Category: Home

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Prepping Your Home For Spring

April Showers Bring…Home Maintenance Opportunities! As spring takes hold, April offers the perfect opportunity to ensure your home is ready for warmer days. Here are five essential maintenance tips to prepare for the season of renewal.

  1. Gutter and Downspout Cleaning:

Clear away debris from gutters and ensure downspouts are unclogged to prevent water damage. Proper drainage is key to protecting your foundation as spring rains arrive.

  1. Roof Inspection:

After winter weather has taken its toll, inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. Prompt repairs can prevent potential leaks during spring showers.

  1. Assess Outdoor Spaces:

Give your garden and patio some TLC. Prune overgrown trees and shrubs, and clean patio furniture to make your outdoor spaces ready for spring gatherings.

  1. HVAC System Check:

Prepare for warmer temperatures by having your HVAC system inspected and serviced. Maintaining it in working order ensures comfort and saves energy.

  1. Review Home Insurance Policies:

Take time this month to review your homeowners insurance coverage. Make sure you’re adequately protected from spring-related risks. Consult your Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance agent to update your policy if needed.

With these five maintenance tips, your home will be all set for a wonderful spring. Stay proactive to ensure you enjoy a restful and secure season.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to 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.

Cyber Home Security

Smart homes are revolutionizing the way we live, offering ease and efficiency in everyday tasks. While Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance protects your physical home with reliable insurance coverage, digital threats are an increasing concern in today’s connected world. Securing your smart home goes beyond locks and alarms—it requires proactive measures to keep your personal data and devices safe.

As you embrace these technologies, implementing a few key practices will ensure your home remains a secure sanctuary. Here are some additional steps you can take to safeguard your most important place.

  1. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network:

Your Wi-Fi is the central hub for all smart devices. Protect it with a strong, unique password and enable encryption (preferably WPA3). Consider setting up a guest network for visitors to safeguard your primary network.

  1. Keep Devices Updated:

Regular updates enhance device performance and security. Set your smart devices to update automatically, ensuring you always have the latest protections.

  1. Use Strong Passwords:

Create unique, complex passwords for each device. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols will enhance security, helping to keep your network safe.

  1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA adds an extra security layer by requiring both a password and a second form of verification, such as a code from your phone or a fingerprint scan.

  1. Manage Permissions:

Review your smart devices and apps, granting only necessary permissions. This limits potential security risks while optimizing functionality.

  1. Educate Household Members:

Empower everyone in your household with basic cybersecurity knowledge, including recognizing phishing attempts and using secure browsing practices.

By adopting these straightforward security practices, you can enjoy the full benefits of your smart home with confidence and peace of mind. 

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to 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.

Preparing for Storm Season

Spring in Oklahoma brings beautiful blooms, but it also comes with the potential for severe storms. Preparing your home for storm season is crucial to protect your family and your property. Here are some essential tips to ensure your home is storm-ready, along with advice on checking your insurance policies for adequate coverage.

  1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters: 

Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles and ensure gutters are clear of debris to prevent water backup and leaks.

  1. Secure Outdoor Items:

High winds can turn outdoor furniture and decor into hazards. Secure or store items like patio furniture, grills, and potted plants.

  1. Trim Trees and Shrubs:

Regularly trim trees and shrubs around your home to prevent branches from causing damage during strong winds.

  1. Install Surge Protectors:

Protect your electronic devices from power surges caused by lightning. Consider installing whole-home surge protectors for added security.

  1. Review Your Insurance Policy:

Ensure your homeowners insurance policy covers storm-related damages. Check for specifics on wind and hail coverage, and make adjustments as necessary.

  1. Create an Emergency Kit:

Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit you can access in case of a severe storm or resulting power outage. 

Preparing your home for spring storms can prevent damage and keep your family safe. For more information on safeguarding your home and verifying your insurance coverage, connect with your local OKFB agent. Stay safe this storm season!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to 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.

What to Look for in a Home Inspection

When you’re in the process of buying a new home, a thorough home inspection is crucial. It can save you from unexpected expenses and potential safety hazards down the line. Here are four key areas to pay close attention to during your home inspection!

The Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in good condition. A professional inspector can determine if the roof was installed correctly and if it’s showing signs of wear or damage. Make sure they look for quality of construction, signs of aging or deterioration, and proper protection from all the elements! 

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for your safety and comfort. Inspectors should pay close attention to appliances that run on natural gas, like water heaters. Poor installation or configuration can lead to dangerous fume buildup. Ensure that all gas appliances are properly installed, ventilation systems are functioning correctly, and there are no signs of carbon monoxide buildup.

Basement and Attic

These areas can reveal a lot about a home’s overall condition! In the basement and attic, make sure to check for signs of moisture or water damage on floors, proper operation of sump pumps, staining from roof leaks, structural damage or decay, and properly contained electrical splices. Issues in these areas can be indicators of larger problems throughout the house.

Exterior

The outside of the home can also tell you a lot about its overall condition and maintenance. Key things to look for include no significant cracks in the foundation condition, proper drainage away from the house, straight exterior walls with no sagging, siding in good condition without cracks or damage, undamaged bricks with no cracks in joints, and well-maintained gutters that drain properly.

By focusing on these areas during your home inspection, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your potential new home. Remember, a thorough home inspection is an investment in your future peace of mind!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to 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.