 With the extreme heat advisories we have had this summer in South Florida, specifically Boca Raton, I heard of several house fires that came close to spreading to neighboring homes in their communities.
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) announced “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” as their official theme for Fire Prevention Week which begins October 6, 2024, and ends October 12, 2024. The NFPA data shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. In my previous blog Year-Round Fire Safety Tips, I specifically discuss smoke alarms and how often you should change the batteries if they are not hard-wired. I also discuss the placement of smoke alarms throughout your property, in addition to other safety tips. Keeping Safe During A Fire Fires can start in an instant and spread very quickly. It’s important to protect your family and keep them safe from harm. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
Insurance Coverage and Policy Review I cannot speak about this enough and will continue to repeat myself regularly! You need to review your policy and know your coverage. Don’t assume you are covered, make sure you are covered. Here are some ways to evaluate if you have enough coverage for your home and personal property. If you had a fire and everything was destroyed, how much would it cost to replace? For the building, this could include roof, windows, exterior doors, wood framing, stucco, gutters, electrical, plumbing, toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, plumbing fixtures, wood/tile/marble flooring, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, shelving, drywall, insulation, baseboards, interior doors, door frames, paint, window treatments, air conditioning unit, duct system, registers, smoke alarms and more. If you were able to turn your home upside down, think of all the items that would fall out. That is your personal property and contents. What would it cost to replace those belongings? Being underinsured for your home or contents could cost you upwards of tens of thousands of dollars out of your pocket to rebuild and replace. If you have any questions about your coverage, we have the knowledge and experience to help. If you have a new or underpaid property damage insurance claim, find out how we can help you. Call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.
0 Comments
 Did you know that Florida has 17 out of the top 30 cities for lightning and is the lightning capital of the United States?
Also known as the Lightning State, West Palm Beach, and Coral Springs are among those 17 cities in Florida for lightning. Lightning strikes can cause significant damage in various ways that can result in property damage and the need to file an insurance claim. Damage Caused By Lightening Structural Damage: The intense heat and explosive force of a lightning strike can cause fires, shatter concrete, and damage roofs, chimneys, and walls. Electrical Damage: Lightning can induce powerful surges in electrical systems, leading to the failure of electronic devices, electrical fires, and damage to wiring and circuit breakers. Tree Damage: Trees struck by lightning can explode or be stripped of bark as the electric current is carried throughout the tree by its water-conducting sapwood below the bark, heating it up and instantaneously boiling the water. The resulting pressure from the steam can make the trunk or limbs burst. Human and Animal Injury: Lightning strikes can cause severe burns, neurological damage, cardiac arrest, and even death. Indirect injuries can occur from falling debris or fires sparked by the strike. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for protecting life and property from lightning-related hazards. Tips to Mitigate Before Lightning Strikes Installing surge protectors in your home can help protect electronics. They can be installed at the main electrical panel and outlets. Lightning rods are designed to protect a house or building from a direct lightning strike. Tips For Lightning Safety To keep you and your family safe during a severe thunderstorm, stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity, and avoid water during a thunderstorm. If you are outside with no shelter, stay clear of tall objects, and construction equipment such as scaffolding, ladders, and cranes, and avoid trees. Whether you need help with a new, underpaid, or disputed insurance claim, Reliant Insurance Adjusters has the knowledge and experience to assist your needs. To find out how we can best help you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here. |
