Home Insurance

Ladder safety tips everyone should know

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety. Remember in old cartoons when the main character is caught wobbling at the top of an extension ladder? A funny skit ensues as the ladder inevitably begins to fall and a friend scurries around under an expanding shadow trying to catch them.

Scaling a ladder in real life, we know, is a lot more serious. According to OSHA, portable ladders (step, straight, combination, and extension ladders) are one of the leading causes of falls and injuries to workers on the job. Knowing how to use a ladder properly at home or at work decreases your chances of risk and injury.

From cleaning your gutters to fixing a roof, you’ll most likely need a ladder to get the job done. Keep these ladder safety tips in mind the next time you climb to ensure the job is completed in a safe and timely manner.

Before use

Preparation is key to ladder safety. Keep these tips in mind before you climb:

  • Inspect the ladder for cracked or broken parts such as rungs, steps, side rails and locking components.
  • Be sure all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
  • Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, tables or other unstable objects to gain additional height.
  • Make sure all tools and materials are securely fastened to the ladder to prevent falling.
  • Do not use a self-supporting ladder, like a step ladder, as a single ladder or in the partially open position.
  • An extension ladder should extend three feet above the point of support.
  • To set your ladder at the right angle, place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
  • If using a ladder outside, do not use in windy or inclement weather.
  • Check in with yourself: Avoid using a ladder if you feel dizzy, tired or are impaired.

During use

Ladder safety doesn’t stop on the ground. Keep these tips in mind while your ladder is in use:

  • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder. Read and follow manufacturer’s labels and warnings for use and weight rating.
  • When climbing, maintain three points of contact through a combination of hands and feet at all times.
  • Don’t stand on the top rung of the ladder unless it’s designed for such activity.
  • Never have someone climb up to bring you something. Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.
  • Don’t move the ladder while it’s in use.
  • Don’t lean or overreach. Reposition the ladder instead.
  • Face the ladder and always grip the rungs, not the side rails.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. To learn more about your insurance needs, contact Shield Insurance Agency.

References:
– Grange Risk Management
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– National Safety Council (NSC)

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How to Handle 10 Common Home Emergencies

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

You love your home. Make sure you know how to keep it — and you and your loved ones — safe and sound. Here are 10 common home emergencies and how to handle them.

1. Kitchen fire.

The most common culprit of a kitchen fire is an inattentive cook. It’s never a good idea to leave your stovetop or oven unattended when food is cooking. Prevent kitchen fires by cooking during times when you won’t need to step away from the kitchen.

If a kitchen fire happens, take these steps:

  • For a small grease fire, try smothering it with baking soda or sliding a metal lid over the pan to suffocate the fire. Turn off the stove. Never use water to put out a grease fire; it can be dangerous and make the situation worse.
  • For an oven fire, keep the oven door closed and turn off the oven.
  • If the fire continues, help everyone to evacuate the house, close the door behind you and call 911 from a safe distance from your home.

Also, remember to regularly check your smoke detectors. Put a reminder on your calendar to test all the smoke detectors in your home monthly, and promptly replace batteries when needed. Consider replacing all your smoke detectors every 10 years.

2. Water leak.

Whether it’s a slow drip or a steady stream, the best thing you can do is know where your home’s main water valve is located — typically it’s in the basement or near the front of the house — which controls the flow of water into your home and learn how to turn off your water in an emergency to prevent water damage to your home. Then you will need to call a plumber for assistance.

If your ceiling is leaking, gather buckets or plastic sheets under the leak to help prevent water damage. Then try to track down the source of the leak. If it’s likely a roofing issue, it’s best to call a professional right away to assess the situation and help with repairs.

Finally, take steps to insulate your pipes before the weather turns cold to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

3. Water overflow.

Anything that holds a lot of water in your house can potentially overflow into the surrounding area. Here’s how to handle a water overflow

  • When a toilet overflows, find the valve behind the toilet near the wall and turn it off to stop the flow of water. Then, quickly mop up any standing water. Finally, try to determine the cause. Look for issues with the fill tube and float as well as for clogs or other issues that could be keeping the toilet from draining. If you’re still stumped, call your plumber for assistance.
  • When your bathtub or sink overflows, first stop the flow of water — whether it’s as simple as turning off the faucet or by shutting off the main water valve to your home if the faucet is broken. Then, quickly mop up standing water to prevent further damage. If the faucet is broken, make necessary repairs before using that sink or bathtub again.

4. Flooded basement.

Whatever the cause, if your basement is flooded with water, the most important thing is that you NEVER enter a flooded basement. For your own health and safety call your utility companies first, and stay away until they have turned off the electricity and gas. Then, it’s best to hire a professional to help you clean up, mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent you and your family from becoming sick. You will need to throw out anything the flood water reached unless it can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

5. Power outage.


When the power goes out, check to see if nearby homes and streetlights still have power. If their lights are still on, check your breakers. If the neighborhood is dark too, then call your power company, or visit their website, to report the power outage and ask for an estimated repair time

Stay safe by following these steps:

  • Use flashlights. Don’t light candles. Keep your flashlights in an easy-to-find location, test them monthly, and keep spare batteries in a known and accessible location. If you don’t have a flashlight, your cell phone can help provide some light to help guide you safely through your home.
  • Keep your refrigerator door closed. Food can spoil in a refrigerator after the power has been out for more than 4 hours.
  • Turn off or unplug electronics. If the lights were on or you were using any electrical equipment, like a computer, when the power went out, switch your lights off and unplug your electronics.

If you anticipate having a power outage that lasts for days, such as after a hurricane, consider investing in a generator that can help provide electricity to essential things in your home, like a refrigerator or freezer. Be sure to follow all safety instructions while using it.

6. Carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or even death. The symptoms are often like the flu without a fever. If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911.

The best way to prevent a carbon monoxide emergency is to:

  • Use carbon monoxide detectors and test them once a month to make sure they’re in good working order. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how often to replace your carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Have gas appliances inspected at least once a year.
  • Properly vent all gas furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces.
  • Follow all safety instructions for gas-powered appliances, such as space heaters and generators.

7. Gas leak.

When a natural gas line leaks, you may smell gas (it smells a lot like rotten eggs). While natural gas lines don’t leak often, you should always take it seriously if it does. A gas leak inside your home can make you sick or even lead to an explosion.

If you notice the smell of natural gas inside your home:

  • Go outside IMMEDIATELY and call the utility company and 911.
  • Don’t try to find the leak.
  • Don’t turn on or off any electrical appliances.
  • Don’t smoke or have any open flames nearby.

8. Broken glass.

Whether it’s a cracked window or a smashed dinner plate, broken glass can be a difficult mess to clean up. Whenever possible, take actions to prevent it, such as closing shutters, blinds and curtains ahead of severe weather or handling glass objects with care. But when it happens, here’s how to clean up broken glass safely:

  • Don’t handle glass with your bare hands. Put on thick or rubber gloves if you have them or use a tool like a piece of cardboard or stiff paper to help you scoop up the large pieces of glass.
  • Next, use large tape, like duct tape, to help you pick up smaller pieces of glass. Because broken glass can travel farther than you might expect, be sure to use your large tape on the surrounding area, too.
  • Finally, mop or wipe up the entire area with wet wipes or doubled-up paper towels. If the glass is in your carpet, thoroughly vacuum the area using a hose attachment and move it in different angles and directions to get as much glass out of the carpet fibers as possible.
  • If the window is broken, you can seal it temporarily by taking a trash bag and cutting it with scissors to fit the window. Tape several layers of this plastic bag to the window’s frame with duct tape. Then immediately schedule a window repair or replacement.

9. HVAC goes out.

When your air conditioning or heating decides to quit, your first call should be to a technician who can inspect it, and if needed, repair or replace it as soon as possible.

If your A/C goes out during warm weather, take steps to keep your body temperature stable to prevent heat stroke and stay comfortable. Here are some things you can do:

  • Drink ice water often and avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can raise your body temperature.
  • Eat foods that are easy to digest, like fruits and vegetables.
  • Take a washcloth and rinse it under cold water, then put it on your neck, wrists or behind your knees to help keep your body cool.
  • Consider living in the lower level of your home since heat rises. For example, it may be more comfortable to sleep downstairs instead of an upstairs bedroom.

If your furnace stops working during cold weather, stay warm and safe with these tips:

  • Add layers to your clothing.
  • Don’t use your oven for heating.
  • Find a small area inside your home that you can heat with a fireplace or electric space heater. However, someone should stay awake while either of these are used to make sure there aren’t any issues. Be sure that your fireplace has proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Hang curtains, quilts or bedspreads over doors and windows.

10. Ant or rodent infestation.

If you have unwelcome house guests that have more than two legs, it’s time to assess the situation so you can send them packing.

  • After you’ve spotted a mouse, walk the perimeter of your home — both on the inside and outside — and look for any signs of mouse activity (for example, mouse droppings, chewing or nests) and look for any small hole or crevice where the mouse could be entering your home. Cover any entry points with sealant or wire mesh. Then, set a series of mouse traps. If you continue to have issues, call a professional right away.
  • When you’ve found a trail of ants, remove them and thoroughly clean anywhere you think they’ve been with a vinegar spray to help remove their ant trail scents. Look for tiny gaps or cracks near windows, doors and floorboards, where the ants may be entering your home. Set up ant traps and consider calling a professional who can determine if there’s an ant nest near your home. If you have large black carpenter ants, call a professional immediately since these ants can cause more damage to your home.

References:
– WebMD
– Familyhandyman.com

Contact your Shield Insurance Agency for complete details on your home insurance coverage and discounts.

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How to Stay Creative During Lock-Down

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

How to stay creative and keep your family sane during lock-down – from one of the world’s best teachers

  • The UN estimates that 1.25 billion children are currently at home as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.
  • British art and textiles teacher Andria Zafirakou won the 2018 Global Teacher Prize and has two teenage daughters.
  • Here she gives some practical tips – from giving your children time to transition to homeschooling, to creative ideas – for navigating staying at home together.
  • This article is part of a series from the World Economic Forum’s Cultural Leaders on building resilience in the pandemic.

In millions of homes across the globe this very minute, parents are juggling like never before as they struggle to stay creative and teach their children while earning a living during the coronavirus lockdown.

As of 20 March, the UN estimates that school’s out for 1.25 billion children and young people, as 124 countries have closed pre-primary to higher-education institutions – impacting almost three-quarters of all enrolled learners.

With their normal weekday routines gone, many of those children will be finding it hard to suddenly have mum and dad as teachers – and many parents will be trying to control the urge not to scream at them.

If that sounds like you, take some comfort in the knowledge that even one of the world’s best teachers admits her own kids aren’t keen on being “taught” by her.

Andria Zafirakou, Teacher, Arts and Textile, Alperton Community School, United Kingdom, speaking during the Session

Andria Zafirakou was awarded the Global Teacher Prize in 2018 and is a World Economic Forum Cultural Leader.

“Even teachers will say their hardest students are their own children,” says British teacher Andria Zafirakou, the 2018 winner of the Global Teacher Prize and a World Economic Forum cultural leader.

“It’s quite tough teaching your own kids because they won’t listen to you, and you have no tolerance or patience. So rest assured, we’re with you!”

The coronavirus is keeping millions of children out of school.

Before schools closed in the UK on 20 March, Zakirafou was teaching art and textiles in person to her students at Alperton Community School in northwest London, where she’s also the Associate Deputy Headteacher. In addition, she runs Artists in Residence, which brings artists into schools to inspire children and young people to seek a career in creative and cultural industries.

Now she’s at home with her husband and setting work for her two teenage daughters – as well as setting remote work for her students, who range from ages 11 to 18 and come from diverse, often poor, backgrounds.

Here are her tips on how to stay creative and keep your family sane when you’re all at home together.

We’re all having to stay creative

I’m finding it really tough not going into school because your classroom is your learning environment and your work environment. It’s hard not having that human contact with the children and picking up on things. And I can’t just go to the stock cupboard, so I have to think about what the students have at home, what access to materials they have and try to create lessons based on that.

I know that not every household has got access to paints, so I’ve been doing collage and lots of drawing activities. I’m really mindful that I want them to be creative and doing things away from the screen. I want them out in the garden, if they have one, to draw what’s there. So it’s about how I can get them to remain creative in their own environments.

Asking questions:

Asking Questions: Creativity is all about questioning: How can I? Why should it? What would happen if? How can I make this, or how can I change this? It’s about making sure that children are always being asked those questions.

Keeping everything: Do not chuck anything away. Keep a bag with all the egg boxes and toilet rolls in a corner, because that’s going to be a mine of incredible craft-making materials.

Setting challenges: What kind of musical instruments can you make today from what’s in the bags over there?

Giving them time: The beauty is that the parents are in control of the time, for once. So you can give your child two hours to get on with a wonderful creative task, and they wouldn’t have that in school.

Finding online resources: Use sharing resources like Twinkl, BBC Bitesize. And then there are the entrepreneurs, like Joe Wicks doing kids’ exercise classes. There are also artists and designers sharing resources.

Being creative with space: Think about the space in your house. What can you change, what room could be theirs? What space is not utilized? What can you get rid of to make them a work area or for their equipment? That’s a very easy thing to fix.

Thinking outside the paintbox: Creativity is not just about arts and crafts, it’s also about the kitchen. What kind of lunch can they make for you while you’re working?

Get creative together

Art can be so powerful because it makes you escape for a little bit, it puts you in that mindfulness zone, and time passes so quickly. You can actually reflect and say, ‘I did that and it looks good. As adults, if we are doing this ourselves, then we are showing good habits to our children.

So take time out of your busy, strange lives at the moment, by doing something like cooking, crochet, or coloring in with your children. That’s a fantastic thing to be doing together, and it will go such a long way.

Don’t worry about your children falling behind

We’ve really got to be kind to each other: we are in a huge transition and it’s extraordinarily difficult. I can sense the anxiety parents might have about children falling behind, but just make sure they do a little bit, often, so that they are still engaged in the daily routine of learning. And be kind to yourself: even if your child does not complete a worksheet, and you’ve had a really bad day with them, that’s OK. It’s not the end of the world.

The one really positive thing that will come out of this is, I’m hoping our young people can be more independent in choosing when and what to learn. If we create children that love learning, they will automatically be researching and trying to find new things to occupy their time with and to be inspired by.

Prepare younger ones for going back

The young people that we really need to work with are 7- to 14-year-olds. We’ve got to be quite careful to keep them inspired and interested – and prepare them for returning to school. A friend of mine has a child with ADHD. She’s worried her child may not want to go back to school, because being at home is quite comforting.

So when we eventually open up the schools, every school has got to be very careful in how they prepare children to come back. They’ll need to think about how every child has been affected by this.

Teach them life skills, too

The most important thing I’ve learned, which surprised me, is that now is a really good time to teach children things you want to be done. Not all lessons need to be academic – they can be life lessons we want our children to learn as well. Even how they should fold their clothes, mop-up, or vacuum. Stay creative Take an hour out and show them how you want them to do it. Usually, life is very fast, and we have no time for this type of teaching. But they are invaluable skills.

Carve out family time

In the evening, we have family time. So from 7.30 p.m. onwards, everyone’s devices go away, and we have a very fiery game of UNO or watch something appropriate on Netflix. Every household with children can now guarantee there’s going to be family time.

Let them chat to friends

It’s really important for the children to communicate with their friends. Parents can set up Zoom talks with their children’s friends. Not every day, but during the week, there should be some way they’re connected with somebody else that’s not you and not another adult.

Try and limit screen time

Lots of parents have contacted us to say they’re worried about children sitting in front of the computer for five hours a day. As a parent, I have printed out lots of worksheets, because young children like to work in their school books. So put parameters in place and try to manage how often they use their online learning resources.

This is where Alexa and all those gizmos are brilliant. Put a timer on for 15 minutes and then say, ‘You are doing those questions in 15 minutes. Help them with time management. And let’s get them reading books, drawing on toilet rolls, cooking, in the garden building things (if possible) – because they can’t be the generation that’s in front of screens learning, otherwise it will have a huge effect on them.

Share the responsibility

We need to jointly plan and give them that sense of responsibility. It’s quite powerful for them to take control of what they’d like to do. And if that’s being in their room drawing, then give them that time, make them exhausted from doing that, because they will get bored very soon. And when they want to do other things, that’s where, as a parent, you’ve already got all these resources and ideas ready to go.

Try not to lose it

There are going to be interesting, diverse scenarios taking place in homes at the moment. Don’t get frazzled, because teachers don’t lose it – they are quite calm. And just remember that your children are transitioning as well. We need to use lots of negotiation and give and take. Every parent is concerned because we’re taking up a new role here, which we’ve never had to do before. But it’s not going to be permanent. Stay creative there’s no quick fix, and you’re not a failure, because this is brand new to us all. The positive thing is, we’re going to get to know our children more.

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8 Lesser-Known Home Insurance Facts

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

8 lesser known home insurance facts: what you should know

Having home insurance can help keep you financially sound when disaster strikes. It covers damages to your abode, protects your belongings, and safeguards your liability — but there are more obscure areas of coverage you may not be aware of. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 8 lesser-known (but nevertheless crucial) home insurance facts you should know about.

1. an insurer cannot cancel your home insurance policy without a good reason

If your policy has been active for more than 60 days, your insurer cannot legally cancel it, unless you fail to pay your premium, lie on your application, or commit fraud.

Your insurance company can, however, decide not to renew your policy — typically around the one-year anniversary of its start date. In most states, a homeowners insurance company has to give at least 30 days’ notice to the insured as well as an explanation for why the policy has been non-renewed.

If you receive a notice of non-renewal, don’t fret! It doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong, nor does it mean you won’t be able to find insurance elsewhere. It could be that coverage is simply no longer available in your region, or your property no longer fits your insurer’s guidelines. In any case, there are options at your disposal and ways to bounce back if your home insurer decides not to renew your policy.

2. certain dog breeds can make it difficult to buy home insurance

No one knows how slobbery and cuddly your wolf-coyote hybrid is better than you. But you might run into complications when trying to find adequate homeowners coverage for your beloved pooch’s breed. The average homeowner’s insurance policy includes liability coverage for all household members, which is why insurance companies are on guard when it comes to particular dog breeds they’re willing to insure — especially when you consider the fact that dog bites account for a third of all liability claims, each averaging $30,000. For this reason, most home insurers won’t provide coverage if you have a pit bull or the aforesaid wolf hybrid. Other blacklisted breeds typically include:

  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Akitas
  • Staffordshire terriers
  • A cross-mix of any of the above breeds

Rules for how insurers can regard certain dog breeds vary by state. In Michigan, for instance, an insurance company cannot deny coverage based on your canine’s breed alone, but you may see a higher premium.

3. your credit may have an influence on your premium

As you may already know, your credit history wields influence in various venues of your financial life — from apartment rentals to the interest rate on your leased car. But did you know it could also affect your home insurance premium?

Roughly 85 percent of home insurers use certain attributes of your credit score to create what is called a “credit-based insurance score” (CBI). That’s because studies show a strong correlation between someone’s financial risk and the likelihood that he or she will file a claim.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, studies have shown that most policyholders get a better deal when CBI scores are used to determine a premium since there’s greater accuracy.

However, there are a few states, including California, Massachusetts, and Maryland, that prohibit insurance companies from factoring in a credit history to set policy rates. If you live in a state where the practice is permitted, you have the right to obtain your score through LexisNexis, and learn how different factors were used to determine your policy rate.

4. your lender can restrict the size of your deductible

The deductible is the amount you agree to pay for a loss before your insurance coverage kicks in. Many homeowners try to earn savings on their premiums by raising their deductible. But mortgage lenders typically won’t allow you to set your deductible at more than $1,200. That’s because your lender has a stake in your property too, and should anything happen to it, they want to have the peace of mind (much like you do) that the necessary repairs will be covered.

Moreover, they will likely require that they be listed as the “loss payee” on your homeowner’s policy — which means that if disaster rears its ugly head, the reimbursement would go to them, where they’ll ensure it’s used to repair the damage or pay off the loan.

5. maintaining a home inventory is paramount

Taking stock of all your belongings (that’s right, all your belongings) is very important. Not only does a home inventory give you an idea of how valuable your belongings are, but it’s also a helpful way to determine a sufficient personal property coverage amount. Additionally, having a record of your stuff can be very useful during the claims process if you ever experience a loss.

Recording the details of your items — from brand and model, to purchase price and serial number — is no simple task. But following some useful home inventory guidelines could mean the difference between financial hardship and quickly getting back on your feet if you ever need to file a claim.

6. you can reopen a claim after you’ve received reimbursement

If your home is damaged by a windstorm or fire, your homeowner’s insurance company will assess the loss, and reimburse you to repair or replace the damaged portion. But sometimes you may discover additional damage that had gone previously unnoticed. Luckily, you may be able to reopen the claim so that any supplementary damage can be addressed.

Bear in mind that, depending on the state in which you live, claims for damage usually have to be filed within a year of the loss date. If you’re ever unsure, your best bet is to contact your insurer or your state’s department of insurance.

7. your home remodeling project isn’t automatically covered

Thinking of building a front porch or constructing an in-ground swimming pool? If so, it’s always wise to notify your homeowner’s insurance company before you begin your project.

That’s because you’ll likely need to update your home insurance policy to reflect the additions and determine whether you’ll need financial protection during the course of the project. If you fail to do so and the project is damaged in the process, your renovation may not be covered. Additionally, you run the risk of getting dropped by your home insurance company. For this reason, it’s best to be totally up front with your insurer.

And before you commence the remodel, make sure all contractors and subcontractors involved carry their own insurance and ask to see physical copies of it. That should include both worker’s compensation and general liability policies. If they don’t have sufficient coverage, a worker could sue you if he or she gets hurt on the job.

8. adding home safety features could lower your premium

Many home insurance companies (including Esurance) offer discounts if you outfit your pad with security features, such as burglar alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and water safety systems. That’s because these safety devices help safeguard the home against common perils, thus reducing the likelihood that you’ll have to file a claim.

In addition, you could earn savings if no one on your policy smokes, if your roof has hail-resistant shingles, or if you install storm shutters on your windows’ exteriors. The fewer risks there are, the more affordable your insurance rate is likely to be.

And at Esurance, the perks don’t just end there. For starters, you could earn savings the moment you purchase a policy with us, and if you go just one year without filing a claim, you’ll see your premium continue to go down. Plus, if you do have to file a claim (hey, it happens), our claim forgiveness program will prevent your premium from hiking up.

Get a fast, free homeowners quote today and learn about our other myriad discounts as well as wide-ranging coverages customized to fit your lifestyle.

Have questions or concerns about homeowners insurance? Feel free to give us a ring at 616-896-4600, where our agents are here to help you along the way.

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Ice Dams Create Roof Danger

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

You may be feeling cozy and warm in your home as the snow serenely falls outside. But, up on your roof, a dangerous situation could be forming – one that can compromise your roof and lead to water damage inside your home. It’s all the result of an ice dam. If you live in a snowy area and you’re not familiar with what an ice dam is, it’s imperative that you read on.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof and prevents snowmelt from running off. It often occurs because heat from the attic warms the middle of your roof, causing snow to melt. When that runoff reaches the eaves, or overhang, of your roof, the cooler surface temperature (there’s no heat rising from inside your home to this part of the roof) can cause the water to refreeze. As this happens over and over, an ice dam forms, preventing melted snow from running off your roof.

Do Ice Dams Cause Damage?

Yes, ice dams cause the water from melted snow to back up under the shingles of your roof and into your home – the water doesn’t have anywhere else to go. This can damage your roof, not to mention your interior. And, remember, water damage can lead to toxic mold inside your home.

How Can I Prevent Ice Dams?

An easy way to help prevent ice dams is to keep your eaves, gutters, downspouts, and drains clear. This way water can drain away from your home as the snow melts on your roof. It’s ideal to have your gutters cleaned out before the snow season even begins. While you’re at it, install gutter screens for added protection.

Here are some other ways to help prevent ice dams:

  • Keep your attic cool. Proper insulation between your living areas and attic will help keep warm air from escaping into your attic and warming your roof. Ideally, during a snow storm, your attic won’t be more than 10 degrees warmer than the temperature outside.
  • Remove snow with a roof rake. Only if you can safely do so, remove accumulated snow from your roof using a long-handled roof rake, a specialized tool for clearing roofs, that won’t damage your roofing material. Do this from the ground. Never climb on top of a snowy roof.
  • Update your roof with materials that help prevent ice dams. These include a rubberized, water-repellent membrane underneath the shingles and a heating cable along the eaves. For either installation, consult a professional.

Ice dams may not be the first thing you think about once the snow stops coming down. After all, there’s the sidewalk and driveway to clear. But, for the sake of your roof and the integrity of your overall home, it’s important to keep an eye out for this winter roof danger.

So, how can you spot ice dams? Icicles may be a sign of ice dams, a buildup of snow and ice along your eaves that blocks water runoff. Discolored ceilings or walls may indicate that your ice dam has turned into a leak.

Remember, in the midst of this harsh winter, it’s important to keep your gutters clear, your roof updated and an eye out for the signs of ice dams. If you suspect trouble, call a trusted roofing contractor at once.

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Insurance Terms Important to Know - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Common Insurance Terms Made Easy

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Insurance can be confusing…we get it! But we’re here to help provide you with a better insurance experience. Learn more about what these common insurance terms mean so you can be prepared when looking for a policy.

For customer information or to get a quote, please visit our website at www.ShieldAgency.com .

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New Year: Foresight in 2020

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

They say, “Hindsight is 20/20.” 

As we approach the new year, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is encouraging you to exercise “Foresight in 2020.”   

While it’s easy to look back on where and how we failed to protect our assets, it is exponentially more beneficial to look forward and try to predict where we can best insulate ourselves from insurance crime and theft. By studying where we are vulnerable, we can identify weaknesses and adapt improvements that protect us, our families, and our property. From small precautions, like making sure we don’t leave valuables in our vehicles, to more extensive protections, like installing home security systems, we can exercise foresight in 2020 and stop crime before it happens. Law enforcement agencies across the country now engage in the practice of intelligence-based policing.

This methodology uses past data to identify and predict the patterns and behavior of criminals. NICB and our members follow suit, by identifying known threats and patterns in order to properly educate our consumers. You too can be an advocate in this preemptive strike against crime. Educate yourself, take precautions, and be vigilant. By using foresight in 2020, we can win the battle against crime.  

The best deterrent continues to be vigilance.

If there is a vacant home or business in your area, and you see suspicious or unusual activity around the property, call your local law enforcement. If any vehicles are involved, jot down their descriptions and license plates. Also, note the clothing and physical appearance of any person(s). All of this is very helpful to investigators. 

NICB reminds consumers to make sure your vehicle is locked when unattended. Don’t leave spare keys or fobs inside. Take a moment and be sure to hide your valuables from view. Even an empty bag or extra change in view looks appealing to a thief from the outside. 

Do things to protect your home, by locking your doors and investing in a home security system.  

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a form on our website.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau:

Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting, and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, learning and development, government affairs, and public affairs. The NICB is supported by more than 1,300 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $496 billion in insurance premiums in 2018 or more than 81% of the nation’s property-casualty insurance. That includes more than 92% ($254 billion) of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.

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New jewelry? Insure those valuable gifts!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

New jewelry | Shield Insurance Blog |

The holidays provide us with good reasons for presenting special – and often valuable – gifts to our loved ones. In the excitement of surprising someone with a gift that makes a big impression, remember that properly insuring expensive gifts can bring you peace and joy long after the holiday season is over.

Follow some easy tips for insuring new jewelry and valuables:

  • Consider taking advantage of a store or manufacturer’s warranties or guarantees, but don’t mistake them for insurance. For example, some major jewelry chains offer limited guarantees on gemstone and diamond replacement or repairs. This is a wonderful perk so long as the store is in business and you comply with regular inspections and the terms of the guarantee agreement. But in the event that your jewelry is lost or stolen, it is unlikely that the store will be able to help you. Talk with your insurance agent about your valuables and the best options to protect them.
  • Be sure to insure your expensive purchases to value, not just what you paid for them. Door buster specials during the holiday season may enable you to get a remarkable price on an item, but if you only insure for the price paid, you may not be able to get that same deal if you have to replace it later. The value of precious metals and gemstones fluctuates, so getting an appraisal can help you and your agent determine the appropriate amount of insurance. (And, don’t hesitate to ask your jeweler to provide an appraisal gratis as a way to close the deal. It never hurts to ask, and the cost of an appraisal may be worth it to the jeweler to make the sale.)
  • Take a photo of new, valuable items, and have it ready – along with any copies of the receipt, serial number, appraisal or certificate – when you talk to your agent about the right coverage for your items.
  • Get to know your policy’s limits. Coverage for expensive electronics differs from the protection for a diamond bracelet. Your agent can help you understand your policy and customize it to make sure it protects all of your valuables, whether the item is something you watch, listen to or wear.
  • It’s natural to want to bask in the warm feelings generated by giving someone special a present that wows, so consider insuring the gift as soon as you purchase it and before you present it. That way, you’re giving an extra gift that lets the recipient know, “It’s already taken care of.”

You may be thinking, “Most homeowner policies have built-in limits that cover high ticket items, right?” But depending on what you are fortunate enough to already own, you may have reached those limits. So, be sure you’re covered by talking to your agent about the coverage that will work best for your new valuables.

With a little planning, you can make sure that your holidays – and future – will be merry and bright.

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Wood Burning Stove Family Safety

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Wood Burning Stove Family Safety

Shield Insurance Blog | Wood Burning Stove | Home Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

We can replace your property, but we can’t replace you or your family.

Wood-burning stoves are great for ambiance and pocketbooks. There is also a greater risk of a home fire.

Use these handy reminders to stay on top of maintenance and safety items for wood-burning stoves.

  • Frequently check the unit and chimney flues.
  • Inspect the chimney from the roof, using a flashlight to look for obstructions or damage.
  • Check stovepipes for creosote build-up; have the chimney and stove professionally cleaned as needed.
  • Burn only seasoned wood, preferably at least 2 years old.
  • Keep children away from the stove to prevent burns or risk of clothing ignition.
  • Keep combustible materials away to avoid risk of ignition.
  • Maintain a multi-purpose fire extinguisher near the stove; check the date on the extinguisher and keep it up to date.
  • Check and maintain smoke detectors.

For more information on home insurance, contact our Shield Agents to see if you are on the right track for being insured.

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Winter-Wise Protection

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Is your home insurance winter-wise? Protect your home from the ravages of winter.

Michigan winter can bring burst pipes, leaky roofs, and costly structural damage. Is your home at risk? Ice dams and frozen water pipes are the main culprits.

Ice Dams

  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris, snow, and ice to facilitate the flow of runoff. Use a roof rake to keep buildup to a minimum.
  • Evaluate your attic’s insulation and ventilation. Use R-38 value insulation in northern climates. Vents promote airflow under eaves and soffits; a cool, dry attic in turn curbs the formation of ice dams.

Frozen Water Pipes

If you think turning the heat down low while you’re away will save money, think burst water pipes and thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

  • Insulate pipes susceptible to freezing.
  • Shut off and drain water from the garden hose and pipes leading to outside faucets.
  • Show everyone how to shut off the water in case pipes burst; when going away, drain and shut off the main water supply to your home or business.
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