12/23/25

EPB&B Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Community Giving

The holiday season is a time for gratitude, generosity, and coming together to support our neighbors. At EPB&B Insurance, giving back has always been core to who we are. This December, our team continued long-standing traditions of service while strengthening partnerships with three incredible Portland organizations that work tirelessly to uplift our community.

Feeding the Community With Feed the Hungry

For almost 20 years, Feed the Hungry has held a special place in EPB&B’s heart. This remarkable organization provides hot, sit-down meals for people experiencing hunger, offering nourishment, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

This year, our team rolled up our sleeves in the kitchen to prepare one of our favorite dishes: Mexican chicken casserole, made with a little spice and a lot of care. Alongside the meal, EPB&B proudly presented a $5,000 check to support Feed the Hungry’s ongoing mission. It’s an honor to stand beside an organization that continues to feed thousands of Portlanders every year.

Supporting Path Home Through Give!Guide

EPB&B was once again thrilled to participate in Willamette Week’s Give!Guide, offering a $5,000 matching gift to support Path Home, an organization dedicated to helping families with children secure permanent housing and maintain long-term stability.

In just one day, the community rallied together to raise over $17,000 for Path Home, including EPB&B’s match. These funds directly support critical programs that move families from crisis to security and help parents and children avoid the trauma of homelessness. We are proud to be a long time partner with Path Home and champion their life-changing work.

Empowering Stone Soup PDX With a December Match

Rounding out our holiday giving, for the third consecutive year EPB&B presented a $5,000 matching donation to Stone Soup PDX through the December Give!Guide campaign. Stone Soup creates pathways to economic stability for individuals facing employment barriers through paid culinary apprenticeships, job-readiness training, and community meals.

This organization not only nourishes the Portland community through food but also empowers individuals with the skills and confidence needed to build brighter futures. Supporting Stone Soup means investing in both people and possibility, a mission we are honored to uplift.

A Heartfelt Thank You From EPB&B

Our commitment to giving back is only possible because of the people who make EPB&B what it is: our dedicated team, our loyal customers, and our exceptional professional partners. Your trust in us enables us to continue investing in the community we love.

As we close out another meaningful year of connection and service, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to support organizations that strengthen Portland and change lives every day. From all of us at EPB&B Insurance, Happy Holidays, and thank you for helping us make a difference.

12/16/25

Holiday Travel Safety: 5 Tips to Stay Safe on the Road This Season

The holiday travel season is one of the busiest times of the year. Whether you are driving across town or heading out for a long winter road trip, a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe. Winter weather, increased traffic, and seasonal distractions can all raise the risk of accidents, which is why practicing safe winter driving and understanding your auto insurance coverage are essential.

Here are five smart tips to help you stay safe on the road this holiday season.

1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Before you leave, take time to make sure your car is ready for cold temperatures and hazardous conditions.
A quick maintenance check can reduce breakdowns and improve safety on icy or wet roads.

What to check:

  • Tires (tread depth and tire pressure)
  • Battery health
  • Windshield wipers and washer fluid
  • Antifreeze levels
  • Headlights and brake lights

Packing an emergency kit with blankets, water, jumper cables, and a phone charger is also a smart move, especially for long-distance holiday travel.

2. Watch the Weather and Plan Your Route

Holiday travel often means unpredictable winter storms.
Checking the road conditions and forecast ahead of time can help you avoid dangerous conditions like snow, ice, or heavy rain.

Safety reminders:

  • Leave earlier than you would normally.
  • Choose well-maintained highways over backroads.
  • Allow extra travel time so you are not rushing.
  • Share your route and expected arrival with someone.
  • If weather conditions look hazardous, consider delaying your trip. Safety always comes first.

3. Reduce Distractions and Stay Focused

The holidays can be chaotic, and distractions behind the wheel are more common.
Staying focused is one of the best ways to prevent accidents during busy travel weekends.

Tips to stay alert:

  • Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.”
  • Set your navigation before driving.
  • Keep pets and luggage secured.
  • Avoid multitasking, such as eating or adjusting navigation while driving.

Even a moment of distracted driving can lead to a dangerous situation and dire consequences, especially in heavy holiday traffic.

4. Drive Slowly and Give Yourself Extra Space

Winter driving requires patience. Roads may look clear, but can still hide black ice or slippery spots.

To stay safe:

  • Increase the distance between your car and the car ahead
  • Brake gently to avoid skidding.
  • Drive slower on curves and bridges.
  • Use headlights in rain, snow, or fog.

Taking your time reduces risk and gives you more control if road conditions suddenly change.

5. Know What Your Auto Insurance Covers

Holiday travel is a good reminder to review your auto insurance policy.
Understanding your coverage helps you feel prepared if the unexpected happens on the road.

Consider checking:

  • Whether you have roadside assistance.
  • If your policy covers rental car reimbursement.
  • Your deductible in case of weather-related damage.
  • Liability limits for added protection.

If you are unsure about your coverage or want help reviewing your policy before holiday travel, EPB&B Insurance is here to help.

Safe Holiday Travels From EPB&B Insurance

Winter driving

With the proper preparation and a little extra caution, you can make your holiday road trip safer and more enjoyable. Stay alert, plan, and drive with care as you celebrate the season with family and friends.If you have questions about winter driving risks or want to review your auto insurance, our team is here to support you throughout the holiday season.

12/01/25

Five Holiday Decorating Hazards That Could Affect Your Homeowners Insurance

The holiday season brings joy, tradition, and plenty of festive décor, but it also brings a surprising number of avoidable home hazards. Many of the most common holiday-related homeowners’ insurance claims come from simple decorating mistakes that can quickly turn into costly damage.

To help you celebrate safely, here are the top five holiday decorating risks and how to avoid them.

1. Electrical Fires from Lights and Cords

Holiday lights bring seasonal magic, but they also cause thousands of home fires each year.

Common risks include:

  • Frayed or cracked light strands.
  • Overloaded outlets.
  • Indoor lights that are used outdoors.
  • Extension cords hidden under rugs.

How to avoid this risk:

  • Inspect all lights and replace damaged strands.
  • Use UL-listed, LED lights as they run cooler.
  • Match indoor/outdoor ratings correctly.
  • Plug decorations into surge-protected power strips.
  • Keep cords visible and untangled.

Homeowners insurance tip:
Fire damage is often covered, but prevention protects your home, wallet, and peace of mind.

2. Dry Christmas Trees That Can Ignite Quickly

A dry tree can go from glowing to blazing in seconds.

Signs your tree is too dry:

  • Brittle needles.
  • Dropping excessive needles.
  • Cracking or dull branches.

How to avoid this risk:

  • Choose a fresh tree and water it daily
  • Keep it away from fireplaces and heating vents.
  • Use low-heat LED lights
  • Recycle the tree promptly after the holidays.

Homeowners Insurance reminder:
Tree fires are one of the most severe holiday hazards; proper care dramatically lowers the chance you’ll ever need to file a homeowners insurance claim.

3. Candle and Fireplace Accidents

Candles and cozy fires set the holiday mood, but they’re a leading cause of preventable home damage.

Risks include:

  • Candles placed near greenery or window treatments.
  • Pets or children knocking over candles
  • Stockings or décor hung too close to fireplaces.

How to avoid this risk:

  • Swap real candles for flameless LED alternatives
  • Keep open flames at least one foot away from anything flammable.
  • Use fireplace screens to block sparks.
  • Never leave candles or fires unattended.

4. Slips, Trips, and Falls from Ladders and Décor

Many holiday injuries come from putting up lights or maneuvering around decorations.

Risks include:

  • Unsteady ladders.
  • Cords across walkways.
  • Unsecured outdoor displays.

How to avoid this risk:

  • Use a sturdy ladder with a spotter.
  • Keep walkways clear and well-lit.
  • Anchor inflatables and outdoor décor to prevent wind hazards.

Homeowners insurance Reminder:
Liability claims can arise if someone is injured on your property; decorating safely protects visitors and reduces risk.

5. Theft While Your Home Appears Unattended

Traveling for the holidays? Criminals often target homes that look unoccupied.

Risks include:

  • Deliveries piling up outside your home.
  • Dark, empty-looking homes.
  • Posting travel plans online.

How to avoid this risk:

  • Use smart light timers.
  • Have a neighbor collect packages or mail.
  • Keep blinds partially closed.
  • Share holiday travel photos after you return.

Homeowners insurance insight:
Most policies cover theft, but good prevention reduces the likelihood of needing to use your homeowners’ insurance during the holiday season.

Contact Us

Homeowners holiday

Decorating should be joyful, not stressful. By understanding the top risks and taking a few preventive steps, you can keep your home festive and safe all season long.

If you have questions about how homeowners’ insurance protects you during the holidays or want to review your current coverage, the EPB&B Insurance team is here to help.

Wishing you a safe, bright, and beautiful holiday season from EPB&B Insurance