Homeowners / Renters: Keep Warm, but Also Safe

 Cold weather brings with it many fire safety hazards, including fireplaces, space heaters, and decorative holiday candles, just to name a few.  Keep your home and loved ones warm, but also safe, with this checklist from the Home Safety Council:
Smoke Alarms

• Have you installed smoke alarms on every level of your home and near every sleeping area?
• Do you test your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are working, and replace the batteries every year?
• Do you replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older? 

Fire Escape Plans

• Have you identified two exits for every room?
• Does your family have a designated meeting place outside?
• Does your family practice a fire escape plan twice a year?
• Is every family member familiar with your fire escape plan?

Fire Prevention

• Do you keep things that burn away from your fireplace?
• Do you have a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace?
• Do you have space heaters, chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves, and furnaces inspected once a year and cleaned regularly?
• Do you keep space heaters at least three feet from combustibles, such as curtains or newspapers?
• Do you stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?
• Do you keep an eye on burning candles?
• Do you keep candles out of the reach of children and pets?
• Are you careful not to overload outlets, extension cords, and power strips?

Source: Western Reserve Group Newsletter, November 2010

Here's another informative article from Western Reserve Group: Fire Safety for Supplemental Heat

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...  

    

   

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)  

Email: info@reichleyins.com  

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

Homeowner Insurance: Water Backup Coverage

   Water can enter your home in ways other than actual flooding. The most common water-related loss occurs when water backs up through sewers, drains or sump pumps. The damage can be devastating, easily amounting to tens of thousands of dollars in damage. You can lessen your chance of flooding by not living near a body of water, and you can reduce your risk of basement water with proper drainage, including landscaping and gutters.

If your attempt to avoid or lessen the impact of water damage falls short of what you think is prudent, you can purchase flood insurance. This federal program provides insurance only for the peril of flooding. Your property policy does not provide this coverage. For damage caused by water which enters through a sump pump or drain, you can buy sewer and drain backup coverage by adding an endorsement to your homeowner policy. These endorsements do vary substantially from company to company, and are rarely automatic.

The sewer and drain backup coverage endorsement covers water damage and cleanup. The coverage is activated by water that backs up through your sump pump, or backup from a sewer.  Contact us for more information.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

 

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

 

Equipment Security: "Layered" Approach

  With the recent increase in equipment theft, National Equipment Register (NER) has shared the following tips on using a “multi-layered” approach to equipment security:

Ï  Record All PINs/Serial Numbers – The most basic and effective layer of protection is maintaining an accurate list of equipment and tools in your fleet. The list should include information on the year, make, model and full PIN/serial number of the equipment. 

Ï  Apply Individual Markings & Register Equipment - All machines should be individually marked with an inventory control number or equipment number, which should then be registered on a national database, such as through NER’s HELPtech service.

Ï  Paint Equipment in Unique Color - A unique paint color is another layer of protection that can make your machines substantially less vulnerable, as thieves typically avoid stealing equipment that stands out and can be easily identified from a distance.

Ï  Use Locks and Immobilizers - Immobilizing devices make equipment much harder to steal.

Ï  Install RF or GPS Tracking Devices - Consider electronic tracking devices for your most valuable or vulnerable machines. Many of these devices can be used not just for theft protection, but also for performance and maintenance monitoring.

The above measures – coupled with well planned site security—can make the difference between a fleet that’s an easy target and one that’s far less prone to theft.

Source: NER’s Newsletter

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.