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Winton Legal Services seeks Xarelto victims

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Winton Legal Services seeks Xarelto victims


PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A national legal services agency will provide immediate assistance for people that have suffered internal bleeding as a result of being prescribed Xarelto. The action, according to the agency, will communicate to the victims that they have a valid claim, and have suffered an injury that will be compensated.

While the expected compensation from a Xarelto injury is unknown, bad drug side effects have routinely resulted in six and seven figure awards to those injured. However the process routinely takes several years due to the sheer number of impacted victims.

Winton Legal Services handles client development for several major drug injury law firms. Their program will provide an individual that has taken Xarelto, and has suffered internal bleeding including the very common side effect of rectal bleeding, immediate compensation provided a hospital admitted them for at least one night. Through a partnership with a major ecommerce firm, individuals will receive a $2000 gift card package usable at thousands of different establishments.

Tens of thousands of individuals have been prescribed Xarelto. Litigation has been initiated in several jurisdictions around the nation that claims the drug’s manufacturer did not properly disclosed the internal bleeding side effect when the drug was first issued.

To notify Winton that you have been injured, and receive your immediate compensation, call 1-800-341-4996.


Millions Rally for #BlackBoysMatter

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Millions Rally for #BlackBoysMatter


Moms of Color Organize Peaceful Protest of Ferguson Grand Jury Results


UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In response to the Ferguson, MO grand jury’s failure to indict Darren Wilson for the murder of unarmed teen, Michael Brown, Mocha Moms, Inc. organized a #blackboysmatter social media campaign to combat the negative stereotypes of black and brown boys. At the time of this press release, that social media campaign had exceeded 10-million impressions in less than two weeks.

Moms of color from across the country are submitting photos of their sons in an effort to put real faces to, and humanize black and brown boys in America.

“What these shootings in the last couple of years have shown us is that, for too much of America, black boys are threatening,” commented LaShaun Phillips-Martin, National Social Media Director for Mocha Moms, Inc. “We can’t change the grand jury decision but we can change the way America sees our boys. So we took to social media with positive images of our sons and the hashtag #blackboysmatter.”

In a statement issued shortly after the grand jury decision was announced, Mocha Moms, Inc. issued the following statement, which read in part:

“While we are disappointed, few of us are surprised. We respect the process of justice we have in this country. However, we will never accept the culture of preconceived notions and stereotypes that drives our sons unfairly and disproportionately into that process. We are so tired of our boys being killed. We are so tired of courts failing to recognize the value of our children’s lives.

We will continue to teach our children to be respectful. We will continue to teach our children to value themselves and others. The only way America can truly become the great society we claim ourselves to be is if Americans commit to doing the same, and stop marginalizing and criminalizing our black and brown children.”

ABOUT MOCHA MOMS, INC.

Mocha Moms, Inc. is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen to alter their career paths, either temporarily or permanently, to devote more time to their families and communities. While many of our members have eliminated employment altogether, others work part-time, flex-time, night shifts, have home-based businesses, consult or freelance from home or have chosen alternative, less demanding career paths so they are more available to their families. We support the decisions made by our members. We will never pass judgment on mothers who choose to make or are forced to make different decisions for their families.

Mocha Moms, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Mocha Moms, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender or socio-economic level, education, or religion. Anyone who supports the mission and purpose of Mocha Moms, Inc. is welcome to join.

The organization is essential because historically, mothers of color, particularly African-American mothers, have not had the opportunity to devote the majority of their time to caring for their own families. Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership.

CONTACT: Danae Jones Aicher
National Director of Communications
Mocha Moms, Inc.
+1.804.433.0071
[email protected]
www.mochamoms.org


American Honda Sets New November Sales Records; Core Vehicles Lead the Way

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Honda breaks multiple November sales records. The new 2015 CR-V plays a major role.





American Honda Sets New November Sales Records; Core Vehicles Lead the Way

— Honda Division and Honda Trucks also set new November marks, up 4.9 and 18.3 percent, respectively

— Honda CR-V smashes previous November best with a gain of 37.7 percent versus 2013

— Honda Fit shatters November record, jumping 55.1 percent

— TLX and ILX sedans push Acura Cars up 29.5 percent in November while driving an overall division increase


TORRANCE, California, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported a new November Honda and Acura vehicle sales record of 121,814 units, an increase of 4.6 percent versus November 2013. Overall AHM truck sales also set a November record, increasing 12.9 percent on sales of 60,384 vehicles. The Honda brand set a new November best, recording sales of 106,957 vehicles—an increase of 4.9 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,857 units in November, increasing 2.0 percent over the same period last year.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141202/161862

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO

Honda

Four core vehicles in the Honda lineup contributed to a best-ever November for the brand. The newly redesigned CR-V led the Honda division’s record month, posting its best November sales ever while Pilot showed fresh strength with a double-digit increase; the two vehicles boosted Honda Trucks to a new November record. The Honda Fit also set a new November mark.

  • CR-V smashed its previous November milestone, with 32,378 units sold last month for an increase of 37.7 percent versus 2013. 
  • The Pilot showed new strength in a robust truck market for November with sales of 9,228 vehicles for an increase of 13.2 percent.
  • Together, CR-V and Pilot helped push Honda Trucks to a best-ever November, gaining 18.3 percent for the month on sales of 51,735 vehicles.
  • Honda Fit sales shattered the popular subcompact’s previous November best, recording a remarkable 55.1 percent rise on sales of 6,421 units.

“While the market seems to be constantly changing, Honda products continue to march on with strong performances month after month,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. “Even with plummeting gas prices, compact models like the CR-V and Fit continue to resonate with buyers.”

Acura

Acura sedans pushed an overall brand increase in November, led by the new popular TLX and growing momentum from the ILX.  Acura trucks also fared well, maintaining strong market performance as MDX continues to lead the Acura division overall.

  • The Acura sedan lineup rose substantially in November, gaining 29.5 percent for the month on sales of 6,208 vehicles.
  • TLX was Acura’s second best-selling model again in November with over 4,200 units sold, even as tight supply of some models in the TLX lineup kept the new sedan from eclipsing its stellar October result.
  • ILX gained 4.4 percent for the month on sales of 1,652 units.

“The strength of Acura sedans is clearly on the rise since bringing the hot-selling TLX to market in late summer,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. “And with demand outstripping supply, we see even more upside potential with TLX and the rest of our sedan lineup in the coming months.”


(Español) Oferta de Sprint: El Evento Corta tu Factura a la Mitad

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

KWHY-TV Noticias 22 MundoFOX is the Fastest Growing Late Evening Newscast in Los Angeles

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KWHY-TV Noticias 22 MundoFOX is the Fastest Growing Late Evening Newscast in Los Angeles

During Highly Contested November Sweeps, Channel 22 News Delivers Higher Ratings and Outperforms KTTV-Fox, KTLA-CW, and Beats KFTR-UniMas in Primetime


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — KWHY-TV 22, the MundoFOX Los Angeles television network affiliate posted one of its strongest ratings books to-date, according to Nielsen’s November 2014 Sweeps, finishing as the fastest growing late newscast in Los Angeles, with viewership now comparable to the 10 p.m. English language newscasts. 

“Noticias 22 is in fact ‘The Voice of Our City‘, and our growth is breaking news,” affirmed Otto Padron, President of Meruelo Media, “our team of highly dedicated journalists, have earned this trademark by producing compelling, impactful, and engaging reporting and delivering resounding results.”

KWHY-TV 22 MundoFOX November Ratings & Broadcast Highlights:

  • Noticias 22 at 10 p.m. is L.A.’s fastest growing late newscast, based on average weekday ratings among both Adults 18-49 (up 93% from November 2013, from 0.27 NSI rating to 0.52) and Adults 25-54 (up 95%, from 0.43 NSI rating to 0.84) — a bigger increase than any other late newscast: 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., Spanish or English.
  • For the key demographic of news viewers (Adults 25-54), Noticias 22 at 10 p.m. (Monday through Friday) averaged 0.84 NSI rating, beating the competing newscasts on KTTV-Fox (0.68), KTLA-CW (0.82), and neck-to-neck with KCAL-TV (0.85).
  • In primetime, KWHY-TV 22, for the first time in a ratings period, scored higher ratings among Adults 25-54 than KFTR-UniMas, averaging 0.52 rating (Monday to Friday, 7-11P) compared to 0.42.
  • Noticias 22 delivered a compelling investigative series from Israel, “Tierra Santa, Tierra Prometida” where main news anchor, Palmira Perez, visited the holy land, bringing viewers a unique perspective of its biblical and historical sites to include a rare interview with Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu during the recent Jerusalem disturbances.  
  • Also, Noticias 22 brought its viewers stories that impacted their lives and LA’s communities such as an investigate series on the negative effects of water conservation within an aging Los Angeles aqueduct; as well as series on police brutality, homelessness and an alternative cure using magnetic currents.
  • Noticias 22 also led with breaking and continuing coverage from Las Vegas on President Obama’s Immigration Reform Executive Order; as well as following the Brown Case developing racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri as well as the local perspective in Los Angeles. 

For more information on MundoFOX Canal 22 and Noticias 22 please visit www.mundofox22.com.

About Meruelo Media

Meruelo Media (MM) is the media division of The Meruelo Group.  MM currently operates two Southern California Legendary media platforms;  the classic hip-hop and R&B radio station, 93.5 KDAY and one of Los Angeles’ oldest Hispanic TV stations, KWHY-TV Canal 22, which is currently the flagship of MundoFOX Television Network.  MM also owns the first and only US Hispanic Super Station, Super LA, airing on its KWHY-TV second digital stream and reaching over 6 Million Homes over various multiple video delivery providers.  MM also operates television stations in Houston and Santa Barbara.  The Meruelo Group is a minority owned, privately-held management company serving a diversified portfolio of affiliated entities with interests in banking and financial services; food services, manufacturing, distribution and restaurant operations; construction and engineering; hospitality and gaming; real estate management; media, public and private equity investing. For more information please visit www.meruelogroup.com.

Media Contact:
Rebekah Salgado
[email protected] 
562.228.8191


‘Tis the Season for a lot of Laughter! The Chrisleys Ring in the Holidays on USA Network

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NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — ‘Tis the season for lots of laughter and Chrisley holiday cheer! Fans can join their favorite reality family of USA’s Chrisley Knows Best, in an all-new original hilarious holiday special, “A Very Chrisley Christmas” on Wednesday, December 17 at 10/9c. Additionally, the entire Chrisley family will host a special broadcast of the classic holiday film, “It’s A Wonderful Life, on Sunday, December 14 at 8/7c.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/161570-CHRISLEY-KNOWS-BEST-Promo.mp4

Following the season two finale of Chrisley Knows Best, which airs Tuesday December 16 at 10/9c, viewers will get a second helping of the Chrisleys for the holidays, as they gather around the tree to take a look back at some wildly entertaining never-before-seen footage from season two.

Fans will also get a glimpse of how the Chrisleys personally celebrate the holidays – including Julie’s over-the-top decorations and multiple trees – and what this time of year means to each of them, as they host It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946), starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.  In conjunction with this special presentation, USA will be encouraging viewers to Instagram a wonderful holiday selfie moment using the hashtag #DonatingIsWonderful and get a chance to see their picture within the telecast. For every photo submitted, USA will donate $1 – enough to provide 10 meals on behalf of local member food banks – to Feeding America®, the nationwide network of 200 food banks. USA has committed to providing up to 50,000 meals to families in need this holiday season.

Season two of CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST, currently airing Tuesdays at 10/9c, has offered viewers front row seats for hilarious adventures including teenage daughter Savannah’s first date, son Chase’s memorable 18th birthday, the move to a new home, a surprise-filled trip to Malibu, and Chase and Savannah’s day working on a farm. In the season two finale, the family throws a big bash to celebrate Todd and Julie’s 20th anniversary, which goes awry when a certain family member gets the date mixed up! 

The first season and episodes from season two of CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST are currently available on video on demand and on USANetwork.com. Fans can also access “Chrisley’s Corner” on USANetwork.com, a one-stop destination to gain access to exclusive un-aired scenes from season one, games, GIF galleries and more Todd-tastic surprises. 

For photos from this season please CLICK HERE

CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST is produced by Maverick TV and All3Media America, with Adam Greener, Stephanie Bloch Chambers, Jim Sayer, Eli Holzman and Stephen Lambert serving as executive producers. Annie Kate Pons serves as supervising producer. 

About USA Network
The #1 network in all of basic cable for an unprecedented eight straight years, USA Network is seen in more than 102 million U.S. homes.  USA offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and unscripted originals. The network also features spectacular live television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and entertainment events.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com


Sherwin-Williams Continues To Strengthen Ties With Hispanic Community

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Participants of the YouthBuild program, along with Community Council of Idaho staff members, paint the inside of three single-unit houses at El Milagro. Participantes del programa YouthBuild, y miembros del Community Council of Idaho, pintan el interior de tres casas en la comunidad El Milagro.

CLEVELAND, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sherwin-Williams (NYSE: SHW) today announced its partnership with NCLR (the National Council of La Raza) and six of its Affiliates across the U.S. Participating organizations, selected by NCLR, will receive a $1,000 Sherwin-Williams gift card to help breath new life into youth centers, public art murals, housing units, facilities for the elderly and other community spaces that serve Hispanics. With the mantra of “Creating a Colorful Future” at the fore, the NCLR / Sherwin-Williams partnership highlights the transformative qualities of paint as it relates to physical environments and community pride.

Participants of the YouthBuild program, along with Community Council of Idaho staff members, paint the inside of three single-unit houses at El Milagro.   Participantes del programa YouthBuild, y miembros del Community Council of Idaho, pintan el interior de tres casas en la comunidad El Milagro.

“Each of our Affiliates work diligently to effect positive change in Hispanic communities across the country,” says Viviana López Green, Affiliate Member Services, Director of NCLR. “It’s through partnerships like the one with Sherwin-Williams that the NCLR is able to provide its member organizations some of the resources they need to create welcoming, vibrant spaces for the communities they serve. We are honored to partner with Sherwin-Williams as we work together to help make the future brighter for Latinos.”

“Sherwin-Williams is happy to support NCLR and its Affiliates as they give a colorful facelift to community facilities and initiatives,” says Victoria Toth, Multicultural Marketing Manager, Sherwin-Williams. “The power of paint and its ability to instantly transform a space can never be underestimated. When the places where we live, work and play receive a fresh coat of paint, it can help renew spirits and energy.”  

The six-affiliate organizations were chosen after a national contest conducted by NCLR and follow below in the list. For information on local events to be held around each paint project, please contact the NCLR Affiliate organization directly.

For more information on Sherwin-Williams and its Hispanic outreach, visit them online at Facebook www.facebook.com/SherwinWilliamsLatino, Twitter www.twitter.com/SWPintura or at www.SWLatino.com. People are encouraged to use the hashtag #EstoPintaBien to connect with Sherwin-Williams, while demonstrating how color makes communities and homes vibrant.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional products, resources to make confident color selections, and expert, personalized service that is focused on unique project needs. Sherwin-Williams products can only be found at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Media Contact
Thalia Rybar
AC&M Group
704-697-4413
[email protected] 

Volunteers from Latino Leadership and Sherwin-Williams paint the Santiago & Friends | Center for Autism. Voluntarios de Latino Leadership y Sherwin-Williams pintan el Santiago & Friends | Centro de Autismo.

 

Sherwin-Williams Logo

 

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161691

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161690

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161689LOGO

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution images are available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/

 


Get to Know Your Higher Education Options

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Get to Know Your Higher Education Options

Education opens the door to opportunity


WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For many people, higher education is the key to achieving your goals, and an essential part of your professional development.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155567LOGO
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155566LOGO

There are different types of schools to help you meet your higher education goals:

Vocational schools

At vocational or trade schools, you can pursue careers that require specialized knowledge, such as auto mechanics, electrician, interior design, cosmetology, and more.

Most vocational schools are accredited and will help you look for a job in your field. The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on your area of specialization.

When choosing a vocational school, make sure it’s an accredited institution. To verify a school’s accreditation, consult the Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.

Community colleges

At community colleges, also known as junior colleges, you can choose from a wide range of educational options after graduating from high school. You can study subject matters such as science and technology, engineering, math, general education requirements, etc.

After completing your coursework, which typically takes two years, you earn an associate’s degree. With this degree you have the option of transferring to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Universities

Upon completing high school, or transferring from a community college, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree at a traditional university. A bachelor’s degree is usually a four year program, although this may vary depending on your situation.

You can choose your major from among many fields: economics, engineering, business administration, architecture, and more. In addition to granting bachelor’s degrees, many universities have schools of law or medicine, as well as master’s and doctorate programs in many disciplines.

Getting financial aid for your higher education

The cost of higher education depends on many factors, like the type of institution you choose to attend and whether you are subject to out-of-state tuition, in the case of public colleges or universities. The Federal government offers financial aid to help you cover the costs of your higher education.

To learn more about education issues, see USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. Government’s official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

GobiernoUSA.gov logo


Pine-Sol® Partners with Women Empowered to Help “Women Rise Above It”

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Pine-Sol® Partners with Women Empowered to Help “Women Rise Above It”

Mentorship Initiative Connects Women Nationwide


OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Women face a lot, and let’s be honest, sometimes life can stink. But women have a lot of strength, too, and with help from each other, they find a way to rise above it.  Today, the makers of Pine-Sol® Brand Cleaners announced the second year of their “Women Rise Above it” campaign, highlighting the power of women to help each other rise above the “stink” and transform each other’s lives.  In partnership with Women Empowered, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that connects, educates and supports women of all ages and backgrounds, Pine-Sol is launching a free, online peer-to-peer mentorship database available on womenriseaboveit.com that will match women across the country to inspire and help each other. 

To help launch the campaign, Pine-Sol has once again partnered with Oscar-nominated actress and activist Rosie Perez, who is inviting women to participate and make a powerful difference to others.

“I was honored to be part of last year’s program and very excited to see the evolution of this campaign that is taking active steps to make a difference in women’s lives,” said Rosie Perez.  “I know first-hand what a difference even a few encouraging words can make so I’m happy to be part of this wonderful initiative.”

Becoming a Mentor/Mentee
The mentorship program consists of an online peer-to-peer platform through which women over 18 across the country can sign up to bring their experiences, knowledge and counsel, professional or otherwise, to other women.  The database will be managed by Women Empowered, experts in facilitating female mentorship.  Upon signing up, participants can choose to be a mentor or a mentee after providing a few personal details. 

“Last year, Pine-Sol asked women to tell us how they had overcome adversity in their lives.  We were so inspired by the stories that we wanted to take things a step further and give our consumers a place to share their strength with others,” said Sacha Connor, Associate Director for Pine-Sol.  “Pine-Sol has seen first-hand the power of women to inspire transformation, whether it’s something simple like beautifying a home or major like obtaining a degree while working full time or thriving despite illness.  We’re excited to help women come together to help each other.”

Celebrating Your Mentor on Instagram
Pine-Sol wants consumers to join the celebration by recognizing someone who has inspired and helped them along the way for a chance to win $5,000.  From now through February 21, 2015 post a photo of yourself holding a sign with the first name of your mentor on Instagram mentioning @pinesol and the hashtag: #WomenRiseAboveIt in the caption to be automatically entered into the online sweepstakes.  See official rules for details.

Diane Amos, the famed Pine-Sol lady, has also been enlisted to encourage women to participate, honoring her own mentor via Instagram on the program website and sharing her thoughts on the importance of mentorship.

For more information on the ‘Women Rise Above It’ program, please visit WomenRiseAboveIt.com.

The Clorox Company

The Clorox Company is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with about 7,700 employees worldwide and fiscal year 2014 sales of $5.5 billion. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol® cleaners; Liquid Plumr® clog removers; Poett® home care products; Fresh Step® cat litter; Glad® bags, wraps and containers; Kingsford® charcoal; Hidden Valley® and KC Masterpiece® dressings and sauces; Brita® water-filtration products and Burt’s Bees® natural personal care products. The company also markets brands for professional services, including Clorox Healthcare®, HealthLink®, Aplicare® and Dispatch® infection control products for the healthcare industry. More than 80 percent of the company’s brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. Clorox’s commitment to corporate responsibility includes making a positive difference in its communities. In fiscal year 2014, The Clorox Company and The Clorox Company Foundation contributed more than $16 million in combined cash grants, product donations, cause marketing and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit TheCloroxCompany.com.


Sweaters Aren’t the Only Things That Can Get Ugly During the Holidays

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Sweaters Aren’t the Only Things That Can Get Ugly During the Holidays

New Allstate Poll Reveals Americans Hosting Parties are Aware of Holiday Home Hazards Yet Don’t Prepare


NORTHBROOK, Ill., Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Holiday “ugly” sweaters have grown in popularity across the nation and will likely make an appearance with the 83 percent of Americans who plan to party this season. A new Allstate poll indicates 54 percent of Americans will host holiday parties in their homes, and the large majority who attend parties say they take place at someone else’s home. While the nation celebrates, Allstate provides reminders of historical holiday home hazard outcomes, such as kitchen fires, decorative fires and theft, and helpful hints for customers and consumers who host parties this season.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Allstate-Holiday-Hazards-Broll.mp4
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161708-INFO
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM88193-b

“This time of the year is especially festive and celebratory for Americans, but we often forget to take precautions to secure our valuables and homes from potential hazards when hosting parties,” said Laurie Pellouchoud, vice president of product operations, homeowners line management, for Allstate. “Taking a few extra steps before the next ‘ugly sweater’ party or other holiday get-together could protect your family and friends from costly mishaps during the holiday season.”      

Allstate’s Holiday Home Hazards poll found the vast majority (91 percent) of Americans agree they can reduce risks associated to fires, accidents or theft during the holiday season through their own attention and action. And more than half of Americans guessed correctly that fire (12 percent claims increase)ii and theft (5 percent claims increase)ii risks are higher during the holiday seasoni. Still, a majority (62 percent or more) say they aren’t paying any more attention to these risks which could result in trouble during a busy time of cooking, decorating and hosting a holiday gathering.

Hosting Hazards:
Hosts should be aware that the likelihood of theft can increase over the holidays. It’s wise to protect against unfortunate disappearances of valuables.

  • Just one in five (22 percent) say they put away valuables before hosting a party.
  • Nearly half (48 percent) say they have left a door unlocked for a friend or family member.
  • Forty-six percent say they have hidden a key to their home for a friend or family member. Hiding keys leaves the home too easily accessible for burglaries
  • Nearly half (48 percent) say they’ve hidden valuables such as gifts in their car. Leaving valuables in a car can create an enticing opportunity for thieves to break-in.
  • Seventeen percent of Americans say they’ve experienced a stolen or missing valuable when attending a holiday party

Protecting valuables is especially important during the holiday season given some of the most common precious items are also small in size and could go unnoticed:

Missing Jewelry Theft Claimsii

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$26,000

$1,500

Condo

$11,000

Renters

$25,000

Burglaries

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$125,00

$3,000

Condo

$34,000

Renters

$81,000

Property Missing After a Party

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$6,000

$1,500

Condo

$29,000

Renters

$6,000

Hasty Hors d’oeuvres
Food is the centerpiece of many holiday gatherings as hosts prepare decadent spreads for their guests, but remaining diligent in the kitchen will help prevent mishaps.

  • Eighty-seven percent of holiday party hosts plan to do “lots of cooking” to prepare for their gatherings.
  • Nearly half (44 percent) of survey respondents have left a stove or oven unattended during the holiday season. Unattended cooking could become dangerous without the host knowing.
  • Another 44 percent of Americans don’t keep fire extinguishers in their home to put out a fire when it erupts.
  • More than a quarter of Americans have hosted or attended a party that resulted in a burnt or ruined meal.

Allstate claims data shows hasty cooking during the holiday season is among factors that could lead to unfortunate outcomes for homeowners, condo owners, and renters:

Kitchen Fires (non-grease)ii

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$762,000

$10,000

Condo

$118,000

Renters

$349,000

Grease Fires

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$614,000

$13,000

Condo

$65,000

Renters

$43,000

Kitchen Smoke Damage Claims

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$140,000

$7,000

Condo

$43,000

Renters

$27,000

Deck the Halls:
Hosting a holiday party often comes with festive home touches. Make sure to take proper safety precautions to avoid potentially costly and dangerous outcomes.

  • In fact, about one-third (31 percent) of Americans light candles and one in five will light a fire in their fireplace (21 percent) during a holiday party hosted at their home.
  • More than half (53 percent) say they haven’t checked or changed their smoke detectors recently. Unchecked smoke detectors can cause people to miss important alarms when fire breaks out in a home.
  • Forty-four percent of Americans with gas fireplaces haven’t had it inspected within the last three years. Faulty gas lines and fireplace build-up can cause dangerous outcomes.
  • Forty-three percent of Americans admit to plugging in too many lights into one outlet. This can lead to electrical malfunctions and even fires.
  • About one-third (34 percent) have left candles and 17 percent have left fires unattended.

Allstate data indicates fires due to candles, fireplace and electrical mishaps are often significant losses:

Candle Firesii

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$515,000

$9,000

Condo

$55,000

Renters

$71,000

Fireplace Fires

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$1,600,000

$9,000

Condo

$66,000

Renters

$35,000

Electrical Fires

Insurance Policy Type

Most Costly Claim

Median Cost of Claim

Homeowners

$2,440,000

$18,000

Condo

$149,000

Renters

$72,000

Helpful Hints:
Advance planning and precaution can help protect your home and help make your holidays hazard-free. Allstate offers these tips to secure your home during the holidays:

Holiday Cooking

  • Before the holidays, install new batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that family members can locate and operate fire extinguishers. Test all fire prevention devices to make sure they function properly.
  • Be careful in the kitchen. The incorrect disposal of cooking grease, overuse of garbage disposals and improper or excessive disposal of waste can result in clogged drains and can cause sewer problems during this time of year.

Holiday Decorating

  • Never leave burning candles unattended, and always place them out of reach of children. Make it a part of your routine to check that all candles are extinguished before you go to bed each night.
  • Make a smart tree purchase. If buying a natural tree, make sure it’s fresh so it will be less of a fire hazard. Artificial trees should be labeled as fire resistant. Keep your tree away from heat sources, and trim trees with flame‐resistant materials. Never use lit candles to decorate trees.
  • Check your holiday lights, throwing away any that are broken and don’t overload the outlets. Only lights and extension cords specified for outdoor use should be used outside.

Holiday Security

  • When shopping, don’t leave purchases in the passenger compartment of your unattended vehicle. Store them out of sight, in the trunk.
  • When in plain view, gifts and valuables serve as an invitation to thieves. Close the shades or drapes if you’re away. And put your valuables away before hosting people at your home.
  • Don’t advertise shopping trips or gift purchases on social media. Whether it’s “check-ins” using geo-location services, travel plan updates, or even photos uploaded while at a holiday party, people may be unknowingly giving today’s “digital thieves” greater insight into the contents of your car’s trunk, times you’re away from home and even the holiday gifts hiding in your closet.

See how holiday hazards can hit close to home and get more tips by visiting Allstate’s Holiday Decorator, at www.allstate.com/holidaydecorator.

Survey Methodology
The survey of 1,036 American adults age 18+ was conducted November 2-5, 2014 via an online survey using a sample reflective of the American population. The survey was conducted by FTI Consulting, Inc. (FTI) for Allstate.

About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In 2013, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $29 million to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 200,000 hours of service across the country.

[i] Percentage increase in claims during the holiday season versus non-holiday season over a three-year period, November 15 through January 15, 2011-2014.
[ii] Based on Allstate claims data that was analyzed over the same three-year period, November 15 through January 15, 2011-2014.

 

Infographic: Holiday Party Hazards can hit close to home

 

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