The Murphy Insurance BlogNews, updates and useful tips about insurance products and the insurance industry. We also provide insights on community events, local news and information that affect your everyday life. Enjoy!https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog.aspxWarmth without worry: A guide to space heater safetyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/921/warmth-without-worry-a-guide-to-space-heater-safety-for-fire-prevention.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoWed, 17 Jan 2024 19:30:41 GMT<p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/Space%20heater.jpg?ver=S1jG0MKfkUryAQYfoDLzHg%3d%3d" style="margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px; float: right; width: 250px; height: 166px;" />As the chill of winter sets in, space heaters are a convenient way to add warmth in areas that may lack central heating or need an augmented heat source during colder months, but safety should always be a top priority to avoid potential fires. Follow these crucial tips to prevent space heater fires and create a secure and cozy environment:</p> <p><strong>Choose the right heater</strong><br /> > Select a space heater with safety features like tip-over protection and overheat protection.<br /> > Look for heaters with a certification mark from a recognized testing laboratory.</p> <p><strong>Placement is key</strong><br /> > Keep the space heater on a flat, stable surface to avoid tipping.<br /> > Maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from combustible materials such as curtains, furniture, and bedding.</p> <p><strong>Ventilation matters</strong><br /> > Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.<br /> > Never use a gas-powered space heater indoors unless it's specifically designed for indoor use.</p> <p><strong>Electrical safety</strong><br /> > Plug the space heater directly into a grounded wall outlet; avoid using extension cords or power strips.<br /> > Regularly check the cord for any signs of damage or wear.</p> <p><strong>Regular maintenance</strong><br /> > Perform routine maintenance, including cleaning filters and checking for any loose or damaged parts.<br /> > Store the space heater properly when not in use, and follow manufacturer's guidelines.</p> <p><strong>Supervise and educate</strong><br /> > Never leave a space heater unattended, especially when sleeping or leaving the room.<br /> > Educate family members on proper usage and safety precautions.</p> <p><strong>Emergency preparedness</strong><br /> > Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.<br /> > Have a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure everyone knows how to use it.</p> <p><strong>Children and pets</strong><br /> > Keep children and pets away from space heaters to avoid accidents.<br /> > Consider using heaters with grills or barriers to prevent direct contact.</p> <p><strong>Avoid overcrowding</strong><br /> > Use space heaters designed for the size of the space you intend to heat.<br /> > Avoid using multiple heaters in the same room to prevent overheating.</p> <p><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"></span></p> <p>Remember, a warm and cozy home can be achieved without compromising safety. By following these space heater safety tips, you can enjoy the comfort of extra warmth during the winter season while minimizing the risks associated with space heater usage. Stay warm, stay safe!</p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"></span></span></span></p> 921Driving in winter...be prepared and stay safehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/836/Driving-in-winter-Be-prepared-and-stay-safe.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoWed, 27 Dec 2023 16:35:00 GMT<h4>Avoid cold weather driving disasters with these tips</h4> <p>Snow, sleet, ice and below freezing temperatures all have an effect on driving conditions. During winter, safety depends on driver performance in winter hazards, good vehicle maintenance—and common sense. These tips will help you and your car weather the winter. </p> <h3>Prepare your car—and yourself—for winter driving conditions</h3> <p><img alt="winter driving" src="/Portals/0/winter%20driving.jpg?ver=2016-12-08-115515-907" style="width: 300px; height: 225px; float: left; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" />Be prepared for driving in inclement and freezing weather. Start with these suggestions.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Understand how your car behaves in the snow.</strong> While features like anti-lock brakes and all-weather tires can be advantageous, every car performs differently. If possible, practice stopping, starting and turning in a big, empty, snowy parking lot to get the feel of your wheels in the snow.</li> <li><strong>Make sure your battery is charged and working optimally. </strong>Cold weather adversely affects battery performance, so check it before the temperature drops.</li> <li><strong>Be sure to keep your gas tank full.</strong> Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank will also prevent your car's gas-line from freezing.</li> <li><strong>Change your oil filter and maybe your oil. </strong>The oil in your car thickens in cold weather and (depending on the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle) a thinner grade of oil will help your car run more smoothly in the winter.</li> <li><strong>Make sure your wiper fluid contains anti-freeze,</strong> so the spray doesn't freeze up in cold weather. Consider buying winter wiper blades, which prevent ice and snow from hardening on the wiper.</li> <li><strong>Keep windshield and windows clear. </strong>Keep a snowbrush and scraper in your vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.</li> <li><strong>Make sure that your tires have good tread and keep them properly inflated</strong>—both are essential to safe winter driving. And while all-weather tires are sufficient for some, if the conditions in your area tend towards snow and ice, consider winterizing your car with snow tires.</li> <li><strong>Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear.</strong> A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.</li> <li><strong>Pack your trunk for emergencies.</strong> A snow shovel and a bag of salt (or kitty litter) will help you dig your wheels out of a ditch and give them traction on snow or ice; a blanket will keep you warm and bottles of water will keep you hydrated in case you get stuck. </li> </ul> <h3>Plan your trip with common sense  </h3> <p>A bad weather accident can happen whether you’re on a two-hour drive or a short hop to a dentist appointment. Take precautions before starting your ride.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.</strong> Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. And driving in inclement weather is stressful enough without the added pressure of being late, which might cloud your safe driving judgment.</li> <li><strong>Don't warm up your car vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. </strong>This can cause toxic carbon monoxide to build up.</li> <li><strong>Fully charge your cellphone and make sure to have your car charger</strong> in case you're running late or need to phone help if you get stuck or have an emergency. But avoid the temptation of using the phone while driving, as it can be a dangerous distraction. Always pull over if you need to make the call.</li> <li><strong>Monitor the weather conditions before beginning your trip</strong>, not just at your departure point but also at your destination. If it seems like the roads will be too hazardous, say if an ice storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, hail or other severe weather is expected anywhere on the route you are taking, change your travel plans. </li> </ul> <h3>Drive extra carefully</h3> <p>“Failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road” and “driving too fast for conditions” are the two of the most frequent poor driver behaviors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Bad weather makes these behaviors exponentially more dangerous, so take additional precautions on the road.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Drive slowly </strong>because accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered or icy roads.</li> <li><strong>Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you</strong> to give yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles usually need a minimum of 3 seconds to halt completely even when traveling on dry pavement.</li> <li><strong>Be careful when driving over bridges</strong> and roadways that aren't exposed to sunlight—they are often icy when other areas are not.</li> <li><strong>Know your route and be especially alert</strong> to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes, which might cause spinouts or collisions with cars on slippery roads.</li> <li><strong>Be alert to animals</strong> that are often bolder in their hunt for food when there is snow on the ground and wander on or near roads. Around known habitats, take steps to avoid collisions with deer or other animals.</li> <li><strong>Don't activate your cruise control</strong> when driving on a slippery surface. You want to maintain full control of your vehicle. </li> </ul> <h3>If you do get caught in a storm  </h3> <p>Sometimes, despite best efforts, you'll find yourself driving in bad weather. In that case:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Stay tuned to weather reports and weather-related accidents </strong>on your radio or GPS. Change routes to avoid the worst of the storm or its havoc.</li> <li><strong>Don’t try to drive your way out of it.</strong> Seek shelter for both yourself and your car and wait for the storm to pass.</li> </ul> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 836New Year's resolutions...are you committed?https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/811/New-Years-resolutionsare-you-committed.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoTue, 26 Dec 2023 17:21:00 GMT<p>With the new year, lots of us make "new year resolutions".  A resolution is defined as "a firm decision to do or not to do something."  So, it maybe a new habit such as exercising more, changing eating habits, quitting smoking or changing a routine. Or, it could be checking something off your "bucket list" or taking care of a long put off task or project.</p> <p>Some of us have given up on the concept of "new year resolutions" because after years of making and breaking them it feels like "What's the point?"  Admittedly, it can be tough to get out of our own way and take the time to do things that will truly provide long-term benefits because change isn't always easy. It takes commitment, but the rewards can be great.  </p> <p><img alt="Happy New Year" src="/Portals/0/happy-8429421_1280.jpg?ver=toivO5bvgbtmrBFtgwQn7w%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; float: left; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" title="New Year 2017" />Now, if we said put "Deal with Insurance Issues" on your resolutions list, you'd probably think...SALES PITCH!  But truthfully it's not...it's about never wanting to see anyone have a financial crisis because something bad in life happened to them. We can't tell you how many times we turned on the news this holiday season and saw stories about house fires, apartment fires or serious car accidents. We can't help but hope those people affected by these catastrophes had the insurance they needed so that on top of suffering the emotional trauma of a loss, they aren't also facing a financial crisis.</p> <p>If you've seen those news reports, too, and thought, "What if that was me?" then talking to your agent is probably something you should put on your "resolution list". The good news is if you take the leap and call your agent, you can probably get any issues identified and dealt with relatively quickly.</p> <p> Here's hoping that you stay committed to your resolutions whatever they are and reap the rewards. And, if we've prompted you to put "Deal with Insurance" on your list, here are a few items to discuss with your agent:</p> <p><strong>Car Insurance</strong> - Do you have Accident Forgiveness coverage? Do you have enough liability protection in case you seriously injure someone or someone without good insurance injures you in an accident?</p> <p><strong>Home Insurance</strong> - Is your home properly valued?  Do you have replacement cost on the dwelling and all your possessions?</p> <p><strong>Renters Insurance</strong> - If you are a renter, you need this to protect your liability as well as pay for all your stuff.  Think about all those apartment fires and all the people who lost everything. It can happen to you. For approximately $20/month, you can have solid protection.</p> <p><strong>Umbrella Insurance</strong> - How much would it cost to get $1,000,000 liability protection?  Often it's less then $20/month.</p> <p><strong>Life Insurance</strong> - This is the one that lots of people put off year after year. If you have a spouse, partner or children, then know that they would most likely suffer greatly if something happened to you. Term life insurance is an affordable way to protect them. If you have life insurance through work, that's great but chances are it's not nearly enough to adequately protect them.</p> <p>Need help? We can help you get your resolution underway.  Just <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/Forms-Center/Contact-Us.aspx">contact us</a>!</p> <p> </p> 811Tips for disaster-free holidayshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/893/tips-for-disaster-free-holidays.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoWed, 13 Dec 2023 15:32:00 GMT<p>Be sure that this special time of year and holiday festivities aren't marred by fire, theft, accidents and other disasters.  According to advice from the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), a few simple steps and having the right insurance coverage can reduce seasonal hazards. </p> <h2>1. be fire safe</h2> <p><img alt="holiday safety" src="/Portals/0/christmas-tree%20lights.jpg?ver=2020-12-21-160646-793" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; float: left;" />December is the peak month for fires caused by candles. Christmas tree-related fires, while not as common as candle fires, are much more likely to be deadly.</p> <p>Decorations and cooking are the two leading causes of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Take care when decorating for the holidays not to put decorations too close to a heat source, and never leave the stove unattended while cooking. Always be sure to have smoke alarms in working condition.</p> <p>In the event of a fire, evacuate immediately. And prepare by developing and practicing a <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets">home fire escape plan</a> with the whole family.</p> <p>Fire, smoke and water damage are covered under <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance.aspx">homeowners and renters</a> insurance policies.</p> <h2>2. protect your identity</h2> <p>Whether shopping online or in a brick-and-mortar store, the hustle and bustle of the holidays creates a perfect opportunity for thieves looking to steal your credit card information.</p> <p>To protect yourself, shop at reputable stores and check your credit card statements regularly, and if you find anything unusual, report it to your credit card company immediately. If your wallet is either lost or stolen, contact the police and your credit card company as soon as you can. </p> <p>Many standard homeowners insurance policies now include <a href="http://www.iii.org/article/identity-theft-insurance">identity theft coverage</a>. Moreover, most homeowners and renters policies provide some coverage for stolen cash or unauthorized use of your credit card.</p> <h2>3. burglar-proof your home</h2> <p>December is the fifth most common month in which burglaries occur, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).</p> <p>If you’re traveling over the holidays, have mail and packages picked up or held by the post office, use automatic timers to turn lights on and off at appropriate times and have a dependable neighbor check on the house periodically.</p> <p>Consider <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/News-Articles/ID/163/securing-your-home-against-burglary.aspx">making your home more secure</a> with dead-bolt locks, window grates and smoke/fire/burglar alarms. An added benefit: most insurers provide discounts for devices that make a home safer.</p> <p>Personal possessions are covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies—even holiday gifts stored in your car! </p> <h2>4. drive safely—especially in winter conditions</h2> <p>Safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even <a href="http://www.iii.org/article/winter-driving">greater importance in winter</a>.</p> <ul> <li>Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination; never rush in rainy, snowy or icy conditions.</li> <li>Stay off the road between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. when drunk driving accidents are most likely.</li> <li>Obey speed limits and avoid all distractions (no texting, eating, grooming!) while behind the wheel.</li> <li>Keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays that force you to change routes or turn back can result in the use of more gas.</li> </ul> <p>If you have an accident, make sure you understand your<a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Auto-Insurance.aspx"> auto insurance coverage</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/v3eEacLTxJA?list=PL8QsOg2Byw0nEZnLo4y0llIeUQhhytYT1">how to file a claim</a>.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 893Christmas tree safetyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/746/Christmas-tree-safety.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceThu, 07 Dec 2023 14:23:00 GMT<p>A Christmas tree is often a central part of holiday decoration. Some people cut down their own tree, others get theirs from a local side of the road stand and others have opted for artificial. While beautiful, Christmas trees can also pose a serious fire hazard, so be sure to follow safety guidelines.  </p> <div> <h3>christmas tree  </h3> <ol> <li>Be sure your tree is fresh. Touch and shake the tree. Needles shouldn't fall off easily.   </li> <li>If not cutting down the tree yourself, be sure to cut a couple inches off the base and keep in in water until you are ready to set it up.  </li> <li>When setting up your tree, keep it away from heat vents, fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. </li> <li>If you choose an artificial tree, be sure it is identified as fire retardant.  </li> <li>Water your tree EVERY day.  If it stops drinking water keep a close watch on its condition.  </li> <li>When your tree starts to drop needles and seems dry, get it out of your home. Don't store it in a garage or near the home.    </li> <li>Don't try to burn limbs in your fireplace or woodstove as they flash fire.   </li> </ol> <h3>decorations</h3> <ol> <li> <p>Check lights for any frayed wires or broken sockets. Don't try to be an electrician and fix broken wires that could short circuit. It's not worth saving a few bucks and risking a fire. </p> </li> <li> <p>Read instructions on how many lights you can string together to prevent an overload.  Generally, not more than 3 sets of mini lights.   </p> </li> <li> <p>Turn off lights when the tree is unattended.  Always turn off lights when you leave the house or go to bed.  Tree fires happen really fast and need quick action to avoid a major disaster.   </p> </li> </ol> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/christmas-tree%20640.jpg?ver=2019-12-23-120222-497" style="float: left; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Stay safe this holiday season...and always!  </p> <p><a href="http://safer-america.com/holiday-tree-safety/">Holiday Tree Safety Tips</a><br />  </p> </div> 746Holiday safety tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/720/Holiday-safety-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoFri, 01 Dec 2023 17:00:00 GMT<p> </p> <p><img alt="holiday lights" src="http://www.dfmurphy.com/Portals/0/holidaylightssm.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 134px;" title="holiday lights" />At this festive time of year most of us have decked our halls to one degree or another and are planning holiday festivities. One thing that I really enjoy is driving around and seeing homes decorated with lights. Whether the display is big or small, it’s an outward sign of people sharing their holiday spirit with their neighbors and the community.</p> <p>As we celebrate the holidays with home decorating and increased entertaining, keep in mind that these activities can also increase risks of fire and accidents. Certainly, I’m not trying to take the fun out of the holidays by turning it into an insurance lesson, but you can’t deny that every year you hear news stories about situations that can darken a holiday. Just be sure that you’re taking precautions that keep your holiday festivities safe as well as fun. Here are a few things to consider.</p> <h3>trees</h3> <p>Christmas trees are beautiful, but can be a fire hazard. Even artificial trees, can pose a hazard, so look for the “Fire Resistant” label when purchasing a tree. When buying a live tree, check for freshness…needles should be hard to pull from branches and don’t break when bent. Tap it on the ground…it shouldn’t lose lots of needles. When setting it up at home, fresh cut the trunk and put it in water immediately.</p> <p>Make sure the tree is placed away from heat sources. Be sure not to block doorways. Be sure the tree is secure in its stand. Trees can dry quickly in a heated room, so keep the water filled. If your tree becomes dry, stop lighting it. Remove evergreens as soon as practical after the season. Following <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/christmas-tree-safety1.aspx">Christmas tree safety</a> guidelines helps avoid a fire that could ruin more than your holiday season.</p> <h3>lights</h3> <p>Before putting lights on your tree, check them to be sure all the bulbs work and that there are not cracked sockets or loose wires that can cause fires. Don’t try to repair sets…throw them away. Don’t overload extension cords or run them under furniture or rugs. Keep lights away from pets and small children.</p> <p>When decorating outside, be sure the lights are approved for outdoor use. Use plastic hooks or insulated staples to hang lights. Don’t use nails or tacks or other methods that can damage wires. Plug all outdoor lights into a circuit that has ground fault interrupter protection. When removing lights at the end of the season, don’t tug on them as it can cause damage. It’s a good idea to check lights as you take down the tree and dispose of any bad sets immediately to avoid problems next year.</p> <p><strong>Turn off indoor lights when you leave the house or go to bed. </strong>Consider turning them off unless you're going to be in the same room. Lights can short out and cause a fire. If something happens, you being able to respond quickly can make all the difference. You can now buy wireless remote control switches that make it really easy to turn lights on and off without having to crawl or bend behind the tree.</p> <h3>decorations</h3> <p>When possible use decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep candles away from combustible materials and don’t leave matches where children can reach. Place candles in locations where they aren’t easily knocked over. Don’t leave burning candles unattended.</p> <p>If you enjoy poinsettias, you don’t have to worry about them being poisonous, which is a persistent myth. However, they can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested, so keep them out of reach of small children and pets. If using fresh evergreens, keep them away from heat sources. For extra safety, consider spraying greens with a <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_7710211_preservative-spray-evergreen-trees.html" target="_blank">flame retardant solution</a> and be sure to remove them when they are dry.</p> <h3>fireplaces</h3> <p>If you decorate around your hearth, remove combustible materials before lighting the fire. Check to be sure the flue is open. Have your flue cleaned to avoid build-up that can cause chimney fires. Don’t burn wrapping paper; it can cause a flash fire that could get out of control.</p> <h3>food & alcohol safety</h3> <p>Unattended cooking is a leading cause of fires, so stay focused. When preparing food, follow standards to avoid bacteria contamination from raw foods. Thaw meats in the refrigerator. Wash hands frequently. When serving food, never leave food that requires refrigeration at room temperature for more than two hours. Take care not to put hot dishes at the edge of counters where they could be knocked over.</p> <p>If you’re having a party and serving alcohol, <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/News-Articles/holiday-party-etiquette-serving-alcohol2.aspx">be a responsible host</a> and take steps to protect you and your guests. Limit your own intake so that you can judge guests sobriety. Encourage designated drivers, and if a guest has had too much to drink or is overly tired, arrange for a ride or have them sleep at your home.</p> <h3>security</h3> <p>If traveling, have a friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home. Be sure to stop your mail and newspaper delivery. Don’t post travel plans on social networking sites since you can't always be sure who is reading it. If you have an alarm system, activate it even if you’re just going out for the evening.</p> <p>Regardless of how you celebrate, all of us at Murphy Insurance wish you a happy holiday season.<br />  </p> 720Road safety tips for holiday travelhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/891/celebrate-safely-and-safe-travels.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoMon, 20 Nov 2023 19:15:00 GMT<p>As we consider the many things for which we are thankful, Murphy Insurance Agency is truly appreciative of our clients, our partners, our team members, and our community. <strong>Wishing you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.</strong></p> <h3><img alt="traveling on the road" src="/Portals/0/highway-1767107_1920.jpg?ver=2019-11-25-105826-677" style="float: left; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />If you're on the road...</h3> <p>Traditionally, Thanksgiving weekend is among the busiest days of the year for travel. If you’re going to be on the road over the holiday weekend, please be extra cautious.</p> <p>Following these tips during the holidays…and always…will help to keep you and others safe.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Check tire pressure and fluid levels</strong>...prevention can avoid a breakdown</li> <li><strong>Clean windows to avoid glare</strong>...clean headlights and taillights, too</li> <li><strong>Leave early</strong>...the best way to reduce road stress is to give yourself extra time</li> <li><strong>Buckle up</strong>...be sure kids are properly in their seats</li> <li><strong>Obey speed limits & road rules</strong> - driving fast could get you a speeding ticket and increases chances of an accident</li> <li><strong>Don't tailgate</strong>...give yourself room to react, a crash is not on your holiday 'to do' list</li> <li><strong>Be patient if there are delays</strong>...getting frustrated won't get you there faster</li> <li><strong>Avoid distracted driving</strong>...focus on the road. Even hands free phone calls can be distracting.</li> <li><strong>Be alert</strong>...drive defensively and be prepared to react</li> <li><strong>Make frequent stops</strong>...during long trips, rotate drivers. Stop and rest if too tired</li> <li><strong>Turn on headlights at dusk</strong>...it's for safety and it's the law</li> <li><strong>Don’t drink and drive</strong>...what else needs to be said</li> <li><strong>Don’t drive drowsy or sleepy</strong>...it can be as dangerous as driving drunk</li> <li><strong>Stay in your vehicle if you have a breakdown</strong>…standing on the side of the road is dangerous; be sure to pull off the road as far as possible</li> </ul> 891Halloween safety - part 2: trick or treat tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/758/Halloween-safety-part-2-trick-or-treat-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceThu, 26 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT<p><img alt="Trick or Treat Safety" class="flushright" src="/Portals/0/Trick%20or%20Treat_1.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" title="Trick or Treat Safety" /><strong>Trick or Treat!</strong> No doubt you'll be hearing that a few times during these spookiest of days.</p> <p>Halloween isn't just celebrated on October 31st these days. Many communities sponsor activities and events during the week leading up to the big day. Whether you go all out personally or just enjoy others getting into the spirit, here are 10 tips to keep trick or treating and Halloween fun and safe for everyone.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Drivers be extra careful on the road.</strong> On Halloween, the streets are crawling with ghouls, witches and all sorts of creatures. Individual kids and groups can pop up where you least expect them on dark roads. Take it slower behind the wheel and be more cautious.</li> <li><strong>Have an adult along.</strong> Trick or treating isn't what it was years ago. You need to be more careful in multiple ways. Even older kids need supervision. Adults can hang back so that kids feel independent but are still under your protective watch. </li> <li><strong>Help your kids pick a costume that is safe as well as fun.</strong> Make sure that costumes and masks don't obstruct vision. Be sure the costume material is fire proof or treated to be fire retardant.</li> <li><strong>Be visible.</strong> Carry a flashlight, glow stick and/or use reflective tape to help make kids more visible to drivers.</li> <li><strong>Show and remind kids how to cross the street safely.</strong> Cross at marked intersections if possible and look both ways. If in a group, older kids should take the hand of younger kids. If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.</li> <li><strong>Feed kids a good meal before trick or treating.</strong>  It reduces the temptation to eat candy before they get home. All candy should be inspected by an adult before being eaten...besides there may be something good that needs "adult sampling".</li> <li><strong>Use cell phones to stay in touch</strong> with older kids, who are going out on their own. Plan a route in advance and be sure your kids know not to deviate from it. You want to know where they are even with cell phone contact.</li> <li><strong>Review normal safety tips.</strong> Kids shouldn't go inside a house of someone they don't know. Don't take rides from strangers.</li> <li><strong>Know the details if kids are attending a party on their own.</strong> Make sure you've met the parents who will be supervising and get contact numbers.</li> <li><strong>Discuss the difference between "tricks" and "vandalism.</strong> No kid is perfect and even well-behaved kids can bend to peer pressure. Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny, but it causes damage that can ruin Halloween.  Even pranks that don't cause permanent damage such as TPing make a huge mess for a homeowner. If your kids are caught doing something, don't you clean up after them...make them apologize and do the clean up themselves.  It's how they learn right from wrong...and responsibility.</li> </ol> 758Halloween safety - part 1: home safety tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/756/Halloween-safety-part-1-home-safety-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceMon, 23 Oct 2023 17:20:00 GMT<p><img alt="Halloween Safety" src="/Portals/0/halloween-1508418_1280.jpg?ver=XFhkgXkP__kxLT_eT0wcWg%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" title="Halloween Safety" />Halloween isn’t just for kids.  All you have to do is drive around and see the decorations, and you know that Halloween is right up there with Christmas when it comes to getting into the holiday spirit…pun intended. </p> <p>Insurance may not come to mind as you're planning your costumes or decorating your home, but there are certain risks involved especially if you are inviting people into your home or onto your property.  Also, if you're driving on Halloween, you need to take precautions, too.</p> <h3>8 tips for safety around your home and on the road. </h3> <ol> <li>If <strong>decorating with lights</strong> be sure that all electrical plugs are in good order. Throw out any strands or cords that are frayed or not working properly.</li> <li>Candles often add to the spooky quality of decorations.<strong> Be extremely careful with open flames.</strong> You don’t want them to catch on decorations or clothing. Don’t leave open flames unattended. Consider using battery operated candles, which can even have a realistic flicker, to light pumpkins and other displays.</li> <li>If <strong>carving pumpkins, make sure that kids are closely supervised</strong> around knives. Don’t try to rush doing this at the last minute…sharp knives and moving fast are a recipe for disaster.</li> <li><strong>Make sure driveways and walkways are well lit.</strong> While dim lights may add to the spooky feel, it can also be dangerous if people can't see where they are going. Nothing can spoil the fun more than a lawsuit because someone tripped, fell and was injured.</li> <li>If you set up a major <strong>“haunted house” at your home and invite neighbors </strong>and friends to walk through, you may want to consider increasing your liability limits.</li> <li><strong>Having a party?</strong> Put away breakable items that could be accidentally damaged. If you're serving alcohol, take precautions to limit your liability exposure. Speak with your insurance agent as you may need additional protection.</li> <li><strong>Attending a Halloween party? </strong>Be safe. If alcohol is being served, have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive.</li> <li><strong>Drivers be extra careful if you're out on Halloween.</strong> Dark streets and kids/groups walking on roads where you might not normally see a lot of pedestrians can be a dangerous combination. Drive defensively.</li> </ol> <p><span style="line-height: 18px;">Have a spooktacular Halloween.</span></p> 756Home winter weather preparation tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/805/Home-winter-weather-preparation-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceThu, 28 Sep 2023 17:03:00 GMT<h2>simple steps to make your home safer, warmer, and cheaper to live in</h2> <p><img alt="winter weather home preparation tips" src="/Portals/0/winter%20ice.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 225px;" title="winter weather tips" />Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on your home; fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid winter related damage. Keep in mind, the time to winterize is when the leaves begin to turn and not when the snow begins to fall.</p> <h3>outside</h3> <p><strong>Clean out gutters.</strong> Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, which is what happens when water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. </p> <p><strong>Install gutter guards</strong>. Gutter guards prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.</p> <p><strong>Trim trees and remove dead branches. </strong>Ice, snow and wind could cause weak trees or branches to break free and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property.</p> <p><strong>Repair steps and handrails.</strong> Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.</p> <p><strong>Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations.</strong> Use caulking to seal cracks and wall openings to prevent cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in.</p> <h3><strong><strong><strong><a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/Forms-Center/Contact-Us.aspx"><img alt="Contact us & review" src="/Portals/0/request%20review%20winter%20button.jpg?ver=2020-10-02-104832-377" style="margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 100px;" /></a></strong></strong></strong>inside</h3> <p><strong>Keep the house warm. </strong>Set the thermostat no lower than 65 degrees to keep pipes from freezing inside the walls of your house, where temperatures can be much colder. </p> <p><strong>Add extra insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. </strong>If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the r<strong></strong>oof. Water then can refreeze, leading to more ice build-up—and even ice dams that can damage your roof. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes, and you may also consider insulating garages and other unfinished areas to keep pipes from freezing.</p> <p><strong>Provide a reliable backup power source.</strong> In the event of a power outage, continuous power will keep you warm and help to prevent frozen pipes or a frozen battery operated sump-pump. Consider purchasing a portable generator to ensure safety. (Note: Be sure to follow all guidelines for the safe operation of portable power generators.)</p> <p><strong>Have your heating system serviced. </strong>Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage.</p> <p><strong>Check pipes. </strong>Look closely for the presence of cracks and leaks, and have them repaired immediately. Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or plug-in heating cable.  When purchasing heating cable, be sure to select UL®-listed models with built-in thermostats to turn on the heat when it is needed. And always follow manufacturer instructions closely.</p> <p><strong>Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system.</strong> This will protect the system against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.</p> <p><strong>Remove combustible items placed near any heat sources. </strong>This includes wood stoves and space heaters.</p> <p><strong>Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.</strong> Not only do residential fires increase in the winter, but so does carbon monoxide poisoning—so check that your detectors are in working condition on a regular basis.</p> <p><strong>Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located.</strong> If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better your chance of preventing major damage.</p> <p><strong>Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage.</strong> (And have all necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.) Also, inquire about measures to prevent flooding from melted snow and ice runoff. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump-pumps, and other improvements can prevent water damage to your home and belongings.</p> <h3>flooding</h3> <p>Flooding related to melting snow can overburden sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into the drains in your home. Backed-up sewers can wreak havoc, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture, and electrical systems. <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/Post/1738.aspx">Sewer backup</a> is not covered under a typical homeowners or renters insurance policy, but must be purchased as either a separate product or an endorsement. Nor is sewer backup covered by flood insurance, which is a separate policy available from the <a href="https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/">National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)</a>, that covers floods from tidal surges and overflowing bodies of water.</p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 805Avoid a deer-car collisionhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/851/Avoid-a-deer-car-collision.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoMon, 25 Sep 2023 15:29:00 GMT<h3>How to steer clear of a common, large—and moving—hazard</h3> <p><img alt="deer" src="/Portals/0/deer%20road_1.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 143px;" title="deer" />As the deer populations grow and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments, there has been an increase in deer-car collisions—over half a million a year, with a significant number of fatalities. Increased deer activity during October thru December, their migration and mating season, cause a sharp increase in auto accidents involving deer. The risk for deer collisions is 3 times greater at this time of year according to the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/iihs" target="_blank">Highway Loss Data Institute</a> (HLDI) statistics.</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that there are more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year. On average there are between 175 and 200 fatalities, and over 100,000 injuries every year. These accidents cause over $1 billion in vehicle damage. Fatal crashes are most likely to occur in rural areas and on roads with speed limits greater than 55 MPH.</p> <h3>To avoid hitting a deer, use these defensive driving tips</h3> <p>Deer-vehicle collisions are dangerous and costly so, though collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy, it's always preferable to avoid an accident in the first place.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Be especially attentive during peak deer hours.</strong> From sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions</li> <li><strong>Use extra caution when driving through deer-crossing zones. </strong>Also be especially careful in places known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland.</li> <li><strong>Know that deer seldom run alone. </strong>If you see one deer, others may be nearby.</li> <li><strong>Use high beam headlights if driving at night, when there is no oncoming traffic.</strong> The higher light will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.</li> <li><strong>Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast</strong> to frighten the deer away.</li> <li><strong>Brake firmly b</strong><strong><strong>ut stay in your lane</strong> </strong>when you notice a deer in or near your path. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.</li> <li><strong>Always wear your seat belt. </strong>Most people injured in car-deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.</li> <li><strong>Do not rely on deer-deterring devices.</strong> Deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.</li> <li><strong>If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. </strong>A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.</li> </ul> <p>In the event a deer damages your car contact your insurance agent or company representative to report the incident.</p> <p><strong>Next steps: </strong>Had an accident?  <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/News-Articles/ID/181/What-to-do-at-the-scene-of-an-accident.aspx">Here's what to do at the scene.</a>  </p> <p> </p> <p>Source:  Insurance Information Institute</p> 851Understanding the insurance claims payment processhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/827/Understanding-the-insurance-claims-payment-process.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoMon, 18 Sep 2023 15:28:00 GMT<h2>How are you paid? Who gets the check? Do you need to replace items immediately? Learn here.</h2> <p>After a disaster, you want to get back to normal as soon as possible, and your insurance company wants that too! You may get multiple checks from your insurer as you make temporary repairs, permanent repairs and replace damaged belongings. Here's what you need to know about claims payments.</p> <h4>The initial payment isn't final</h4> <p>In most instances, an adjuster will inspect the damage to your home and offer you a certain sum of money for repairs, based on the terms and limits of your homeowners policy. The first check you get from your insurance company is often an advance against the total settlement amount, not the final payment.</p> <p>If you're offered an on-the-spot settlement, you can accept the check right away. Later, if you find other damage, you can reopen the claim and file for an additional amount. Most policies require claims to be filed within one year from the date of disaster; check with your state insurance department for the laws that apply to your area.</p> <h4>You may receive multiple checks</h4> <p>When both the structure of your home and your personal belongings are damaged, you generally receive two separate checks from your insurance company, one for each category of damage. If your home is uninhabitable, you'll also receive a check for the additional living expenses (ALE) you incur if you can’t live in your home while it is being repaired. If you have flood insurance and experienced flood damage, that means a separate check as well.</p> <h4>Your lender or management company might have control over your payment</h4> <p>If you have a mortgage on your house, the check for repairs will generally be made out to both you and the mortgage lender. As a condition of granting a mortgage, lenders usually require that they are named in the homeowners' policy and that they are a party to any insurance payments related to the structure. Similarly, if you live in a coop or condominium, your management company may have required that the building's financial entity be named a co-insured.</p> <p><img alt="payment" src="/Portals/0/money.jpg?ver=A8uUp73C8DksdJuqus5atw%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 225px;" />This is so the lender (and/or, in the case of a coop or condo, the overall building), who has a financial interest in your property, can ensure that the necessary repairs are made.</p> <p>When a financial backer is a co-insured, they will have to endorse the claims payment check before you can cash it.</p> <p>Depending on the circumstances, lenders may also put the money in an escrow account and pay for the repairs as the work is completed. Show the mortgage lender your contractor's bid and let the lender know how much the contractor wants upfront to start the job. Your mortgage company may want to inspect the finished job before releasing the funds for payment to the contractor.</p> <p>If your home has been destroyed, the amount of the settlement and who gets it is driven by your policy type, its specific limits and the terms of your mortgage. For example, part of the insurance proceeds may be used to pay off the balance due on the mortgage. And, how the remaining proceeds are spent depend on your own decisions, such as if you want to rebuild on the same lot, in a different location or not rebuild at all. Tthese decisions are also driven by state law. </p> <h4>Your insurance company may pay your contractor directly</h4> <p>Some contractors may ask you to sign a "direction to pay" form that allows your insurance company to pay the firm directly. This form is a legal document, so you should read it carefully to be sure you are not also assigning your entire claim over to the contractor. When in doubt, call your insurance professional before you sign. Assigning your entire insurance claim to a third party takes you out of the process and gives control of your claim to the contractor.</p> <p>When work is completed to restore your property, make certain the job has been completed to your satisfaction before you let your insurer make the final payment to the contractor.</p> <h4>Your ALE check should be made out to you</h4> <p>Your check for additional living expenses (ALE) has nothing to do with repairs to your home. So, ensure that this check is made out to you alone and not your lender. The ALE check covers your expenses for hotels, car rental, meals out and other expenses you may incur while your home is being fixed.</p> <h4>Your personal belongings will be calculated on cash value, first</h4> <p>You'll have to submit a list of your damaged belongings to your insurance company (having a home inventory will make this a lot easier). Even if you have a replacement value policy, the first check you receive from your insurer will be based on the cash value of the items, which is the depreciated amount based on the age of the item. Why do insurance companies do this? It is to match the remaining claim payment to the exact replacement cost. If you decide not to replace an item, you’ll be paid the actual cash value (depreciated) amount for it.</p> <h4>To get replacement value for your items, you must actually replace them</h4> <p>To get fully reimbursed for damaged items, most insurance companies will require you to purchase replacements. Your company will ask for copies of receipts as proof of purchase, then pay the difference between the cash value you initially received and the full cost of the replacement with an item of similar size and quality. You'll generally have several months from the date of the cash value payment to purchase replacements; consult with your agent regarding the timeframe. </p> <p>In the case of a total loss, where the entire house and its contents are damaged beyond repair, insurers generally pay the policy limits, according to the laws in your state. That means you can receive a check for what the home and contents were insured for at the time of the disaster.</p> <p> </p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 827What to do when a hurricane threatenshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/848/What-to-do-when-a-hurricane-threatens.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoFri, 01 Sep 2023 19:20:00 GMT<p>Hurricanes are violent and dangerous to your family and your home. When a hurricane threatens to bear down, make sure that you know how to batten down your hatches and protect yourself, your loved ones and your property.</p> <h3><img alt="hurricane" src="/Portals/0/hurricane%20image.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 199px;" title="hurricane" />When it's hurricane season</h3> <p>Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30. But don't wait until a warning—<a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/Post/2105/How-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season.aspx">take steps to prepare in advance for a potential hurricane</a>—it's the best way to protect your family, your home and your business.</p> <p>For more preparedness tips, handy checklists (including ones you can personalize yourself) and evacuation planning advice to cover a variety of disasters, get the I.I.I.’s <a href="https://www.iii.org/resource-center/apps" target="_blank">Know Your Plan app</a>. It's a great tool to help get you and your family—including pets—organized and ready to act more quickly if a hurricane or other emergency strikes.</p> <h3>When a hurricane watch is issued</h3> <p>A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of a hurricane within a 24-36 hour period. At that time, you should:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Purchase any emergency supplies </strong>that you don't already have on hand. Hit the stores early, as items such as batteries, candles and flashlights will get snapped up quickly.</li> <li><strong>Prepare your yard</strong> by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds. If you haven't already, remove weak branches on plants and trees. Lower antennas and retractable awnings.</li> <li><strong>Prepare for a potential evacuation </strong>by reviewing your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan.</li> <li><strong>Jot down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional</strong> and keep this information handy in your wallet or purse.</li> <li><strong>Fully charge your cell phone.</strong></li> <li><strong>Fill your car's gasoline tank.</strong></li> </ul> <h3>When a warning is issued</h3> <p>A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less, which means a storm is imminent.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Stay informed of the storm's progress </strong>by listening to the radio or TV. Even better, listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).</li> <li><strong>Install hurricane shutters, board up or otherwise securely shutter large windows</strong> and draw drapes across windows and doors.</li> <li><strong>Get off the boat—never remain on a boat during a hurricane! </strong>Check mooring lines of boats in water. </li> </ul> <h3>If evacuation becomes necessary</h3> <p>Hopefully, you're fully prepared with an evacuation plan. Also remember:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Don't wait until the last minute</strong>—shelters might be full or the roads might be jammed. If you have pets, consider traveling before an evacuation is ordered—otherwise, you might be ordered by officials to leave your pet home.</li> <li><strong>Take along survival supplies </strong>from your list.</li> <li><strong>Keep important papers with you at all times</strong>, including your <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Creating-a-Home-Inventory.aspx">home inventory</a> and make sure you have the name and phone number of your insurance professional.</li> <li><strong>Take warm, protective clothing for the whole family</strong> in case you get stuck.</li> <li><strong>Lock all windows and doors on your home.</strong> Don't compound hurricane damage with the threat of possible looters.</li> <li><strong>Keep all receipts </strong>for anything that might be considered to be an additional living expense in the event your home is destroyed or damaged and rendered uninhabitable. Documentation is important when filing an insurance claim.</li> </ul> <h3>If you remain at home during a hurricane</h3> <p>Stay indoors. Don't go out even during the brief calm when the eye of the storm passes over as wind speeds can increase dramatically in seconds.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Stay away from windows and glass doors </strong>and move furniture away from exposed doors and windows.</li> <li><strong>Stay on the downwind side of house.</strong> If your home has an "inside" room, stay there during the height of the hurricane.</li> <li><strong>Keep the television or radio tuned into information from official sources. </strong></li> </ul> <h3><br /> After the hurricane, beware of the dangers that remain</h3> <p><br /> The storm may have passed, but it likely has created new dangers.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Beware of outdoor hazards</strong> like loose or fallen tree limbs, loose signage or awnings that are in danger of breaking off and falling.</li> <li><strong>Keep away from loose or dangling power lines</strong>, and report them immediately to the proper authority.</li> <li><strong>Walk or drive extra cautiously</strong> as washouts may weaken road and bridge structures.</li> <li><strong>In the event of a power outage</strong>, throw out food that may be spoiled.</li> <li><strong>Boil municipal water before drinking</strong> until you have been told it is safe.</li> </ul> <h3>If your home is damaged</h3> <p>Notify your insurance professional as soon as possible of any losses. If you had to relocate, let your representative know where you can be contacted. In addition:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Make temporary repairs</strong>—if they can be made safely—to protect property from further damage or looting; for insurance purposes, keep all receipts for materials used.</li> <li><strong>Get written estimates for any proposed repair jobs and use only reputable contractors.</strong> Be especially careful of building contractors who want huge deposits up front or encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. Ask for their references and check with the Better Business Bureau on complaints.</li> <li><strong>Gather any other receipts for expenses </strong>that will be covered by insurance or will be tax deductible.</li> </ul> <h3>Additional resources</h3> <p>Red Cross <a href="https://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340160_Hurricane.pdf" target="_blank">Hurricane Safety Checklist</a></p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 848How to prepare for hurricane seasonhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/849/How-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoTue, 11 Jul 2023 19:18:00 GMT<h2>Precautionary measures can temper the ravages of these destructive storms</h2> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/hurricane%20image.jpg?ver=2018-09-13-143111-470" style="width: 300px; height: 199px; margin: 10px; float: right;" />Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start is before the threat is imminent. Don't wait until a hurricane watch is issued, because it may already be too late to take certain precautions. Reduce property damage and get through any hurricane emergency with less stress by preparing early in the season.</p> <h3>1. Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time</h3> <p>If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm.</p> <p>While you'll no doubt get instructions from the local government, it's wise to create your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. This way, you can know ahead of time about the nearest shelters, take your pets into account in your plan, make sure to take important papers and make a trial run.</p> <h3>2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand</h3> <p>When a hurricane warning is issued, people run for the stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush having the following on hand:</p> <ul> <li>Extra batteries</li> <li>Candles or lamps with fuel</li> <li>Matches (keep these dry)</li> <li>Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>A three-day supply of drinking water</li> <li>Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook</li> <li>First aid supplies</li> <li>A portable NOAA weather radio</li> <li>A wrench and other basic tools</li> <li>A flashlight</li> </ul> <p>If you need to evacuate, you'll bring these supplies with you. As expirations dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.</p> <h3>3. Take an inventory of your personal property</h3> <p><a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Creating-a-Home-Inventory.aspx" target="_blank">Creating a home inventory</a> will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes and is helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is among the important documents you take with you.</p> <h3>4. Review your insurance policies</h3> <p>This <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/Post/1850.aspx" target="_blank">hurricane season insurance checklist</a> can help you to understand your coverage and whether it’s adequate to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, and to replace your belongings</p> <p>Keep in mind that <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance.aspx" target="_blank">your homeowners insurance</a> covers the cost of temporary repairs for hurricane damage, as well as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and above your normal living expenses if you have to relocate (such as the extra expense of getting to work or to school if your temporary home is in a different community).</p> <p>However, your homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Flood-Insurance.aspx" target="_blank">looking into flood insurance</a>. If you live by the coast, you may also need a separate policy for protection against wind and wind-blown water damage.</p> <p>If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact your insurance professional.</p> <h3>5. Take steps to protect your home</h3> <p>Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors and much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors and openings in the roof.</p> <p>While retrofitting your home to protect against these possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark</strong>, which is lighter and won't cause as much harm.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Cut weak branches and trees </strong>that could fall on your house and keep shrubbery trimmed.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Install storm shutters to protect your windows</strong> from breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof </strong>and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one-inch long.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass </strong>and, during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Replace old garage doors and tracks </strong>with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Wind coming into your home through an opening this large poses grave problems for the rest of your home—especially your roof.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Seal outside wall openings </strong>such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall. Use a high quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>If you live in a mobile home </strong>make sure you know how to secure it against high winds and be sure to review <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Mobile-Home.aspx">your mobile home insurance policy</a>.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>If you have a boat on a trailer</strong>, know how to anchor the trailer to the ground or house—and review <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/boat-recreation-vehicles/Boat-and-Yacht.aspx" target="_blank">your boat insurance policy</a>.</li> </ul> <h3>6. Take steps to protect your business</h3> <p>Hurricanes take a toll on businesses, too so be prepared.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/Post/1942.aspx" target="_blank">Create an emergency business response and continuity plan</a></strong>. In the event of a hurricane this will help your business quickly recover.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Keep contact information for employees, suppliers and vendors current </strong>so you can check on their wellbeing and communicate next steps for resuming normal business operations.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/business-insurance/Business-Insurance-Overview.aspx"><strong>Review your business insurance policies </strong></a>in order to understand what's covered.</li> </ul> <p>For more preparedness tips, handy checklists (including ones you can personalize yourself) and evacuation planning advice to cover a variety of disasters, get the I.I.I.’s <a href="http://www.iii.org/resource-center/apps" target="_blank">Know Your Plan app</a>. It's a great tool to help get you and your family—including pets—organized and ready to act more quickly if an emergency strikes.</p> <h3>Additional resources</h3> <p><a href="http://www.disastersafety.org/" target="_blank">Institute for Business & Home Safety</a></p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> <p> </p> 849Pool safetyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/815/Pool-safety.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoWed, 05 Jul 2023 19:15:00 GMT<p>Whether you have a luxury in-ground pool, or plan to blow up an inflatable kiddie pool, it is important to consider the safety implications. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/pool.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 188px;" title="" />There are an estimated 7.4 million swimming pools and five million hot tubs in residential or public use in the United States, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC). Furthermore, there are over 3,400 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States each year, with more than one out of five drowning victims being a child 14 years old or younger, according to the CDC.</p> <p>The I.I.I. suggests taking the following steps if you own or are considering purchasing a pool or spa:</p> <h4>Contact your town or municipality</h4> <p>Each town will have its own definition of what constitutes a “pool”, often based on its size and the depth of the water. If the pool you are planning to buy meets the definition, then you must comply with local safety standards and building codes. This may include installing a fence of a certain size, locks, decks and pool safety equipment.</p> <h4>Call your insurance agent or company representative</h4> <p>Let your insurance company know that you have a pool, since it will increase your liability risk. Pools are considered an “attractive nuisance” and it may be advisable to purchase additional liability insurance. Most homeowners policies include a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability protection. Pool owners, however, may want to consider increasing the amount to at least $300,000 or $500,000. You may also want to talk to your agent or company representative about purchasing an umbrella liability policy. For an additional premium of about $200 to $300 a year, you can get $1 million of liability protection over and above what you have on your home. If the pool itself is expensive, you should also have enough insurance protection to replace it in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster. And, don’t forget to include the chairs, tables or other furniture around the pool deck.</p> <p>If you have a pool, the I.I.I.  recommends taking the following safety precautions:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Install a four-sided barrier such as a fence with self closing gates</strong> to completely surround the pool. If the house forms the fourth side of the barrier, install alarms on doors leading to the pool area to prevent children from wandering into the pool or spa unsupervised. In addition to the fences or other barriers required by many towns, consider creating several “layers of protection” around the pool, in other words setting up as many barriers (door alarms, locks and safety covers) as possible to the pool area when not in use.</li> <li><strong>Never leave small children unsupervised—even for a few seconds.</strong> And never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use as they may prove to be a deadly temptation for toddlers trying to reach them who might then fall into the pool.</li> <li><strong>Keep children away from pool filters and other mechanical devices as the suction force may injure them</strong> or prevent them from surfacing. In case of an emergency, know how to shut off these devices and clearly post this information so others can do so too.</li> <li><strong>Ask if pool users know how to swim. </strong>Learners should be accompanied by a good swimmer. If you have children, have them take swimming lessons as early as possible. And, do not allow anyone to swim alone.</li> <li><strong>Check the pool area regularly for glass bottles, toys or other potential accident hazards.</strong> Also, keep CD players, radios and other electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.</li> <li><strong>Limit alcohol use around the pool</strong>, as drinking alcoholic beverages negatively impacts balance, coordination and judgment—and its effects are further heightened by sun exposure and heat. The CDC reports that alcohol use is involved in up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation.</li> <li><strong>Clearly post emergency numbers on the phone</strong>, in the event of an accident. Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys and reaching poles near the pool. You may also want to consider learning basic water rescue skills, including first aid and CPR training. For additional information, contact the American Red Cross.</li> </ol> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 8154th of July and summer fun safetyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/862/4th-of-July-and-summer-fun-safety.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoThu, 08 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT<p>The celebration of the birth of our nation on Independence Day often involves fireworks, backyard barbecues, boating, beaches and other outdoor fun. Whether it's July 4th or any other summer celebration, here are a few tips for keeping safe while you're having fun.</p> <h3><strong><strong><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/flag4th.jpg?ver=2020-07-01-094557-000" style="width: 300px; height: 199px; float: right; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" title="" /></strong>keep kids safe</strong></h3> <p>Make sure children are supervised while celebrating outside during the holiday. Whether it’s in the pool, on the beach or just the backyard, it takes just moments for kids (especially small ones) to get into trouble.  Watch for choking hazards with small toys or other items. Never leave a child unsupervised near a body of water.  Lifeguards aren't babysitters. If you are at a pool follow <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/pool-safety1.aspx">pool safety rules</a>.  Turning your back for just a moment could result in tragedy. Know how to recognize <a href="https://www.rd.com/advice/silent-signs-of-drowning/" target="_blank">signs of drowning</a>.</p> <h3><strong>grilling safely</strong></h3> <p>Grilling is a great way to bring family and friends together, but be sure to follow <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/grilling-safely1.aspx">grilling safety</a> guidelines.  Be sure you clean and safety check your gas or charcoal grill before using it, and don’t leave it unattended. Grill-related incidents cause millions of dollars of damage. Also, follow safe food preparation protocols to ensure that no one gets sick.</p> <h3><strong>drink responsibly</strong></h3> <p>If you have alcoholic beverages, know your limits and be responsible.  Accidents can happen more easily when under the influence.  Have a designated driver to make sure you and/or your guests get home safely from your July 4<sup>th</sup> celebration whether it’s at your home or elsewhere.  Don’t drink and drive!</p> <h3><strong>leave fireworks to the professionals</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/parti/titlexx/chapter148/section39" target="_blank">Massachusetts law prohibits private citizens from using, selling, or possessing fireworks</a>. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and then transported into the state. </p> <h3><strong>stay hydrated</strong></h3> <p>Drink plenty of water and fluids while out in the hot sun to avoid dehydration and other heat sickness. Consuming alcohol in the sun can cause dehydration, so be sure to drink water along with your adult beverages. Keep an eye on children, the elderly and pets, who are all more at risk of heat stroke. Take breaks in the shade when possible.</p> <h3><b>apply sunscreen</b></h3> <p>On the beach, backyard or park, use sunscreen to protect yourself and children from sunburns and potentially skin cancer. Protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen make a huge difference. For very young children, talk to your doctor about appropriate products.</p> <h3><strong>follow safe boating practices</strong></h3> <p>If your celebration involves being on the water, review safe boating practices. If it’s your boat, be sure that you review safety practices with guests before you set sail, and that there are enough appropriate life jackets for everyone. Be sure to follow state boating laws and travel at safe speeds. Don’t drink and drive applies to boats, too.</p> 862Safe boating checklisthttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/817/Safe-boating-checklist.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoWed, 07 Jun 2023 12:53:00 GMT<p>Being out on the water can be a lot of fun, but it also requires responsiblity and taking precautions to be safe. Whether you're a new or experienced boating enthusiast, use this boating safety checklist to help you prepare and stay safe on while afloat.</p> <p><strong>Arm yourself with swimming and boating skills</strong>: enroll in a swim course and boating course in your area.</p> <p><strong>Buckle up</strong> with a comfortable and properly fitted life jacket.</p> <p><strong>Install and maintain a CO detector in accommodation areas</strong>. Remember that you can be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide both inside and outside the boat.</p> <p><strong>Watch the weather</strong> to prepare for local conditions and electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is time to stop boating if you can see or hear a storm.</p> <p><strong>Communicate your trip details </strong>in case of emergency. Tell your plan to a friend on the mainland: who is on the boat, where you will be, and how long you will be gone.</p> <p><strong>Never operate a boat while or after drinking alcohol.</strong></p> <p><strong>Remember to keep all boat maintenance chemicals in their original containers</strong>. Keep these, as well as medications, lighter fluid, bug killers, lamp oil and alcohol out of sight and reach of children.</p> <p><strong>Post the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222</strong>, on the boat and call its 24-hour hotline for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide or other poison emergencies.</p> <p><strong>List CPR instructions and a local emergency number</strong> on the boat. Keep up-to-date on CPR procedures.</p> <p><strong><img alt="Power boat safety" src="/Portals/0/boat%20dash%20lake.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" title="Power boat safety" />Maintain constant supervision of children</strong>, regardless of their swimming abilities or use of life jackets.</p> <p><strong>Do not swim or wade near a boat's exhaust pipe, sit on the swim platform when the engine is running, or hold onto the deck while the boat is moving.</strong> Keep your boat a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest running generator or engine. Never, ever enter the enclosed exhaust vent area under a swim platform! Exhaust from boat engines can be deadly sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://nsbc.memberclicks.net/" target="_blank">National Safe Boating Council</a></p> 817Massachusetts mulch fire-safety laws and safety tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/738/Massachusetts-mulch-fire-safety-law.aspxBusiness Insurance,General Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceTue, 30 May 2023 14:19:00 GMT<p>With the arrival of Spring, we thought it would be a good time to remind property owners about safety issues when sprucing up their landscaping and applying fresh mulch.  Mulch is combustible, and every year there are hundreds of small and large fires that are started by improperly discarded smoking materials igniting mulch. Mulch fires often can be well underway before they are noticed, which creates the big risk that a small outdoor mulch fire can quickly spread to buildings. In recent Massachusetts history, there have been a number of large apartment fires that have resulted in loss of life and multi-million dollar property losses not to mention hundreds of people being displaced and losing their possessions. Yet, it doesn't have to be a huge fire to be important. If it was your home that was lost due to a mulch fire that would be tragic.</p> <h2>Regulation on Mulch Safety</h2> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.dfmurphy.com/Portals/0/mulch.jpg" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 15px;" />In Massachusetts, safe use of mulch is regulated through <a href="https://www.mass.gov/regulations/527-CMR-100-massachusetts-comprehensive-fire-safety-code">527 CMR 1.00, section 10.14.10.4</a>. The regulation prohibits new application of mulch within 18" around combustible exteriors of buildings, such as wood or vinyl, but not brick or concrete. The regulations apply to all commercial properties and residential buildings with more than six units.  However, while residential properties with six or less units are exempt, it is smart for all homeowners to adopt these practices for safety. Having your grounds look their best is admirable, but no one wants to their beautification efforts be the reason that their property goes up in flames.</p> <h2>Tips for Property Managers, Building Owners & Landscapers</h2> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Provide a minimum of an 18-inch clearance between landscape mulch beds and combustible building materials, such as wood, vinyl siding and decks.</li> <li>Use non-combustible mulch such as rock or pea stone around gas meters and combustible portions of the structure.</li> <li>Provide proper receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings and in designated smoking areas. Place them at least 18" away from the building, do not mulch in these areas and remember to regularly empty smoking receptacles.</li> <li>Grounds and maintenance crews should be aware when conditions are favorable for mulch fires and increase surveillance of mulch beds.</li> <li>Keep mulch beds moist when possible.</li> </ul> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>By following these tips, you can help to reduce mulch fire risks.  So, whether you mulch for aesthetics or more as a way of keeping down weeds, we hope you  enjoy the spring and may all the plantings on your property grow and bloom with vigor. <strong>Happy mulching.</strong></p> 738Grilling safelyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/796/Grilling-safely.aspxGeneral Safety and InfoWed, 24 May 2023 14:17:00 GMT<p>Every year, millions of Americans safely enjoy outdoor barbecues, but accidents do happen. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 5,700 grill fires take place on residential property every year, causing an annual average of $37 million in damage, 100 injuries and 10 deaths. The majority of grill fires are caused by malfunctioning gas grills. In addition, thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year because they have burned themselves while barbecuing.</p> <p><img alt="Grilling Safey" src="/Portals/0/BBQ.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" />In the rare instance of a grill fire spreading to your property, your homeowners insurance would provide financial protection as fire is a covered peril. A homeowners policy covers the following:</p> <ul> <li>Damage to the house itself.</li> <li>Damage to personal possessions such as lawn furniture.</li> <li>Damage to insured structures on your property, such as a shed or gazebo.</li> <li>Injuries to a guest, under the liability portion of the policy.</li> </ul> <p>Keep in mind you’ll have to pay your deductible before your insurance kicks in, so if damage is minimal and your deductible is high, it may not make sense to file an insurance claim.</p> <p>However, the best way to enjoy a summer of outdoor barbecues is to take steps to prevent accidents, including maintaining your grill and using it safely.</p> <h2>grill maintenance & storage</h2> <p>Gas grills are generally safe if they are properly maintained and checked for leaks. In some instances, grills are unsafe due to faulty design or construction. (You can search the website of the <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/">Consumer Product Safety Commission</a> to see if there has been a recall on your grill.) When setting up at the start of each grilling season, the following tips can help ensure everybody’s safety:</p> <ul> <li>Check grill hoses for cracks, holes and brittleness. Look for blockages as well, especially in the Venturi tube that runs to the burners. Clear blockages—caused by food drippings, spiders or insects—with a wire or pipe cleaner.</li> <li>Run a soap solution (one part liquid soap, one part water) along hoses and at connections, then open the valve at your tank and check to make sure that gas isn’t escaping, which will be indicated by bubbles at the leaking points.</li> <li>Adjust hoses as needed away from hot areas or where grease might drip on them.</li> <li>Store propane tanks outside, away from your house. Always check to make sure valves are firmly turned off.</li> </ul> <h2>safe barbecuing practices</h2> <p>When barbecuing, use common sense and follow these guidelines:</p> <ul> <li>Operate your barbecue on a level surface, away from your house, garage and landscaping. Don’t move the grill once it is lit.</li> <li>Keep children and pets away from the grill.</li> <li>Protect yourself—or whoever is doing the grilling—with a heavy apron and oven mitts that reach high on the forearm.</li> <li>For charcoal grills, use only lighter fluid designed for grilling. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids, and never add more lighter fluid once the fire has started.</li> <li>Never grill indoors or in enclosed areas. Charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide (CO) fumes, which can be fatal in unventilated areas.</li> <li>Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.</li> <li>When you’re done with your cooking, remember that the grill will remain hot for a while. Don’t cover or store your grill until it has cooled, and soak coals with water before throwing them away.</li> </ul> <h2>in case of an accident</h2> <p>If a grill accident—or any kind of accident—does occur, injuries should be addressed immediately. Run cool water over minor burns, but do not cover injured areas with bandages, butter or salve. In the case of more serious burns, victims should visit the emergency room or an urgent care facility. If needed or when in doubt, call 911.</p> <p>Once you have dealt with any injuries, assess your property damage and, if the situation calls for it, contact your insurance professional to discuss filing a claim.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 796Hurricane season insurance checklisthttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/794/Hurricane-season-insurance-checklist.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceWed, 03 May 2023 16:52:00 GMT<p>You probably make a checklist for performing home repairs, a shopping list before hitting the grocery store, or perhaps a to-do list for work assignments—but do you have a checklist for reviewing your insurance coverage? With the start of hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), it's a good time to check your homeowners or renters insurance—and this handy list from the <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a> will make it easy to be sure you’re well-prepared in case a storm comes your way.<img alt="Hurricane Insurance Checklist" src="/Portals/0/Clipboard%20Review.png" style="width: 144px; height: 143px; float: right;" /></p> <h2>homeowners coverage</h2> <h3>❏ Check your policy limit; is it enough to rebuild your home?</h3> <p>Make sure to have enough <a href="http://www.iii.org/article/what-covered-standard-homeowners-policy">coverage to completely rebuild your home</a> in the event it is severely damaged or destroyed. And, remember, the real estate value of a house is not the same as the cost to rebuild.</p> <p>Consider these homeowners coverages to help protect against the costs of rebuilding after a hurricane:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Extended Replacement Cost Policy </strong>– pays an additional 20 percent or more above the policy limits.</li> <li><strong>Guaranteed Replacement Cost Policy</strong> – pays the full amount to rebuild your home whatever the ultimate cost.</li> <li><strong>Inflation Guard </strong>– automatically adjusts the coverage limits to reflect changes in construction costs. </li> <li><strong>Ordinance or Law Coverage</strong> – pays a specified amount for rebuilding to new building codes, should your community adopt stricter codes.  </li> </ul> <h3>❏ Do you know everything you own and how much it’s worth?</h3> <p>Imagine having to re-purchase all of your furniture, clothing and other personal possessions. Now think about what that would cost. Most insurers provide coverage for personal possessions—approximately 50 to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. Is this enough? The best way to determine what you actually need is to conduct a <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Creating-a-Home-Inventory.aspx">home inventory</a>—a detailed list of your belongings and their estimated value.  </p> <p>Check what type of insurance you have for your belongings:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Replacement Cost Coverage</strong> – pays what it would cost to replace your personal possessions at their current value.</li> <li><strong>Actual Cash Value Coverage</strong> – pays to replace your personal possessions only at their depreciated value.</li> </ul> <h3>❏ Does your policy provide enough Additional Living Expenses coverage?</h3> <p>Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage kicks in if your home is rendered uninhabitable as the result of a hurricane or other insured disaster. ALE covers the extra costs involved in living away from home—hotel bills, restaurant meals and other expenses, over and above your customary living expenses—incurred while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. If you rent out part of your home, this coverage also reimburses you for lost rental income.</p> <p>Check that the coverage is adequate for your needs:</p> <ul> <li>ALE coverage is generally equal to 20 percent of the amount of insurance coverage that you have on the structure of your house; however, most insurers offer the option of higher coverage limits. </li> <li>Many policies provide ALE reimbursements only for a specific amount of time; make sure you’re comfortable with the time limits in your policy.</li> </ul> <h3>❏ What is the percentage of the hurricane/windstorm deductible stated in your policy?</h3> <p>Insurers in every coastal state from Maine to Texas include <a href="http://www.iii.org/article/understanding-your-insurance-deductible">separate deductibles</a> for hurricanes and/or windstorms in their homeowners policies. Unlike the standard “dollar deductible” on an auto or home policy, a hurricane or windstorm deductible is usually expressed as a percentage. It is clearly stated on the Declarations (front) page of your homeowners policy. </p> <p>Hurricane and windstorm deductibles generally range from 1 to 5 percent of the insured value of the structure of your home. A hurricane deductible is applied only to hurricanes whereas a windstorm deductible applies to any type of wind. If your policy has a hurricane deductible, it will clearly state the specific “trigger” that would cause the deductible to go into effect.</p> <p>Keep in mind:</p> <ul> <li>If you live in an area at high risk for hurricanes, your hurricane deductible may be a higher percentage.</li> <li>Depending on your insurer and the state where you live, you may have the option of paying more money in premiums in exchange for a lower deductible.</li> <li>A deductible is basically the amount subtracted from an insurance payout. If you have a high hurricane or windstorm deductible consider putting aside the additional money you may need to rebuild your home.</li> </ul> <h3>❏ What disasters does your insurance policy cover?</h3> <p>Standard <a href="/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance.aspx">homeowners insurance policies</a> provide coverage for hurricanes, wind, theft, fire, explosion, lightning strikes and a host of other disasters. However, all policies also list exclusions—such as for flood or earthquake—which are NOT covered by the policy. Get to know the exclusions in your policy and either talk to your Insurance Professional about purchasing separate coverage, or be prepared to pay the cost of those damages out-of-pocket.</p> <p>Important additional coverages to consider in hurricane-prone areas:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Sewer Back-Up Coverage</strong> – Can be purchased either as a separate policy or as an endorsement to an existing homeowners policy. Sewer backups and damage from runoff water caused by major downpours are not covered under standard homeowners nor by flood insurance.</li> <li><a href="/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Flood-Insurance.aspx"><strong>Flood Insurance</strong></a> – Separate flood insurance is available from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from some private insurance companies.</li> </ul> <h3>❏ But, wait, what about your flood insurance policy?</h3> <p>People tend to underestimate the risk of flooding, but 90 percent of all natural disasters include some form of flooding—especially hurricanes! If you live in a flood zone, or a hurricane-prone area, a separate flood insurance policy is a must. But it’s equally important to understand what it actually covers.</p> <p>An NFIP flood insurance policy provides coverage for up to $250,000 in replacement cost coverage on the structure of the home and $100,000 in actual cash value coverage for personal possessions. Coverage for basements is limited, so make sure you understand what is considered a basement, as well as what is and is not covered in that area of the house. The NFIP policy also does not include coverage for ALE.</p> <p>Additional tips about flood insurance:</p> <ul> <li>There is a 30-day waiting period for a flood insurance policy to go into effect so don’t wait until a storm is imminent to apply for coverage.</li> <li>The NFIP offers a range of deductibles; the deductible you choose will affect the cost of the policy and the amount of money you would receive if you file a claim.</li> <li>If you require a higher amount of coverage than is offered by the NFIP, consider getting excess flood insurance which is available from private insurance companies.</li> </ul> <h2 style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;">renters insurance</h2> <h3>❏ If you rent, rather than own, your home, have you bought renters insurance?</h3> <p>While your landlord may provide insurance coverage for the structure of your home, as a renter you are responsible for your own belongings. Renters insurance covers the loss or destruction of your possessions if they are damaged by a hurricane or other disaster listed in the policy. A standard renters insurance policy also includes ALE coverage if you are unable to live in your house or apartment due to damage caused by a hurricane.</p> <p>Flood insurance is also available for renters. However, as for homeowners, the NFIP flood insurance policies for renters do not include ALE coverage.</p> <h2>Don’t wait to review and update your insurance until after you have a loss</h2> <p>There are few things worse than finding out you did not have the right kind of coverage when you are already filing a claim. So before hurricane season kicks off, make sure you’ve reviewed home or renters insurance policy with this Hurricane Season Insurance Checklist. Call your insurance professional if you have any questions. They can provide guidance on how to get the insurance protection that’s best for your needs and budget.</p> <p>For information on how to make your home more disaster resistant, go to the <a href="https://disastersafety.org/">Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety</a> (IBHS). For information on evacuation, go to the <a href="http://www.flash.org/peril_inside.php?id=85">Federal Alliance for Safe Homes</a> (FLASH).</p> <p>source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 794