OKFB Policyholder Recognized with Medal of Honor March 2, 2023 OKFB Insurance learned of longtime policyholder Dwight Birdwell’s story from his insurance agent, Rick Roberts. We share his story in honor of his service and in memory of countless other service men and women who sacrificed their lives and safety to create a better world. On January 31, 1968, Dwight Birdwell found himself fixed upon a disabled tank with enemy fire coming from seemingly all sides outside Tan Son Nhut, an air base outside of Saigon, South Vietnam. This was a far cry from the hay fields of Bell, Oklahoma where Dwight had spent his childhood learning to farm from his father and honoring his Cherokee heritage and culture. On July 5, 2022, Dwight received the Medal of Honor for his bravery and heroic efforts during his service in Korea and Vietnam. Dwight enlisted in the army in 1966 after graduating high school and shortly thereafter was sent to Korea after attending training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Eventually, Dwight found himself as a member of the 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Division, popularly known as Three-Quarter Horse. On that fateful day in January, Dwight’s Troop C was ordered to help secure the Tan Son Nhut Air Base from enemy troops. After the lead tank had taken intense fire and become inoperable, Dwight quickly moved into action to use what defense systems were left on the tank and to protect his fellow soldiers from the barrage of bullets, rockets and grenade fire. After his tank commander was shot, Dwight helped move him to safety and began to fire the .50-caliber machine gun while also using the 90mm main gun to push enemy forces back. Dwight attributes some of his reaction to his childhood experiences. “Growing up on a farm you learn to adapt to situations quickly,” said Dwight. “That—and I’ll make no bone about it—I owe the credit to God.” After exhausting the 90mm gun and machine gun, Dwight moved to a wounded helicopter nearby while firing his M-16 rifle in an effort to collect two M60 machine guns and ammunition that were aboard the helicopter. Afterward, he helped other wounded soldiers and remounted the tank with one of his M60s, and he continued to fire back on the enemy. Despite sustaining many injuries to his neck, chest and arms, Dwight refused medical attention so he and his fellow soldiers could continue their defense. After the events of that day, the air base was secured. Dwight would later be honored with a Silver Star for his efforts and would go on to earn two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during his time in Vietnam. He would also earn a second Silver Star for his bravery in rescuing more Americans who became stranded in a battle zone during a conflict on July 4, 1968. Although many years have passed since his time in Korea and Vietnam, Dwight still vividly remembers the rice fields and the people who farmed them. “During my time in Vietnam, I developed an immense respect for the local farming community,” said Dwight. “The people were trying to provide for their families and villages and being an Oklahoma farm kid, I could relate.” After returning stateside in 1968, Dwight would go on to get married and start a family. He earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1976 and has enjoyed a fascinating career that led him to serve on the Judicial Appeal Tribunal (Supreme Court) of the Cherokee Nation. After a decades-long campaign by Vietnam Army General Glenn Otis to have Dwight’s Silver Star upgraded, Dwight received the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden in the summer of 2022. Dwight Birdwell is the 33rd Native American to earn the Medal of Honor. At OKFB, we are proud to know and help such an extraordinary individual and applaud his service to our country. Congratulations, Dwight!
What You Should Know Before Buying Farm Property and Liability Insurance March 2, 2023 Want to make sure you have the perfect policy to protect your farm or ranch? No matter what type of farming or ranching operation you manage, it’s important to have coverage that meets your individual needs. Here are some must-know factors to consider when picking property and liability coverage for your farm or ranch! Personal Property Protect your property with the right coverage. OKFB’s Farm Personal Property coverage options are here to make sure your farm and ranch basics – like livestock, hay, grain and equipment – are covered in case of damage. However, farm machinery and equipment are only protected by incidents listed in your policy, so make sure to review your policy carefully and know what’s covered and what’s not. Personal property typically doesn’t cover general wear and tear, so it’s important to ensure your equipment is up-to-date and regularly maintained. Additionally, those with complex machinery – think high-tech harvesters or tractors – consider adding extra protection for peace of mind! Does Farm Personal Property Cover My Home? Personal property insurance isn’t the same as home insurance. If you’re looking for a home insurance policy, finding the right coverage can be much easier than you think! Talk to your local OKFB agent about finding the right home insurance policy to meet your needs. Liability Insurance Think your small business doesn’t need liability insurance? Generally, every employee in Oklahoma is covered by the workers’ compensation laws of the state. Oklahoma statutes require employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for all employees, full-time or part-time, though there are a few exceptions. How Much Liability Coverage Do I Need? As a responsible farm or ranch owner, you’ll want to make sure all of your bases are covered. Farm and ranch liability insurance is the key! We offer many different types of policies to fit your needs. A liability insurance policy can keep you covered in case you become legally liable for property damage or bodily injury. For example, Farm Employee Liability coverage can provide compensation to employees you are legally obligated to cover. With additional coverage options like Medical Payments to Others, Farm Employees Medical Payments and more, there are plenty of ways you can protect yourself, your employees and your livestock. With the right policy, you can trust that your farm or ranch is safe if disaster strikes. From farm property to liability insurance, it’s important to understand the different policies available and choose one that fits your needs. With a comprehensive understanding of what type of coverage will work best for your business, you can rest assured knowing that your farm or ranch has the protection it deserves. We’re Here to Help Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
5 Home Maintenance Items You Shouldn’t Overlook February 8, 2023 As a homeowner, you already know that it’s important to keep your home clean and in good condition. Sure, vacuuming the floors may come to mind first—but there are some other frequently overlooked home maintenance items that you should check in on, too! Take a look at five things in your home that you may need to clean or check more often than you realize. 1. Dishwasher Filters The dishwasher filter is your trusty sidekick when it comes to ensuring you’re getting squeaky clean dishes. Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, which can cause it to spew out old food particles while washing your dishes. Dishwashers can also be prone to bacteria because of the dampness, especially when they are not cleaned regularly. Make sure you run an empty cycle with cleansing liquid every once in a while and give it time to fully dry out. To clean your dishwasher filter, simply remove it from the dishwasher and rinse it off with warm water and soap. 2. Washer and Dryer Filters Did you know you’re supposed to wash your washer? Like the dishwasher, your washing machine can be prone to mold or other bacteria. Run an empty load with some white vinegar and baking soda in your washer to remove any buildup of detergent or fabric softener. You probably already know to clean off the lint trap in your dryer between each load of laundry, but do you know how often to clean the dryer vent? A dirty dryer vent is the culprit behind 34% of home fires caused by dryers. It’s best to clean out the dryer vent and behind the dryer around every three months. To do so, unplug your dryer from the wall, disconnect the dryer duct (located on the back of the dryer), and vacuum the lint out of the vent. If you have a long or difficult to access dryer vent, you can also hire a professional to come clear the line for you. 3. Water Heaters Your water heater is another important item to check for maintenance. Over time, minerals can build up in your water heater, which could cause your water lines to clog or lead to other major problems. Keep your water heater in tip-top shape with checkups by professionals at least once a year to make sure everything is running smoothly. Another step to maintaining a healthy water heater is flushing your water heater at least once or twice a year to avoid buildup. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way to keep you safe from major problems or damage! 4. Faucet Aerators If your faucet doesn’t seem to be performing the way it used to, your faucet aerators may be to blame. These are another item that often gets overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Like a water heater, these small screens at the end of faucets can become filled with minerals, which can clog up your faucet and restrict your water pressure. To clean your faucet aerators, just unscrew them and rinse them off with warm water or soak them in vinegar. Faucet aerators should be rinsed at least every six months or more if you have harder water. 5. Air Filters and Vents You probably know you need to replace your air filters, but how often do you clean your vents? It’s good practice to do a monthly or quarterly inspection of your air vents for any dust buildup. See any dust buildup? Use a duster or a vacuum attachment to remove the buildup. There are a lot of factors that go into how often you need to replace your filters and clean your vents; however, your air filter may have a replacement date to follow as a general guide. Keep your home running like a well-oiled machine by taking the time to do regular checkups and clean! However, in the event that damage does occur, it’s important to know that you have options. Reach out to your local OKFB insurance agent for help and to talk through your coverage plan or to assist in the event of a claim. We’re Here to Help Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
6 Items You Need In Your Ice Storm Emergency Kit February 8, 2023 Are you prepared for an ice storm? Having an emergency kit in your home and car before an ice storm hits could be critical for staying safe in dangerous conditions. Milk and bread shouldn’t be the only items on your emergency checklist! From blankets to cat litter, take a look at our ice storm emergency kit essentials so you can stay safe whether you’re at home or on the road: Warm clothes and blankets Staying warm, especially if there’s an outage or you’re on the road, is crucial during an ice storm. Beat the chill by stocking up on warm clothes and blankets. A combination of wool or fleece blankets for insulation and a sleeping bag or emergency blanket that uses Mylar to stop heat evaporation is the best bet to keep warm as temperatures drop. It’s also a good idea to leave at least one change of clothes and a blanket in your car if you get stuck in a storm while traveling. Flashlights and portable chargers Don’t be left in the dark during an ice storm! Flashlights and portable chargers are two important items that should be included in any emergency kit during an ice storm. Flashlights and portable chargers will come in handy, especially if the power is out for a long period of time. Already have these in your kit? Now is the time to check that the batteries are working or fully charged so everything is ready if the power goes out. Bottled water and snacks When stocking up on items for your home ice storm emergency kit, it’s essential to make sure you have plenty of water and snacks. Load up on all the trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter – anything non-perishable. Pay attention to the expiration date and throw out any food that is past its date! Ice scraper and shovel In addition to having water and non-perishable snacks, having a shovel and an ice scraper in your car is also essential for staying safe and prepared. If you’re traveling and get stuck on the side of the road, it may help clear out a path to get out more safely. Sand or cat litter Having sand in your ice storm emergency kit is an important element of staying safe during an ice storm. Sand can be sprinkled on slick, icy surfaces to provide more traction for walking or driving on a pathway. Don’t have sand on hand? Cat litter can also work to give more traction on slippery surfaces. First aid kit First aid kits are crucial for ice storm preparation. If you’re stuck in place and an accident occurs, a first aid kit gives you the tools you need when help is out of reach. It’s also a good practice to have a first aid kit for your home, as well as for your car when traveling. Remember to continue to update your home and car emergency kits based on your family’s needs. If you’re on the road and need help, don’t forget about Roadside Rescue. This free service runs 24/7, meaning roadside assistance is just a call away. If you’re already an OKFB policyholder, save the Roadside Rescue phone number in your cell phone for quick access during an emergency: 833-957-OKFB (6532). We’re Here to Help Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
