Burglars know what to look for when they’re picking target homes for theft … and it might not be what you think. To help keep your loved ones, your possessions, and the place that matters most safe, we’re sharing the usual and unusual things burglars look for before a break-in and how you can secure your home. Do any surprise you? No visible security systems. If burglars don’t see a physical camera or security system, a house can become more of a target for theft. In addition to having a camera at your front door, consider installing one on sliding doors or back doors. Install ample lighting ..read more

From heavy rain to hurricanes, tornadoes to snow and ice, weather events across the globe are leading to greater damage, claims, and loss. In the U.S. alone, economic and insured losses from natural disasters in 2022 were substantially above the long-term means and estimated at $165 billion, according to AON in their 2023 Weather, Climate, and Catastrophe Insight report. With similar systems on the horizon, it’s imperative to follow storm preparedness precautions for both your home and business. Is your region affected by one or more of these severe weather events? If so, be prepared with the ..read more

Home appliances are essential in our day-to-day lives. But they also require a level of responsibility. Appliance safety and maintenance can help prevent accidents, save energy, and extend the lifespan of these critical household items. Read on for our appliance safety tips. When to check your key appliances Refrigerators and freezers: Monthly checks. Take a couple of minutes to inspect door seals on refrigerators and freezers to confirm they are secure and devoid of cracks. Loose seals can lead to energy waste and food spoilage. Additionally, clean the condenser coils to enhance their effici ..read more

Creating a healthier home or non-toxic space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating 13 simple, yet effective practices into your daily routine or yearly maintenance, you can foster an environment that promotes better health for the whole family. Get your loved ones involved and start tackling these tips for a healthier home: Declutter your spaces. Start your transformation by decluttering your living spaces. Maintaining a tidy environment not only reduces stress, but also minimizes the accumulation of dust and allergens. Reduce unnecessary clutter in your living room, bedrooms, bat ..read more

As we start a new year, we’re sharing our top home insurance claims that affected homeowners in 2023. From unexpected disasters to common household mishaps, understanding these trends can empower homeowners to take proactive measures in 2024. What four claims topped the charts? We’re breaking them down and giving you tips to steer clear in the year ahead. Top home claim of 2023: Fires To help avoid a fire claim in 2024 … Dispose of cigarette butts only in an ashtray or marked receptacle. When cigarettes aren’t fully extinguished or are thrown in trash cans, they can lead to larger fires. Neve ..read more

There’s no place like home for the holidays. But if you’re traveling this season, make sure your home is safe and protected in your absence. Our nine safety tips will help you prep your house for holiday travel so you can enjoy a merrier holiday season. Unplug electronics. To reduce the risk of electrical fires and lower your energy bills while you’re away, unplug nonessential electronics and appliances. This also safeguards your devices from power surges or lightning strikes. Choose the right temperature. Help prevent frozen pipes by setting your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F. This stops p ..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

No one wants a nightmare on (insert your street). To trade in spooks and scares for added safety this October 31, we’ve created a list of Halloween safety tips for everyone involved. Tips for decorating your haunted house  Use battery-operated candles instead of real flames in jack-o’-lanterns to prevent fires. Look for the UL marking on the packages of electric decorations. This certifies that any lighted home or lawn décor has been rigorously tested for safety by Underwriters Laboratories. A red UL mark means the decoration is safe for indoor and outdoor use. Green indicates it’s safe ..read more