Home Safety Tips | Norcia Insurance Consultants

Winter Home Safety Tips

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

With winter in full swing, the experts here at Norcia would like to discuss some of the most important safety tips for the season. With cooking at home, indoor activities and family vacations, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind to help you, your family and your home stay safe this winter. And, in the event something does happen at your home, our Wisconsin public adjusters are here to help with all of your insurance needs. But first, be sure to take these essential cold weather precautions: wood stove with fire inside and logs underneath

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With cold weather also comes the constant running of your heating system and the use of other heating sources. It is so important to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this time of year. Also make a habit of changing their batteries. Some people use daylight saving time as a reminder to check their smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and change their batteries. Home fire alarms should last about 10 years, but it is important to check on them consistently to ensure they’re working as they should to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Heating Inspection

Another major aspect of the annual maintenance of your home heating system is to check the safety limits and burners for proper operation.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

This is a big one for winter. Clothes dryer vents should be checked for a buildup of lint. If drying times are getting longer, it means the vent may be getting restricted and not allowing the proper airflow through the appliance. Dryer fires occur in the thousands every year, so it is important you do what you can to keep your home’s dryers running safely. If a fire does occur and causes damage to your home or property, be sure to contact the fire department right away. And, when you need help filing your insurance claim, seek assistance from our experienced public adjusters.

Chimney Inspection

Another area of the home that requires inspection are your wood-burning fireplace chimneys. They should be checked and cleaned of soot buildup to ensure proper air flow.

Home Security

Take the time to prepare for winter security and avoid the mess of a break-in, especially if you plan to go on vacation. If you do have a break-in, it is important to contact the authorities right away. Our public adjusters can help with the next steps.

These are just some of the most important safety tips to follow this winter. Are you interested in learning more about how our public adjusters in Wisconsin can help you in the event of a fire or other damages? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.

Home Safety Tips for Summer

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

With the 4th of July being next week, the experts here at Norcia would like to discuss some of the most important safety tips for the holiday and for summer as a whole. With fun summer festivities, outdoor activities and family vacations, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind to help you, your family and your home stay safe. And, in the event something does happen at your home, our Twin Cities public adjusters are here to help with all of your insurance needs. But first, be sure to take these essential summer precautions:

public adjusters

Home Security

In warmer months, there tends to be a spike in property crimes. Take the time to prepare for summer security and avoid the mess of a break-in, especially if you plan to go on vacation this summer. If you do have a break in, it is important to contact the authorities right away. Our public adjusters can help with the next steps.

Firework Safety

If you do decide to use fireworks this 4th of July, first make sure they are legal. And remember, even legal fireworks can cause injury if they are not used properly. Here are some important safety tips from the American Pyrotechnic Association:

Only use fireworks outdoors away from buildings on a flat, level, hard, fireproof surface that is free from debris.
Don’t aim fireworks at another person or yourself.
Always have a sober adult in charge and never give fireworks to young children, even sparklers.
Light only one firework at a time and never approach or re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time.
Always wear safety glasses.
Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy.

Grill Safety

Careless grilling can cause burns or fires. Before you start cooking outside this summer, consider these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Never step away from the grill while it’s on
Check your gas grill for hose leaks, blockages and holes
If using a charcoal grill, wait for the coals to cool completely before disposing it

If a fire does occur and cause damage to your home or property, be sure to contact the fire department right away. And, when you need help filing your insurance claim, seek assistance from our experienced public adjusters.

And, these are just some of the most important safety tips to follow this summer. Are you interested in learning more about how our public adjusters in the Twin Cities can help you in the event of a fire or other damages this summer? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.

Avoid an Insurance Claim this Season: Holiday Home Safety Tips

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

For many families, the holidays mean Christmas lights, bringing a tree indoors, sitting around their wood-burning fireplace, baking homemade cookies and wrapping presents. But hopefully, your holidays don’t include insurance claims! As many of us know, many hazards can arise this time of year and the last thing you want for Christmas is the need to file an insurance claim. At Norcia Insurance Consultants, we are the experts in insurance claims for Green Bay and the surrounding areas and would like to offer some tips on how to make sure your holidays are as safe as possible.

The Lights

Before stringing up the lights, carefully inspect them each year and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders, or loose connections. When replacing bulbs, unplug the light string and be sure to match voltage and wattage to the original bulb. And, always unplug or turn off holiday lights whenever you leave the house and before going to bed. You can even use an outdoor timer to turn lights on and off but make sure it is certified by CSA International.

And, never connect more than one extension cord together; instead use a single cord that is long enough to reach the outlet without stretching, but not so long that it can easily become tangled. By avoiding electrical hazards like these you can also decrease the chance for insurance claims this year.

The Tree

Make sure your tree is fresh and not dry. Purchase a freshly cut tree, as they are more resistant to ignition. Keep tree watered and away from any open flames like candles or fireplace.

Smoke Alarm

The Alarm

Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work, and be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home and especially near sleeping areas.

Tending the Fire

At least once a year, preferably either right before or right after winter, have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. In your fireplace, make sure the only thing you are burning is wood. Do not burn wrapping paper, lumber scraps, construction scraps, painted wood or other pieces of treated wood. Make sure you only burn wood that is dry and cured. This means the logs need to have been split, stacked and dried for at least 8 to 12 months.

And these are just a few of the ways you can help protect your home from then need for insurance claims this holiday season. For more information about insurance claims in Green Bay, call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677), or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

Common Summer Hazards: Public Adjusters Provide the Assist

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

The summer is not yet over and there are still many hazards around the home that could pose a threat to you and your family. Your home is supposed to be a place to feel safe and secure. However, there are a few seasonal dangers that can catch you off guard and cause damage to your home. As a public adjuster for the Twin Cities, we are all too familiar with these types of hazards and would like to provide a rundown of what they are and help offer awareness. But, in the unfortunate event that something does occur, call a public adjuster for assistance. We can help take away a lot of the stress you are experiencing. If one of these events were to befall your home, and you need to make a claim with your insurance company, we can help you deal with the legwork associated with filing such a claim. Take a look at these hazards below and try to avoid letting them become a problem in your home.

public adjuster

Overworked Electrical Systems

This time of year a lot more appliances are plugged in at a time. During the dog days of summer, additional strain from AC units can potentially cause outages, blackouts and even shorts. More appliances combined with soaring temperatures increases the chance for a short circuit, thus creating the danger of a house fire.

Outdated Air Conditioners

We all use air conditioners in the summer. However, many units are either dirty or not up to date. This can not only cause poor air quality but high energy costs and fire hazards as well. Make sure your AC is cleaned or serviced at least once a year and that your filters are replaced often.

Relaxed Home Security

When you’re spending more time outdoors, windows and doors can be left open. When you open your home to the fresh air you also need to make sure you’re not opening it up to unwanted guests. Property crimes increase during the summer months so make sure you are keeping your household secure.

Flooding

This time of year, summer rains can flood basements and homes and even damage appliances. Floods can cause a lot of damage so keep your eye on the weather and make sure your home, including the roof and basement is prepared for heavy rains.

Don’t allow any of these summer hazards to put a damper on your plans. And, if you do find yourself in the undesirable position of having to deal with your insurance company alone, hire our public adjuster in the Twin Cities area. Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677), or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

Safety Messages about Smoke Alarms for Fire Prevention Week

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

The content for this blog is taken from the National Fire Protection Association. October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week with a focus on replacing smoke alarms every 10 years.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Smoke Alarm

Safety Tips

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Plan your Escape

Your ability to get out of your house during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.
Get everyone in your household together and make a home escape plan. Walk through your home and look for two ways out of every room.
Make sure escape routes are clear of debris and doors and windows open easily. Windows with security bars or grills should have an emergency release device.
Plan an outside meeting place where everyone will meet once they have escaped. A good meeting place is something permanent, like a tree, light pole or mailbox, a safe distance in front of the home.
If there are infants, older adults, family members with mobility limitations or children who do not wake to the sound of the smoke alarm, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the event of an emergency.
If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Respond quickly – get up and go, remember to know two ways out of every room, get yourself outside quickly, and go to your outside meeting place with your family.
Learn more about home escape planning.

Children and Smoke Alarms

NFPA is aware of research indicating that sleeping children don’t always awake when a smoke alarm activates. While this research is worrisome, we shouldn’t allow them to obscure the fact that smoke alarms are highly effective at reducing fire deaths and injuries.

NFPA reaffirms the value of the smoke alarms already available to protect people from home fire deaths and voice its concern about the number of U.S. households without these early warning devices. While 96 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, no smoke alarms were present or none operated in two out of five (41%) of the reported home fires between 2003-2006. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

NFPA emphasizes the need to continue planning and practicing home fire escape plans and to make sure everyone in a home can be awakened by the sound of the smoke alarm. NFPA suggests practicing the escape plan during which the smoke alarm is activated so all family members know its sound.

Every home fire escape plan is different, and every family should know who will – and who won’t – awaken at the sound of the smoke alarm. If someone doesn’t wake up when the alarm sounds during a drill, the family should design an escape plan that assigns a grown-up who is easily awakened by the alarm to wake the sleepers, perhaps by yelling “FIRE,” pounding on the wall or door, or blowing a whistle.

Norcia wants everyone to be safe in their homes, specifically from the threat of a fire. If you would like more information about smoke alarms and how to keep your home and family safe, please visit the public education section of NFPA’s website. If you experience a damaging fire in your home, Contact Us for assistance with insurance claims and working through the property damage.