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Preparing for The Worst: Fires

September 29, 2015

As national preparedness month comes to a close, we wanted to remind our policyholders about the importance of a fire safety plan. While hurricanes and the threat of flooding have a dedicated season, a house fire could happen at any time. Being prepared for a fire is the best way you can ensure your home and family are safe from disaster.

House fires most commonly originate in the kitchen. When cooking appliances, like the stove or a coffee pot, are left on for an extended period of time the possibility of a house fire increases. You’ll want to remember to always turn off these appliances after using them and make it a practice your whole family follows.

Another source of house fires is faulty wiring. In older houses, this problem is much more prevalent. You’ll want to check wiring for ware-and-tear every six months and call an electrician if you’re detect anything. Also if you notice any above-ground power lines sagging or being weighed down by palm fronds or tree limbs, call FPL as soon as possible.

Unattended candles are another source of house fires you can control. When you light a candle make sure it is away from loose drapery, is in a sturdy holder, and always extinguish the flame when you leave the room.

Preventing house fires can be easy by paying attention to these common causes. However, a fire may still erupt. To keep your family safe, here are a few tips and how you can create an emergency plan.

Make sure that the batteries in your smoke alarms work by testing them every month.
Install smoke alarms in every room of your house.
Create an exit plan. This includes drawing out a floor plan of your home and indicating all the exits. Decide the safest door to exit from in the event of a fire and make sure your whole family is aware of this plan.
Designate a meeting place outside, and ask a neighbor for permission to use their phone to call the Fire Department.
Practice exiting the home with your family in a fire drill. Performing these randomly throughout the year can keep your family sharp on what to do and how to exit the home as fast as possible.
Keep all of your important documents and extremely valuable possessions in a fireproof safe in the mean time. You never know when a disaster could strike and keeping these important things safe when you’re not using them can save you a lot of time and hassle should you home be destroyed in a fire.

Preventing and being prepared for emergencies is exactly what national preparedness month is all about. We hope that by following these blogs and tips that your family feels comfortable with the preparedness plans you’ve created. If you have questions about creating a preparedness plan, and how you can also protect your home and assets with top-tier insurance policies, give your Viera insurance agent at Wayne Anthony Insurance a call today.

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Holiday Fire Safety: FAQs to Keep Your Home Safe

October 9, 2024

As we observe Fire Safety Month this October, it's an excellent time to focus on fire prevention, especially with the holidays just around the corner. With all the cooking and festivities, it's essential to ensure your home is safe from fire hazards. To help you stay prepared, here are some commonly asked questions about fire safety during the holiday season. 1. What should I do if I need to leave the kitchen while cooking? When you're cooking, particularly when frying, grilling, or broiling food, it's important never to leave the kitchen unattended. If you need to step away, even for a short time, turn off the stove to avoid any accidents. 2. What items should I keep away from the stovetop? Anything that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, and food packaging, should be kept away from the stovetop. It's easy for these items to accidentally come into contact with a hot surface and ignite. 3. Is it safe to wear any type of clothing while cooking? Be mindful of what you're wearing while cooking. Avoid loose-fitting clothing or long sleeves that can catch fire if they come in contact with a gas flame or electric burner. 4. Is deep-frying a turkey safe? Deep-frying a turkey can be dangerous if not done properly. If you must deep fry, always do it outdoors, on a flat surface, and far away from any structures. Alternatively, consider using your stove for a safer cooking method. 5. Should I have a fire extinguisher in my kitchen? Absolutely! It's essential to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it. A Class K extinguisher, specifically designed for cooking fires, is the best option to have on hand. 6. How often should I test my smoke alarms? Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. You should test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly. This simple task can save lives. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent fires and keep your home safe during the holiday season. Share this valuable information with your friends and family to help spread fire safety awareness. For more safety tips and updates, be sure to follow and like Anthony Insurance Agency on our social media accounts!

Updating Your Insurance Coverage After Major Life Changes

July 15, 2024

As we approach the mid-year mark (can you believe how quickly time flies?), we at Anthony Insurance Agency want to ensure your coverage is current and aligns with any recent life changes. It's essential to review your coverage periodically, especially after significant life events, as they can impact your coverage and premiums. Here are some common events that may affect your needs: Family Dynamics Changes in family size, marital status, or the unfortunate loss of a family member can significantly impact your insurance needs. For instance, adding a new family member might necessitate more extensive health or life insurance coverage, while a change in marital status might require updating beneficiary designations. Location Changes Relocating to a new address or a student moving away for college can also influence your insurance requirements. Moving to a new home might require adjustments in your homeowners or renters insurance, while a child going to college might need specific coverage for their belongings. Insurance Transitions Turning 26 and transitioning off a parent's insurance plan or experiencing a loss of job-related coverage are critical moments to reassess your insurance policies. These transitions can leave gaps in coverage that need to be addressed promptly to avoid lapses. Miscellaneous Milestones Becoming eligible for Medicare, fluctuations in income, achieving U.S. citizenship status, or transitioning post-incarceration are other significant milestones that can alter your insurance needs. Each of these events can affect the type and amount of coverage that is most appropriate for your situation. If any of these situations resonate with you, please schedule a consultation with us. By updating your coverage, we can ensure you're adequately protected in the most cost-effective manner possible. Let's work together to keep your coverage up-to-date and aligned with your current life stage.

Preparing for Hurricane Season: Essential Tips for Homeowners

May 15, 2024

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