8 Home Tips You Need to Know this Fall September 1, 2023 As the temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler weather seasons. With a little bit of preparation, you can ensure your living space remains warm, comfortable and energy-efficient during the colder months. From sealing windows and doors to inspecting your roof, here are some essential home tips to get ready for fall: 1. Seal Windows and Doors One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep the cold air out and the warm air in is by ensuring that your windows and doors are properly sealed. Check for any gaps or cracks around the frames and apply weatherstripping or caulk as needed. This simple step can significantly reduce drafts and prevent heat loss, saving you money on your energy bills! 2. Inspect Fireplace and Chimney If you’re planning to use your fireplace later this year, it’s crucial to inspect both the fireplace and chimney before lighting that first fire. Look for any signs of damage or blockages that could pose a safety hazard. Hiring a professional to clean and inspect your chimney may also be a wise investment to ensure you’re heating up safely. 3. Ensure Proper Insulation Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy consumption. Check your attic, walls, and floors for sufficient insulation. Adding insulation in areas that are lacking can make a significant difference in keeping your home warm and cozy ahead of cooler weather. 4. Reverse Ceiling Fans Did you know that your ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling? When the weather gets cooler, flip the switch on your ceiling fans to reverse their spin and run them at the lowest speed. This will help push warm air down from the ceiling and circulate it throughout the room, improving overall comfort. 5. Clear the Gutters Clogged gutters can lead to water accumulation and ice dams, potentially causing damage to your home. Take the time to clear out leaves, debris, and any blockages from your gutters to ensure proper drainage during the rainy months. 6. Inspect Your Roof A well-maintained roof is essential for keeping the cooler elements out of your home. Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or signs of wear and tear. Addressing any issues before the snow starts falling can prevent more significant problems down the line. 7. Replace Air Filters Clean air filters not only improve indoor air quality but also help your heating system operate efficiently. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, consuming more energy. Remember to replace or clean your air filters regularly to ensure optimal performance! 8. Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature Lowering the temperature of your water heater can help you save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. Aim for a temperature of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent excessive heat loss and reduce the risk of scalding. As you gear up for fall, these home tips can make a world of difference in creating a warm, comfortable home. By preparing with these home tips, you’ll be ready to embrace the cold weather before it arrives. 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 Reasons Why You Should Trust OKFB Insurance With Your Coverage Needs May 1, 2023 Searching for insurance coverage but not sure where to turn? With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which provider to trust with your coverage needs. That’s where OKFB Insurance steps in. Here are 5 reasons why you should trust OKFB with your insurance needs: 1. Our commitment to service We stake our reputation on providing excellent service to policyholders statewide. As an Oklahoma-based company that serves its neighbors and community members, we take pride in offering dependable products and dedicated customer service. This means you can count on us to be there for you when you need us most and to work hard to ensure your satisfaction with our services. 2. We know Oklahomans best With offices in all 77 Oklahoma counties, an OKFB agent is always close by and ready to provide customizable and dependable insurance service to you. When you work with OKFB, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re working with a local provider who is familiar with the unique needs and challenges of your area. 3. We’re in your communities We take pride in serving the communities where you work and live. We’re committed to giving back to these communities and are proud of the many OKFB agents who serve on community school boards, as well as participate in organizations like the United Way and the Wounded Warrior Project. This commitment to community means that when you work with OKFB, you’re also supporting a company that is invested in the well-being of your community. 4. Our customizable coverage fits your personal needs We understand that everyone’s insurance needs are unique. That’s why we offer customizable coverage options that allow you to tailor your policy to your specific needs. Whether you need auto insurance, homeowners insurance or coverage for your farm or ranch, OKFB has you covered. 5. Our trusted reputation OKFB Insurance has earned a trusted reputation among policyholders throughout Oklahoma. With a history of providing dependable insurance products and excellent customer service, you can trust OKFB to be there for you when you need them most. When you choose OKFB, you’re choosing a provider that has earned the trust and respect of its customers. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Hear from some of our policyholders, too! With a commitment to excellent service, a local presence, community involvement, customizable coverage options and a trusted reputation, OKFB has everything you need to feel confident in your insurance coverage. Contact an OKFB agent today to learn more about how we can help you meet your insurance needs. 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 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.
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.
