High deductibles

High-deductible health insurance plans will grow in popularity as 83 percent of employers turn to a consumer-directed health insurance plan in 2016. Depending upon your employer, you may have a choice to select the high-deductible plan, or may have it as the only option.

3. Higher non-compliance penalties

The Affordable Care Act mandated that all U.S. citizens must have adequate health insurance, and in 2016 the penalties for not complying with this law are expected to rise sharply. Consumers who choose not to purchase health insurance will have to pay the greater of either a $695 fee or 2.5 percent of their modified adjusted gross income.

4. Telemedicine options

Many health insurance plans will start to offer telemedicine options, which are medical consultations with a licensed physician that take place through digital means, such as video communication. This can affect how you meet with a physician as well as how much you have to co-pay for doctors’ visits.

5. Cash for wellness programs

Many employers, looking to prevent employees’ health problems rather than deal with them as they come along, plan to offer health insurance breaks for employees who join a wellness program, health assessment or biometric exam, otherwise known as “cash for wellness” programs. In 2016, this could affect your health insurance costs as well as your own well-being.

If you have any questions on how the expected insurance changes in 2016 could affect you, or if you would just like to review your current policy, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency.

5 Tips on How to Prevent Ice Dams

When you have snow on your roof, it should melt gradually and drain into your gutters. If you have ice dams, though, melted snow isn’t able to drain properly. Ice dams form when parts of your roof near the top are warmer than the rest, causing snow in those areas to melt faster. Melted snow then runs down toward the eaves, which are colder, where it freezes and forms blockages called ice dams. These dams block additional melted snow from being able to drain into your gutters, causing it to flow under the eaves and potentially damage your home’s interior. Fortunately, you can take the following steps to prevent ice dams from forming.

Keep Snow Off Your Roof

After heavy snowfalls, clear off snow from your roof as soon as it’s safe to do so. Consider using a roof rake to clear away a few feet of snow from around the eaves without having to go up on your roof.

Keep Downspouts Clear

Clear snow and ice away from your downspouts throughout winter. This helps ensure that melted snow can drain from your roof to the ground through your gutters. It also stops you from having pools of standing water around your downspouts.

Add Attic Insulation

Insulation helps keep heated air from reaching your roof through your attic, which lowers the risk of having ice dams form. Make sure your attic has enough insulation, especially in places where heat can sneak through, such as around vent pipes and light fixtures.

Set Up Heated Cables

Heated cables placed around the edges of your roof can help prevent ice dams. These cables, which attach to your roof with clips, give off heat that helps ensure that melted snow from higher up has a clear path to your gutters.

Improve Roof Ventilation

Making sure your roof is adequately ventilated helps cooler air circulate below the whole roof surface. This prevents certain areas from becoming warmer than the rest, which reduces your risk of ice dams. Ideally, you should have a ridge vent and soffit vents that have openings of the same size.

If you end up with damage caused by ice dams, check your homeowners’ insurance policy. Depending on your policy, you might be covered for issues such as water damage, mold growth, damaged siding or shingles and damaged insulation.

Before having damages to your home repaired due to ice dams or any other circumstance, contact Waite’s Insurance Agency to find out if your current policy covers such repairs.

Valentine’s Day Gifts: Are Your Valuables Protected?

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, and if you’re in a relationship then it’s probably a day that you can expect a great gift from your special someone. In fact, Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year for getting engaged. If you’re already married, then you can probably expect a beautiful piece of jewelry or another big present this year.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of criminals who also know that there will be a lot more valuable jewelry, electronics, and other gifts on the streets, in cars, and in people’s homes in the coming weeks. While losing a sentimental gift will be hard emotionally, you want to make sure that you’re financially prepared as well.

For many people, their engagement ring and other jewelry are some of the highest value assets that they own outside of their home or car. Losing a single piece can be a huge financial blow. That’s why it’s important to insure these items just as you would your house or car.

A personal articles insurance policy can help to give you the peace of mind you need. These insurance policies can be written to cover all kinds of items, including:

– Jewelry
– Appliances
– Electronics
– Collectables
– Fine Art Work
– Furs
– Instruments

Personal article insurance policies are designed to supplement the coverage provided by homeowner’s policies. Because homeowner policies have high deductibles and restrictions on what is covered, many people discover that after the theft or loss of a piece of jewelry they can’t use their existing policy to cover the loss. With a personal article policy, however, the entire value of the objects lost can be covered.

While signing up for one of these policies is relatively simple, it is a good idea to hold on to some proof of the value of the items you are insuring. A receipt or letter of appraisal can provide the proof of value that these policies often require.

If you have any questions on whether or not your particular items can be insured with a Personal Articles Policy, call Waitte’s Insurance Agency today at (860) 886-1961.

8 of the Worst Habits for Heart Health

The month of February is American Heart Month, which means that it’s time to start thinking about how your habits impact your heart health and what you can do to improve those habits. Heart month was established by The American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it, and one of the strongest methods of prevention is by educating yourself. Some of the worst habits for heart health include:

1. Smoking:

The link between tobacco use and heart disease has long been established, and it is important to note that both regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes have negative impacts on your heart health. Surrounding yourself with people who smoke can also be detrimental as secondhand smoke can affect your heart in powerful ways.

2. Stress/Depression:

Stress affects the levels of your body’s hormones and the way that they spread, and excessive stress hormones can negatively affect the way your heart functions. Watch your stress levels, look out for signs of depression, and take appropriate steps to relax when plausible.

3. Oral health:

The link between healthy teeth and gums and a healthy heart has been proven by researchers, and brushing adequately while avoiding excessive amounts of sugar will help avoid infections and cavities that can ultimately affect your heart health.

4. Saturated Fats:

Excessive levels of saturated fats lead to fat buildup in the blood and around the heart, which leads to blood clots and causes your heart to have difficulty functioning.

5. Excessive alcohol consumption:

Although moderate amounts of certain types of alcohol have been shown to support a healthy heart, excessive alcohol intake can lead to heart disease (along with destroying your liver).

6. Excessive sodium intake:

Rising sodium levels in the blood increase blood pressure, putting a strain on your heart and causing issues later down the road.

7. Ignoring warning signs:

Getting regular checkups and scheduling visits to the doctor’s office is crucial. Many heart problems can be taken care of as long as they are caught early on, after which you can take steps to prevent them from escalating.

8. Not exercising:

The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it needs exercise in order to function properly. 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day is recommended, focusing on cardiovascular and aerobic workouts.

Did you know?…

In addition to decreasing your heart health, a number of these habits (such as smoking and excessive drinking) can also negatively affect your health insurance premiums. If you are concerned that your health habits could possibly increase the cost of your insurance policy, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency and we’ll be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Online Safety: Identity Theft Protection With 8 Simple Tips

In the technological world we live in today, the dangers of identity theft are all too real. As it becomes easier to purchase items and services online, as well as check bank accounts, conduct business, and pay taxes, it also becomes easier for hackers to steal your identity and use it for their own benefit. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. Here are eight ways to help keep your personal information and identity safe while surfing or shopping online:

1. Maintain privacy on social media:

Although you have the option to show your email and phone number on accounts such as Facebook and Twitter, don’t – you don’t know who will be able to find that information and use it to eventually gain access to your other accounts online. Furthermore, check your social media privacy settings and make sure that your information is visible to “friends only”.

2. Strengthen online passwords:

Make sure to use a different password for each site you create an account for. You should also make your passwords complex or difficult to guess, using numbers, symbols and letters together.

3. Use a secure network:

Check that your Wi-Fi network is password protected, so that any hackers in your area can’t connect and use your internet connection to gain access to your computer.

4. Look out for scams:

One of the most common types of online scams is “phishing,” in which a cybercriminal sends an email that looks authentic but is actually a trap. You may think the email is from your bank or your insurance company, but once you click on the link, it sends you to a landing page that may require you to enter your username and password. The person that sent the email will then know your information and use it for malicious purposes.

5. Make sure you’re on a secure website:

When a web address has “https” before the URL, you know it’s a secure connection and can feel free to enter payment information. However, if it’s just “http,” be aware that the site may not be secured and thus you don’t know that your information will be protected.

6. Use security software:

Have antivirus, anti-phishing, and anti-malware installed on your computer and your phone for added security.

7. Keep track of your bank statements:

Make sure that you spot any suspicious activity immediately so you can report a case of identity theft as it’s happening. Also, keep an eye on your credit score.

8. Always use a firewall:

If your computer doesn’t come with one installed, you can find free and professional versions online, both of which deter hackers.

With these eight tips, you can significantly decrease your chances of having your identity stolen online. However, even with the proper precautions, identity theft can occur to just about anyone. Have you or someone you know fallen victim to identity theft and wish to share your experiences and provide further tips on how it could have been prevented? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below so that we can collectively abolish as much of this threat as possible.