Memorial Day Weekend

 

As Memorial Day, and the warm weather approaches, take a few moments to make sure your auto and home policies are up-to-date.  For instance, tons of accidents happen when the highways are jammed with vacationers.  Be sure that you are carrying enough liability insurance (or buy an “umbrella” policy) to cover you in the event you are involved in a serious accident.  Also be sure you have rental reimbursement and towing coverage.  

As for your homeowners policy, check with us if you are planning to remodel, build an addition, install a swimming pool, buy a boat, etc.  We’ll help you to determine if your current protection serves your needs. Contact us now by clicking this link today!

 

Landscape Ready: Utility Marking, Underground Septic & Sewer Back-Up

"Remember the “Beverly Hillbillies?” With apologies to Jed, Grannie and the clan, consider the following variation:   “Come and listen to a story about a lady named McGee A simple suburban homester just wanting a new tree But when our green thumber plunged that shovel in the ground Up from the depths come a-bubblin’ brown…. …Sewage, that is. Smelly sludge, septic tank tea.”   And if you’ll forgive the mixed metaphors, a smelly yard may be just the tip of the iceberg when you dig before being sure exactly where your local underground utilities are located. Negligent homeowners may face a myriad of exposures to loss beyond the possible damages to their own property or house plumbing: Severe injury if that shovel hits an electrified line. (Hit a natural gas line and they may never find you again.) Fines from local regulators. Liability for repair expenses to utility companies. Liability to neighbors for cutting power, water, phone, cable or sewage lines. Even if there is no immediate visible damage, your shovel may damage the protective coating of a gas line, for example, starting a gradual leakage or deterioration that is a ticking time bomb.   Yet according to a recent national survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), only 33% of homeowner do-it-yourselfers called to have their lines marked before starting digging projects. (CGA is a coalition of 1,400 excavators, locators, and road builders; telecommunications, electric, oil and gas providers; railroads; one-call centers, public works, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, state regulators, insurance firms, engineering/design firms, and emergency services.)     Too Shallow? Careful!   And speaking of time bombs, even if you’re thinking like many of those non-callers that your planting is too shallow or located sufficiently to the side to impact deeply buried utilities, consider future growth: Could those spreading tree roots eventually make their way into nearby sewer lines, causing anything from nuisance blockages to major and expensive damage and backups? The answer, thanks to the FCC and the CGA, is as simple as three numbers: 811. There have long been numerous local “Call Before You Dig” numbers furnished by municipalities and utility companies. The FCC mandated a single, national phone number be created in addition to the existing local options to increase convenience, compliance and eliminate confusion, while continuing free and local service.     Nice Colors   The 811 calls are directed to a local center, which then notifies all the affected utilities. They then mark all underground lines—at no cost to you—with easily recognized colored lines or flags: Red, electric. Orange, communications, telephone/CATV. Blue, potable water. Green, sewer/drainage. Yellow, gas or oil. Purple, reclaimed water or irrigation. Maroon, temporary survey. White, pre-marked site of intended excavation. Be sure to call at least 48-72 hours in advance of digging, and be prepared with specific information on your plans. When it comes to digging in your yard, 811 represents the best of risk management—minimizing or eliminating the claim entirely!     Coverage Idea   Even your best-laid plans might not prevent a basement or ground floor bathroom to be suddenly awash in sewage backup. That’s why you should ask your agent about special endorsements to your home insurance to respond to such backups. Be sure to tell your agent the amount of valuable property you have in the basement. While old-time basements often held only old stuff in storage, today's are often the center of family life—“man-caves” to recreation rooms! If your best precautions should fail, add your Trusted Choice® agent to your Call Before You Dig list! Just like those utilities, he or she will gladly mark out the limits of your current coverage as it applies to your plans. (Now, if we insurance experts could just figure out a way to do it—red for property, blue for liability?—with those clever colored lines or flag"     http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/Landscape-Ready.aspx

Congratulations Class of 2012!

 

Congratulations Class of 2012: Now It’s Time to Graduate to Your Own Insurance!

"It’s a rite of passage for college students to don cap and gown and march for graduation ceremonies- in fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 1.8 million students will graduate with a bachelor's degree in 2012. As those 1.8 million make the transition from undergraduates to careers, pursuit of advanced degrees or back into mom and dad's basement, it's critical that they understand how walking across that stage may have changed their insurance needs. While every individual’s needs are unique, here are five basic insurance coverages that all college grads should consider, to see if they apply:  Auto insurance A shiny new car, whether owned or leased, holds appeal for newly employed college grads.Auto insurance helps cope with the expenses of accidents, vandalism or theft.  A lender or leasing company that finances the vehicle will require auto insurance. Car accidents can create large liabilities for a driver, so the liability portion of auto coverage helps protect the bank account. Plus, auto insurance covers many legal expenses if a driver is sued. If a graduate who already owns a car is moving, where they keep and register the car, especially from one state to another, can impact coverage. It's important for new graduates to let their insurance agent know about these moves to make sure their current coverage will still apply, or if they'll need a new policy.   Health insurance Under the new federal health care law, children can remain on their parent's health insurance policy until age 26. With unemployment and underemployment high among those in their early twenties, this can provide many recent grads with health insurance until they are able to get it through their employer or an individual policy. Individual policies can be pricey and differ significantly in coverage, so talk with a Trusted Choice® insurance professionalabout what makes the most sense.   Homeowners or renters insurance College grads starting out may not own a home yet, but may rent a residence. To make sure their possessions are protected, homeowners and renters insurance offer comprehensive coverage whether at home or traveling. Liability insurance included in renters and homeowners coverage also helps protects against the risk of being sued. There usually are limitations on renters coverages within a group house—a typical post-graduate arrangement—so it is important to understand the details of a policy.   Life insurance New grads may find a job with an employer that offers group term life insurance coverage. However, those with children may find it worthwhile to buy additional term life insurance or permanent life insurance, which builds cash value over time.   Disability insurance This is a vital but often-overlooked insurance coverage. It provides income when a person is injured or disabled, whether on the job or off. A Trusted Choice® insurance professional can calculate the right amount of coverage to help a person live while recovering.   New college grads may want to lean financially on their parents’ insurance coverages as long as possible (though mom and dad might feel a little differently!). While that makes sense, it’s not always viable. For instance, auto insurance companies will require an owner or lessee of a car to carry their own coverage. There are plenty of insurance policies out there that new grads won’t need, unless there are special circumstances, such as air travel insurance, contact lens insurance or cancer insurance. Typically, it is better to have comprehensive policies like renters or health. Parents of new graduates also should take this time to review their own insurance portfolios, as there may be opportunities to reduce their premiums when child moves out of the home. A Trusted Choice® insurance professional can help new grads and their families navigate these waters, to provide sensible coverage that won’t break the bank."

http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/graduate-to-your-own-insurance.aspx

Insurance fail to brighten your Monday morning blues!

What am I Riddle?

        

• I am a piece of paper, a drop of ink and a few pennies of a premium
• I am a promise to pay
• I help people see visions, dreams and achieve economic immortality
• I am education for the children
• I am savings
• I am property that increases in value from year to year
• I lend money when you need it most, with no questions asked
• I ensure people the daring to live and the moral right to die
• I create money when non existed before
• I guarantee the continuity of business
• I am a declaration of financial independence and economic freedom
• I am protected by laws that prevent creditors from assessing the money I give to your loved ones
• I bring dignity, peace of mind and security to your family

       

What am I?

 

 

 

The Irish Blessing

 

May those who love us, love us;

And for those who don't love us, 

May God turn their hearts;

And if he doesn't turn their hearts, 

May he turn their ankles,

So we will know them by their limping!

 

Happy St. Patricks Day!

New Year's resolutions that could lower your insurance rates

 

Six resolutions that could lower your insurance rates.

 

1. Lose weight

If you're among the two-thirds of Americans who are overweight or obese, losing weight could qualify you for lower life insurance rates. That's true whether you're applying for a new policy or already have life insurance.

Louis J. Cassara, chairman and CEO of the Financial Resource Network in the Chicago area, says several of his formerly overweight clients who slimmed down through healthy diet and exercise programs were able to get reconsideration of their life insurance rating classes on existing policies. The strategy reduced costs of their permanent life insurance policies, allowing more money to go into cash value, says Cassara, a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant.

"You can save 5 percent to 15 percent on the cost of insurance by being in good shape," he says.

Not all life insurance companies allow existing policyholders to apply for better rating classes. Ask your life insurance agent for details.

2. Quit smoking

"Smoking dramatically increases the cost of insurance, particularly for term life insurance," Cassara says.

Smoking also raises premiums for permanent life insurance, such as whole and universal life, as well as disability and long-term care insurance.

Most life insurance companies require you to be tobacco-free for at least 12 months to qualify as a nonsmoker, but John Hancock offers a "quit smoking incentive" program for its universal life and variable universal life products.

Cassara says the John Hancock program lets smokers who intend to quit smoking qualify for standard nonsmoker rates for three years. They get to keep the nonsmoker rate permanently if during the three years they show evidence they quit smoking for at least 12 months.

3. Make your home safer

Ask your homeowners insurance company or agent about safety and security discounts.

"It could be something as simple as installing deadbolts on doors or putting in better locks on windows, up to installing a security system with remote monitoring," says Tully Lehman, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Network of California.

Consider upgrades for fire safety, too, such as replacing an old wood shingle roof with a roof made from fire-safe materials.

4. Improve your credit

Insurance companies in some states can use credit information as a factor in setting car and home insurance premiums. People with good credit get lower rates than those with poor credit histories. To improve your credit, request free copies of your credit reports through annualcreditreport.com and follow instructions to correct any factual errors. Then, catch up on late payments to creditors, pay your bills on time and keep credit card balances under 30 percent of credit limits. Not all states, however, use credit history information when setting rates.

5. Drive less, drive gently - if you can

Insurance companies offer pay-as-you-drive programs in a growing number of states. Examples are Progressive's Snapshot and State Farm's In-Drive. By enrolling in these programs, you agree to have your car's mileage and your driving performance tracked through a telematics device installed in your vehicle.

The device monitors how far you drive and when, how fast you accelerate and turn, and how hard you brake. If you qualify by meeting certain criteria -- not driving during peak hours, not driving more than 12,000 miles in a year and not taking turns too fast or braking too hard -- you can receive a reduction in your car insurance rate.

6. Turn off your cell phone while driving

Ditching your phone while driving may not directly lower car insurance rates, but it may help prevent accidents and traffic tickets, which can increase premiums. Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving. If adopted by all states, it would be illegal to use a phone while driving, even if you used accessories that allowed you talk on the phone without using your hands.

Currently, the use of mobile devices while driving is governed by state laws with varying degrees of scope. Some states ban all use of handheld cell phones while driving, others prohibit just novice drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel. Meanwhile, some states ban only text messaging while driving. Regardless of what the laws are in your state, safety experts say it's best to stay focused on the road rather than talk on the phone and drive.

"No matter how good you think you are at multi-tasking, having a conversation on a mobile phone while driving distracts you from safely controlling your car," says Dave Melton, a driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual Insurance and managing director of global safety. "Talking on a hands-free device makes absolutely no difference. You are distracted when you talk while driving."

Using a cell phone behind the wheel also teaches kids that it's OK to do so, no matter how often you tell them not to text or talk on the phone while driving.

"And the problem gets worse for teens and novice drivers who are [at] greater risk because they lack driving experience and may not recognize their own level of distraction or appreciate risky driving situations," Melton says.

Source: http://www.insurance.com/life-insurance/coverage/resolutions-lower-insurance-rates.html?WT.qs_osrc=fxb-45854010

A No Key New Years Eve!

 

This weekend, millions of people will ring in the New Year with friends, family, and loved ones. However, amidst all the festivities, toasts, and celebrating, safety can quickly take a backseat to a good time – especially when alcohol is added to the mix.

 

Due to an increase in drunk driving, New Years Eve is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which reports that 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2009.

 

Whether you’re planning to stand in Times Square to see the ball drop or you’re celebrating by throwing a party for friends, your insurance agent want to ensure you usher in 2012 safely. Don’t let your New Year’s celebration turn tragic, follow these safety tips to ring in the New Year responsibly.

 

1. Leave your keys at home. If you’re planning to raise a glass and toast the New Year, do not drink and drive. Choose a designated driver (many states also offer DD services), take public transportation, walk, or call a taxi. Whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. When you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you’re not only endangering yourself and your passengers, you’re putting others on the road in danger.

2. Be a responsible host. If you’re throwing a New Year’s Eve party, select a designated driver and call a local cab company to provide rides for your guests. You should also stop serving alcohol to guests a couple hours before the party ends, so that guest can sober up. If your party includes underage guests, consider using two different types of cups or different colors in order to distinguish alcoholic beverages from non-alcoholic. If someone underage is caught drinking at your party, as the host you are responsible and could face charges. (You can also read more about social host liability here.)

 

3. Don’t walk alone. If you choose to walk home from a New Year’s celebration, take a friend with you. Walking alone makes you a target for robbers and other attackers. You should also avoid areas that aren’t well lit or places with little or no foot traffic. 

 
4. Be discrete. If you’re not going to be home on New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day, make sure your home is secure by locking all doors and windows, turning on automatic light timers, and arming your security. You also shouldn’t advertise your absence by posting notifications about your departure on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites.

 

5. Watch your drink. Never leave your glass or cup unattended. Putting down a drink – even for a minute – gives partygoers with ill intentions a chance to slip something in it. If you need to go to the restroom or step outside, hand your drink to a trusted friend.

 

 

 

Source: http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/no-keys-new-years-eve.aspx

Christmas Tale for all of my Insurance Friends!

 

Twas the night before Christmas (12:01 a.m. 12/25) and all through the house (single family, joisted masonry, e.c.3, terr. 44, pc5), not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (thorough pride of ownership and excellent maintenance).

The (flame-retardant) stockings were hung by the (contractor-installed) chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (in spite of deadbolt locks and central station alarm system).

The children (ages 4, 8, 14, & 16) were all nestled snug in their beds (check MVR on 16-year-old) while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads (check for drug use).

Ma in her kerchief (scheduled heirloom) and I in my cap (no slave to fashion) had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. (Check employment, is insured sleeping all day?)

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter (check into condition of premises, housekeeping, etc.), I jumped out of bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, threw back the curtains and tore open the sash (intentional destructive act, no coverage; also, appears insured only wearing a cap in front of uncovered window).

When what to my wondrous eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. (check if sleigh is rated business use and corporate owned.) With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. (Notify life underwriting, order medical on 600-year-old driver).

More rapid than eagles (check MVR for speeding violations) his coursers they came and he whistled and shouted and called them by name (possible aggressive driver).

Now Dasher (turbo equipped?), now Dancer (classic?), now Prancer (check occupation), now Vixen (definitely check occupation), on Comet (possible muscle deer), on Cupid (check credit score), on Donner (4×4) and Blitzen (possible drinking problem?).

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall (check for structural damage; also look into height exposures), now dash away, dash away, dash away all (old man climbing walls either in great shape or overly medicated).

So up to the housetop his coursers they flew, with a sleigh full of toys and Saint Nicholas, too. (Check for possible retail delivery classification of autos). And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. (Check for shingle damage; also classification of operations—roofing is a prohibited class).

As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney he came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur (scheduled items) from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. (Part-time job as firefighter?)

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back. (Check to see if insured has safety committee; check lifting training). His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry, his cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry (order updated medical report, possible drinking and/or drug abuse).

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth (ineligible for nonsmoker discount) and the smoke encircled his head like a wreath (check batteries in smoke detectors to make sure operational).

He was chubby and plump a right jolly elf (overweight for height) and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a nod of his head soon gave me reason I had nothing to dread (Stranger enters past alarm and insured not worried? Sounds suspicious.)

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stocking, then turned with a jerk (review workplace for ergonomic compliance).

And laying his finger aside of his nose (obscene gesture?), and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. (Check operations, chimney sweeps are prohibited classification, look into GL PD deductible.)

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle (not likely with fat man and sleigh full of toys. Check GVW for proper classification, light/service/local seems unlikely).

And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” (Check hours of operation; 24-hour service operations prohibited. Also check into seasonal nature of business.)

NOTE: ORDER NEW LOSS CONTROL REPORT. DIARY FOR 07/01/06 TO DISCUSS WITH AGENT.

 

(And you don't think we have our own lingo?) HAHA

 

Source: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2005/12/23/63402.htm

Not Owned, Not Covered, Not Good!

 

As the fall approaches across the United States, millions of young people will embark on that great journey we call life on a college campus. Others entering their golden years and their families will consider the benefit of moving into an assisted living facility. Still others, uninterested in or unable to secure a home loan, will choose to move into an apartment or rental home.

What does each of the above circumstances have in common?

None of them own the home in which they are living—thus preventing them from purchasing a standard home insurance policy.

Yes, those individuals described above could find coverage for personal property or personal liability claims under the home insurance policy of someone else. For example, some policies will extend coverage to a student while living away attending school. However, reliance on someone else’s insurance is risky—coverage may be inadequate or nonexistent, depending on the terms of that policy.    

If you’re one of the individuals described above—or feel responsible for someone that fits the description—wouldn’t you feel better knowing insurance coverage is in force?

Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is a generally used term to describe a policy designed for someone that does not own a home. Insurance carriers that sell renters insurance typically have their own rules to determine who is eligible. Many policies will offer both personal property (often called “contents”) and personal liability insurance.

Personal Property
Renters insurance is often marketed and sold for its ability to cover personal property. Many carriers focus on this function of the policy for psychological reasons. Why? It’s much easier for buyers to visualize the theft of or damage to personal property than it is to visualize a personal liability claim. 

You can buy renters insurance at a limit sufficient to pay the cost to repair or replace damaged or stolen property. Some insurers allow buyers to choose to purchase coverage that will reimburse the cost to replace damaged property with a newer model—without deducting for depreciation. Others only allow buyers to buy insurance that will pay the actual cash value of the property, allowing the claims adjuster to deduct for depreciation. If available, the former option is preferable—many types of personal property, such as electronics and furniture, depreciate significantly.

Renters insurance may be sold on a “named” or “open” perils basis:
• If the former option applies, coverage is limited to causes of loss or so-called “perils” specifically named in the policy. Let’s say your TV burns in a fire. It likely will be covered because fire is a named peril. If the event causing damage to the property is not a named peril, than no coverage will apply. For example, if your furniture is damaged in a flood it probably won’t be covered because flood is not a named peril.
• If the open perils option applies, coverage is extended to any cause of loss or “peril” unless the event causing damage is specifically excluded. If available, this option is preferable, as you can never predict the event that will cause damage to your property. 

Personal Liability
Many renters insurance policies also cover an insured’s personal liability. Let’s say you’re entertaining guests at a gathering at your apartment. A drink is spilled on the tile floor and someone slips and falls, causing serious bodily injury. As host, you could be found negligent for that person’s injury and made responsible for his or her medical bills. Without personal liability insurance, you would have to pay those potentially devastating costs out of your own pocket. Even worse, if a lawsuit were to arise, your personal assets also may be tapped to compensate that person for his or her injury. The types of bodily injury claims covered by your policy vary and should be reviewed carefully.

You also may be found personally liable for property damage caused to the space you are renting or to someone else’s property, such as a neighbor’s building. As with bodily injury, the types of property damage claims covered by your policy vary; again, review the coverage carefully.

Conclusion
Regardless of your living arrangement, choosing to live uninsured could prove financially devastating if your personal property is stolen or damaged. The same is true if you are responsible for someone’s injury or damage to his or her property. Call today and talk with a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent for help in securing renters insurance for you or a loved one.  

 

From the Trusted Choice Website:

www.TrustedChoice.com

Fight the Flames: Seven Tips for Protecting Your Home from Fire

 

Home fires caused 2,565 deaths (not including firefighters) and almost $7.8 billion in damage in 2009, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While it’s impossible to completely prevent fires, there are several measures you can take to protect your family, home and valuables from the flames.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test these devices monthly to make sure they are working properly and replace the batteries annually. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends putting at least one smoke detector on each level of your home. Never disable these detectors even if they go off while cooking or showering.

Install fire extinguishers. The NFAP recommends keeping extinguishers near exits of your home and in the kitchen where most house fires start. A multi-purpose extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire but isn’t too heavy to handle is ideal. Be sure to read all the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly operate the device.

Create a home escape plan. Draw a map of your house that includes all the doors and windows and discuss a fire escape plan with all family members. Practice the escape route at least once a year.

Keep it clean. Remove leaves and debris from around the property and clean out the gutters. It’s also important to trim back any shrubs or tree limbs that are close to your home. All of these things can be potential fire hazards.

Make sure your home is fully insured. Talk to your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to ensure your home is fully covered for fire loss and that you have loss-of-use coverage in the event your home becomes uninhabitable.

Take a home inventory. Make a list of everything valuable in your home and document it with photos and video. Keeping a record of all your belongings will help you file a claim if you experience a fire or other loss. 

Protect important documents. Keep a copy of your homeowner’s policy, home inventory, and other important documents, such as passports, legal documents and birth and marriage certificates in a fireproof lockbox or at an off-site location.

 

 

From the Trusted Choice Website

www.TrustedChoice.com

Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

 

Is your home ready for winter weather? Many consumers don’t realize that lack of preparation could mean unwelcome home damage and unexpected repair expenses. To help families and businesses protect themselves against winter risks and enjoy the season, Trusted Choice^® offers tips that can help families prepare for risks and hazards that may come during the winter months.

Snow or ice is the fifth leading cause of homeowners’ insurance claims. Also, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), the average homeowners’ claim for water damage and freezing is a whopping $5,531. Follow these tips to protect you and your home from serious financial liability:

Prevent Ice Dams—An ice dam is a build-up of ice that blocks water drainage from the roof and the gutters. Ice dams can cause leaks from ceilings and walls that can ultimately lead to mold and other problems. To prevent ice dams, remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters or install gutter guards (available in most hardware home stores) that will prevent debris from getting in the gutter and interfering with drainage.

“Watch Out for That Tree!”—Trees and branches weakened by snow, ice and wind can snap and seriously hurt a person on your property as well as cause serious damage to your home or car. Trimming trees and removing dead branches can help prevent serious damage and injuries.

Roof Care and Repair—High winds, snow and ice can damage a roof. Check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow and ice. After a heavy storm, check for water stains in the attic and on any overhangs. Lastly, repair or replace split or loose shingles and fix any leaks.

Pipe Dreams…and Nightmares—First, the bad news: Frozen or broken water pipes disrupt hundreds of thousands of American lives every winter. You can prevent frozen pipes by following these tips:

• Keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer.

• Wrap heating tape and/or standard insulation around pipes wherever possible.

• Look for pipes with cracks or leaks —they freeze first.

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).

• If you’re leaving your home for several days, turn off the water completely and drain the pipes, or keep water dripping through one or two faucets, as moving water prevents freezing. However, if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, plan to turn the water off. It also helps to have someone check your home every day while you are gone.
 
• If your pipes do freeze, quickly shut off the water and immediately call a plumber.

Prevent Personal Injuries—Homeowners are liable for any injuries that occur on their property. Keep kitty litter, sand or rock salt on hand to sprinkle over frozen driveways, walkways or sidewalks. Additionally, ensure that your outdoor steps and guardrails are in good repair to prevent injuries from falls on ice.

 

From the Trusted Choice Website:

www.TrustedChoice.com