Wildfire Evacuation Plan: When the Order is Urgent!

It’s fire season again! In fact, it seems things are heating up and burning earlier this year and wildfires are impacting parts of the country normally considered to be a lower risk. As we enter the height of the 2007 fire season it‘s looking like more people will need to consider ways to protect their homes, mitigate their risk exposures and evacuate their properties. Evacuations are ordered by local government officials when disaster threatens an area. Local radio and television stations generally issue reports when a disaster threatens an area. When local officials ask you to evacuate, you need to … Continue reading →

Spring Is In The Air, and so is a lot of other Junk!

It’s time to haul out the lawnmower, clippers and get dirt under our fingernails. So many pretty flowers are showing themselves, and everything is about to burst with bloom. There is a lot of work to be done, and the days are getting longer and longer just to remind us of the nearing summertime… Homeowners and renters (if they really appreciate their landlords) need to start thinking of all the maintenance and hazard issues for their home as well as their liability risks. If you still have your holiday lights hanging from the eve’s of your house, then you need … Continue reading →

Auto Emergency Kits

Some of the most tragic stories of vacations gone wrong are often those where a person or family experiences a situation where they are lost or stranded in their automobiles. While the risk of life and death situations are far more common with winter driving trips, no matter the season families can suffer great peril when traveling by car. The truth is that most of the tragic stories we hear on the evening news may have been avoided had families considered and prepared for the worst possible situations they might face along their journeys. When we jump in the car … Continue reading →

Six Tips Before Starting The Engine On a Winter Car Trip.

A safe trip traveled by car during the winter starts with good planning, and considering the possible emergencies we might face as we travel. Before you gas-up and start down the road take some time to be sure the car is ready for the elements and the family is ready to face time, distance and the worst case scenario along the way. A Safe Auto Trip Starts Before the Engine Does! Before you start a trip in the winter be sure to take these steps into consideration: Tip #1 Mapping and Contact Person. Know where you are going and which … Continue reading →

Homeowners Guide For Action When The Power Goes Off.

There are many reasons power to a home can be disrupted. The best way to avoid losses caused by power outages is to be prepared and understand what steps you can take to reduce risk of secondary losses. Homeowners should have regular inspections of the interior and the exterior electrical wiring. Surge protections and understanding how to prevent damage to personal property is a vital preventative measure. In some areas of the country, an alternate power sources, such as generators, maybe a good idea, especially where electricity is needed to pump water from their private wells or run medical equipment. … Continue reading →

Lightning: Protecting Your House and Property

Lightning can strike anywhere, and in some cases without much warning. While homeowner and renter policies protect against lightning, some sensitive property such as electronic and computer equipment may not be covered the way an insured would hope. I once had to replace an electronic control for a relatively new furnace due to the electrical surge caused by a lightning strike. When it comes to lightning it’s up to each homeowner to decide how to manage this risk. Some of the most costly damage caused to personal property may not be covered, and there are ways to reduce the risk … Continue reading →

Power Surge And Electrical Outages.

Homeowner and renter insurance policy holders should check their policy and be sure to understand what is and what is not covered when the power goes out. Short power interruptions often cause damage to personal property and houses. The most common and expensive damage happens when the power comes back on and a surge of electricity floods the open circuits in the house. A large blast of electricity can cause computers to lose data, electronics to overheat, malfunction of household electronic equipment such as heating systems and alarm equipment. Sometimes a surge can cause fires or the loss of electricity … Continue reading →

Don’t Fall–Tips to Avoid a Medical Claim Because of A Ladder!

: I am constantly telling my family I don’t have the time to visit the Emergency Room, and there is no time of the year I mean this more then the holiday season. Really, the last thing any of us want to be doing during this time of the year is sitting and waiting to be seen at the hospital for an avoidable accident. Your health care insurance would rather not pay a claim for a preventable injury it just makes a lot of extra paperwork, stress and costs for everyone involved. An estimated 164,000 people end up in the … Continue reading →

‘Tis The Season for Lights and Fire Claims! Tips For Safe Lighting

We all see the news reports every year, a family loses everything to a Holiday house fire. It is very easy to think it will happen to someone else, until you are the family on the evening news, standing in the driveway of charred ruins. The lights are very pretty that is for sure but before you string fire starters on your gutters be sure you keep safety in mind. Before hanging, the decorations be sure to check your strings of lights for: Frayed or bare cords, and check for broken wires. If you find any problems, with the actual … Continue reading →

Are You Ready to Celebrate the Fourth of July?

It’s that time of the year! The big barbecue in the backyard and fireworks at dusk party! Are you sure you are ready to assume the risks and liability of a firework related loss? Fireworks that leave the ground or blow into pieces are restricted in some states and legal in others. So-called “safe” fireworks such as sparklers and smoke makers have risks. Embers from any firework can cause fires and bodily injuries. Your fireworks may cause property damage and bodily injury to neighbors or guests at your party. Homeowners may assume they are covered for any accident that occurs … Continue reading →