Garret C. Byrne State Farm Insurance Agent

12/25/2022

Merry Christmas 🎄

12/17/2020

Snow and ice can lead to dangerously slick pavement. Help keep your property safe for your family and guests with these tips.

Maintain adequate lighting around your home, in parking areas, on sidewalks and in stairways.

Ensure gutters and downspouts don't drain water onto walkways or into parking areas. Water and puddles can become icy if the temperature drops below freezing.

Consider a removal plan for snow and ice on sidewalks, stairs and parking areas.

Always repair potholes or uneven surfaces in driveways and parking areas.

10/13/2020

Grateful to have my brother with me every step of the way, especially in this months StateFarm magazine! Next stop: commercial. 👬🏻

08/26/2020

In honor of , we're sharing tips to help you and your furry friends stay safe during this time of social distancing and sheltering at home.

Create a den-like space or safe area in your home that's a "dog only" zone. This can be a dog crate where the door always remains open or a quiet location that your dog can go when they need some space.

Supervise small children around any dog. You can use baby gates to keep dogs and kids separated if you can’t actively supervise them. This can help keep everyone safe and avoid bites.

Teach your dog some new skills! If you need the help of a trainer, many now offer virtual consultations.

Be consistent. It can be confusing and frustrating for your dog if one member of the family allows them to get on the sofa but another punishes them when they do. Consistency makes learning easier and will give your dog the confidence they need to be successful in their environment.

Exercise and food-puzzle games provide physical and mental stimulation for dogs of all ages and is especially beneficial for dogs that are nervous or anxious. Solving puzzles can be intrinsically rewarding.

Give your dog a treasure hunt! This exercise allows your dog to use their bionic nose. Ask your dog to stay while you hide treats around the home. If your dog hasn't played this game before, start by placing them in plain sight to get them used to the idea.

08/25/2020

If you’re looking for a career and not just a job, give us a call!

07/21/2020

🌞🏡
Indoor humidity levels can be challenging to control during summer months. Here are some steps you can take to help clear the air by reducing and controlling the humidity in your home.

Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic v***r barrier.

Seal air and duct leaks.

Select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air, like Boston ferns.

Keep air conditioning drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed.

Set your fan to automatic.

Invest in a unit with a variable-speed air handler.

Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.

06/25/2020

Repost from
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Pet parents: these simple tips can help keep your animals happy and safe while Independence Day festivities happen around the neighborhood.

Leave your pets in a secure room at home if you choose to head outside. Loud noises can be frightening to animals and cause them to flee.

Make sure your pets (even indoor-only pets) have I.D. tags with up-to-date information.

After the celebration ends, check your yard for firework debris and food scraps before allowing pets outside.

05/08/2020

Our Agency is participating in fundraising for Operation Backpack – a drive to help fill new backpacks with school supplies for homeless children in NYC. Given the global pandemic, this drive has increased significance, as homeless NYC children are already operating at a significant deficit in the remote learning construct – from lack of meals to supplies, their world has been turned upside down even more.

If Operation Backpack can adequately raise sufficient funds this year, they will:

• Purchase 19,000 boxed sets of pre-packaged school supplies, along with 12,000 backpacks, to supplement existing inventory.
• Postpone their “Sort Weeks” until later August, depending on when NYC schools are scheduled to open.
• Have small numbers of volunteers during that time touch as little as possible and simply allocate the boxed supply kits and backpacks to the shelters.

To that end, Operation Backpack’s success is entirely dependent on fundraising this year. Cancellation of this fundraiser would be a huge step backwards for NYC’s youngest and most vulnerable students.

Please consider making a donation to this cause. We set up a team page for the Good Neighbor Team so that people can donate directly: https://donate.voa-gny.org/goodneighborbyrne

Volunteers of America-Greater New York

04/26/2020

Disturbingly accurate predictions from Kenny Mayne.

04/22/2020

There are many simple ways to celebrate Earth Day and be kinder to the planet. 🌎 Check out these 5 ideas you can do from home.

Clean up trash around your property, sidewalk and street.

Plant something green, like a tree, grass or flowers. 🌱

Set up a compost bin for your food waste. 🍔

Buy a reusable water bottle or coffee cup. ☕

How do you plan to celebrate?

04/21/2020

24/7/365 - We’re here to help.

04/17/2020

A pet can be a wonderful addition to your family. In honor of National Dog Bite Prevention week, take a look at some important traits of responsible dog ownership, provided by .

Commit 🐾
Select a pet that's suited to your home and lifestyle and commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s). Stay with your dog when he or she interacts with new people, and don’t force people to interact with your dog if they appear reluctant, uninterested or afraid.

Invest 🐕
Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money. Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.), as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.

Obey 🦴
Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control. Use a leash in public to ensure you can control your dog and to show others that you are in control of your dog. Train your dog basic commands like "sit," "stay," "no," and "come" to help your pet understand what's expected of them.

Identify 🐶
Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep its registration up-to-date.

Prepare 🐩
Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit. Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your pet.