Category: Home

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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.

Holiday Safety Tips You Need to Know

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration! However, it’s also a time when we need to be extra vigilant about safety in our homes. Here is a list of 8 holiday safety tips to ensure your season remains merry and bright–don’t forget to check it twice!

Manage Your Electrical Outlets

While it’s tempting to create elaborate light displays just like Martha May Whovier in Whoville, be careful not to overload your electrical outlets. Too many devices plugged into one outlet or power strip can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. Use multiple outlets spread around your home instead of concentrating everything in one area.

Lights Out When You’re Out

Not only can overloading outlets be dangerous, but lights can also be a fire hazard if left unattended for a while. Always turn off the lights before going to bed or leaving the house. This simple habit can prevent potential electrical fires and save energy too. Check out more holiday safety tips to prepare your home for the holidays. 

Tree Safety is Key

Whether you have a real or artificial Christmas tree, proper placement is crucial. Keep all trees at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters. If you have a real tree, check its water level daily and keep it well-hydrated to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Not sure how to dispose of your real tree after the holidays? Find out here!

Fireplace Do’s and Don’ts

Your fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere, but it’s not a disposal unit. Never burn wrapping paper, wreaths, or trees in your fireplace. These materials can burn too quickly, potentially causing a chimney fire or releasing toxic fumes into your home.

Prepare for Winter Travel

If you’re planning to travel for the holidays, take the time to winterize your car. This includes checking your battery, brakes, and tires, as well as ensuring your antifreeze levels are adequate. A well-maintained car is crucial for safe driving through a winter wonderland!

Pack a Winter Storm Emergency Kit

Whether you’re traveling or staying home, a winter storm emergency kit is essential. Include items like blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. This kit can be a lifesaver in case of long power outages or if you get stranded while traveling!

By following these holiday safety tips, you can help ensure that your holiday season remains joyful and safe. From all of us at OKFB Insurance, we wish you a safe and wonderful holiday 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 Should You Do With Fallen Leaves?

As fall and the colder weather swoops in, it brings with it the question of what to do with fallen leaves. To rake or not to rake? Here are four ideas for managing fallen leaves this season!

Turn Leaves Into Mulch

Fallen leaves make excellent mulch for your garden beds and around trees. Just spread the leaves around your plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and subdue weed growth. As the leaves break down, they’ll also enrich the soil with valuable nutrients.

Get to Chopping

Instead of gathering up all the leaves, use your lawnmower to chop the leaves into small pieces. This method allows the tiny leaf pieces to settle between grass blades, providing natural fertilizer for your lawn. It’s a time-saving technique that benefits your yard or garden, all while reducing waste!

Create a Compost Pile

Fallen leaves are a fantastic addition to your compost pile. For example, you can mix them with green materials like grass clippings and kitchen scraps to create a nutrient-rich compost that could give your garden a boost come spring. If you don’t have a compost bin, now is the perfect time to start one!

Rake Up the Leaves

Sometimes, the traditional method still works. Why get rid of the leaves? Leaving them on the ground to get wet could produce mold spores that can sometimes trigger mild allergic reactions, for example. Regularly clearing leaves from walkways, driveways, and gutters can also help prevent accidents and potential damage to your home.

By following these tips, you can make the most of the fall leaves while keeping your land healthy and your home safe.

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.

6 Things to Do Before You Use Your Fireplace

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a warm, cozy fireplace. However, before you light that first log, it’s important to ensure your fireplace is safe and ready for use. Here are some essential fireplace safety tips to keep in mind!

Clean Your Chimney

Start the season right by having your chimney cleaned. A clean chimney prevents dangerous creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. Regular cleaning also ensures proper ventilation, keeping your home safe from harmful gasses.

Open the Damper or Flue

Always remember to open the damper or flue, which allows smoke to escape through the chimney, before lighting a fire. Forgetting this step can quickly fill your home with smoke and potentially dangerous fumes!

Check Your Detectors

Next, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they still have working batteries. You might also want to test them regularly to make sure they’re working properly.

Use a Fireplace Screen

If you don’t already have one, you might want to invest in a fireplace screen. This barrier prevents sparks and embers from escaping the fireplace and potentially igniting nearby flammable materials.

Don’t Overload the Firebox

While it might seem convenient to stuff the firebox full of logs all at once, this can actually be dangerous. Overloading can cause the fire to burn too hot, potentially damaging your fireplace or chimney. Instead, add logs occasionally as needed. This approach not only is safer but also allows for better fire management.

Manage Your Ashes

After each fire, clean out the ashes once they’ve cooled completely. Too much ash in your fireplace can cause more smoke. A good rule of thumb is to keep the level of ash at the base of the fireplace to one inch or less to avoid too much buildup and smoke.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace while keeping your home and family safe. Remember, a well-maintained fireplace is a safe fireplace.

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.