Gifford-Heiden Insurance

09/02/2026

🍂🌴 SEPTEMBER FUN FACTS! 🌴🍂

September may mean the start of fall for most of the country, but here in Florida… we're still waiting for that “cool” weather! 😂☀️

Here are a few fun facts about September:

📅 1. September means “seven”
The name comes from the Latin word septem, meaning seven. It was originally the 7th month of the Roman calendar!

🍁 2. September is the start of fall
The first day of fall arrives with the Autumnal Equinox—usually around September 22 or 23.

🎃 3. Pumpkin season begins!
September kicks off the unofficial countdown to Halloween and all things pumpkin! 🎃👻

💙 4. September has a birthstone
September's birthstone is the beautiful sapphire, traditionally associated with wisdom and good fortune. 💎

🌴 5. Florida has its own version of fall!
While other states are watching leaves change colors, Floridians are still enjoying sunshine, palm trees and plenty of warm weather! ☀️🌴😂

🍂 HELLO, SEPTEMBER!
Here's to a month filled with sunshine, new beginnings, football, pumpkin spice and hopefully a few cooler days!

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

DID YOU KNOW? 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT LABOR DAY! 🎉

Labor Day is more than a three-day weekend! It celebrates the accomplishments of American workers and the labor movement that helped pave the way for shorter workdays, weekends and improved working conditions.

Here are 5 fun facts you may not know:

📅 1. It started in 1882!
The first Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. About 20,000 people attended—even though they gave up a day’s wages to participate!

🏛️ 2. Oregon was first!
Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday in 1887. Several other states followed later that year.

3. The U.S. and Canada celebrate it too!
Both countries made Labor Day a national holiday in the same year and celebrate it on the first Monday in September.

🎉 4. Some traditions go way back!
Parades, picnics and recreation were part of the earliest Labor Day celebrations—and they’re still popular ways to celebrate today!

🤔 5. Who actually founded Labor Day?
Two men are credited with the idea: Peter McGuire, a carpenter, and Matthew Maguire, a machinist. Historians aren't sure which one came up with the idea, so both get credit!

❤️ However you celebrate, we hope you have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Thank you to all the hardworking people who keep our communities, businesses and country moving forward!

08/28/2026

🏢 Commercial Lines Spotlight: Why Occupancy Matters 🔑

Did you know that how your commercial building is occupied plays a major role in your insurance coverage?

Even if the building itself hasn't changed, a change in occupancy can affect your premiums, coverage, and even claims.

Here's a quick breakdown:

🏢 Owner-Occupied – The business owner operates from the building. Regular occupancy often helps identify maintenance issues before they become major losses.

🏬 Tenant-Occupied – The building is leased to one or more businesses. The type of tenant matters because different operations present different levels of risk.

🚧 Vacant – Buildings that are vacant for an extended period may face increased risks of vandalism, theft, water damage, and undetected losses. Coverage may be limited, excluded, or require special insurance.

⚠️ Don't Forget: If your building's occupancy changes, let your insurance agent know right away. A simple change—such as a new tenant, your business moving out, or the building becoming vacant—could impact your coverage.

📞 Have questions about your commercial property policy? Contact Gifford-Heiden Insurance. We're here to help you protect your investment and ensure your coverage keeps up with your business.

08/26/2026

🚽🔪 Random Fact of the Day: Toilet Seat vs. Cutting Board Edition! 🤯

Did you know… your kitchen cutting board can have more bacteria than a toilet seat?

It sounds surprising, but cutting boards can collect bacteria from raw meats, food residue, and knife grooves — especially if they aren’t cleaned and dried properly. A toilet seat, on the other hand, is often cleaned more frequently and doesn’t usually come into contact with food particles.

✨ Fun twist: This doesn’t mean your cutting board is unsafe! A few simple habits help keep it clean:
✅ Wash with hot, soapy water after use
✅ Use separate boards for raw meat and produce
✅ Replace boards that have deep cracks or grooves
✅ Let boards dry completely between uses

So the next time someone says “the toilet seat is cleaner…” — your cutting board might be the real contender! 😄

06/01/2026

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. NOAA predicts a below-normal season with 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. A little preparation now goes a long way—here are a few key reminders to help you stay ready before storm season ramps up.

🏡 For Our Homeowners

*Review your insurance coverage - make sure all of your policies are up to date and that your coverage is adequate. Remember flood damage is not automatically included in your homeowners policy. Store your policies digitally for easy access or download your carriers app (see list below).
*Stock up on emergency supplies - check out our article below on essential items to include.
*Prepare you home - trim trees, clear gutters, check storm shutters, generators. Buy fuel containers now so you have them when you need them.
*Document your home and contents and store them in a safe location like the cloud - check out our article below on making a home inventory
*Prepare an evacuation plan - review the evacuation routes you could use in case you need to evacuate when a storm is approaching.
*Don't forget your pets - see section below on what to include in your pet's emergency kit.

Give us a call today!

05/29/2026

🎓 Congratulations to all graduates! 🎓

Whether you're moving up from elementary school, stepping into middle school, finishing high school, or earning your college degree—this is a moment to be proud of. Each milestone represents hard work, growth, and determination.

Keep chasing your dreams, setting new goals, and believing in yourself. The future is yours! 🌟

05/27/2026

Connect with Us Online

Great news! Commercial Insurance customers can now:

📄 Access policy documents anytime

✅ Issue certificates with ease

✏️ Submit policy change requests online

🗃️ File claims quickly and easily


Getting started is simple—reach out to our office, and we’ll help you set up your access today.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy today, and their courage and dedication deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.

Gone but never forgotten.