Winterizing your home

It’s beginning to look a lot like Winter

We haven’t seen much in the way of snow or ice around my house this winter. Most people believe ice and snow are the ultimate hazards of winter. They can be very dangerous, but there are many other dangers to you and your home during cold weather.  Frozen pipes can happen over-night.  An unused/unclean fire place can quickly turn into a damaging fire.  And don’t forget about your car. Liquids freeze, even in your car.

There are precautions you can take that can save you money and pain (physical and mental!)

·         Winterize your home

o   Install weather stripping.

o   Cover outside faucets and pipes.

o   Inspect and clean your fireplace- before you use it.

o   Test smoke detector batteries. (This should be done monthly regardless of the weather)

o   Keep kitty litter for icy porches and sidewalks. Let’s avoid slips and falls on ice!

·         Winterize your car

o   Keep the gas tank full. This will help avoid ice building up in the take and fuel lines

o   Make sure your car is in good working condition. You don’t want to get stranded in the cold.

·         Other precautions

o   Keep an emergency kit for your home. Include a weather radio, flashlight, batteries, snacks…

o   Keep your phone fully charged when you leave the house. You want to be able to make an emergency call if necessary.

o   Take a friend when participating in any outdoor activities in the snow. If you get stranded or hurt, someone is there to help. 

If you have any questions about your home, auto or business insurance, email Brockman Premier Insurance or call 877-987-8683

Be sure to visit our website!

Home Security Systems

Home Security Options 
For Those of Us Without 5 Large Dogs!

Research shows if it take more than 5 minutes to break into a home, the burglar will go elsewhere. I imagine 5 large barking dogs would deter them as well. But for those of you without the dogs, let's look at the different types of home security systems.

Types:

• Do It Yourself (DIY)
• These are security systems you can can install yourself. I know not everyone is handy with tools, but many of these systems are quite easy to install. They usually contain a main key pad and door, window and motion sensors. One benefit is they generally have shorter contract length requirements. You can add additional equipment- since you bought the system at a reputable retailer. Also they are mobile. When you move, you can take the system with you. 
• Technician Installed
• These systems require a professional to complete the installation. One benefit is you don't have to do the work. Usually the monitoring company will give the basic system and installation to you when you sign a contract. The downside is the contracts are usually 3-5 years in length.
• Additional Features you can add on
• Panic buttons: You can carry the panic button around with you (ideal for elderly homeowners) or you can place panic buttons throughout the house to signal the monitoring company if you need help
• Glass Break sensors: Most window sensors only detect if a window is opened. Glass break sensors can detect if the window is being broken.
• Motion detectors: These are put under carpeting/flooring throughout the house. Even if someone manages to get in undetected, the motion sensors will signal a break in.
• Video monitoring: You can add cameras to see what is going on in your home when you are away. 

Monitoring

How your system is monitored can  make as big a difference as how many sensors there are. 
Always ask about the monitoring before you buy/install a home security system.

• Third Party Monitoring: There are several “super central” stations across the country with hundreds of agents monitoring customers from several different home security companies. It is not uncommon for security companies to sell the customer’s contract to a monitoring company. They also sell equipment for the monitoring company. 
• In-House Monitoring: In house monitoring typically have at least 2 monitoring centers in different geographical locations. The majority of these contracts stay in house. Some believe this gives better service to the customer (that local feel) while other believe it is too much and the company won’t have the same level of service. 

• Local Alarm (no monitoring): These are the most basic of alarms. They sound off a loud noise if there is an intruder, but they do not contact the police or a monitoring system. Similar to a smoke alarm. They make the homeowner aware of the problem, but do not contact the authorities.                                                                     Most insurance companies provide 2 percent to 15 percent discounts for devices that make a home safer--dead-bolt locks, window grates, bars and smoke/fire/burglar alarms.

Call The Brockman Agency - we would love to walk you through your policies.  We will make sure you understand your coverage - and we may be able to save you some money while doing it! Toll Free- 1-877-987-8683

Thanks for reading!
Nancy