The forecast shows winter snow … so what do you do? It’s time to pull out your warm clothes and get out your snow blower. To stay safe all season long, follow these snow blower safety tips. Understand the manual. Read the manufacturer’s manual thoroughly before using your snow blower. Familiarize yourself with the machine’s features, controls, and safety precautions. Understanding the equipment’s operation will help you use it more effectively and avoid potential accidents. Wear the right gear. Wear appropriate clothing and gear, including sturdy, non-slip footwear and snug-fitting clothing ..read more

When it comes to insuring your home, one of the most critical steps is getting coverage that accurately reflects the value of your property, commonly known as insurance to value. If the value of your home is underestimated when you get a policy, you risk being underinsured at the time of a loss. Wondering why and how to get the right insurance to value? Read on. Underinsurance risks Insufficient coverage. If you underestimate the value of your property, you may not receive enough funds to rebuild or replace your property in the case of a covered event. Unexpected financial strain. If you’re u ..read more

Whether you’re whipping up dinner or cooking a multi-course holiday feast, kitchen disasters can happen. Luckily, following our expert tips and being proactive can help stop accidents before they occur. Wondering what the top five most common kitchen disasters are? Learn them all and how you can safely avoid them. Slips and falls Clean up spills as soon as they happen. Check the floor before and after cooking to ensure there are no peels, puddles, or other slippery items underfoot. If you have a slick floor material in your kitchen like tile or polished wood, consider adding a rug or nonslip ..read more

Power outages are a common occurrence in many parts of the country, particularly during extreme weather conditions such as high winds, thunderstorms, or snowstorms. And during those prolonged periods of darkness or extreme temperatures, a portable generator can be an excellent option – providing an immediate power supply to keep the lights on, appliances running, and the house functioning. However, it’s important for homeowners to understand how to use it, to help avoid potential hazards. If you could benefit from learning generator safety tips and the best practices for power outages, read on ..read more

As your business grows and evolves in the digital age, ensuring the safety and security of your premises is paramount. One effective tool in your security arsenal is a surveillance camera system. Security cameras not only act as deterrents to potential criminals, but also provide valuable evidence in the event of an incident. Are you doing an audit of your security system or considering installing security cameras? Follow our nine security camera tips to optimize your system and enhance your security. Assess your needs. Before purchasing new or additional equipment, look at your property. Det ..read more

A sump pump prevents water damage by taking excess water from your basement and pumping it out of your house. However, without regular maintenance, it may malfunction – causing water to overflow and damage your home. To keep your sump pump running smoothly, proper upkeep is essential. Help extend its life, prevent costly repairs or replacements, and even reduce your energy bills by following along with our sump pump maintenance checklist. Check your sump pump regularly. The first step in maintaining your sump pump is regular inspection. It’s important to watch out for any warning signs, such ..read more

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most challenging moments in life. Amidst the emotional turmoil, practical matters such as dealing with life insurance benefits can add additional stress. But understanding the steps to redeem life insurance benefits now can help streamline the process during a difficult time. We’re providing a step-by-step guide on navigating the life insurance claims process to ensure you receive the financial support you and your family need. Follow these six steps to file a life insurance claim: Step 1: Gather relevant documents. The first step in redeeming life ..read more

Your business has safety procedures and equipment in place to avoid deadly fires, but did you know that one safety product — Stab-Lok circuit breakers — could be endangering your business instead? Circuit breakers are designed to protect electrical systems from overheating or short-circuiting by interrupting the flow of electricity when unsafe conditions are detected. If a circuit is overloaded, the breaker will trip. These breakers are housed in a panelboard, with different breakers for different areas of a home or business. Stab-Lok circuit breakers and panelboards were manufactured by Feder ..read more

College is an exciting season, especially because it’s often the first time many young adults leave home and live on their own. And while this newfound freedom can be exhilarating, it also means students become responsible for their own safety (another first). So, whether you’re an excited student or a worried parent, this guide is here to give you the college safety tips you need … and hopefully a sigh of relief. Read on for the top college safety tips, outlined by some of our insurance experts: Get familiar with your campus and surrounding neighborhoods. It goes without saying you’ll need t ..read more

Have a move on the horizon? You’re undoubtedly feeling a mix of excitement and stress. But with the help of our moving house checklist, you can start planning ahead now for a safer and more efficient move. Follow along and check off items as the months and weeks approach, starting with… Two months before the move Determine what type of move this will be. Are you moving everything by yourself, with the help of friends and family, or with a moving company? Decide this before proceeding. If applicable, research moving companies. Check recent reviews to see if the company is legitimate, timely, r ..read more