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How to Prepare Your Home or Business for Wildfire Season

You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).

The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires.

Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.

How to Prepare your Home for Storms

Strong winds from hurricanes and tornadoes can seriously damage the structural integrity of your home. Roofing, garages, doors and windows are all susceptible. Homeowners can expect to pay several thousands of dollars to replace a standard roof. That’s a major expense, especially in these challenging economic times. Beyond your home, your car may also be vulnerable to wind damage.

There are preventative measures you can take to protect your home from wind damage before a storm or hurricane hits. Follow our home storm preparation checklist below to protect yourself and your family and avoid costly damages.

tornado prep infographic

Tornado Preparation Tips for your Home and Car [Infographic]

While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to NOAA. Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage. Our claims department reviewed data related to tornadoes from 2008 and 2012 and found that other than a direct hit, the majority of tornado damage to homes and cars occurs from falling tree debris or fallen trees.

Since this week is National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, it’s the perfect time to learn about the ways you can prep your car and home.

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  Protect you and your family from these common accidents. While you might think your home is the safest place … Continued

holiday theft prevention

Secure Your Home Before Hitting the Road for the Holidays

The holidays are a busy time of year for travel. According to U.S. Department of Transportation Statistics, the number of long-distance trips by Americans increases by 54 percent during the Thanksgiving travel period. The number rises by 23 percent during Christmas and New Year’s, compared to the average number for the remainder of the year.

Home inventory tips

Why Do You Need a Home Inventory List?

A home inventory list provides you with a safety net in case your valuables are lost, stolen or damaged. Sure, we’ve all misplaced something in our homes (your favorite shirt disappears or you can’t find the book you were reading), or broken things on occasion (various dishes and glassware over the years), but we are talking about your big-ticket items like expensive electronics and jewelry. When these items are lost, stolen or damaged, you’ll want to file a homeowners insurance claim. If your property is well documented, it will speed the process and ensure you don’t forget to make claims on any of your valuable items.

How to stay warm

Safe Cheap Heating Tips for Your Home

Whether you’re trying to save money on your utility bill, dealing with a power outage or shivering through a furnace breakdown, staying warm in a home with sub-zero temperatures outside can be a challenge. Here are some ways to keep toasty.