7 tips for protecting your home from Fire!

More good information that we all need to think about as we do our normal chores as Homeowners!

Click to read the 7 tips to protect your home.

National Fire Prevention Week

It's National Fire Prevention Week - and a good time to check your smoke detectors, make sure you have fire extinguishers and an escape plan. Here is a link to a good article to give you some ideas!

FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES SAVE LIVES

Don't let the Bear end your Happy Home

There is a mistaken belief that all insurance policies have the same coverage. Several major insurance companies policies have no coverage for a whole range of potential major loss causing events including the actions of wild animals such as bears. With the drought driving animals down out of the hills looking for food, bear invasions in our area are on the increase. Go over your coverages with your agent - make sure you are not getting a Bear Bones Insurance policy that is cheap on the front end and very costly on the Bear end. Current story below is a reminder the unexpected can happen anywhere.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/the-other-side/couple-attacked-as-bear-invades-pennsylvania-home/story-e6frfhk6-1226157859815

Interesting info on Hail Resistant Roofs

Information is from Insurance Institute Article

From the Institute for Business & Home Safety

• There are approximately 3,000 hailstorms annually in the United States, resulting in average insured losses of $1.6 billion.
• International Building Code currently does not require the consideration of impact resistance in the selection of roofing materials.
  • IBHS has proposed changes to the International Codes that would require this consideration in moderate and severe hail exposure areas.
• The  lifespan of an average roof is 20 years:
  • Roofs in severe hail-prone areas must be replaced every seven to 10 years, according to insurance industry data.
  • States in the Great Plains and Southeast can expect hailstorms producing stones of least 1.5 inches in diameter within the life of a typical roof.
• Costs and benefits of impact-resistant roofing materials:
  • $75/square approximately installed;
  • $2,200 in added costs for 30 squares of shingles.
  • The loss rate for impact-resistant metal roofs is 13 percent; 53 percent lower than asphalt, clay or tile.
  • Products classified in accordance with UL 2218 standard have been shown to sustain significantly less damage after being impacted by 1 to 2-inch hailstones.
• A study by the Institute for Business & Home Safety found:
  • 44 percent of all non-impact resistant, single-family roofs investigated needed repair or replacement after being struck by hailstones with diameters of 1-2 inches.
  • Requiring impact-resistant roofing materials in vulnerable areas would result in a 50 percent reduction in hail-related property losses.
  • A recent hail-loss investigation of 320,000 homes in 115 zip codes, with 77,000 claims found:
    • 40 percent fewer claims for homes with impact-resistant roofs;
    • 55 percent reduction in losses for homes with impact resistant roofs;
    • Homeowner savings of $200 to $300.

Labor Day- Grilling advice

I can't believe that summer is just about over!  The last couple of nights have been cooling fast- fall is in the air. 

Some of us will be out on the grill today and by this time of the year we are all grilling experts, right?

Over the years I have had to deal with three household fires caused by a Grill fire getting away from the Chef.

I ran across this list of tips to keep you on top of your grilling game and keep your Labor Day incident free.  Have a great Labor Day & be safe out there !

• Before using a propane gas grill, check the connection between the tank and the fuel line. Make sure the Venturi tubes (where the air and gas mix) are not blocked, and check hoses for cracks or damage.
• Thoroughly clean gas grill after each use. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby but not on the grill at all times. 
• Never throw a match in a grill especially after the gas has been on three seconds.
• Don’t leave a grill unattended.
• Do not wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes.
• Always use the grill's starter button, if the starter is broken do not use the grill. Remember to cover the grill to avoid to corrosion and rusting in both the controls and gas line. Rust can make grill controls hard to read and make the starter button difficult to depress. You may also want to consider a grill with an automatic starter, rather than button starter that can become difficult to push.  
• Be careful when grilling food with high fat content because they can produce high flames.
• Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature. 
• Never throw away grill instructions or owners manual. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
• Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. And never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas, as deadly carbon monoxide can be produced.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children. Supervise children around outdoor grills, which are objects of curiosity.
• If using a charcoal or wood fire, dispose of hot coals properly by soaking them with water, then stirring to ensure that fire is extinguished. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill since they are flammable 

Next - think about winterizing that Grill so you will be ready next year for Prime Time Grilling in Pueblo.

Dealing with personal disaster

Here is a link to an experience a family had dealing with their home burning to the ground.

http://youtu.be/-PBQOoDmOEs

I have dealt with three total home losses since I became licensed Insurance agent - they are never easy for you as an agent let alone how difficult it is for the valued client who has just lost everything.

The thought of a total loss keeps me focused on trying to do the right thing for any client who comes through our door at Pueblo Insurance. God forbid if there is a total loss - Will my friend and my client be adequately insured.

Insurance is not all about price. It is about a good value - the right amount of insurance at the right price.

Dealing with Disaster

If you have friends or family that was in the path of Hurricane Irene, I hope all is well with them.

This latest disaster caused me to think it would be helpful to post comments or links to articles which deal with how to prepare for disaster. The primary way the modern world has adopted is to share the risk through comprehensive insurance programs. I have found several good articles on various insurance programs available through Pueblo Insurance and other fine insurance companies. I will post these along with my comments and invite your comments as well.

One area that is not typically covered in most insurance programs in Pueblo, Colorado is Earthquake- here is a link on the subject - let me know what you think.

http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/Earthquake-Coverage.aspx