homeowners insurance: Earthquake Preparedness Tips - 03/13/11 07:11 AM
In light of the recent tragedies in Japan I thought I would re-post this from My Michigan Insurance Blog.
Earthquake Preparedness Tips 
When you think about earthquakes, you probably associate this disaster mainly with California. The truth is, an earthquake can happen anywhere in the United States and Canada, and they can happen at any time. Are you and your family prepared? If not, you may want to familiarize yourself with these earthquake safety tips.
The best protection during an earthquake is to get under heavy furniture, such as a desk, table or bench. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, … (0 comments)

homeowners insurance: Tips to Keep your Home Safe from Burglars - 01/15/11 02:32 AM
Don't invite burglars in Imagine coming home to find that someone has broken into your home and stolen valuable items and ransacked your personal possessions. The feeling of devastation can be overwhelming for victims of burglary. It's a crime we are all vulnerable to, whether we live in a city or rural area, have a high or low income, live in a house or in an apartment or condominium.
According to the FBI, a burglary happens every 15 seconds in the United States. It's a serious crime. The problem is many of us, through our own carelessness, make it easier for … (2 comments)

homeowners insurance: Carbon Monoxide the Silent Killer - 12/24/10 06:48 AM
Carbon Monoxide 
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas and is toxic to both pets and humans. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.  Low levels of Carbon Monoxide will cause symptoms that mimic the flu. Usually you will experience headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. . According to the Center for Disease Control carbon monoxide is the most common cause of poisoning death in the United States. Unintentional CO exposure accounts for an estimated 15,000 emergency department visits and … (37 comments)

homeowners insurance: Do you Still Have a Fuse Box - 12/12/10 07:20 AM
If your home has a fuse box...
Chances are, either your home or the home of someone you know, has a fuse box. Fuses function the same way breakers do-to cut off power if an electrical circuit is overloaded. Both fuses and breakers can be very effective in protecting your home against an electrical fire.
However, one problem that can arise with fuses occurs when someone inserts a fuse of higher amperage than the circuit is designed for. For example, a homeowner tires of replacing blown fuses and inserts a 30-amp fuse where a 20-amp fuse should go, the 30-amp fuse … (9 comments)

homeowners insurance: For the Coming Winter Are You Prepared for an Emergency? - 12/08/10 03:19 AM
Are you prepared for an emergency? 
 Every year we face possible disasters - wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms. If a disaster strikes your home, are you and your family prepared? Do you know where important documents, medications, and essential supplies are in case you have to evacuate? Do you and your family know how you would get out of your house, what you would do with your pets, where you meet each other if you get separated? Do you have a single point of contact you can call to let others know you're safe?
If not, now is the … (5 comments)

homeowners insurance: Lightning Safety Tips - 12/04/10 05:40 AM
Shocking news about lightning
Lightning brightens the sky and provides a spectacular display of Mother Nature's power. This awesome phenomenon also causes more deaths and property destruction in a typical year than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
Don't underestimate the dangers of lightning

The threat of lightning danger can occur anytime, but the most likely time for damaging thunderstorms is June through August. The early spring is also a vulnerable period. Scientifically speaking, lightning is the visible discharge of electrical energy. It is often accompanied by thunder, which is a sonic boom created by the same electrical discharge. This … (3 comments)

homeowners insurance: Are your records organized for an emergency? - 12/02/10 04:43 AM
Are your records organized for an emergency?
If you were incapacitated, would anyone be able to find your important records and take care of your family's financial or business matters? Having important papers organized and accessible in advance can be very important in an emergency or crisis situation. Consider the following for organizing your important records. 
Location:
Options for storage might include a home safe, fire-security box or off-site location such as a safety deposit box. The storage container should be securable and fire resistant. Shoe boxes or cardboard boxes in the closet or under the bed are not appropriate. … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Keep a home inventory - 11/30/10 07:46 AM
This one goes in the category of those things we are planning to do when we get the time – making or updating a home inventory. It may not sound like an exciting activity, but in the event of a calamity such as a fire, burglary, flood or tornado, a current home inventory can save a lot of time, money and frustration in the insurance settlement process.
Take this test. Sit down and try to make a detailed list of what’s in each room of your dwelling. It’s amazingly hard to remember all the “stuff” that accumulates – wall hangings, curtains, … (0 comments)

homeowners insurance: With Winter Coming Protect you Home from Frozen Pipes - 11/30/10 05:14 AM
Preventing Frozen Pipes
There is a misconception that frozen pipes burst because of freezing, but reality is that they burst because of an increase in water pressure. Continued freezing causes the pipe to expand and the pipe will burst where there is a pocket in the pipe that does not have any ice the pressure causes it to break.
Being proactive and taking a few preventative measures before it gets cold can save you thousands of dollars in the future if you have a busted frozen pipe.
Things to do to prevent frozen pipes before winter gets here
If you have a … (0 comments)

homeowners insurance: Flood Insurance Could Be Required at Closing - 11/28/10 02:31 AM
Flood insurance: Generally required in high-risk, flood-prone areas, this insurance is issued by the federal government and provides coverage for both property and contents.
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/cbrs/cmi.shtm list of some counties and their information
Flood damage is not covered under a homeowners policy. Many people believe the federal government will help them recover after a flood. However, most floods are too small to qualify for federal assistance. Even if the flood is qualified, often the amount the person receives or can borrow is not enough to cover all the losses. In many cases, the assistance is in the form of a low interest … (2 comments)

homeowners insurance: Understanding Homeowners Insurance - 11/27/10 03:07 AM
Understanding Homeowners insurance in Michigan
Michigan insurance is broken up into 2 sections, Section 1 covers Property coverage and section 2 covers Liability.
Section 1 of a homeowner's policy is composed of four basic areas.
Dwelling - Coverage A - this provides protection to the structure of your home.  It includes coverage for structures attached to the home such as an attached garage and materials and supplies (to be used for construction, alteration or repairs of your dwelling or attached structures) located on or next to your premises.
Other Structures - Coverage B - The insurer covers other structures on the … (6 comments)

homeowners insurance: Do you Have the Right Fire Extinguisher in your Home - 11/22/10 03:15 AM
Choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home
Based on your home size, and the number of potential fire hazards, you should consider having one or more working extinguishers. You should also choose the extinguisher type that best fits your needs.
Generally, there are three common classes of home fire extinguisher:
Class A - These are for wood and paper fires. This class cools material below its ignition temperature and soaks fibers to prevent re-ignition.
Class B- These extinguishers suppress flammable-liquid and grease fires. They work by removing oxygen from the area sprayed and preventing vapors from reaching the ignition source. Chemical … (5 comments)

homeowners insurance: Don't Let Water Damage Dampen Your Day - 11/18/10 04:44 AM
Don't Let Water Damage Dampen Your Day
Water damage can dampen your day. 250,000 families have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter by water pipes that freeze and burst. When the outside temperature drops below freezing, water pipes with little or no insulation are likely to freeze and break.
Recovering from frozen pipes is not as simple as calling a plumber. An eighth-inch (3 millimeter) crack in a pipe can discharge more than 250 gallons (946 liters) of water a day. And, the result can include damaged floors, furniture, appliances and treasured family heirlooms. 
There is an advantage … (0 comments)

homeowners insurance: How to Cut Down on Sewer and Drain Losses in your Home - 11/18/10 12:03 AM
Reduce sewer and drain losses in the basement
     
Each year, sewer and drain backups cause millions of dollars in damage to homeowners. Prevention is the best solution to avoid the out-of-pocket expenses and the inconvenience of a major clean up. Here are a few ways to avoid sewer and drainage back up:
Make sure your drainage system is working properly
•·          Gutter downspouts should extend at least 10 feet away from the foundation of the house so water is carried away from the basement walls.
•·          Clear the gutters at least twice a year to prevent them from overflowing.
•·          … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Rental Dwelling Insurance What you Need to Know - 11/16/10 03:52 AM
Rental dwelling insurance can minimize the owner's risk
For most people, rental dwelling ownership means a big investment with special risks. Buying a rental dwelling is a big undertaking and as an owner you need to make sure that you are adequately protecting your investment. You'll want to make sure you have coverage for your property, your liability and loss of rents. The main components of rental dwelling insurance policy include: the dwelling, personal property, business liability and loss of rents. 
Rental Dwelling
Provides coverage for accidental loss to the building and other structures attached to it like a porch, garage … (2 comments)

homeowners insurance: Don't let a Dryer Burn Down Your Home - 11/14/10 04:03 AM
Close the door on dryer fires
You could be heating up more than clothes in your laundry room. According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 15,500 dryer fires annually, resulting in nearly $100 million in damage. The most frequent causes of these fires are improper ventilation and/or poor maintenance, which allow lint to accumulate. When lint covers heaters, switches and motors in the dryer, fires can result.
Tips to prevent dryer fires
 According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are some things you can do to help prevent dryer fires:
Avoid leaving the dryer … (10 comments)

homeowners insurance: Hurricane Safety Tips - 10/27/10 05:38 AM
 
Think PPP when you think hurricane safety Hurricane season is here. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts above normal activity for the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season. Many people have survived hurricanes without any harm, and with modern technology it almost seems that the path of a hurricane can be mapped out perfectly.
But don't be so sure. All the technology in the world cannot predict what Mother Nature will do. It's important to pay attention not to just the black line forecasters use for the storm track but also the area on either side of it. The average error … (0 comments)

 
Jay Swindle, Ins Agent to help with your home insurance needs (State Farm)

Jay Swindle

Ins Agent to help with your home insurance needs

Detroit, MI

More about me…

State Farm

Address: 27510 W 8 Mile, Farmington Hills, MI, 48336

Office: (248) 888-1134

A general reference source for policies related to Michigan insurance. This site also provides resources related to the Michigan insurance industry. If you are buying a home you will need Homeowners insurance and we are the Homeowners insurance experts. Call our office 248-888-1134 to start your policy now.


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