Here is a handy card we received from one of our vendors. Complete and put in your wallet or glove box. You may want to load the information into your cell phone, as well. Remember, though, cell phones may not work in a catastrophe, so having a hard copy with this information is still very important.
Emergency Contact Cards Can Help During a Crisis
Spring Flood Prevention and Safety
If living in the Midwest has taught you anything, it is that the weather can change in an instant – a gorgeous spring day can turn to risky storms in a matter of minutes. Even if you live in an area that you think isn’t at risk of flood damage, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies.
Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are separate flood policies available to everyone, whether or not you live in a flood plain. If you do not live in a flood plain, the cost is much less. Your agent at O’Connor Insurance can provide a quote and discuss this with you. Just give us a call at 314.434.0038.
Preparing for a flood
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should:
- Build an emergency kit for your family with drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items, and copies of important documents.
- Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another, and practice that plan before an emergency (especially for families with younger children).
- Elevate your furnace, water heater, and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
- Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
- If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
Acting during a flood
If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:
- Get information from the radio or television.
- Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Do not walk through moving water – it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities give you permission.
Coping after a flood
Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of your own well being and temperament. After the flood clears, there are a few things to consider and resources available to you:
- Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.
- Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.
- The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at redcross.org.
- If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible.
Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S., both in the flood plains and out of them, as we sadly learned last December when record-breaking floods swept through the St. Louis area after 6-12″ rains. So make a plan for it. Don’t be caught off guard when the water level starts to rise.
Spring Cleaning Tips from O'Connor Insurance
Spring is a time for new beginnings. For most of us, that means cleaning and organizing our homes. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, take into account the tips below. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)
Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently (and save yourself a headache).
Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it. With regards to clothes, try this trick – have all of your hangers facing the same way. When you wear something, turn the hanger around. The hangers that have not been turned go to the donation pile.
Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time and this includes food in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Check the dates on everything and be honest about what you will actually eat. Donate anything that is still good that you know you won’t eat. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating.
Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, consider digitizing paperwork.
Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it!
Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers, and other dangerous tools with caution.
However you choose to clean up your act this spring, enjoy! If you are thinking about reviewing your insurance coverage as a part of your organization spree, please contact one of our independent insurance agents at (314) 434-0038.
Protecting Your Pets
We’ve all been there – you get home from a long day and it looks like a Mack truck ran through your living room. Searching the rubble that was once your home, you realize that not only did your dear, dear puppy do all this damage, but she also got into the Halloween candy you had hidden. Panic-stricken you drive the full, but potentially poisoned, pup to the emergency vet to find out that they’re going to charge you upwards of $300 just to induce vomiting and “monitor the situation.”
Sound familiar? Well, save yourself the time, frustration, and sticker shock of going to the emergency vet, by researching and investing in coverage for your pet.
Insurance companies are aggressively expanding their pet insurance policies. Much like your own medical coverage, most plans do not cover preexisting conditions, but increasingly they are covering health and wellness visits.
While plans differ depending on the insurer, the type and breed of the animal, and which plans you opt for, generally speaking you can stick with your tried and trusted veterinarian. Unlike medical coverage for humans, most plans don’t have “in network” and “out of network” vets, meaning Fido doesn’t have to switch doctors when he gets covered.
If you think pet insurance is right for you and your furry companions, talk to your vet about what type of coverage is appropriate. Remember, the type of coverage will depend on your animal’s breed, age, and temperament, so your vet will know best. If you would like to know more, check out the ASPCA’s pet insurance site.
Can Your Business Weather a Storm?
Storms and fires disrupt thousands of businesses every year. Although you can’t change the weather, you can minimize the effect of such disasters on your business.
You have to plan ahead, though. People don’t like to think about disasters, but if you develop a catastrophe plan now, you’ll be able to recover quickly from an emergency. And that could save your business.
The Insurance Information Institute has identified four key elements of catastrophe planning. First, minimize the damage before an emergency occurs. Limit storm-related damage by making sure your place of business conforms to building codes. Limit potential damage from fire by practicing fire safety measures and modernizing old wiring.
Second, develop a disaster recovery plan. Keep duplicate records, back up computerized files, and make an inventory of equipment you own or lease, including model and serial numbers. Compile a list of important phone numbers and addresses. Store these items off the premises.
Identify your critical business activities and what you will need to support them, so you can get back to business quickly. Find alternate facilities, equipment and supplies.
You need to know where you can rent computers of other equipment quickly. Think about how much space you will need, and where you can go. Write out your plan and keep a copy with your other duplicate records – off the premises.
Third, review your insurance program. Disasters can cost your business much more than the price of office equipment or a building. Consider the potential loss of income while your business is closed, or the additional expense of setting up shop temporarily somewhere else. Call your insurance agent for a detailed review of your policies to be sure there are no gaps in your coverage.
Fourth, review all the parts of your plan regularly and update it as needed. Be sure to share the plan with your employees. You’ll probably take a vacation sometime, and you never know when a disaster might strike.
Natural Disasters Don't Have to Mean Disasters for Homeowners
What if your home was devastated by a fire, wind or other natural disaster? Are you certain your insurance would cover enough of your home to rebuild at today’s construction costs?
Sure, thinking about the aftermath of a catastrophe is no fun, but consider the alternative. If you don’t plan ahead and consult with your insurance agent to make sure your home is adequately covered before the catastrophe strikes, you could find yourself having to pay $50,000, $100,000 or more to make up for shortcomings in your homeowner’s policy afterward.
Every insurer offers its own coverages, its own limits and its own pricing. That’s where an independent agent can help you…we can shop around for you and find the best and most comprehensive coverage for your money. Plus we have experience dealing with all sorts of claims, so we can advise you on what types of coverage best suit your needs.
Some suggestions to consider when evaluating your homeowner’s policy – some companies offer guaranteed replacement costs. This helps because the insurer promises to rebuild the home at today’s building costs. Also, you should take into account special features of your home like hardwood floors, a newly-renovated basement or a pool in the backyard, as well as all other improvements you have made over time.
Another tip – some insurance companies offer “ordinance-and-law” coverage at an additional cost. That means if your house is damaged, the new construction of the damaged portion of the home will meet current building ordinances in your area, even if the home wasn’t built that way initially. Without this coverage, some companies may only pay to rebuild your house the way it was, which in many instances may no longer be legal accordingly to current building and municipal codes.
There are many things you need to consider when you evaluate your homeowner’s policy to make sure you have the right coverage. When evaluated properly, your coverage will give you the peace of mind to know you won’t be left out in a storm after a disaster.
If you have questions about your homeowner’s policy, please call your independent insurance agent here at O’Connor Insurance Agency. Our number is 314-434-0038.
Improvements, Updates, and Renovations can Change Your Insurance
Our homeowner and condominium owner clients take great pride in their homes and communities. All over our region, they make investments in the beauty and livability of their respective homes. When you make a renovation or an update to your home, do you check with your insurance agent?
Improvements Can Lower Premiums – Making changes to your home that reduce the chances of damage and loss can change how much you pay in premiums. Your choice of roofing may lower the risk of wind damage. Updating electric may lower the chance of fire. Plumbing updates can work to prevent flooding. Many carriers offer discounts for security systems. These can all be factors for the rates you pay for insurance.
Increasing Your Home’s Value – If your home improvements have substantially raised the value of your home, it is prudent to have your insurance agent review your coverage. That new kitchen, new addition or wonderful home theater should be covered just like the older features of your home.
When reviewing your coverage, consider the difference in the cost of actually restoring your home may have gone up (see our blog Insurance and Replacement Cost) and your coverage should reflect that. Our team at O’Connor Insurance Agency recommends periodic review of your coverage so that you know your family will be made whole should there be a loss.
Your independent insurance agents at the O’Connor Insurance Agency are interested in helping you get the best value for the coverage you need. Please contact one of our independent insurance agents at 314-434-0038.
Are You Covered If a Drone Crashes On Your Property?
Your maintenance associate has a great idea. Instead of climbing up and down ladders to inspect the roof and gutters after a storm, they’ll use a drone to take high-definition video of the peaks, valleys, hips and flashing of the buildings in your community association.
On a bright day, the sound of the drone buzzes like a giant, furious wasp. It takes off and your team is on your way to getting all the roofs inspected in record time. Toward the end of the afternoon, the last building is being inspected – the clubhouse. All is well until an unexpected breeze throws the drone off-course and it crashes through the massive window that faces the lake.
Will this accident be covered by your insurance?
In most situations the answer is “no.” For insurance purposes, an accident with a drone is no different than an accident with an aircraft. Unless you have coverage specific for aviation, the damage would not be insured.
Drone Liabilities – As drones are being employed for inspections, monitoring and other tasks for community associations, boards will want to take into account the possible problems that can come into play using flying drones. The obvious are accidents with a drone, or accidents caused by a drone, but the potential for liability does not end there. Drones likely to be used by a community association will be recording images. Combining images, video and data that may be personally identifiable can raise privacy issues as well as privacy liability. Even as aviation-related damage and injuries may not be covered under common policies, any cyber-security or privacy liability coverage will not extend to drone use. Should you employ drones, checking to make sure your policy includes coverage for cyber security and privacy is a good idea.
If a homeowner has an accident with their drone, the community generally will not be liable unless the community is somehow negligent. A possible step to avoid the charge of negligence could be for communities to establish “no drone zones.” That said, the Federal Aviation Administration regards regulation of the skies their exclusive purview, so a community association may not be able to enforce such a restriction.
Like any new technology, there are risks that offset the benefits. Community association leaders should speak with their insurance and legal representatives to develop a drone use policy and secure coverage for drone use.
If you have questions about insurance and drones, please call your independent insurance agent here at the O’Connor Insurance Agency. Our number is 314-434-0038.
Eight Easy & Inexpensive Home Energy Saving Tips
Here are eight energy-saving tips that cost little to nothing, but can reduce the amount you spend with your energy utilities. You would be surprised how much energy can be saved!
If your dishwasher has a filter, keep it clean. A dirty filter reduces the effectiveness of your dishwasher and it causes the pump to work quite a bit harder to empty out wash and rinse water.
Clean your light bulbs and fixtures. Dust can settle on light fixtures and bulbs, which in turn will reduce the available light. For incandescent bulbs, carefully clean with a soft cloth. Extra care should be used when cleaning compact fluorescent bulbs. Clean covers, globes and diffusers as well, especially in the kitchen where grime can be stubborn.
Clean the coils of your refrigerator. Dirt and dust accumulate on the coils of your refrigerator, which can make it harder for them to disperse heat. Removing the dust from them will make your refrigerator more efficient, reducing the power it uses.
Clean your refrigerator gaskets. An incomplete seal on your refrigerator door can really use up a great deal of energy. Wipe down the gaskets as part of your routine cleanup.
Change your Heat/AC filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which in turn makes the fan of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit work harder. Check it regularly and change the filter when needed.
Adjust the thermostat when away from your home. If you get into the habit of lowering the thermostat as you leave the house for more than an hour or two, you can save a great deal. Just a change in 10-15 degrees while gone during the workday can save hundreds per year in your heating and cooling costs. Consider a programmable thermostat to make these adjustments automatically!
Open shades on a sunny winter day. If you are enjoying a sunny winter day, open the shades on the side of the house receiving free heat from the sun.
Keep your air conditioning unit clear of debris and the coils clean. Your air conditioning/heat pump unit that sits outside your home has to have good airflow to work properly. Keep yard items from accumulating around the unit, and periodically check to make sure the coils are not clogged with debris. If you see dirty coils, you may want to schedule a maintenance visit from a reputable heating and cooling contractor if you are unfamiliar with giving it a thorough cleaning.
Saving energy is the same as saving money, and using less energy is a key part of conservation. For answers to insurance questions, please contact one of our independent insurance agents at 314-434-0038.
Improving Your Community? Make Sure Your Insurance Keeps Pace!
Repairs and updates to your community association facilities change the insurance needs for that association. Some improvements can save you premium dollars, while others might increase your need for liability or replacement.
Expanding your Board? Check your Directors and Officers Coverage – D&O insurance protects those community association volunteer leaders who serve as trustees or board members. If your community is growing, and you add new members, your coverage needs may change.
Updates and Upgrades to Existing Features Can Affect Premiums/Coverage Needs – Updating your community pool? Renovating the clubhouse? Changes to the structures can both increase the need of coverage and even lower premiums. As it is with homeowner’s or unit owner’s insurance, increasing the value of the property may increase the coverage needed. The good news is improvements that reduce the risk of damage, such as a new roof or updated wiring, may yield premium discounts. A community association should have a thorough review of the changes in the community with their insurance agent.
Liability Changes – A community is liable for events on the property. Any community association ought to have an umbrella policy that will cover the community should someone be injured or worse.
Adding features, such as a playground, walking paths, or even a fountain will likely change how much liability coverage you will need. As with property improvements, adding security lights or improving roads and sidewalks may lead to premium discounts.
Tell Your Agent – Community associations should stay in close contact with their insurance agent. That agent should be made aware of changes in your association that could affect how your community is covered. A detailed account of improvements and changes will go a long way to making sure your community has the proper coverage at the best value.
If you would like to explore your coverage – identifying gaps and potential cost savings – contact the independent agents of the O’Connor Insurance Agency. You can reach us at 314-434-0038.
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