Wayne Texeira,
Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

At this time last year, Hurricane Irene had just hammered the Northeast, and soon thereafter, the freak October snowstorm hit Massachusetts causing major damage with downed trees and extended power outages.

Before Irene hit, I was on vacation in Maine. I had to rush home early the morning the storm came ashore to secure everything. My home rode out the storm unscathed, but unfortunately, I hadn’t checked my generator. When the power went out, I tried starting it without success and had to endure five days without power. However, I still consider myself lucky, given that so many people were without power for even longer, and it wasn’t winter when an extended power outage could cause frozen pipes.

The repair shop informed me that the generator wasn’t worth repairing. So, did I go and buy a new one immediately? NO. I procrastinated, as many of us do. On the morning of the October storm, I bought a generator at the last minute. I didn’t do all the research I intended to find the best model and price, but I was grateful to have control when the power went out and didn’t come on for four days.

After the October storm, my yard looked like a bomb went off. Huge branches were down everywhere, and cleaning up took days and days. Again, nothing hit the house, and no trees toppled, so I was lucky. When you work at an insurance agency, you see claims for trees hitting homes and cars, so I’m always aware that it could happen to me and realize that I’m fortunate, especially after a significant storm event. We buy home insurance for situations like these storms and other catastrophes that cause damage that would be financially devastating without an insurance safety net.

Yet, even when insured, it’s best to take precautions to avoid claims altogether. It’s great knowing that if a tree lands on your home, you’re covered, but it’s better to avoid having that tree land on your house altogether. Avoidance and prevention are the best ways to manage risk with insurance as your backup. Do you have a maintenance/prevention list? If not, then it’s something to spend some time planning.

My prevention planning this year involved cutting down eleven trees on my property. Some I could manage myself, but a few required hiring a tree service. Admittedly, it’s not cheap, but it’s better than having a hole in my roof that causes water damage or a tree falling on the wires running from the electric pole to the house. I also turned over a new leaf and started my generator every few months to keep it running smoothly. I don’t want surprises such as a malfunction in the dead of winter.

Now that fall is here, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the upcoming winter. I’m slowly checking off my fall “to-do” list. If you’re looking for winter-proofing tips, check our article Is Your House Properly Winter-Proofed? Good Maintenance Can Prevent Damage to Your Home.

Ready.gov is an excellent resource for disaster planning information, too.

Hopefully, we all learned some lessons from Hurricane Irene and the October storm. Next year, I still have a few trees to remove and a list of ongoing maintenance projects. As property owners, we’re all in the same boat, but as Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Read Other Blog Posts

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to stay vigilant about your digital safety. From phishing scams to hacked home devices, cyber threats can affect anyone. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and work, and see how personal cyber insurance can help safeguard your finances and identity.
Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.