With the kids out of school for the summer, it's the perfect time to take a family vacation. And by family, I mean the whole family – the dog too!

Traveling with your dog can be difficult, but with planning and a little bit of research you can make it a fun and unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout all of your summer adventures!

Find Lodging that Allows Pets
There are a fair amount of hotels and rental homes that allow pets during your stay. Many online sites even allow you to filter search results so that you only see pet-friendly options. Before you book, call and confirm their pet policies – it will save you some trouble down the road.

Tip: Try a pet-friendly campground. With hiking trails and room to explore, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family.

Don't Leave Your Dog in the Car
Car rides can be challenging with a dog, especially if you are driving long distances. Leave someone outside with your dog if you stop to get food or go to the bathroom. Cars can get extremely hot when parked in the sun and, if left inside, dogs are at risk of overheating. Besides, it's probably time for a potty break anyways.

 
Tip: Some places allow dogs to come inside. Call ahead and plan your pit stops to make traveling a little bit easier.

Pack Water
Cars aren't the only place that dogs can overheat. Normal activities such as going for a walk can become a health hazard if you don't take the necessary precautions. Panting, loss of energy, lethargy, and a dry nose are all signs of dehydration and overheating. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it may be a good idea for everyone to take a water break in the shade.

Tip: Bring a collapsible water bowl. You can pull it out to give your dog water and easily fold it up to store it once you are done.

Watch out for Paw Burns
A dog's paws are sensitive to heat in the same way that our palms are. Even if they don't show pain, walking on hot pavement can cause serious burns. Make sure to test the pavement before taking your dog out for a walk. Be especially careful in cities with dark, paved roads. If it's too hot for your feet, it's too hot for theirs.

Tip: Try walking in the shade. The pavement will be cooler, and so will you!

Protect Them from Fleas and Ticks
Would you believe me if I told you there are monsters in the forest? Tiny little monsters called fleas and ticks are parasitic to humans and animals. They live in heavily wooded areas and tall grass. Make sure to check your dog's fur after being outside to confirm they are bug-free. Once you get home, wash their toys and bedding to get rid of any stowaways.

Tip: Did you know that fleas and ticks can’t fly? Walking on short grass or dirt will make it harder for the bugs to get on you or your dog.

Originally posted by Foremost Insurance Group: https://blog.foremost.com/vacationing-with-your-dog.asp

Beware of Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Cox Automotive estimates the number of vehicles lost to Hurricane Florence-related flooding between 20,000 and 40,000. And, as typically occurs after a mass-flooding event, there are concerns about these vehicles being resold throughout the country – to unsuspecting buyers and to those who don’t understand the financial repercussions of purchasing a flood-damaged car.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLE
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a consumer alert with tips for identifying a previously flooded car, including:

• Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, a database of total loss and junk/salvage vehicles
• Look for suspicious signs of a flooded vehicle (e.g. rust, corrosion, mildew smell)
• Demand to see the title, as some car wholesalers will claim to have lost the title or will transfer it to avoid disclosing flood damage

Review the NAIC Consumer Alert

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CARRIERS, LENDERS
Insurance companies likely will not provide comprehensive and collision coverage on a flood-damaged car because its value and the extent of repairs are uncertain. In turn, without securing comprehensive and collision coverage, consumers likely cannot secure a car loan.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman in a recent press release on Florence-damaged cars added:

Even if the vehicle is new, if a claim is later filed, the insurance company will research the vehicle history and see the prior claim for flood damage. If the vehicle is deemed to be a total loss, the insurer will likely pay out significantly less than would be paid for a vehicle that did not have flood damage.

REPUBLISHED FROM 2018 Originally published by Insurance Agents & Brokers www.iabforme.com

Carve in a Clean, Dry, Well-lit Area

Wash and thoroughly dry all of the tools that you will use, including: carving tools, knife, cutting surface, and your hands. Any moisture on your tools, hands, or table can cause slipping that can lead to injuries.

Always Have Adult Supervision

"All too often, we see adolescent patients with injuries because adults feel the kids are responsible enough to be left on their own," says Wint. "Even though the carving may be going great, it only takes a second for an injury to occur."

Leave the Carving to Adults

Never let children do the carving. Wint suggests letting kids draw a pattern on the pumpkin and having them be responsible for cleaning out the inside pulp and seeds. When the adults do start cutting, they should always cut away from themselves and cut in small, controlled strokes.

Sharper is Not Better

"A sharper knife is not necessarily better, because it often becomes wedged in the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it," says Wint. "An injury can occur if your hand is in the wrong place when the knife finally dislodges from the thick skin of the pumpkin. Injuries are also sustained when the knife slips and comes out the other side of the pumpkin where your hand may be holding it steady."

Use a Pumpkin Carving Kit

Special kits are available in stores and include small, serrated pumpkin saws that work better because they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin tissue. "If they do get jammed and then wedged free, they are not sharp enough to cause a deep, penetrating cut," says Wint.

Help for An Injury

Should you cut your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on its own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required.

Originally published by American Society for Surgery of the Hand http://www.assh.org/handcare/

James W Rutt, (Jim) of Elizabethtown PA entered into Heaven on Sept 9, 2020 at the age of 81 after almost a decade battle with dementia. His favorite verses were Romans 10:9-10 and he desires all his friends and family to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ TODAY while there is still time.

 Jim is survived by his loving spouse of almost 56 years Cynthia F Rutt, children Jamie (Tiann) Rutt,  Melisa (Jay) Cull, and Maribeth (Dan) Davis, sisters Marian Kreider, Kathryn Lois Shinn, Helen (Colin) Koser, brother Jere (Ellen) Rutt, and nine grandchildren.

Jim proudly served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He owned B. Titus Rutt Insurance Agency in Mount Joy.

Jim is thankful for the loving care he received at the Oak Leaf Manor North facility in Landisville PA. The patient help and care he received was such a blessing to him and his dear wife Cindy.  

 Due to his love for Christian education and missions, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Mount Calvary Christian School of Elizabethtown, 629 Holly St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 https://www.mcchristianschool.com/support-us/donate-2/ or Word of Life International, PO Box 600, Schroon Lake, NY 12870 https://give.wol.org/0B103C .

 A celebration of Jim's life will be held this Sunday evening at Lebanon Valley Bible Church, 1482 Horseshoe Pike, Lebanon, PA 17042 at 6pm sharp (Please arrive early). Due to the covid concerns the family will not be greeting attendees formally but would ask that you wear a face covering as you enter the church auditorium to sit with your close family and loved ones. If needed, there will also be video overflow. This time will be a joyful one, a time for some stories, laughs and sharing memories of Jim's life and testimonies of God's faithfulness and goodness. Interment will be private.

To view the service please follow this link: https://youtu.be/l-3TgF3Ju5c

COVID-19 and Employer Unemployment Compensation (UC)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As of: March 17, 2020

PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYERS

Governor Tom Wolf's updated guidance for Pennsylvania businesses (as of 3/17)Opens In A New Window

The Department of Community and Economic Development has a resource account for businesses to reach out to directly with questions and concerns about operations. Email ra-dcedcs@pa.gov with your name, business, contact information, and concern, and someone will be in contact to assist you.

Employees affected by a business closure, reduction in hours, or a medically or government directed quarantine or isolation should be encouraged to file for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits if no other compensation, such as paid leave, is available to them.

 Employees should be aware that they cannot receive both UC benefits and paid leave, as it may result in an "overpayment" that requires them to return benefits. 

FAQs

1. Can my employees file for UC benefits if my business is closed (temporarily or otherwise) because of COVID-19?
2. Can my employees file for UC benefits if I tell them to stay home because I think they are a risk of spreading or at risk of contracting COVID-19?
3. Can my employees file a claim if they have COVID-19 and cannot come to work?
4. Can my employees file for UC benefits if I reduce their hours because of COVID-19?
5. Can my employees file for UC benefits if they are told to isolate or quarantine?
6. Are there any programs to support employers experiencing financial difficulties or business downturn due to COVID-19? (Shared-Work?)
7. If I am a small business owner, am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I need to close or temporarily shut down my business because of COVID-19?
8. Will my UC tax rate increase if my employees file for benefits?

1.  Can my employees file for UC benefits if my business is closed (temporarily or otherwise) because of COVID-19?

Yes, if your employees are temporarily laid off due to a business downturn or closure as a result of COVID-19, they may be eligible for UC benefits.

If you are experiencing a business downturn, you can use L&I's Shared-Work program to avoid employee lay-offs. Additional resources for businesses are available through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

2.  Can my employees file for UC benefits if I tell them to stay home because I think they are a risk of spreading or at risk of contracting COVID-19?

Your employees should first use paid sick leave or paid time off; however, if they are not receiving paid time off, they may be eligible for UC benefits.

3.  Can my employees file a claim if they have COVID-19 and cannot come to work?

Your employees should first use paid sick leave or paid time off. However, if they are not receiving paid time off, they may be eligible for UC benefits.

4.  Can my employees file for UC benefits if I reduce their hours because of COVID-19?

Yes.

5.  Can my employees file for UC benefits if they are told to isolate or quarantine?

Your employees should first use paid sick leave or paid time off. However, if they are not receiving paid time off, they may be eligible for UC benefits.

6.  Are there any programs to support employers experiencing financial difficulties or business downturn due to COVID-19? (Shared-Work?)

The Shared-Work program can help keep employees attached to your workplace. Additional resources for businesses are available through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

7.  If I am a small business owner, am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I need to close or temporarily shut down my business because of COVID-19?

No.  However, you may qualify for a small business loan through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, or for other programs available through the Small Business AdministrationOpens In A New Window.

8.  Will my UC tax rate increase if my employees file for benefits?

No, businesses who are temporarily closed due to COVID-19 will be granted Relief From Charges, and your tax rate will not be increased because of COVID-19-related claims.

Reposted from: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/Employer-COVID19-FAQs.aspx