The following are tips that could potentially save your life, or the life of an employee, customer or loved one should a fire break out in your home or business.

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home or business
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year
• Consider installing a ten -year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm
• Practice finding your way out of  the building with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out
• Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department

Heating the home is one of the leading causes of home fires.  Take these precautions to cut your risk of starting a fire in your home.

• First, never use your stove or oven to heat your home
• Keep all flammable materials and potential fuel sources at least 3 feet away from heat sources
• Place space heaters on hard, level nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs, carpets, near bedding or drapes
• Look for a space heater model that shuts off automatically if the heater falls over

While the weather is still nice, what better time is there to tackle those outside maintenance jobs to help protect your home from the ravages of moisture.  Maintaining a barrier against potential water intrusions, which can cause serious problems like mold or structural damage over time, should be a priority.

• Roof - Make sure your roof is in good condition, with no signs of missing shingles, or other potential problem areas.
• Gutters - Inspect and clean your gutters, checking the wood surfaces behind and beneath the gutter system for signs of deterioration.
• Windows and Doors -  Inspect windows and doors for weathered or cracked seals.
• Plumbing – Address any plumbing leaks beneath the house and inspect insulation, adding extra protection if necessary.

Did you know…The insurance industry estimates that approximately 90 percent of household damages stem from water-related occurrences.  The most commonly reported cause is leaky or broken pipes and plumbing fixtures.

By following a few simple plumbing tips, homeowners can greatly reduce their risk:

• Check water heaters annually and replace when needed.
• Watch for abnormally high water bills with no apparent cause.
• If water cannot be shut off, let faucets continuously drip.
• Watch for tell-tale signs of leaking tubs, faucets and toilets, and repair immediately.

Bill Barber was elected president of the National Associationof Insurance & Financial Advisors-Indiana Inc., NAIFA.   He has been in the financial services profession for 26 years.  His term of office will begin July 1.

Like fashion, colors and styles of vinyl and aluminum siding change every few years. Today’s earthtones of slate, cedar and sandalwood have replaced the deeper hues of Williamsburg blue, goldenrod yellow and avocado green popular just over a decade ago. Newer siding may include simulated wood grains and is available in different sizes.

“Styles and colors change, and manufacturers change their supply and production to met demand,” said Scott Huber, manager of ERIE’s property and subrogation claims department. “So, the siding on your home may not be available anymore. We see this frequently in homeowners’ claims, especially with homes that are more than a few years old.”

Until recently, if some of your home’s siding was damaged, The ERIE would replace the damaged siding and try to match the undamaged siding as closely as possible. You could replace the undamaged siding at your own cost or settle for mismatched siding.

NOW, Policyholders have another option. An endorsement to your HomeProtector policy can reimburse you for the cost of replacing undamaged siding or roofing shingles if the original siding or shingles are not available. The endorsement covers aluminum and vinyl siding, including soffit and fascia, and composite shingle roofing. Cost for the endorsement varies from $20 to $40 annually, depending on the amount of coverage purchased, and there is no additional deductible.

“When a Policyholder has a claim involving a portion of a home’s siding or roof, and identical materials are not available, this endorsement is a great benefit,” said Scott. “With the endorsement, we offer a limited reimbursement for an alternative material to replace the undamaged siding or roof once the work is completed.:

This coverage does not apply if identical siding or roofing is available, but does not match because the original materials have faded, weathered or suffered wear and tear. Eventually the new siding will weather and match the remaining siding.

“This endorsement gives Policyholders an option when the original siding or roofing shingles are not available,” Scott added. “But remember, even without the endorsement, ERIE’s HomeProtector policy will replace the damaged area – whether or not the original material is available.”

For more information about the Dwelling and Other Structure Siding and/or Roofing Restoration Coverage, give us a call.

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