SAFETY MATTERS – State of Delaware Issue CCXXVI November 2025 Produced by the Insurance Coverage Office
Date Posted: Wednesday, November 5th, 2025- Fall Is A Great Time To Service Your Furnace
- Well before snow glistens in the lane, it is time to have your furnace inspected. Safety is the most important reason. A professional inspection can detect issues like gas leaks, carbon monoxide buildup, or faulty wiring, preventing potential fire hazards or poisoning risks. Carbon monoxide, a silent killer, causes over 400 deaths annually in the U.S., per CDC data.
- Regular maintenance, including cleaning filters and checking ducts, ensures your furnace runs efficiently, reducing energy waste. This can lower heating bills. A well-maintained unit can save 10–20 percent on costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
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An inspection identifies worn parts such as belts or burners that could fail during cold snaps. With forecasts of harsh winters in some
regions, a breakdown could leave you without heat when it’s most needed. -
Addressing these minor issues early extends your furnace’s lifespan, avoiding costly replacements. A typical furnace lasts 15–20 years with proper care.
Article appears courtesy of Pagesmag.com
Nov. 15 – World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
provides these 10 safe driving tips for everyone
traveling on our highways and roads.
1. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.
2. Put Children in the Correct Seat.
3. Driver Sober.
4. Obey Speed Limits.
5. Pay Attention to the Road. Avoid Distractions.
6. Never Drive Drowsy.
7. Share the Road Responsibly.
8. Pay Attention to Flashing Lights.
9. Talk to Teen Drivers. Be a Good Role Model.
10.Check for Recalls.
Go to NHTSA.GOV for more safe driving information.
Thanksgiving is a time to share a meal with family and friends, make sure safety is on the menu when you do.
Remember these facts when preparing meals:
• Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal
temperature. To check a turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest
part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165oF. If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing
should be 165oF.
• Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.
• Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized
shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites.
• Don’t eat uncooked cookie dough, which may contain raw eggs and raw flour.
Get info from the Food and Drug Administration
CARBON MONOXIDE – THE SILENT KILLER
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a form of slow suffocation. The gas attaches itself to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in blood. The blood carries less oxygen and the body suffocates. CO poisoning symptoms begin with sluggishness and headache. Later there is dizziness and loss of consciousness that can result in death. A UL approved carbon monoxide detector can save lives, if you have one, test it monthly.
