March Home Maintenance Tips

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected? Read below to find out!

Change Batteries In Smoke Detectors - When the clocks spring forward, take a few minutes to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This way you know that they’re always in working order!

Make A Severe Weather Plan - March is Severe Weather Preparation Month. Designate a safe place in your home in case of dangerous weather. Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight, batteries, and a weather radio too! Make sure the entire family knows where to go during a severe storm and how to get alerts.

Check Your Credit Report - March is also Credit Education Month. When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate? If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. Then use an app like Credit Karma to check your credit score with multiple bureaus. These steps can help you catch identity theft or errors. Plus, good credit saves you money on interest and insurance!

Review Your Insurance Discounts - Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for? While you’re busy preparing your taxes and spring cleaning, take a few minutes to call us to review your policy! We’ll make sure your information is all up to date and that you’re receiving every discount that you qualify for.

And as always, give us a call at 508-347-9343 if you have any questions or need assistance with auto, home, business, or life insurance. 

March Home Maintenance Tips

March Home Maintenance Tips

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected?  Read below to find out! 

Change Batteries In Smoke Detectors - When the time changes, it’s a great idea to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This way you always know that they are working and in good order!  The spring time change this year is on Sunday March 8th. 

Make A Severe Weather Plan - Designate a safe place in your home in case of bad weather.  Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight and batteries too!

Check Your Credit Report - March is Credit Education Month.  When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate?  If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. 

Review Your Insurance Discounts - Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for?  Call us to review your policy and see if there are any changes that need to be made.

And as always, give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance with auto, home, business, or life insurance.  

Smoke Detector Safety

Did you know that almost two-thirds of all house fire deaths are the result of having no smoke detectors or improperly working detectors? Many of us install smoke detectors and never give a second thought to maintaining them.

 ·         Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.

·         Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance because they may have specific instructions for that particular smoke detector.

·         Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. It’s a good idea to make a habit of changing the batteries at the same time each year; such as when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, when you set up your Christmas tree, or your birthday. Put it on your calendar, whatever it takes for you to remember to replace the batteries. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

·         Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.

·         If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, rather than taking out the battery to finish your cooking, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time. This will avoid forgetting to reinstall the battery after you’re done cooking.

For more information on smoke detector safety and other fire prevention tips; please go to National Fire Prevention Association’s website at: http://www.nfpa.org.