In the seconds it took you to read this far, somewhere in the U.S., a fire truck is on its way to fight a fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported 484,500 structure fires in 2011, causing nearly 2,700 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries.

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have one or two smoke alarms in your home. That’s great! But when was the last time you gave that smoke alarm any attention? Every month, check your smoke detector to be sure it is in proper working order. With spring cleaning time here, extend the clean sweep to replacing the batteries in every smoke alarm you own. And, if those smoke detectors are more than a decade old, it’s time for an upgrade.

Kitchen fires most common

Cooking equipment fires are the leading cause of home fires, so most home fires start in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is a bigger problem with electric ranges than gas ranges because there is a tendency to use the flat, smooth range top as counter space and inadvertently leave something on it when turning on a burner.

More than half of the cooking fire injuries occur when people try to fight the fire themselves. But putting a smoke alarm in the kitchen may not be a good idea, as it can lead to false alarms from the occasional boiled-over casserole. Choose a room that is adjacent to the kitchen as the location for a smoke alarm.

Another good location for a second smoke alarm is a hallway leading to the bedrooms or, as the NFPA suggests, put one in every bedroom. While kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires, smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths. The most common products ignited by smoking materials are mattresses, bedding and upholstered furniture.

Other common causes of home fires include electrical equipment, candles and lint-clogged clothes dryers. A working smoke alarm is your best defense, yet too many smoke alarms fail because the alarm battery is dead. Check your battery now, and make it a springtime habit.

Prepare a fire escape plan

Fire can spread rapidly, and while a smoke alarm will give advance warning, you need a plan to escape quickly and safely. The National Fire Protection Association has a guide for basic fire escape planning. It begins by instructing you to identify all possible escape routes and gathering the family to involve them in the planning. Making a home fire escape plan, and conducting a fire escape drill, are key steps to being fully prepared for a real fire.
Frontline Homeowners Insurance knows your family’s safety is paramount, and that is why we offer an insurance discount if you have a smoke alarm that is centrally monitored. We also encourage you to review information on fire and safety equipment to have in your home.

• Temporarily stop newspaper and mail deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you while you are gone.
• Use motion sensors on lights outside of your house so they turn on if someone walks by.
• An obvious, but sometimes overlooked, item is to ensure all your doors and windows are locked before leaving.
• Put automatic timers on lights in your home and set them to go on and off while no one is there.
• Ensure your lawn service continues while you are gone so your yard stays maintained.
• Lock up any ladders and tools that could be used to break into your home.
• An alarm system is a clear burglar deterrent. At Frontline, you may be eligible for a homeowners insurance credit if you have one installed in your home. Call your agent today to find out more.
• Leaving your car at the airport? Don’t leave your GPS inside. Burglars can break into your car and use the GPS to find out where you live.
• Consider hiring a house sitter to stay in your home or stop by frequently while you are gone.

Upon your return, be sure to do a once-over inspection of your home to check for any signs of entry or any missing items and call the police immediately if you notice anything awry.

1. Ensure your sprinklers are operating correctly. – Sprinkler heads are often broken by lawn mower blades or sometimes break down after a long life. Broken sprinkler heads can lead to bigger and costlier problems, especially a hefty water bill! Run a test to be sure all heads are working properly and none are broken before beginning to water your yard for spring. Also, sprinklers hitting your house can cause water intrusion and unsightly discoloration to the paint on the sides of your home. You can have a professional come to inspect your system for around $75.
2. Clear out gutters and downspouts. - Are there trees near your home? If so, chances are your gutters are full of leaves. Clean them out before the rainy season to prevent rot and excessive wear and tear that comes from clogged or slow draining gutters. Don’t want the mess, or don’t have the time? Gutter cleaning services typically cost about $125 for a visit to your home, and they will ensure you don’t have costly repairs from rotten facial boards or broken downspouts in the future.

Inside your home

1. Air-Conditioner – Don’t get caught in the heat this spring and summer – be sure to maintain your air conditioner regularly to avoid costly fixes if it were to break. Some monthly items you can do yourself are to change the filter and pour bleach in the pan overflow drain. The pan drain should be cleared and the coils checked and cleaned yearly. This helps to avoid any backup that could cause mold growth and costly water damage to ceilings and floors. As always, having a professional come to your home for air conditioner maintenance is also an option.
2. Smoke Detectors – We all know that smoke detectors save lives – which is why it is so important to have ample detectors in your home, as well as working batteries in each one. Are your smoke detectors in the best locations in your home? Are they interconnected so that when one alarm sounds they all sound? Be sure to check on these items. Another option you may want to consider is signing up with an alarm service. For a monthly or quarterly fee, your home can be monitored for fire and security while you’re home or away on those springtime vacations.

Siesta Key, FL

Just south of Sarasota, Florida lies the soft white sand of Siesta Key beach. Its silky powder beaches are a touch of paradise between your toes. The waters of the Gulf are tranquil and calm, which makes it wonderfully kid-friendly. There are beachside picnic areas and playgrounds making Siesta Key a great family destination spot. Looking for something a little more romantic? Siesta Key’s cozy cottage rentals are perfect for a couple’s getaway. And don’t miss the sunsets! There’s nothing more intimate than watching a Florida sunset on Siesta Key with your toes in that delightfully soft sand.

South Beach, FL

If it’s non-stop nightlife, unique architecture, and eye candy you’re looking for, look no further. South Beach, located in the trendy art deco district of Miami Beach, has all of that and more. But while most think of it as a spot for late nights and star sightings, South Beach’s actual beach is quite expansive, with clean, beautifully clear water. Whether you want to salsa the night away to Latin beats, stroll along Ocean Drive, or relax your days away on the beach, South Beach is the “it” place to be.

Gulf Shores, AL

Nestled between Mississippi and Florida lies the hidden gem of Gulf Shores, Alabama. There are family amusements along its beautiful white sandy beach. This beach stretches six miles along the Gulf of Mexico, where the water in the summer months is nice and warm and perfect for a dip. It’s a place where you can laze the day away, or explore sea turtle nests and the abundant wildlife around you. The Gulf State Park Pier is a great place to do some fishing or take a ride on the Ferris wheel on the wharf – which is the tallest in the Southeast! Gulf Shores is sure to be one of your favorite summer vacation spots with the family.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Also known as the “Grand Strand” of beach along the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach is one of the premier golf, family, and beach vacation destinations of the US. It’s the most popular beach along the east coast – attracting 12 million visitors each year. And there’s so much to do beyond the usual boogie boarding, shelling, and sandcastle building. Myrtle Beach boasts over 100 golf courses nearby, a boardwalk right on the ocean with family-friendly attractions and shops to browse – a little something for every family member.

Since most homeowners policies cover only sudden, accidental water damage, preventative maintenance is a must for the savvy Florida or South Carolina homeowner. Damage from worn-out materials or a leak that continues over time may not be covered. Paying for these repairs out-of-pocket can be costly, potentially causing delays and thousands of dollars in additional damage.

There are generally three causes of water damage:

• Appliance and fixture supply lines – If the supply lines to your sink, toilet, dishwasher, etc. are more than 10 years old, you are at risk for a major leak in your home.
• Rain and surface water – Home roofs collect rainwater and clogged drains and poor roof maintenance can cause interior water damage.
• Grey water or wastewater – Water from washing machines and toilets can cause extensive damage if leaks occur.

Here are some routine checks you can perform yourself to help prevent expensive water damage:

• Keep your roof and gutters in good repair. Ensure the soil around your home foundation slopes away from the house to prevent overflow from entering at the slab.
• Keep your appliances and plumbing in good repair. The average life-span for a water heater is about ten years. Periodically inspect your water heater for rust, especially the bottom of your unit.
• Consider installing a sewage backflow preventer or servicing your backflow valve if one is already installed. When cities perform routine maintenance on sewer mains, water may flood your lateral and interior lines and cause interior damage. Homeowners policies typically cover sewer back-up claims only for an additional premium. Talk to your insurance agent about this important add-on coverage.
• Turn off the main water shut-off valve to your home if you are going away, even for a few days. Make sure all the faucets in your home are completely turned off as well, just in case your gardener turns the water back on.
• One of the things you may consider doing is replacing all traditional water supply lines with steel-braided supply hoses with metal fittings.



• Perform routine maintenance on your air-conditioning unit. This includes checking filters, cleaning drains and hiring a reputable heating and air conditioning technician biannually for a routine check.
• If you decide to do any remodeling, hire a licensed contractor. Substandard construction remodels or reroofs often lead to water damage. Often, once the damage is discovered, the questionable contractor is long out of business or operated without insurance.
• Get to know your neighbors. When you travel, you have a trustworthy contact who can regularly check on your home.

Taking these simple steps can help to ensure your home is not among those seriously damaged by water and, in Florida and South Carolina climates, mold.

These factors increase your risk of water damage and require more homeowner vigilance to prevent water damage:

• If your home is more than 20 years.
• Seasonal weather extremes and weather-related events that occur frequently in the southeastern United States.
• Deferred maintenance of your home or its systems.

Even the best preventative measures cannot guarantee your home’s protection from water damage. What do you do if you come home to standing or running water? Frontline® Homeowners Insurance offers a team of knowledgeable, professional Emergency Service Vendors that can help you through your water disaster.

References

1. http://www.zurichna.com/internet/zna/sitecollectiondocuments/en/knowledge%20center/whitepapers/real%20estate/water-damage-prevention.pdf

Steve Hall, owner of East Coast Insurors, began his career in insurance in 1973 as an underwriter, giving him insight into the operations side of the business. However, in 1975, he felt a call to the sales side of the industry. He secured a small office space in Daytona Beach and began the East Coast Insurors journey as a one-man business. In the beginning, he filled the niche of hard to place risks and specialty lines for private individuals. Then in 1992, he expanded his business to include commercial lines as well and has served the local businesses of Volusia and Flagler Counties ever since. Over the last 38 years, the company has grown to employ 14 professionals in two locations.

In 2009, East Coast Insurors joined the Frontline family. When asked about his relationship with Frontline, Steve Hall said, “We think our relationship with Frontline is special. Most insurance companies today are rules-driven operations with customer decisions being based solely on the underwriting and operational rules they have in place. When something comes up, these companies look at their rules book and give a thumbs up or down based on the book. No exceptions. Frontline certainly has these rules too, but it seems they have not lost the common sense approach to dealing with unique risks or situations that ultimately arise in insurance transactions. When warranted, Frontline has the ability to apply common sense to the situation to help our customer.”

East Coast Insurors is a full service independent insurance company, able to meet any personal or commercial needs. Mr. Hall does not believe in a one plan fits all insurance. Their independent status means they can work with many of the highest rated insurance companies to get you coverage that fits your needs. While, offering the standard insurance lines, they also specialize in mobile parks, rental properties and restaurants in the commercial field.

Mr. Hall has been dedicated to professional growth to insure that he can serve you best. As a result, he holds the designations of Professional Work Comp Advisor, Construction Risk Insurance Specialist and Professional in Human Resources and is a member of FAIA. In 2006, he was awarded Member of the Year by the Volusia Manufacturers Association. He also takes pride in serving his community through his articles, which are requested and published in multiple local papers and can be found on the company website. They are written to better help the relationship between agent and consumer, while they also serve to inform the reader of how changes happening in the insurance industry affect them. Some of his recent articles include, “Property Insurance Bill – Only a Start on Needed Reform” which addresses changes in Senate Bill 408 and was published in the Daytona Beach News Journal. Another piece, “Bid Your Insurance, Kill Your Business” discusses the topic of PRICE vs. VALUE; an important topic applicable to all lines of insurance, was published in the Volusia Flagler Business Report.

Fast Facts:

East Coast Insurors, Inc.
4845 Belle Terre Parkway #E
Palm Coast, FL
Phone: 386-446-3426

East Coast Insurors, Inc.
801 S. Yonge St.
Ormond Beach, FL
Phone: 386-677-4787

info@eastcoastinsurors.com
http://www.eastcoastinsurors.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eastcoastinsurorsinc

• Cooking, both indoor and outdoor (the leading cause for injury-causing residential fires)²
• Arson
• Burning candles or incense
• Smoking
• Electrical (contractor repairs and fires originating from major appliances and small electronics such as toasters and hair-dryers)
• Wildfires

Let’s look at some of the ways to help prevent a fire or stop the fire from spreading before it injures or kills.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

Every home should have at least one working smoke detector. If your Florida or South Carolina home is multi-level, install a working smoke detector on every floor. Working smoke detectors can double an occupant’s chance of surviving a fire.

Homeowners and renters should test smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors themselves should be replaced after 10 years of service or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Fire Extinguishers

Every household should have at least one fire extinguisher. Before purchasing fire extinguishers, consider the size of your home and the most likely origins of a fire. For example, larger homes may need easily accessible fire extinguishers in high-risk areas like the laundry room or the garage.

Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. There are five different types of extinguishing agents³. Fire extinguishers may be designed to handle one type of fire or may be multi-purpose, such as those labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” that can be used on two or more of the fire types shown below.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper and many plastics.
• Class B extinguishers are used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints.
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.
• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal used. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.
• Class K fire extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. They are used in commercial, and increasingly, in residential kitchens.

Always choose the extinguisher best suited to your home’s likely fire origins.

Preventing Electrical Fires

Here are some proactive measures that should be considered in helping prevent residential electrical fires:

• Never overload circuits and extension cords. When purchasing or using an extension cord, ensure it is rated for the amperage of the electronics you are plugging into it. Never plug shorter cords into each other to reach the desired length.
• Never place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Incorrect cord placement can cause unnecessary wear and tear or pulling at the socket, increasing the risk of starting a fire.
• Immediately turn off and unplug electronics that start to sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. These electronics will need to be repaired or disposed of properly.
• Always hire licensed and insured contractors for residential remodels or electrical repairs.

Alternate Heating Sources

Portable heaters need space. Do not keep anything combustible within three feet of a portable heater. Do not leave a portable heater running when no one is home. Follow manufacturer maintenance and replacement guidelines.

When using a fireplace, be sure to use a fire screen to prevent cinders from escaping to the surrounding carpet and furniture. Have your chimney cleaned annually. Creosote buildup can start a chimney fire that could easily spread to the rest of the home.

Home Fire Sprinklers and Fire Alarm Monitoring

When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, fire survival rates increase greatly. If a fire started, sprinklers stop or slow its progress, allowing occupants to escape and decreasing damage to the home.

A monitored fire alarm system in your home can also reduce the severity of fire damage. If a fire starts while no occupants are home or are sleeping, the fire could grow and cause extensive damage before the occupants become aware of it.

Monitored fire alarms and sprinklers can reduce your homeowners insurance premiums. Your Florida or South Carolina homeowners insurance agent can help you determine the benefits of installing these important safety measures.

Every homeowner should develop an emergency evacuation plan for potential disasters. A fire can occur in any home at any time. Consider the unique dangers a fire presents when determining your family’s emergency evacuation plan. Plan for the worst and significantly increase your chance of survival in the event of a home fire.

References

(1) http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/casualties.shtm

(2) http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/casualties.shtm

(3) http://www.fire-extinguisher101.com/

]]> http://www.flhi.com/blog/safety-precautions/home-fire-safety-precautions-reduce-damage-and-save-lives/feed/ 0 http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/what-is-the-difference-between-a-captive-agent-and-an-independent-agent/ http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/what-is-the-difference-between-a-captive-agent-and-an-independent-agent/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:08:55 +0000 Frontline Homeowners Insurance http://www.flhi.com/?p=1471 [Read More...]]]> There is a big difference between a captive insurance agent and an independent insurance agent. For price-savvy consumers who want to receive the most value for their insurance purchasing dollars, deciding whether to use a captive agent or an independent insurance agent should be their first assessment. First, let’s look at the differences:

Captive Agents Represent Limited Choices

Captive agents typically represent only one company and are limited to the products, placement guidelines and pricing structure of that one company. Because the parent company owns the agency, there is little choice in products. Only if the parent company offers that product or access to that product can you rely on a captive agent for competitive quotes.

Captive agents may be obligated to sell other products in addition to the coverage you seek. For example, a captive agent may be required to sell the parent company’s life insurance or annuities, which may place added pressure on you to purchase insurance you may not want or need.

Independent Agents Represent Many Different Companies and Offer More Choices

Independent agents typically represent many different insurance companies, offering you broader choices of coverage and multiple price quotes for each type of insurance you need. For example, if you are shopping for homeowners insurance coverage, an independent agent may represent several companies willing to quote on your home. This gives you choices in price and coverage options to help you determine which insurance company best suits your needs.

One of the most important issues facing insurance buyers is the financial stability of the insurance company they choose. An independent agent evaluates the financial stability of each company he or she works with, providing you with an added level of confidence. With the choice of several or more companies, an agent can gauge the strength of the carriers quoting on your home and offer guidance into those carriers’ financial ratings.

An independent agent may also represent companies that meet the specific needs of your home’s geography. For example, coastal homes, condos or rental homes face unique weather-related challenges. Not every insurance company offers coastal home coverage, especially in the challenging Florida and South Carolina homeowners insurance marketplace. An independent agent understands the challenges facing the southeastern homeowner and can offer you the widest choice of insurance companies that can underwrite your home.

Independent Insurance Agencies Offer Many Wins for the Consumer

Let’s explore the many benefits of teaming up with an independent insurance agent. There are many reasons to utilize an independent insurance agent. The independent agent has access to insurance companies that meet specific needs for their customers. Here are a few examples.

• Some insurance companies offer highly competitive rates on new homes. These companies often market special programs of this nature through independent agents, who can reduce your rates with a single phone call.
• If you own an older home, obtaining insurance can be a challenge and many companies have strict guidelines on older homes.
• Although Americans love their dogs, increasingly, insurance companies do not. Certain homeowners companies will insure Florida and South Carolina homeowners with certain breeds of dogs, while others will not. An independent agent offers homeowners markets that cater to dog lovers, or may offer access to specialty coverage for liabilities associated with dog ownership, such as dog bites.
• Finding wind coverage on coastal homes is becoming increasingly problematic as storm severity continues to build. Companies like Frontline® Homeowners Insurance will write insurance coverage on homes that include wind coverage, even if that home is located close to the water in Florida or South Carolina.
• Has your insurance carrier ever raised your rates or imposed a new guideline that triggered your non-renewal? When this occurs with captive agents as it did recently to thousands of South Carolina homeowners, an independent agent offers readily available alternative markets. Once a captive insurer increases your homeowners premium or non-renews your coverage, you must find another agent to meet your needs.

With multiple companies from which to choose, the independent agent offers coverage for a wider variety of risks. The captive agent, on the other hand, must work within the underwriting guidelines of the one parent company that they represent.

An independent agent will evaluate and develop a risk profile specifically designed to protect you and your family and help you select the best policies to protect you from today’s risks. Why wait? Get an online quote from Frontline today and be referred to one of our Independent Agents in your area.

]]> http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/what-is-the-difference-between-a-captive-agent-and-an-independent-agent/feed/ 0 http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/march-2013-agency-spotlight-lowcountry-insurance-services-beaufort-sc/ http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/march-2013-agency-spotlight-lowcountry-insurance-services-beaufort-sc/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:00:10 +0000 Frontline Homeowners Insurance http://www.flhi.com/?p=1428 [Read More...]]]>

While living on the coast gives you opportunities that you would not have otherwise, it also comes with greater risks to your home. That is why it is so important to have an experienced agent working with you to provide you with the best policy for your home. Our March Spotlight Agency, Lowcountry Insurance Services Inc., has just that! In fact, their staff holds 431 combined years of experience.

Frank E. Gibbson, who continues to serve as owner and president, established Lowcountry Insurance Services Inc. in 1977. Then, in 1980, Frank won the Young Agent of the Year award from the South Carolina Independent Agents Association. Over the past 36 years, the agency has grown to employ 20 highly skilled individuals out of two offices. The staff includes two CPCUs, three CICs and four CISRs. They joke about how they may be a bit of an older crew, and how that means they “sure know how the business works”.

The agency has written with Frontline Homeowners Insurance for five years, and has produced a substantial book of the fine coastal properties in which they specialize – for a free Homeowners Quote, click here and for a free Condominium Owners Quote, click here. In addition to homeowners’ policies, the agency has recently contracted to write flood insurance with Frontline to streamline the process for their clients by writing the Homeowners and Flood coverage together. In their words, “It just makes sense.” When asked about his partnership with Frontline, Frank stated, “As a leading Insurance Agency in the Lowcountry, our customers expect more from us; and they get it. Frontline gives us the opportunity to provide a great value proposition with fine coverage and a good price.”

Lowcountry Insurance Services is proud to be members of the Independent Agents and Brokers of South Carolina, because it allows them to offer a full line of private and commercial products. In addition to the coastal properties, they also specialize in historical homes and beachfront locations. However, you can find experts for every insurance need you have with this agency.

Lowcountry Insurance Services Inc. is more than a business it is a family. Vice President Jeff Althoff encourages this, and frequently is found breaking bread and laughing with the staff in the conference room when not tending to their duties. This mentality spreads to the community as well. Frank has held the position of president in many local organizations, such as the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, YMCA and Beaufort Rotary Club. He is currently president of the Alumni Association of the Citadel. Furthermore, Mr. Gibson is also a recipient of the Palmetto award. Additionally, many of the staff are active in Rotary and contribute to charity and other local organizations as well. As such, they have made large contributions to Relay for Life and Toys for Tots over the years.

Fast Facts:

Lowcountry Insurance Services, Inc.
PO Box 789
Beaufort, SC 29901

Phone: 843-522-2020
Email: fgibson@insuranceserv.com
http://www.lowcountryinsurance.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lowcountryinsurance
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LowcountryIns

]]> http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/march-2013-agency-spotlight-lowcountry-insurance-services-beaufort-sc/feed/ 0 http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/how-to-make-an-emergency-survival-kit/ http://www.flhi.com/blog/homeowners-insurance/how-to-make-an-emergency-survival-kit/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:00:02 +0000 Frontline Homeowners Insurance http://www.flhi.com/?p=1423 [Read More...]]]> Keeping your family safe and secure. Tips on how to make an emergency survival kit.

In an emergency, you may not be able to rely on local authorities for help right away. You are the first line of defense in keeping your family safe and secure until the emergency subsides and disaster teams respond. The more densely populated your area is, the greater the dangers.

Do not expect immediate help. As grim as this sounds, consider the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In a regionalized disaster, citizens can be without new supplies of food and water for weeks. Can your family survive a worst-case scenario like a Katrina? Or realistically, should you plan for a three-day period of self-sufficiency?

What should you do to prepare yourself and your family for emergencies? According to FEMA, families should prepare their own “three-day shelter” when considering a small-scale catastrophic event. Here are the supplies you will need to do so:

• Water – For drinking and sanitation you will need at least one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days. Fill your bathtub for washing; however, don’t rely on this water for drinking.
• Food – Your family, including your pets, should have at least three days of non-perishable food supply on hand. Consider any special dietary needs and avoid stockpiling foods that might increase thirst like chips or canned foods with high sodium content.
• A battery powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlights (more than one) with plenty of extra batteries. Avoid candles because leaking gas lines may be a problem in your area.
• A first aid kit of medications taken by your family members (including pets).
• A whistle to signal for help.
• Moist towelettes, baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrenches and pliers to turn off utilities.
• A manual can opener for food.
• Local maps and strong walking shoes in case you must walk to safety. It is always a good idea to carry tennis shoes in your car at all times, along with spending cash, in case you are in your vehicle when disaster strikes. No one wants to hike to safety wearing dress shoes or high heels. It’s also a good idea to fill your gas tank any time it is half empty.
• Cell phone with chargers, inverters and a solar charger.
• Create a safe room. Choose an interior room with the fewest windows. Pre-cut plastic wrap you can duct tape to windows, doors and vents to prevent infiltration of dust and other airborne particles. Obtain dust masks for all family members to help filter contaminated air.
• Keep a travel bag packed for each family member in case you must evacuate.

Consider visiting the FEMA website to take their interactive disaster preparedness course. The course will help you prepare for a variety of emergencies. Emergency preparedness and first responders recommend this course highly.

At Frontline® Homeowners Insurance, we take the safety of our customers very seriously. We urge you to take a few hours now to prepare for a disaster before one hits.

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