Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests

Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests

by | Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety | 1 comment

No doubt, one of the best parts about the Holiday Season is gathering and spending time with close family and friends, but when you are the host it can become a bit stressful.

With the holidays coming up soon, here are a few last-minute tips to help you and your home become guest-ready in a matter of hours!

 

Declutter

Or at least declutter public areas. There is no need to go all out and scrub every inch of your house from top to bottom (but if you want to, go for it!). Just make sure public areas, entryways, bathrooms, and guest rooms are clean and ready to be seen by dusting and packing away all unnecessary items.

Pro Tip: consider donating the items you find that you barely use.

 

Make Sure You Have Enough Seating

Your guests probably won’t want to stand all night, so make sure you have seating to accommodate at least the majority of them. If you are low on space, it may be wise to invest in some extra barstools or fold-out chairs that could be used in multiple places, like the living area and the kitchen.

 

Have a Plan for Your Pets

An abundance of guests can make even the calmest pet anxious. Anxiety can trigger the fight or flight response and your pet may feel no choice, but to act aggressive or try to escape.  Before your party starts make sure you have a plan in place for your pet, whether that be putting them up the entire night in a separate room or leaving them gated out in a designated area.

 

Add Light

Christmas Lights are easy décor that can brighten up space and make it look festive and inviting all in one. Just be sure you don’t have cords everywhere that could cause your guests could trip! Another quick and easy light source is a candle. Find a perfect Christmas scent and let it burn all night in a safe space away from flammable objects.

 

Stock Your Fridge

Make sure you have enough items that will please every guest. This doesn’t mean cook for everyone individually, it could be as simple as getting an assorted meat and veggie tray or cooking one entrée and having your guests bring side dishes and desserts. Don’t stress out and feel like you have to feed an army by yourself, as long as there is variety people will be happy.

Pro Tip: stock up on coffee.

 

Make Extra Supplies Easily Accessible

Get out your extra cups and silverware days before guests arrive, that way you aren’t scrambling to make sure you have enough supplies.  Set out extra pillows and blankets in guest rooms and place towels and toiletries out in the open, so they can be found easily by guests. This way there is no confusion at the end of the night when everyone is settling in.

 

Play Background Music

Nothing is worse than an awkward silence, so keep the party going- even when the conversation stops-  with some Holiday-themed Background music. Pull up Spotify on your phone and play it through your TV or any Alexa Device and you are good to go. We even have a Holiday Playlist already created for you! Visit: https://spoti.fi/2r1wIZk

 

Lastly, make sure you have personal liability coverage. Most people assume that their home insurance will provide all the liability coverage they need in case a guest has an accident on their property, but this isn’t always true. Personal liability umbrella insurance gives you an extra layer of insurance protection. This can be critical if someone is injured in your home or on your property.

Hosting can be hectic, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! Holidays should be cherished, not dreaded.

Happy Holidays, from all of us at California Casualty!

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

 

 

Fire Prevention Tips for the Holidays

Fire Prevention Tips for the Holidays

by | Firefighters, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

As you bustle about getting ready for the holidays, please be careful. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, the season comes with an increased risk. Home fires peak this time of year and the joy of the holiday season can turn tragic if you don’t take these precautions. Here are some Fire Prevention Tips for the Holidays to keep you and your family safe.

In the Kitchen

The majority of home fires start in the kitchen. Whether you are frying a turkey or baking a pie, keep aware and be present. The majority of these fires were caused by leaving something on the stove, in the oven, and placing flammable material too close to a burner. More cooking fires occur during the holiday season than any other days of the year. Please observe these safe kitchen and cooking recommendations:

  • Never leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended
  • Always keep dishtowels, mitts and other flammables away from burners
  • Remove long sleeves or other loose clothing that could come in contact with burners or flames
  • Avoid consuming alcohol when cooking
  • Keep a fire extinguisher on hand
  • Have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires

 

Holiday Trees and Decorations

Fire departments across the country are warning about the increased danger as we bring in trees and light up our homes. The over the past few years, Christmas trees caused an average of 210 home structure fires, with most occurring during the month of December. The incidence of candles caused fires also escalates during the holidays.

Here are some important tips to prevent holiday fires

  • Make sure real trees are fresh and needles don’t fall off when touched
  • Cut two inches from the base of the trunk and immediately put it in a stand with water
  • Add water every day
  • Keep trees at least three feet from any heat source (fireplaces, space heaters, candles, heat vents)
  • Check artificial trees for a “fire-resistant” label
  • Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory (UL)
  • Always turn off tree lights before going to bed or leaving home
  • Never use candles to decorate a tree
  • If you use real candles around the home, keep them 12 inches away from anything that can burn and always blow them out when you leave a room or go to bed
  • Don’t use frayed or damaged electrical cords
  • Never connect more than one extension cord and make sure they are not stretched

 

 

California Casualty wants everyone to have a safe and happy holiday.

 

Related Articles:

5 Proven Tips for Fighting Winter Fires

What You Need to Know About Smoke Detectors & House Fires

Guest Blog: Tips for Homeowners and Renters from a Fire Prevention Officer

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

What You Need to Know About Smoke Detectors & House Fires

What You Need to Know About Smoke Detectors & House Fires

by | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Having a working smoke detector can reduce your risk of dying in a home fire by half. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association asks us all to be alert this fall- late fall and winter are when the number of home fires spikes.

While we depend on firefighters to put out fires and save lives, we all need to do more to protect our families until they can get there.

Here’s what you can do to make your family and home safer:

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in all bedrooms
  • Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries once a year (normally the Sunday when Daylight Saving ends)
  • Replace smoke detectors every ten years
  • Practice fire drills and evacuations

Smoke alarms can cost as little as $15 for those that use batteries, hardwired models will cost more. Some fire departments offer low-cost or free smoke detectors for families with financial hardships.

There should be one placed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every floor of a home.

Here are some important things to remember about home fires:

  • Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, followed by heating equipment
  • Smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths
  • Only one-third of Americans have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan

These safety tips can prevent a fire at your home:

  • Never leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven
  • Avoid using candles and if you do make sure they are away from flammable materials and extinguished when you leave the room
  • Don’t smoke in bed
  • Have your furnace inspected every year by a heating professional
  • Keep portable heaters three feet away from flammable materials
  • Don’t use frayed cords and don’t overload outlets

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

 

5 Common Things Not Covered By Most Home Insurance

5 Common Things Not Covered By Most Home Insurance

by | Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

You may believe that everything in or around your home is covered by your homeowner’s policy, but that may not be the case. Sure home insurance will help you rebuild if there’s a fire, tornado. or a tree falls onto your home, but are you aware of what your insurance doesn’t cover?

These are the 5 most common things not covered by most home insurance policies:

  1. Earthquake and Land Movement
    • As landslides and earthquakes have become more common in many states, many people are surprised to learn that earthquake or land movement damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. You need to purchase separate earthquake and landslide insurance protection.
  2. Floods
    • Multiple surveys have found a majority of homeowners and renters thought their property insurance protected them from flooding; it doesn’t. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider purchasing flood insurance, provided primarily by the federal government. Keep in mind there is a 30 day waiting period before any flood policy can go into effect.
  3. Sewer Backups
    • The sludge from sewer backup can do serious damage and make your home unsafe until it’s properly cleaned up, but it’s not covered under most homeowner insurance policies. Your insurance company can provide a special endorsement to cover sewer or sump pump backups. What you may not know is that homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of sewer and water lines through their property up to the sewer main, and many cities and utility departments will deny responsibility for most sewer incidents.
  4. Maintenance Issues
    • Insurance companies can dispute payment of damage or injuries if you fail to repair a broken step or other obvious hazards, or for mechanical breakdown of an appliance. In most cases, you will also need a special rider to cover food that might be lost due to a power outage or failure of a freezer or refrigerator.
  5. Expensive Jewelry, Fine Art, Firearms, Musical Instruments, Furs, and Collectibles
    • Many people learn after a fire or tornado that their precious items only had minimal coverage. You’ll need special scheduled personal property coverage, often called a “floater,” to make sure they are protected for their full value. In fact, 60 percent of homeowners have not documented all the valuable things they own. What does that mean to you? Completing a home inventory can speed up your claim and help you determine how much coverage you need. Download our easy Home Maintenance Checklist, and stay prepared for a disaster before it’s too late.

For more information on what home insurance does cover, visit our website at www.mycalcas.com/home-insurance  

 

Related Articles:

Flood Insurance is a Necessity Everyone Should Consider

Complete a Home Inventory

Know Your Insurance: Climate Change Protection    

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

Winter Maintenance for Your Home and Auto

Winter Maintenance for Your Home and Auto

by | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

During the winter months, snow, sleet, ice, and freezing temperatures can really take a toll on your home and vehicle. Fortunately, there are some relatively easy things you can do to help protect your car and home from any serious damage from the effects of winter weather.

 

Winter Home Maintenance Tips:

  1. Check Your Pipes

Colder winter temperatures can cause frozen pipes in your home which has the potential to cause major damage. So, it’s important to make sure your home is properly heated and you take the necessary steps to prevent your pipes from bursting.

  1. Clean the Gutters

Remove all leaves and debris that have collected in gutters. This allows water from rain, snow, and ice run off to properly drain away from your home. Not only will this extend the life of the gutters, it also helps protect the foundation of your home.

  1. Seal Windows and Cracks

Drafts from cool air from outside can cause your heating bill to skyrocket.  If the cold air is getting in, that means the warm air is getting out. Heated air escaping your home may create an ice dam on your roof! Make sure you seal all cracks and leaks (especially in the attic), windows, and doors with caulk or weather stripping. And, don’t forget to cover air conditioning units.

  1. Winterize or Cover All Outdoor Items

Disconnect and drain hoses for winter storage and install a faucet cover to protect from freezing. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s properly winterized. Place any lawn equipment or patio furniture in a safe place where they will not be harmed by weather – or critters looking to make a warm home for winter.

  1. Clean the Fireplace

Fireplaces and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected by a professional once a year before use. Blocked or dirty chimneys cause millions of dollars in damages annually. To prevent a house fire, follow these chimney safety tips. Don’t forget to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

 

Winter Auto Maintenance Tips

  1. Do Routine Maintenance

In cold weather tire pressure decreases. With every 10 degree drop in temperature, tires lose about a pound of pressure. Be sure to monitor and adjust tire pressure regularly. Additionally, batteries lose power and motor-oil thickens up, so it is important to get your car fully serviced and inspected before extended periods of cooler temperatures.

  1. Make Necessary Changes

 You don’t want to get stuck in the snow and ice, so it’s a good idea to check road conditions before getting behind the wheel. Consider switching to snow tires or using tire chains. If you have a new driver at home, be sure to help them get acclimated to the differences in the way the vehicle handles in winter weather conditions.  

  1. Keep Fuels Full

Keep coolant (anti-freeze) and gasoline as full as possible. The more gasoline in your tank, the less water can get in and freeze. This is beneficial, especially if you get stuck. Coolant will help your engine from freezing up and prevent corrosion. It is recommended to use a 50/50-mix of anti-freeze and water.

  1. Invest in a Winter Wiper Fluid

During the winter you need a wiper fluid that will not only keep your windshield clean, but will also help it defrost. A  De-Icer wiper fluid is designed specifically for winter, removes frost and ice quickly, and protects against freezing down to -27 degrees F. Of course, make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and replace if needed.

  1. Have an Emergency Kit

Even with maintenance and taking every safety precaution, you can’t predict the unpredictable. That is why you should keep an emergency kit full of helpful supplies with you in your car at all times. The kit should include a flashlight, blanket, lighter, food, water, windshield scraper, wireless charger, and other supplies you would need to survive for an extended period of time.

 

Related Articles:

Winter Driving Safety

8 Winter Driving Tips for New Drivers

Getting More Traction: Best Tires for Winter

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

Scary Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Scary Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

by | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info | 2 comments

October can be a “scary” time of year, but it doesn’t have to be frightening for those who take the proper precautions in protecting their property. With that in mind, here are…

Five ways to ward off scary insurance mistakes that can stop you dead in your tracks this Halloween season:

 

1.Protect against uninsured and underinsured drivers.

It’s estimated that one-out-of-seven drivers don’t have insurance. But, there are many more drivers that purchase bare minimums. Make sure you have protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. For about 20 cents a day, you can be protected against unexpected medical bills if you or your vehicle is hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver whose mask slipped over their eyes.

2. Purchase renters insurance.

Many renters think their landlord’s policy will cover them in the event of a fire, storm or other malady. Your landlord’s property insurance only covers the building, not the things you own. Renters insurance covers your prized possessions, loss of use of the home or apartment you rent and liability protection in case someone gets hurt on the premises. Plus, the cost is as little as $10 to $20 a month.

3. Make sure you have flood and earthquake coverage.

Most homeowner or renters insurance policies do not include damage from flood and earthquakes. Without separate flood and earthquake insurance, you could be stuck paying for all the damage and a place to live if your home is uninhabitable.

4. Have appropriate insurance for your home or vehicle.

What happens if jack-o-lantern candle accidentally starts a fire? Or someone trips and falls on your steps? Without enough coverage for the damage or liability, you could be paying out of pocket for a claim.

5. Update your coverage.

Did you recently add a new room to the house or have you purchased new electronics, appliances or jewelry? Maybe you got married in the past year or have a new driver in the household. Get a policy review to make sure the new items you purchased are covered. Additionally, you should update your insurance after a life event such as marriage, divorce or there is a new driver in the house.

 

Don’t make any scary insurance mistakes that will haunt you. Connect with a California Casualty advisor today!

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.