A Guide to Winterizing Your Home
Posted: December 2, 2025
Drafts, Doors, and Dollars To winterize your home, start with the biggest leaks, such as attic hatches, exterior doors, baseboards, and windows. Add adhesive weatherstripping to door jambs and sweeps to the bottom edge; use silicone caulk around window and door casings, plumbing penetrations, and where siding meets the foundation. Do a simple smoke-pencil test: on a windy day, turn on kitchen/bath fans, then move...
Preventing a Home Insurance Claim from Getting Denied
Posted: November 16, 2025
Home insurance offers peace of mind in case of unexpected damage or loss, but that protection only applies if your claim is approved. Many homeowners are surprised to learn their claims are denied for reasons that are often preventable. Knowing how to avoid the pitfalls can help ensure your homeowners' policy works for you when you need it most. Common Reasons for Claim Denials After...
Fall Home Checklist: Protecting Your Property Before Winter Hits
Posted: October 16, 2025
When fall is in the air, it is the perfect reminder that winter is just around the corner. Preparing your home now for colder weather can help you avoid costly damage and keep your property safe. Taking proactive steps in the fall can protect your investment and give you peace of mind, knowing you are ready for whatever winter brings. This practical fall home checklist...
National Fire Safety Week: Is Your Household Prepared for Evacuation?
Posted: October 2, 2025
National Fire Safety Week serves as a reminder each October to re-evaluate our preparedness for house fires. While many families install smoke detectors, check fire extinguishers, and take other precautions, evacuation readiness may be overlooked. Every second counts in a home fire, and having a clear, practiced evacuation plan in place can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. Take the following steps to help...
Prevent Freezing Pipes
Posted: February 12, 2016
Prevent Freezing Pipes When the water in a pipe freezes, it can explode and cause significant damage to the interior of your home or commercial property. Pipes that run along exterior walls and in attics and crawl spaces are the most vulnerable. To keep your pipes free of ice and freezing water, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends the...
