Happy Fall But Beware of these seasonal liabilities that homeowners face

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Every season comes with an exceptional climate pattern, but most fascinatingly, some have effects that touch people’s property and, in most cases, the effects turn out negative for individuals who do not take precaution and prepare for seasonal liabilities. Fall presents its own liability risks; however, prevention of this risks goes a long way in minimizing damages and insurance claims that may follow. Let us take a glance at some of the risk’s homeowners face.

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Understanding Hurricane Insurance (Wind & Flood Damage Coverage)

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Hurricane season is upon us, and already we’ve seen massive storms cause damage along the coastlines. For homeowners, the joys of living near the beach or the convenience of a nearby ocean are suddenly overshadowed by the risk of major loss, and their attention is turned to their insurance, or lack of it, during these tragic times. Many homeowners don’t fully understand their coverage, and they face sudden stark truths when attempting to file a claim. Insurance to cover the damage inflicted by a hurricane is rather complicated, and it is actually a bundle of several components.

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Child passenger safety: What your family needs to know

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When it comes to child safety in an automobile, it’s all about the car seat. Proper car seat selection and use are crucial to the safety and well-being of your children when they are riding in a vehicle. Read more

12 Ways to Protect Your Home or Business from Flooding

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Floodwaters are among the most damaging natural tragedies to come upon a property. They are relentless, unyielding and brutal. The only real defense against them is to be prepared so that you can hopefully avoid some of the damage they can bring. Here are 12 ways to protect your home or business against a flood.

  1. Downspouts. Be sure your structure has gutters and downspouts properly installed all the way around it. The downspouts should be routed far enough away from the building to give the water an external path for runoff.
  2. Gutters. Check your roof for any debris and make sure the gutters are clean so the rainwater can flow away freely.
  3. Runoff. Verify that any external drains or channels designed to route water away from the building are not blocked or impaired.
  4. Drains. Check any city storm drains near your location to verify they are not covered, and remove any blockage so the floodwaters can flow away.
  5. Foundation. Inspect your foundation for any cracks or shifts that might allow water to pass inside. Have any problems repaired, and consider adding extra levels of waterproofing to help repel floodwaters as they arrive.
  6. Landscaping. If flooding is an ongoing possibility for your location, you may want to consider adding some retaining walls or other landscaping designed to protect against rising waters.
  7. Sump Pump. Check your sump pump and drains to verify they are free and clear to remove water before it rises in the home.
  8. Backflow Valve. Have a backflow valve installed on your main sewer system. This keeps raw sewage from entering your home as floodwaters rise.
  9. Protect. Store your valuables safely above any flood lines for protection.
  10. Elevate. Elevate your expensive appliances and heating/cooling systems to keep them above the potential flood line. Also, consider having your electrical wiring and outlets raised to a safe level.
  11. Water Sensors. Electronic water sensors can alert you if there is a problem, allowing you to check your property and get valuables moved to safety.
  12. Plan Ahead. Have a plan in place for how to deal with an incident. Imagine floodwaters approaching your facility, and think of what you’d like to have ready at that time. Go through the motions of dealing with an issue, so you’ll be rehearsed and ready for a sudden surprise in the future.

School Bus Rules of the Road & Safety Statistics

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School buses are one of the safest means of transport worldwide. This is due to the fact that they are the most regulated vehicles on the road. Below are some school bus rules of the road and safety statistics, which makes them safer for students: Read more

Family Fire Safety – Education and Planning

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Children have a natural curiosity about fire and its ability to “come out of nowhere.” However, as an adult, you’re well aware of the dangers of fire and the value of fire safety education. Matches, lighters, and other heat sources are one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths for children under five.

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Popular Misconceptions about homeowners insurance

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As a homeowner, are you familiar with all the details of your homeowner’s insurance, and how much coverage you have? According to recent studies, almost 60% of today’s homeowners don’t understand their policies and are not properly insured.

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Summer Grilling Safety Tips

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Summer is here, and families are firing up their grill. However, negligence can cause grills to be dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 9,600 grill-related fires occur each year, with fires peaking during the month of July. With 70% of homeowners owning an outdoor grill or BBQ, there has been a spotlight placed on grill safety.

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Volcano Coverage Explained

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Volcano Insurance is a complex topic due to the numerous provisions and exclusions listed in most policies. The answer to the majority of the “Is this covered under my policy?” questions typically boil down to whether or not an insured event directly caused the damage, but this is not necessarily the case regarding volcano insurance. Your coverage for damages that resulted from a volcano depends almost exclusively on your situation. With that said, here are some common issues that arise during volcanic eruptions and whether they would be covered under most policies.
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Are you Properly Covered Against Uninsured Motorists?

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Did you know that if you’re involved in an accident – even if you weren’t at fault – you could actually pay more and have your premiums go up if the driver is uninsured? If you don’t have proper coverage, being hit by an insured driver can hit you – right in the wallet.
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