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Dec 26
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New Year Resolution

A New Year Resolution – Home Inventory

By Insurance

The New Year is almost here.  What resolutions will you make in 2020?  We have an excellent one and yes, it’s insurance-related — Create a home inventory!  

What exactly is a home inventory?  Simply put, it’s a list and/or photos of everything in your home.  If you were to have a total loss to your home, like a fire, would you be able to provide a list of everything you lost in that fire?  That’s where a prepared home inventory can come in handy during a very stressful time.  

Whether you prefer to handwrite a list of your items, or download an app for your smartphone and take photos, having a home inventory is important.  You can learn more about how to prepare a home inventory at this website: https://www.iii.org/article/how-create-home-inventory

Do you have a home inventory?  Let us know how you prepared it.  We love passing on tips to our clients from others. Have a wonderful New Year and make that Home Inventory Resolution in 2020!

Dec 16
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Snow Roof

Snow: It’s pretty until it’s a pain

By Safety & Maintenance Tips

There are two types of people in this world. Those that love the snow and all of its storybook beauty, and those that would rather never catch a single snowflake on their tongue. I think we can all agree that a freshly dusted roof is quaint to say the least, but is the pretty view enough to excuse the damages that it can trigger?  Although light and fluffy in small amounts, roofs can easily be damaged as a result of the weight of the snow or ice accumulating on the shingles.

Winter roof damage is additionally concerning if you’ve had any wind or hail damage earlier in the year that hasn’t been repaired yet. Previous damages weaken the structure, then the snow comes and sits on it. Imagine you fractured your leg and an elephant comes to rest on it. You now have a broken leg. That may be a bit of an extreme comparison, but you get the gist.

The weight of snow isn’t your only concern. If your gutters are backed up with leaves from the trees around the house, you have a risk of your gutters and downspouts backing up with water and freezing. Having ice in your gutters and downspouts can not only cause roof damage, but can also harm the gutters themselves because ice is so difficult to remove.

If you begin to notice leaks or water marks, the damage is already done and preventative measures need to be in place as soon as possible.

If the snow hasn’t settled in yet, be sure to double-check the roof and gutters for damages or clogs so that you can get ahead of any potential winter damage. For more information check out the article that inspired this post by HomeAdvisor: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/winter-roof-damage/

Dec 11
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Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Safety Tips Around the Home

By Safety & Maintenance Tips

The holiday season is here and we would like to share some safety tips for this special time of year from www.ems1.com:

Indoor vs Outdoor lights – Check to make sure your lights labeled for indoor-use only are not used outdoors, including covered porches.  

Candles –  Never leave a candle unattended and maintain a one-foot buffer zone around them to avoid anything catching fire.

Cooking – Keep an eye on the stove and stand by your pan during these busy times in the kitchen this time of year.  

Overloaded Outlets – An overloaded outlet is a fire hazard.  Use a power strip for your holiday lights and decor that requires electricity.  Check the watts as well to make sure you do not overload the outlet.  

We wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Source:  https://www.ems1.com/community-awareness/articles/8-holiday-safety-tips-for-2019-ZDokLkYnC1EMP9aK/

Nov 25
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Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

By Safety & Maintenance Tips

Did you know?  According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment.  With so many activities and people in the home, it can be easy to forget some basic cooking safety tips on this special day.  The NFPA offers the following tips for cooking safely:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
  • Keep the floor clear so you do not trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Source:  https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving

Nov 18
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Season of appreciation

Season of Appreciation

By Everyday Living

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it definitely brings a season of gratitude and appreciation. We thank our clients who choose Danish Mutual Insurance Association to help protect their homes, farms, and contents. We know you have many choices when deciding where to purchase your insurance.  Home, farm, and renter’s insurance are so important and we are grateful to our clients who trust us with their most valued possessions.  

May your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, love, and laughter.  Happy Thanksgiving!