How to Secure Your Business During the COVID- 19 Outbreak

The spread of COVID- 19 has forced many businesses to temporarily shut down or have their employees work from home. Such prevention measures are unavoidable to make sure everyone is safe. However, most people are concerned about the safety of their businesses.

Here are some crime prevention tips for businesses during the COVID- 19 outbreak:

Alarms and Security Cameras

Installing an alarm monitoring system makes your workplace more secure. Make sure your alarms function well, and the emergency contact list is updated.

Security cameras play a vital role in the overall security of your workplace. Install a surveillance camera that can be accessed remotely and records the activities of a particular area.

Lighting and Business Sign

Make sure both exterior and interior lights are switched on, especially around the premises. Don’t forget to replace the faulty bulbs with the new ones.

A handy small business crime prevention tip is displaying signboards outside your company. For example, you can use “24 hour surveillance” or “No cash on-premise” signs.

Secure Costly Items

Store your valuable and expensive items safely. Take them home or keep them away from access. You can close the windows to keep all your essential objects out of sight and safe.

Get Ideas from Near-by Businesses

Don’t keep rocks or any other heavy objects near the premises that intruders can use to break windows. Also, talk to your neighboring businesses to learn how they are protecting their costly items and ensuring their business security. You can get some ideas from them or help them with your own ideas.

These are some of the crime prevention tips that you can follow for your business. Apart from following these tips, buying commercial insurance can be an added advantage to secure your business. To learn more about business insurance, contact the experts at James Page Insurance today.

Here's How You Can Slow Down and Connect Yourself to Nature

Staying lonely or busy in work can affect your emotional well-being, health, and your relationships with others. Try to connect yourself with nature and break the monotony of your hectic life. Here’s how you can get started.

Get Some Fresh Air and Sunlight

Spend some quality time with your family in your garden or patio to experience and cherish nature. This will soothe your mind and rejuvenate your body.

Step Outside

Come out so that you can notice what is happening around you and your environment. This will increase your awareness of your surroundings.

Bring Nature Inside

The best way to slow down and connect yourself to nature is to bring some plants inside your home. Simple gardening tasks like watering plants and trimming the grass can uplift your mood and relieve your anxiety and stress.

Use Natural Products

Natural products have pleasant fragrance and amazing antioxidant properties. A bath or spa with organic products will slow you down and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Apart from replenishing your body with the required vitamins and minerals, it will also improve your gut function.

Go for a Short Drive

Go for a short drive to enjoy the nature. Letting the fresh air come in through your car window will calm you down and soothe your mind.

Play or Meditate Outside

Instead of watching TV and playing with gadgets, come out of your home and play some outdoor games with your kids. This will help you stay connected with them as well as to the great outdoors.

With these tips, you can slow down and connect yourself to nature. Do you need help with your life insurance coverage? Contact the experts at James Page Insurance. We are ready to help you with all your life insurance needs.

Mental Health and Social Distancing Tips During the Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our routine life. Practicing social distancing, even in the company of your close friends and family, can make you feel lonely. The lack of connection can impact your mental well-being.

Here are some social distancing and mental health tips that can help you during this public health emergency.

Avoid Emotional Distancing

We need the company of our loved ones, especially in these difficult times. Contact your best friend or any of your family members if you feel lonely. It will help you get rid of loneliness that may lead to depression or anxiety.

Establish a Routine

Create a routine and stick to it. This can help you balance your mental health and social distancing. However, do not stress yourself with back-to-back activities. Stay relaxed and comfortable while doing your routine tasks.

Workout and Meditate

Exercising 30 minutes every day can relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. You can also do meditation to build self-awareness and keep the stress at bay.

Begin a Hobby

The best way to balance social distancing and mental health is to begin a hobby. It could be reading, painting, gardening, or knitting. Hobbies can help you get rid of negative emotions and make you happy and relaxed.

Listen to Music

Listening to soothing music can relax your mind. Wear headphones and listen to your favorite music or songs that can keep you rejuvenated and relaxed. However, make sure to keep the volume of your headphones low.

Go for a Short Walk

Walking is the best way to stay fit and relaxed. You can walk around your home or in your garden.

Follow these social distancing and mental health tips during COVID- 19. Looking for another way to protect you and your family? Contact the experts at James Page Insurance for all your insurance needs.

How CARES Act Loans Will Save Small Businesses

The COVID- 19 outbreak has affected the global economy, especially small businesses like never before. The federal government has enacted CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) to help small enterprises survive the pandemic.

Here is what you need to know about CARES Act loans for small businesses:

Types of Loans

There are currently two types of loans available: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Loans (PPP). EIDL offers up to $2 million, whereas PPP offers up to $10 million. You can apply for both loans, but you cannot use them for the same purpose.

Small businesses, non-profits, and veterans can qualify for the loan, irrespective of their location.

Forgiveness Amount

After your loan is approved, you need to track your expenses for eight weeks and document them to the lender.

They will forgive the portion of the loan used for expenses after reviewing your documents. This portion becomes a grant that you do not need to repay. The interest rate for the remaining loan is 1% for a two-year term. There is a 6-month moratorium on the first payment and no prepayment penalty.

If you have requested a $10,000 grant in EIDL, the amount will be subtracted from the forgiveness amount.

Minimum Requirements for Maximum Relief

The SBA is trying to provide support to as many small businesses across the country as possible. The SBA will be lenient even if you do not have a good credit score. Also, you don’t need a personal guaranty or property to secure a CARES ACT loan.

An initiative by the government to help small businesses, CARES ACT loans will help you survive during the pandemic. Having the right commercial coverage is another way to keep your business safe. For assistance with all your business insurance needs, contact the experts at James Page Insurance today.