5 Tips to Prepare Your Home While You’re Away May 1, 2023 Going on a trip can be an exciting and fun experience. However, before you hit the road or board a plane, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for your departure. By taking a few simple steps before you head out the door, you can ensure that your home is secure while you’re away. Here are five home security tips to help you prepare your home before leaving for your trip! Turn Off the Lights Before you leave, be sure to turn off all lights in your home. This not only helps conserve energy but also gives the impression that someone is still home. Leaving lights on for extended periods can attract unwanted attention, which can put your home at risk of burglary. Unplug Appliances and Electronics Unplugging appliances and electronics before leaving on a trip can help prevent fires while you’re away. Make sure to unplug any non-essential devices, like lamps, unused chargers and slow cookers. Also, consider unplugging appliances such as your toaster, coffee maker and microwave. This will help reduce the risk of electrical fires while you’re enjoying your trip. Set the Thermostat Accordingly It’s important to set your thermostat accordingly before leaving on a trip. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, you may want to turn off your HVAC system entirely. However, if you’re only going to be gone for a few days, you can set your thermostat to a lower temperature to save energy. Remove the Spare Key If you have a spare key hidden under a rock or a garden gnome, it’s time to find a new hiding spot. Burglars are pretty good at finding hidden keys, so make sure you remove any potential risks. If you need to leave a spare key for someone to keep your plants alive or in case of emergencies, consider giving it directly to a trusted neighbor or family member. Have the Post Office Hold Your Mail It’s a good idea to have the post office hold your mail if you’re planning to be away from home for more than a few days. After all, a pile of mail overflowing from your mailbox is a dead giveaway that you’re not home. You probably also don’t want to come home to a mailbox full of bills and junk mail. An easy way to cut the clutter? Go paperless with OKFB! Ask your OKFB agent for more details. Prepping your home before leaving on a trip is essential for maintaining the security and comfort of your home while you’re away. By following these home security tips, you can ensure that your home is safe, secure and ready for your return. 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.
Is Your Family Ready for Winter? December 1, 2022 Winter is here: are you ready to keep yourself and your family safe throughout the frigid months ahead? Take our winter safety quiz to test your knowledge of common cold weather hazards and check the answers below! Winter Safety Quiz 1. True or False: Farm animals will be fine in the winter with the same amount of food they eat in the summer. a. True b. False 2. How many layers of clothing does the Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommend wearing while working in the cold? a. One b. Two c. Three d. No recommendation exists 3. Under which of the following conditions can someone develop hypothermia? a. When the weather is below freezing b. When the weather is above freezing c. When someone isn’t dressed for the weather d. All of the above 4. Ahead of freezing temperatures, homeowners should do which of these things? a. Leave the area for somewhere warmer b. Turn the heater all the way up c. Drain and cover outside faucets d. None of the above 5. Why is the first winter storm often considered to be the most dangerous for drivers? a. Motorists are out of practice or unprepared b. Emergency crews may be unprepared c. Cars are too warm for the roads d. Both A and B 6. True or False: Current OKFB members can access 24/7 Roadside Rescue in the event of a vehicle breakdown. a. True b. False 7. Which of the following could pose a hazard to homeowners during a winter storm? a. Cable going out during a big football game b. Unstable tree branches falling on a home or vehicle c. Snow or ice piling up in blocked gutters d. Both A and B e. Both B and C 8. What items should you have in your home emergency kit? a. Candles, flashlights and batteries b. Bottled water and no-cook food and snacks c. Blankets and warm clothing d. Emergency radio and charged power banks e. All of the above Answer Key The answer is: False! Many animals require more food and water in the winter than in the summer. With the low outdoor temperatures, it takes more energy and food to keep livestock’s body temperature safe and stable. The answer is: Three! If you’re going outdoors to work on your home, yard, or ranch during the colder months, OSHA recommends wearing at least three layers of clothing to insulate yourself from low temps. The answer is: All of the Above! While hypothermia is most commonly developed when a person is in sub-freezing temperatures, those aren’t the only times to be alert. Individuals can also develop hypothermia at cool temps above 40 degrees if the person is not able to retain heat or if they are chilled from rain, sweat or cold water. The answer is: Drain and cover outside faucets! Freezing temperatures can cause water to expand in your pipes, which could lead to a burst pipe in your home. Draining, covering and insulating any outdoor faucets and exposed pipes could help prevent these issues. The answer is: Both A and B! The first winter storms often catch both motorists and emergency crews off guard. Motorists may be out of practice or haven’t gotten ready for winter weather. This can lead to slick roads and more accidents during early winter storms. The answer is: True! Roadside Rescue is provided by OKFB Insurance to every active Member of Oklahoma Farm Bureau. If a current OKFB Member’s vehicle is stranded on the side of the road, simply call the rescue hotline at 833-957-OKFB (6532). The answer is: Both B and C! There are many potential hazards for homeowners to watch out for in the winter months. Before storms hit, check nearby trees and get any unstable branches trimmed away to avoid damage from falling branches. Clearing out gutters can also prevent ice or snow from piling up on your roof or pulling the gutters off your home. The answer is: All of the above! Winter months can bring snowstorms and ice storms that sometimes result in power outages and road closures, so keeping an emergency kit handy means you’ll be prepared if your family has to stay inside your home for an extended period. We’re Here to Help How did you do on our winter safety quiz? 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 media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
What to Know Before Making A Claim September 9, 2022 No matter how prepared you are, sometimes life deals you a bad hand. If you’ve experienced property theft, severe weather damage, a car accident, home fire or another unfortunate incident, calling your insurance company may not be the first thing you think about doing. However, once you’re safe, it’s important to act quickly. Starting the claims process early helps you get back on your feet as soon as possible. If you’ve never needed to file a claim on your auto or home insurance policy, the process might seem unfamiliar and daunting. That’s where we come in to help. Your local OKFB Insurance agent can answer any questions you may have about how insurance claims work. The guide below breaks down some of the key elements to know about the process. Communication is critical As soon as you’ve suffered a loss, it’s important to communicate the details to your insurance company. Even if you’re uncertain whether the event is covered or if you plan to file a claim, let us know what happened so that our team can help evaluate the coverage you have and guide you through the next steps. In some cases, there may be a limited amount of time to file a claim after you’ve experienced a loss. Getting in touch with your insurance agent quickly can get you a better understanding of the finer details of your policy, but it can also help you avoid missing out on the timeframe you’re eligible to file a claim. Document the claim More is always better when it comes to documentation for insurance claims! If the claim involves theft or vandalism, you will likely need to file a police report to submit alongside your claim. Keep note of who you speak to and who inspects your property. It’s also important to document all damage, stolen items, or anything else that will substantiate the claim. For claims involving property damage, document as much as you can about the items and approximate value. It’s also important to take pictures and video if possible. You should also build an inventory list that is specific to the brand and model of the damaged items. This will help your agent accurately assess what is covered under your policy and your options for reimbursement. Appraise damages and start repairs Once a claim is filed, most insurance companies will deploy an adjuster or contractor to assess the extent of the damages. This could involve coordinating with a local mechanic for auto insurance claims or personally inspecting the property for home claims. They will ask you certain questions and give an estimate for how much it will cost. You’ll receive payment from your insurer once the deductible is paid and you have agreed on a settlement amount. Depending on the type of claim, these payments may come as a one-time lump sum for replacement costs or as incrementally released funds throughout the repair process. Your agent or adjuster can help guide you through the options available for payment and securing contractors for repairs. We’re here for you 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 media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Did You Know This Could Be Insured? May 2, 2022 It may be surprising to learn that many personal items in your household can be eligible for insurance coverage. There are a variety of items insurance could protect in the event of damage or theft, like instruments, jewelry and art. So whether you’re looking to insure a wedding ring or pet iguana—we’ve got your covered! Keep reading to learn more about the unique items covered under insurance! What is Personal Property Insurance Coverage? When it comes to Personal Property Insurance, there are a few different coverage options available. Replacement cost, which covers the cost of replacing damaged or stolen items, is the most common type of coverage. There is also cash value coverage, which reimburses you for the actual cash value of your belongings at the time of the loss. Finally, there is Personal Property Insurance, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings. What can be covered? Musical Instruments. When it comes to household items, there are a few surprising things that could be insured. For instance, did you know that you can insure a musical instrument? If you own an expensive piece, or simply want to protect your investment, Personal Property Insurance could be a great option. Electronics are another type of household item that can be insured, such as TVs, sound, or gaming systems. You may want to consider insuring these types of items against damage or theft. Also, be sure to check different coverage limits in case you need to include additional coverage for certain electronics. Jewelry and art are two other types of personal belongings that can be insured. If you have pieces of jewelry or art, Personal Property Insurance could help to protect your investment. For example, you could file a claim for lost, stolen or damaged pieces and receive reimbursement for the value of your belongings. Cameras/Camera Equipment. If you are a photographer, videographer or work with cameras often, Personal Property Insurance coverage may be the thing for you! Personal property coverage may cover cameras and qualifying camera equipment. Consider looking into all the coverage options available. If you’re looking to protect your belongings, we encourage you to speak with your OKFB insurance agent about options available to you. If you have any other questions, connect with us today. We would be happy to help you find the insurance coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial, and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
