Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Protect your Property Against Wildfire


El Nino weather conditions provide relief to some areas, but tend to cause worsening drought conditions through much of the West and the Pacific Northwest.  Now is the perfect time for residents and businesses in woodland, brush-filled or remote areas to take precautions and protect your property against wildfire.

GENERAL DEFENSE

There are some simple steps you can take to maximize protections against the dangers of wildfire:
  • Talk to your local, independent agent to make sure you have the necessary limits and coverage enhancements in place
  • Assess common fuel sources with your local fire department or a loss control representative – look for underbrush, branches and other combustibles.
  • Create a financial first aid kit to identify your important documents, medical records and contracts, and store copies securely online and in a fire-protected container.
STRUCTURE

If you are building or updating a home or commercial building in an area prone to wildfires, you can select materials and construction methods to minimize your risk.
  • Wood shake and shingle roofs are vulnerable to wildfire and are prohibited in some states. Consider fire-resistant roofing materials such as composite shingles, metal or copper.
  • Contemplate nonflammable materials for outdoor-facing areas, including decks and windows.
  • Cover all attic, eave and vent openings with noncorrosive metal wire mesh.
  • Enclose areas that may accumulate flammable material, under and against the building.
  • Remember that rubber mulch is also flammable and could allow fire an entry point to your building.
PERIMETER
  • Create a defensible space around your structure – approximately 100 feet on level ground and even further if the area is sloped. Make sure it is maintained and watered regularly.
  • Remove all dead plants, trees, branches and debris. Trim several feet of spacing between trees if possible. Thin heavily pined areas. Prune tree limbs at least 6 feet off the ground. Remove branches that extend over the roof or are in close proximity to the building
  • Keep grass trimmed short and, if possible, watered.
  • Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
UPKEEP

Periodic maintenance of existing structures is also important.
  • Clear the roof, gutters, porches and decks of leaves, needles, branches and other debris.
  • Make sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are functioning properly throughout your home or in your business.
  • Verify that your outdoor water source and hose are functioning properly and can reach any area of the property.
RESOURCES

For more detailed fire prevention tips, you can also visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise website; read the NFPA’s tip sheet; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s wildfire response guidelines; and the Ready.gov website for more information on plans and response kits. It’s important to have a plan to reduce your risk as well as a plan to respond if a wildfire occurs in your area.

Remember to consult with your independent insurance agent at Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. and local officials, and include your family or employees in your protection measures.


Monday, September 28, 2015

September is...2015 National Preparedness Month (NPM)


We couldn’t let September go by without a mention of National PrepareAthon Day coming up on September 30th. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and related government organizations urge all Americans to create a disaster plan to help cope with earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters. Find more information about PrepareAthon – and disaster preparedness in general – at Ready.gov.



Heading Out of Town? Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away



Vacations are a time to relax, eat too much and have a great time with your family and friends. It’s not the time to worry about your home. There are some things you can do to give yourself peace of mind while you’re away.

First, review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure any “big ticket” items you may have purchased since you bought your policy are covered for theft and other losses.

Second, make a record of all the serial numbers of your electronic devices and take photographs. This will aid the police and your insurance   company if your property is stolen.

Finally, do you have a professionally installed burglar alarm system? An alarm system may make a burglar think twice about breaking into your home, and many insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners policies if your home is equipped with an alarm.

Other helpful tips to keep your home safe while you are gone include:
· maintaining the shrubs in your yard so they are less than 3 feet high in the front and sides of your home
· securing all your doors with deadbolt locks
· setting a few lights in your home on timers (make sure they are set to go on and off at different times)
· positioning your valuable possessions (e.g.: televisions, stereos, etc.) so they cannot be seen when a person looks in the window
· suspending the delivery of your mail and newspapers (or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you)
· contacting your local law enforcement agency to see if there is a “vacation-home check” program—so a police officer will check on your home while you are out of town.

Should you have any questions about your homeowners insurance policy before you go on vacation, give MIM a call. We are happy to answer your questions.

Your vacation is a time for relaxing and forgetting about the stresses of everyday life. A little extra vigilance will help keep your property and belongings safe while you're gone -- and will keep you from obsessing about security once you're on the road to fun and adventure.