Home Insurance

What to Know About Buying a Vacant Home

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Why buy a vacant home? One of the biggest perks is being able to make the home whatever you want it to be. You can make it your new home, create a vacation home, rent it out, or fix it up and sell it to someone else. In some cases, the seller may be willing to sell a vacant home cheaper than an occupied home. This is good news for you because you can save some money, but it could also mean something might be wrong with the house. It may need a little love, attention, and renovation. Before you purchase a vacant home, here are a few things to do and watch out for:

Professional Inspection

Ask for an inspection from a professional and take notes on what they discover. You’ll want to know what’s broken, what needs to be fixed, and what could possibly go wrong. (Note: Be prepared to pay for the home’s electricity to be on for the duration of the inspection).

Critters

Since vacant homes can sit for quite some time, critters may come in and make themselves at home. Although they are usually small animals such as mice or bats, they can cause damage to a vacant house. Those unwanted critters can eat at the floors, carpets, walls, and wiring. Be aware that you may need to hire a pest control service, and this could be costly based on the number of animals and the amount of damage.

Plumbing

There may be plumbing issues that have caused dried and cracked seals, slow faucets, leaks, and other issues. If the heat hasn’t been on and the temperatures dropped, the pipes could be at risk to freeze or burst (if they haven’t already).

Appliances

The previous owner may not have unplugged their indoor appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, or let them dry out. There may be mold inside from the moisture being trapped. Having appliances plugged in with no one there could result in a fire (if the electricity was on). Appliances in the house may become unusable due to long periods of sitting with no use, which means you will need new ones.

Molds

Remember, molds can grow on more than just appliances! Check for mold in the walls, floors, pipes…everywhere! Some molds may cause health issues, so if mold is found during your inspection, you may want to rethink purchasing the home. Talk with your inspector about the extremity and presence of mold, and evaluate the safety risks.

Unanticipated Repairs

There are other potential sources of damage. For example, break-ins are more likely when a home appears empty, and windows, doors, and other items could be damaged by the intruder. Storms are another danger. Debris could hit the home and cause damage that may have gone undetected. Always thoroughly inspect the home before buying!

There are a lot of things to do and watch out for before purchasing a vacant home, but the possibilities of what the home could be are endless. If you are looking to buy a vacant home but haven’t found one yet, there are a few ways to move forward. Look online, talk to neighbors, get a realtor or simply drive around. There are more vacant homes than you think…happy hunting!

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18 years past the 9/11 Memorial

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Shield Insurance Blog | 9/11 Memorial |

I was watching the TV, on 9/11, as my young children were in the driveway waiting for the school bus. I peeled myself away when I heard the bus driver honk the horn to give me a wave goodbye.

The TV images were numbing. We remember them, they are unforgettable.

Days later as the rubble from the buildings settled, and the immediate chaos cleared, people started to do more, be more, give more, go to church more. For a while, it changed many areas of our everyday life.

Weeks later our neighborhood held a block party. I set a jar out to collect funds to do something in a neighborhood affected by 9/11, from a neighborhood to a neighbor. I was thinking maybe a bench or a birdbath. The money and support poured in, not only from our neighbors, but local companies, communities, the city of Flower Mound, and beyond.

9/11 Memorial

We ended up with almost $10,000 in cash, 12 square feet of granite, and the etching donated. Even Federal Express stepped up to ship a stunning 12-foot square laser etched memorial. Designed by two teenage boys from our neighborhood, it was placed in a New Providence New Jersey Neighborhood that lost 6 people that fateful day.

It was a project of good love and support, from our neighborhood, our community, the city, area businesses, and it had the same effect on the people of New Providence whom I am still very close friends today.

I wish there was a way to commemorate this event for the vast goodness it brought out in the people. I wish the anniversary wasn’t so difficult on all the families that lost loved ones, and the thousands of people that were in the path of responding…. It was a very painful time for too many people. Some years I don’t want to mention the Memorial our town made happen.

But I always go back and remember all the good that people gave and the goodness that we, as a nation, need to keep showing over and above all the other bad in the world. It always boils down to the simplicity of Good vs Bad. I choose to rejoice in the Good.

Connie Simmons-Miller

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Grilling Safety Tips for Your Cookout

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Grilling Safety Tips

If you are planning a cookout at your house, it’s important to be extremely cautious and alert at all times! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), July is the peak month for grill fires. To avoid fires or unwanted burns, review the tips below to have a happy and safe holiday.

  • If you are using a propane grill, make sure the lid is open before lighting it. If you’re using a charcoal grill, remember to use the correct starter fluid.
  • Place the grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings and overhanging branches.
  • If you are using a charcoal grill and the fire is low, revive it with some kindling and more charcoal. Avoid using liquid fuel as this can cause a flash fire.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area. If that is unavoidable, make sure they are at least 3 feet from the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Keep your grill away from windy areas.
  • If you smell gas while grilling, step away from grill immediately and call your fire department.
  • When you’re done grilling, scrape off any grease or fat buildup that’s left over and in the trays below the grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Once you clean off your grill, it will be good as new and ready for your next cookout. From all of us at Foremost: Have fun and be safe!

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Do You Know Your Flood Risk?

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Are you in a flood risk zone?

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), everyone lives in a flood risk zone. Even those who don’t live near water are at risk because anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains, and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that puts your home and belongings at risk.

Your home is one of your greatest investments. It’s important to prepare ahead should a disaster occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you’re ready in the event of a flood risk.

  • Create a “flood file” and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds), and a CD backup of computer documents and digital photos.
  • Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
  • Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

It’s important to know that most home policies don’t cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. To find out if you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, type in your address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and use this interactive tool to learn more.

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What To Do After A Flood

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Anyone who’s been through a flood knows that recovering after this kind of disaster isn’t easy. You’re forced to accept that irreplaceable family treasures and memories may be gone forever, your furniture is destroyed, potentially along with your home. It’s a devastating and emotional moment and a lot to take in all at once. But you know the only thing you can do is move forward, and begin the steps needed to restore your home.

As soon as the floodwaters recede, you can return to your home as long as officials give the OK to do so. Before entering your home, however, make sure it is safe!

Tips for staying safe upon return:

  • Check for structural damage and use extreme caution. One way to do this is to check if the walls are vertical and straight.
  • Turn off the electricity in your home at the main breaker or fuse box. Make sure you stand in a dry spot to do this! If you can’t stand in a dry spot, call an electrician who will take care of the risk.
  • Turn off the gas. If you smell something unusual, leave immediately and call your gas company from another location.
  • Check your sewage system. Repair damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. These are serious health hazards.
  • Take precautions when inspecting your home. Your home may have sagging ceilings and areas that are still flooded. Also beware of critters like snakes, spiders, and rodents that may have taken refuge in your home!

Bring waterproof boots, a first aid kit, cleaning supplies, and a battery-powered flashlight with you before entering the house! You never know what you’ll run into.

Tips for claim reporting:
Another important step to take when recovering from a flood is reporting your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. While flood coverage is typically not provided under most homeowner’s and renter’s policies, flood insurance may be available to you through the federally regulated program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you need assistance to locate your flood insurance carrier, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A claims adjuster should contact you within a day or two after the report of the claim, depending on the severity of the flood event.

When reporting a claim, you should have the following information available:
– Your name and address
– Policy number
– Date the loss happened
– Description of events that led to the loss
– Active phone number
– Confirm what’s covered under your NFIP policy (some policyholders may only have building or personal property items coverage, not both)

Tips for inspections:

The next step, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is to prepare for your inspection. After deeming the structure safe for entry, take as many photos or videos of the flood-damaged property on the outside and inside. Take pictures of high-cost items as well like washers and dryers, hot water heaters, televisions, and kitchen appliances. It’s also a good idea to separate the damaged from undamaged items prior to the inspection.

When the adjuster arrives, they will inspect your property including taking measurements and photos, and give you an overview of the NFIP flood claims process. Remember that some flood insurance claims are more complex than others. Some may be opened and closed quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to resolve.

If your vehicle was also damaged in a flood event, it’s best to call your auto insurance provider to see if you’re covered for the loss.

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Preparing For Severe Weather

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Are you ready for Severe Weather?

Try and put yourself in the shoes of those who have gone through a natural disaster, and imagine this: Before a severe weather event hits – you hear the warnings from state officials and your local news, but might not take them too seriously. They’re urging the public to stock up on food and supplies, fill up on gas – or – worst-case scenario, they tell you to evacuate the area immediately. As the storm system nears, you realize this is serious. But, by the time you make it to the grocery store for important supplies and water– everything is sold out. It’s at that moment you might be asking yourself, “How did I let this happen?”

Severe weather can strike anywhere in the U.S., and if a disaster hits in your area, you may not have access to food, water, or electricity for days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the U.S. do not have the resources or plans in place for an emergency – that’s a big number! Always remember – there’s no such thing as being “too prepared,” and it’s better to start preparing now than later when the store shelves are empty!

Below are some important items to include in an emergency preparedness kit:

  • Food and water. A three-day supply of non-perishable goods, and have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. (Also have a manual can opener on hand!)
  • Prescription medicines. Have at least a three-day supply on hand.
  • Personal care items. Items like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and contact lenses.
  • First aid kit. Your local store should have them in stock. They cost anywhere from $25 to $35.
  • Electronics. Be sure to have battery-powered or solar flashlight, a cell phone with a portable charger and have extra batteries on hand.
  • Important papers. Copies of drivers’ licenses, special medical information, social security cards, etc. Keep them in a waterproof, air tight bag so water doesn’t seep through.
  • Cash. With no power, stores may not be able to take credit cards and ATMs may be out of cash so keep a reasonable amount of cash available so you have it if needed.
  • Basic hand tools. A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet. Your furry friends also need a three-day supply of food and water!

Depending on the size of your family, you may need additional supplies not included in the list, such as baby formula or games for the kids.

If you do end up losing power, it’s important to think about ways you can keep your food cold temporarily if you don’t have a cooler on hand. One option is your washing machine – just fill it with ice and voila! You won’t have to worry when the ice starts melting since it can drain water. Plus – it has a lid! A second option is to fill your bathtub with ice.

Keeping these items on hand is crucial and could potentially save a life. Place your emergency kit in a designated spot all family members are familiar with and have it ready in case you need to leave your home quickly. From everyone here at Foremost – stay safe and stay prepared!

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Prepare for A Summer Outdoors

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Shield Insurance Blog | Summer Outdoors | Start a Quote Today!

Ready for a great summer outdoors?

The summer is just starting to roll, so what better time to head out with family or friends for a weekend in the great outdoors! Camping at a local campground or state park could be just what you need before school is back in session. The birds chirping, the bugs buzzing and the sun beating down on your tent will remind you to be prepared.

It’s the knowledge that we will share with you here that separates the amateurs from the seasoned campers. You want to be a seasoned camper, don’t you? The prepared one that everyone goes to if they need duct tape, dental floss, or any other random item. We will help you become that go-to guy or gal with this simple checklist and some tips from Foremost.com.

Prepared Camper checklist:

  • Tent, tarp and sleeping bags (I’m sure you already knew that)
  • Extra blankets and towels
  • Waterproof matches, pots, pans and utensils
  • A utility knife and rope
  • Hammer
  • Extra stakes
  • Extra chairs
  • Emergency medical kit
  • Plenty of water (for drinking, cooking and cleaning)
  • Cooler packed full of delicious food, snacks and beverages
  • Dish soap and hand sanitizer
  • Duct tape (you can use this stuff for anything)
  • Dental floss (always handy after a dinner of fresh grilled chicken or steak)
  • Ziploc bags (so useful!)
  • Sunscreen/chap stick with SPF
  • Flashlight
  • Warm hat (80% of heat loss occurs through your head. You never know when you are going to get a chilly night)
  • Layers of clothes (no matter what time of year, it’s the easiest and most effective way to control your body temperature)
  • Playing cards/games (just for fun)

Foremost wants you to safely experience all the adventure you can.

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It’s Hot Out There. Are You Staying Cool?

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It’s Hot Out There. Are You Staying Cool?

All you have to do is turn on the news, or leave air conditioning, to know that it’s hot outside all over our country. I learned firsthand because I spent six hours outside yesterday when the Foremost Chopper visited our office park in Michigan.

This was about halfway through the day. Can you tell that my hair doesn’t cooperate with humidity? I was exhausted at the end of the day and fell asleep well before 10 p.m. and for a person who’s usually up to 11:30, that’s strange. So while I had time to prepare for an afternoon out in the heat, I wasn’t prepared for the heat. Let’s review where I went right and where I went wrong yesterday using the following heat-related illness preventative tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC recommends… “Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.”

This was my first failure. While I brought a bottle of water, I rarely drank from it because of that second sentence. I didn’t feel thirsty. If you are outside, remember to keep hydrated, regardless of thirst level. So I’m 0-1.

The CDC recommends… “Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.”

I usually only drink water, so I had this right. My water was also outside with me, so it wasn’t cold. BUT, and it’s a big but, I’ve already mentioned that I rarely drank my water. So I’m saying that I’m 0-2.

The CDC recommends… “Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.”

Well, as you can see in the photo, that dress I’m wearing is both light-colored and loose-fitting. I can also attest that it’s pretty lightweight. I’m 1-3.

The CDC recommends… “If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.”

I was outdoors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so I’m 1-4.

The CDC recommends… “Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat,…sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher…”

I wasn’t wearing a hat, but I was wearing sunglasses and I did wear a broad-spectrum SPF 70 sunscreen. If that is three items, I’m 3-7. 43% is not even close to a passing grade.

So while I was fortunate not to suffer from heat exhaustion, severe sunburn, heat cramps, or worse, hopefully, you’ll learn from my errors—especially if you’re trying to beat the heat while in your RV, on your boat, or PWC. Your safety is important to us.

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Ten Ways to Protect Yourself From the Sun

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Shield Insurance Blog | The Sun | Health Insurance |

When my teenage daughter arrived home the other day with a sunburned face, I asked her why she didn’t use her sunscreen. She answered with, “I did Mom! I put it on this morning.” But since she was out all day and never re-applied it, she still got a sunburn.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year and those rates are on the rise.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to take precautions like these to protect your skin from the sun:

  1. If you can’t avoid the sun altogether, cover it up with clothing. Hats and clothing made of dark, tightly woven materials are best.
  2. Keep in mind that UV exposure is harmful to your eyes as well as your skin, so put on a pair of sunglasses and be sure your kids do, too.
  3. Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Spread it on generously and use the waterproof kind if you’ll be swimming.
  4. Watch the expiration dates on sunscreen. Once it expires, discard and get a new bottle.
  5. Apply your sunscreen early, and unlike my daughter, apply it often, every two hours. If you’re sweating or swimming, apply it, even more, frequently.
  6. Remember to cover those sensitive spots like the tops of the ears, hairline, chest, nose, hands, and feet.
  7. Give up sunbathing, especially if you’re fair-skinned. Avoid sun tanning oils which can enhance ultraviolet rays and worsen sunburn.
  8. Protect your skin all year round, no matter what the weather. Clouds don’t keep the damaging rays from burning your skin, and neither does a winter climate.
  9. Use extra precautions if you take medications like tetracycline, diuretics, or St. John’s Wort. They can make your skin even more sensitive to sunlight.
  10. Avoid tanning beds. They produce UVA rays that penetrate deeper into the skin than the UVB rays of the sun.

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Stay Safe During a Tornado: Essential Tips for Seeking Shelter

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Shield Insurance Blog | Seeking Shelter | Start A Quote Today

Seeking Shelter: Tornadoes are some of the most devastating storms anyone can witness – and they’re also a reminder that a disaster can strike quickly, with little warning. What makes these storms extremely dangerous is that they are in a concentrated area, and although they appear to move slowly, tornadoes can have wind speeds up to 100 mph or more. Even if you’re not in the path of the tornado, you still have the chance to get hit with flying debris, which can cause serious injury or death.

It’s hard not to worry about the safety of my own family and consider what I would do if my house is in the path of a tornado. But I counter that fear by telling myself I don’t live in tornado alley, so it can’t happen where I live.

Wrong.

Tornadoes can happen anywhere in the U.S. at any time of the year. According to the National Weather Service, 46 different states experienced a tornado in 2012 with property and crop damage of an estimated $1.6 billion. OK, but the greatest threat for tornadoes is in Tornado Alley and I don’t live there.

Well, where exactly is Tornado Alley? It typically includes the plains states from South Dakota down through central Texas. But did you know that as of last year, researchers at CoreLogic Storm Prediction Center have questioned the geography of Tornado Alley and suggest expanding its footprint? According to their data, only one tornado alley state —Kansas — fell in the top five states for tornado occurrences from 1980 to 2009. The others in the top five were Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Based on that frequency and the severity of the storms, here’s an article from USA Today that illustrates CoreLogic’s suggested “new tornado alley.”

While the new tornado alley doesn’t encompass my home in Michigan, this graphic from the National Weather Service does. It maps the EF5/F5 tornadoes in this country since 1950. See number eight, that tornado’s path was about fifteen miles from my house. Just ask the resilient people of Moore, OK if a tornado can strike the same place twice.

What’s your plan should a tornado strike quickly? Take some time to become “Red Cross Ready” for disasters. Preparing now could be the difference when you only have seconds to respond. For me, I would go to the basement. While it’s completely below ground, it has a few basement windows to get away from. My tornado plan now includes taking shelter in this small bathroom.

We do have plans to do some work on our basement eventually, so I will definitely make it a priority to have a safe place to hide. Where will you take shelter? I can’t reiterate how important it is for you to know where you will go should disaster strike. Your safety is important to us.

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