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As one of the most common crimes, burglary is nothing to be taken lightly. And unlike common belief, most of these burglaries happen in the middle of the day. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, break-ins are more likely to happen between 6AM and 6PM, right in the middle of the day!
With the fall season upon us and the holidays approaching, it is important to make your home safe from break-ins. While there are many safety recommendations out there, HowStuffWorks has covered the seven most effective. Don't showboat. If you've just purchased a pricey new computer or television, breakdown the box and place it in the garbage bin instead of leaving it on the curb for everyone to see. Also, take a walk around your house to see how visible expensive items are with the curtains open. You may want to move some of them out of view to avoid enticing thieves. Pretend to be home. A break-in typically happens when no one is home, especially during the day while many people are at work. For that reason, create an illusion that someone is still there. You can leave a light on, along with music or your television. Secure sliding doors and windows. You can easily break into some older sliding doors by simply popping them off of their frame, even when locked. It's harder to do that with newer ones, but you should still take extra precaution to secure them since they can be an inviting entry for burglars. Simply take a strong dowel, steel bar or two-by-four and slide it into the back groove. Although you should always lock your windows before leaving the house, you can install a simple pin or nail into to the frame to stop it from raising more than a few inches. This will add an additional layer of security in case someone pops off the screen and you have left the window unlocked. Also remember to check window air conditioning units. If you can jimmy the window up from the outside, add a stopper to that frame. Don't leave a spare key out. It may seem like a good idea to leave a spare key hidden under a flower pot or doormat in case you get locked out of your house. But that's an open invitation for a burglar to walk inside without any difficulty. Instead, give a spare to a neighbor you know well or friend who lives nearby for safekeeping. Remember to never put any identifying information on your house keys. If you lose them, and someone else finds them, it would be fairly easy to trace them back to your home and break-in. Secure your yard. Tall shrubs and overgrown trees are welcome hiding places for criminals to wait until the coast is clear to get into your house. That doesn't mean you need to cut down every plant in your yard. Just keep things manicured. Prepare before vacation. Alert neighbors you trust about your trip and ask that they keep an eye on your property during that time. More importantly, when you leave town, don't leave signs of an empty house. First, if you have a home phone, don't change your message to alert callers that you have left town. Also avoid having piled up mail, overgrown lawns and newspapers strewn about your yard that send surefire signals you're miles away. Last, but certainly not least, don't announce vacation on social media. Lock it up. More than 40% of break-ins happen without the use of force, which means a lot of people are leaving their houses without locking the doors and windows. If you have a thumb latch lock and a deadbolt on your doors, always lock the dead bolt. Double-check weaker doors such as patio and sliding ones to make sure their locks are strong enough to withstand kicks. When you leave your home, don't forget to lock up the door leading from the garage to inside. Even if your garage door is down, someone can easily open it. Content courtesy for Foremost.com
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As you purchase gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to protect any valuables you buy. Make it a Happy and Safe New Year!
And as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or for a complimentary coverage review. We’re here to help. As 2025 kicks off, it’s the perfect time to refresh your homeowners insurance and make sure you’re fully covered against winter’s unexpected challenges! ❄️
With this in mind, we have put together a quick breakdown of what your policy should include. Have questions or want to discuss your options? Contact us today! Emergency Preparedness: The Importance of Tree Maintenance Before a Storm by Travelers Insurance9/24/2024 You may overlook your roof, but it's one of the most important structures of your home – and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but it won’t last forever!
It’s important to check your roof a couple times a year to make sure incremental damages don’t become serious problems. Healthy roofs can help prevent storm and hail damage, and consistent repairs could potentially save you money in the long run. Keep reading to learn what signs to look out for to help determine if your roof needs repairs, or replacement. How long does a roof last? According to many sources, like Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 15-30 years (if you have a different type of roof, such as metal or clay tile, you may have to follow different rules). If your home is new or the roof was recently replaced, you should be in the clear. However, it doesn't hurt to do a checkup after getting hit with severe weather like a hailstorm, ice and snow, strong winds, or crazy rain. What are some signs of roof damage? Depending on the type of roof your home has, the signs of damage may vary. Asphalt shingle roofs are said to be especially susceptible to wind damage; they can be a cost-effective option, but they’re lightweight and may require more frequent maintenance. You’ll want to be aware of loose or missing shingles, or moss or algae growing on the roof. Other roof types, such as metal or concrete tile, can offer greater protection due to their durability, meaning the roof can withstand higher winds and stronger weather before risking damage. For these roofs, you will want to watch out for cracks, clogged gutters and signs of water damage from leaks. Regardless of your roof type, frequent inspections can help prevent long-term damage, catching leaks, cracks and rot early in the process. Some professionals recommend checking your roof twice a year – once in the spring, and once in the fall – to help ensure your roof is ready to withstand more severe weather during winter and summer storm seasons. Here are six warning signs that you may have roof damage: Loose or missing shingles Wind and hail can cause serious damage to your roof, especially if you have a shingle roof. By regularly checking the shingle tabs on your roof, you can potentially catch minor damages before it causes a larger issue – like leaks, ceiling damage, or flooding. Cracked or curling shingles As roofs age, heat and moisture can cause shingles to crack or splinter. You may be able to see this from the ground. The shingle can curl up at the edges, preventing efficient sealing from rain, snow and debris. Durable shingle roof materials, such as slate or concrete, are less susceptible to warping, and could be a good investment if your area experiences large volumes or rain or high temperatures. Metal roofs don’t have shingles, but it’s still important to check for cracks or curling edges to help ensure a proper seal from the elements. Shingles covered in moss or algae Built to withstand the elements, roofs provide a barrier between your home and the world around you. But they are still susceptible to damage from vegetation and debris, such as moss and algae. These small plants prefer dark and humid environment, and the ridges of a roof provide an inviting home. As the plants grow beneath your roof shingles, they can cause gaps in the sealing structure, leading to water damage or broken/missing shingles. It could help to consult a roof professional if you have vegetation growth on your roof to see if there are options to prevent further damage. Holes or water damage in attic You may love to see the sun shining, but not through the roof. If you have an attic space in your home, it can be helpful to check the roof from inside. If you notice sun shining through the roof, you may want to check outside to see if there is damage to the shingles in the area or a crack in the roofing material. Signs of water, molding or rotting in your attic may also be a sign that there is a problem with the roof. A roof specialist can help determine where the damage originated. Extensive leaking Leaks and unexpected water damage are one of the most tell-tale signs of issues with your roof. All types of roof damage have the possibility of breaking the roof’s seal, creating an opportunity for water and snow to get through and collect in your home. Ceilings may become discolored or stained, begin to warp, or show signs of rot and molding. If you notice any of these signs, it’s helpful to contact a specialist as soon as possible, as damage has already begun to occur. According to Home Advisor, a roof replacement can range anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. The size of your home, the materials used and your location will affect that price range. It's no small sum, but in return for the investment, you'll likely add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home and ensure a safe and habitable dwelling for years to come. Don't need a new roof right now? Do a quick check at least twice a year to see if maintenance is needed. If you notice problems like missing shingles or signs of water damage, it would make sense to call a roofing specialist to make the repairs as soon as possible – it could save you a bundle by prolonging the life of your roof and stopping costly leaks in their tracks. Content courtesy of Foremost Insurance Company Moles don't come above ground often. But when they do, they make their presence known. Unfortunately, the renovations they make aren't always the most desirable.
Moles dig up dirt to create tunnels and to find insects. This can damage your grass and any plants you may have nearby. If you start to see mounds of dirt scattered around your lawn, there's a good chance you have a mole infestation. If you want to know how to get rid of moles in your yard, you may find some helpful tips in this article.
You probably don't want to go camping in a camper infested with mice.
They can cause all kinds of trouble, including damaging your furniture or belongings, chewing wires or even getting into your food! Not to mention, they can carry parasites and diseases too. But how you do keep them out? This article will provide some suggestions. How to mouse proof a camper. Before trying to mouse proof your camper, it's important to know how they get in in the first place. Here are a few places a mouse could squeeze through to nest in your RV:
Mice are said to have flexible rib cages which allow them to flatten themselves out and fit through small spaces. Typically, if their head can fit through a space, the rest of their body likely can too. Knowing where those openings are in your camper is key to keeping mice out. Here are some strategies you can use to keep mice out of your camper:
These methods, like many others, each have pros and cons. For example, some of the ones listed above can be cruel and even fatal for mice. We recommend using humane mouse traps or calling in a professional exterminator whenever possible. And of course, you should always do your own in-depth research to decide which one you want to use. Tweet Is your A/C keeping up with the heat? Use these tips to help your system run more efficiently and avoid breakdowns. #summertips
Before applying paint, paper or other covering to your walls, you need to repair any holes.
Before you get startedFill nail holes and small punctures with spackling compound. When dry, sand lightly. If the hole is next to an electrical outlet, you may be able to conceal the damage with a larger outlet box or an oversized outlet cover plate. For larger holes, you will need to patch the damaged area. CAUTION! Determine where the electrical wiring is located before cutting into a wall. Small Dry Wall Patch HolesIf the hole is no bigger than two inches, repair with fiberglass tape. Stretch tape across the hole. Apply two or three coats of joint compound and sand between coats. Step 1: Enlarge and Square UpCut a square area larger than the hole with a utility knife or keyhole saw. Step 2: Prepare Backer BoardsCut two backer boards so they are 2 to 3 inches wider than the hole. Step 3: Secure Backer BoardsPlace a backer board inside the hole at top edge. Secure with 1-1/4 drywall screws, holding the board in place as you work. Tighten until screw heads are below the surface. Place second backer board inside lower edge of opening. Secure with screws. Step 4: Install PatchCut patch to fit opening. Screw patch to the backer and tighten until screw heads are below the surface. Step 5: Tape SeamsApply strips of fiberglass tape over seams. Step 6: Apply Joint CompoundCover tape with a thin coat of compound. When dry, sand lightly. Apply two more coats. Feather and sand each coat until the surface is smooth. Patching Large HolesFor holes larger than 8 inches, cut drywall back to middle of the studs bordering the hole. Butt backer boards to studs and secure behind drywall with screws. Fit patch into opening. Secure to the studs and backer boards with screws. Finish with fiberglass tape and joint compound. Materials you will need:
Tools you will need:
Content furnished by Foremost Insurance. |
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