Storm Recovery Checklist: Filing a Claim April 5, 2024 As we approach tornado season, it’s important to know not just how to prepare for storm season, but also what to do post-storm. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare and recover from its aftermath. With a storm recovery checklist in hand, you can navigate the challenges of rebuilding your life after a tornado or severe weather strikes. 1. Prioritize Safety with Emergency Repairs The safety of yourself and your loved ones should always come first. After the storm passes, assess your surroundings for any immediate dangers. If safe to do so, make emergency repairs to secure your property and prevent further damage. Board up broken windows, patch up roof leaks, and clear debris blocking pathways. However, exercise caution and avoid entering severely damaged structures until they have been inspected by professionals. 2. Document the Damage Before beginning any cleanup or repairs, thoroughly document the extent of the damage. Take photos and videos from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive visual record. This documentation will be useful when filing insurance claims. Be sure to capture both the interior and exterior of your property, including any personal belongings that have been affected. 3. Gather Essential Information Before contacting your local agent, gather all necessary information, including your policy number, contact information for your insurance agent, and any relevant documentation related to your property and possessions. Having this information readily available will streamline the claims process and ensure that you receive the assistance you need in a timely manner. 4. Report Your Claim Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to report your insurance claim. We offer a few ways to report, including calling our Claims Department or contacting your local OKFB agent. Provide them with a detailed description of the situation and be prepared to submit any documentation. Your agent will guide you through the claims process and help you understand what coverage is available to you. 5. Take Inventory of Damaged Property Create a detailed inventory of all property that has been damaged or destroyed. This should include everything from structural damage to personal belongings. Document the make, model, and serial number of any major appliances or electronics, as well as the condition of any furniture or other items. This inventory will serve as a valuable reference and can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. 6. Follow the Status of Your Claim Stay informed about the status of your insurance claim and follow up with your insurance provider as needed. Keep detailed records of all communications, including phone calls, emails, and written correspondence. At OKFB Insurance, our 10 regional claims offices help make the claims process as quick and smooth as possible. By following this storm recovery checklist, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety, protect your property, and navigate the insurance claims process with confidence. Together, we can weather the storm and rebuild stronger than ever before. 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.
8 Spring Cleaning Tips to Add to Your Checklist March 1, 2024 As the winter weather fades away, it’s the perfect time to give your home a refreshing makeover with some spring cleaning! With the sun starting to shine a little brighter, there’s no better time to tackle those neglected corners and give your living space a well-deserved deep clean. Here are some essential tips to help you start your spring cleaning: Deep Clean Your Appliances Start your spring cleaning by giving your appliances some extra love. Take the time to deep clean your fridge and any other appliances you use regularly. Remove all items from the fridge, wipe down shelves and drawers, and toss out any expired or unwanted food items. When cleaning the oven, use a powerful oven cleaner to tackle stubborn grease and grime, but also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions if your oven is self cleaning. Don’t forget about your washer and dryer—wipe down surfaces, clean out lint traps, and run a cleaning cycle to keep them fresh and efficient. Declutter Closets If you’re tackling your bedroom for spring cleaning, consider decluttering your closets and donating clothes you no longer wear. Set aside some time to go through your wardrobe, separating items you haven’t worn in the past year. Donate these items to charity or organize a clothing swap with friends and family. Decluttering not only creates more space but also promotes a sense of clarity and organization in your home! Don’t Forget the Walls Brighten up your living space by dusting the blinds, washing the curtains, and spraying down the windows. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust and dirt from blinds and window sills. Take down curtains and drapes for a thorough wash or vacuum to eliminate allergens and freshen up the fabric. Finally, spray down windows with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove streaks and smudges, allowing more natural light to filter into your home. Freshen Up Carpets Consider freshening up your carpets and rugs while you’re doing your spring cleaning. Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional service to remove embedded dirt, stains and odors. Focus on high-traffic areas and pay attention to any spills or spots that require extra attention. Once cleaned, open windows to promote airflow and help carpets dry faster, leaving your home feeling clean for the new season! Replace Air Filters Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and trap allergens, dust and other pollutants, leading to poor indoor air quality. Improve indoor air quality by replacing air filters in your HVAC system. Check your air filters regularly and replace them every three months to ensure a healthier living environment for you and your family. Clean Up the Bathroom Transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat this spring. Change out your shower curtain for a fresh look, unclog drains to prevent buildup and scrub surfaces and fixtures. Don’t forget to go through your cosmetics drawer or medicine cabinet to dispose of any expired items. Remove Hard-Water Buildup Combat hard-water buildup in your bathroom by giving your showerhead a thorough cleaning. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead, ensuring that it’s fully submerged. Leave it overnight to dissolve mineral deposits, then scrub away any remaining residue with a toothbrush. This simple trick will help restore your showerhead and remove buildup. Clean Out Gutters Don’t forget about the exterior of your home when spring cleaning. Clean out gutters to remove leaves, debris and other obstructions that can cause water damage and drainage issues. Use a ladder and gloves to safely clear out the gutters, and consider installing gutter guards to prevent future buildup. Properly maintained gutters will help protect your home from water damage and ensure that rainwater flows away from your foundation. With these essential spring cleaning tips, you can revitalize your home and create a clean, organized and welcoming space for the season ahead. Happy spring cleaning! 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.
5 Tips to Prevent Fires in Your Home February 8, 2024 Keeping your home safe is a top priority, so making sure to avoid fires is obviously top of mind. From installing smoke alarms to maintaining heating sources and crafting emergency escape plans, these tips can help make your house a safer home for you and your loved ones. Keep reading for tips on how to prevent fires in your home! Install Smoke Alarms To enhance your home’s safety, strategically place smoke alarms on every level of your residence and outside every sleeping area. Regularly check these alarms to ensure they are in proper working condition and change their batteries at least once a year. Maintain Heating Sources Regular inspections and cleanings of home heating sources, including furnaces and stoves, are essential. Keeping up with maintenance gives you an opportunity to address any issues to prevent malfunctions before it’s too late. Also, remember to regularly check for cracked or rusted furnace parts and tend to any creosote buildup in chimneys. Stay Informed About Recalls Keep yourself informed about recalls related to home appliances that pose a fire hazard. Register your appliances with the manufacturer to receive timely recall notices. Take immediate action to replace or repair any recalled appliances, reducing potential fire risks in your home. You can search for recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, or by downloading the app. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Maintaining a clean and clutter-free kitchen stove area is crucial. Store flammable items such as pot holders, towels and curtains away from cooking surfaces. Additionally, avoid leaving cooking appliances unattended while in use and regularly clean oven hoods and vents to prevent grease buildup. Have an Emergency Escape Plan Practicing emergency escape plans is vital for every household. The American Red Cross suggests all members, including children, know two ways to escape from every room. Conduct fire drills regularly to familiarize everyone with escape routes. Designate a family meeting spot outside the home where everyone gathers after escaping, and ensure that windows and doors can be easily opened and unlocked. Home safety is a collective responsibility that demands diligence and proactive measures. By implementing these home safety tips to prevent fires, you not only protect your property but also prioritize the lives of your loved ones. 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.
5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter January 15, 2024 As the temperature drops, it’s essential to make sure your home is prepared to take on the cold. Taking proactive measures not only ensures your comfort but also contributes to the safety and efficiency of your living space. Keep reading for winter home tips to be prepared! Seal Leaks and Cracks One of the most common sources of heat loss in a home is through leaks or cracks around pipes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas. To prevent cold drafts and conserve energy, inspect these spaces for any gaps or openings. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these leaks, ensuring a snug fit. This simple step can significantly improve the efficiency of your heating system and keep your home warm during the winter months. Check Insulation Proper insulation is crucial for a comfortable indoor temperature and reduction of energy costs. Look for any signs of wear or damage and replace or add insulation where needed. Consider investing in energy-efficient insulation materials to enhance your home’s overall thermal performance. Adequate insulation not only keeps your home warm but also helps prevent frozen pipes and reduce the workload on your heating system. Clean Gutters During the fall, leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters, causing clogs and preventing proper drainage. When it gets colder, these clogs can lead to ice dams and water damage. To avoid these issues, clean your gutters thoroughly before the first snowfall. Remove any debris and ensure that downspouts are clear and direct water away from your home’s foundation. This can help protect your roof, siding and foundation from potential winter-related damage. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Safety should always be a top priority, especially during the winter when heating systems are in constant use. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace batteries if necessary and consider upgrading to newer models for enhanced safety features. Properly functioning detectors are crucial for early detection of potential hazards, providing peace of mind for you and your family throughout the winter season. Clean Chimney If you have a fireplace, it’s essential to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Creosote buildup can become a fire hazard, and blockages may hinder proper ventilation. Additionally, check the chimney cap for any damage and repair or replace it as needed. Regular chimney maintenance not only enhances safety but also improves the efficiency of your heating appliance. By taking the time to prepare your home for winter, you can maintain a comfortable and safe living environment for you and your family. From sealing leaks to cleaning gutters and testing detectors, these winter home tips are simple yet effective in ensuring your home is ready to face the challenges of the colder months. Don’t wait until the first snowfall – start winterizing your home today for a cozy and worry-free winter season.
