Mold is a vital part of natural decomposition. It breaks down dead plants and animals to make room for new life. This is perfectly acceptable outdoors, but you never want mold to grow inside your home. If left untreated, indoor mold can cause unpleasant odors, health issues and property damage. Learn more about different types of mold and where to… Continue reading

No one expects a disaster to affect them directly. Burst pipes, a house fire or a basement flooding might happen to others but never to your own house – right? If you have ever filed a homeowners insurance claim though, you know this isn’t true. Disasters may be few and far between, but they can happen and when they do,… Continue reading

When you think of the ways water can damage a home, you might picture flash floods, storm surges and hurricanes. However, the most common causes of home water damage actually come from inside the house. While many sources of water damage are not nearly as dramatic as a catastrophic flood, they can still do plenty of harm. Learn more about… Continue reading

Emergencies often strike without warning. By the time a flood, fire, earthquake or tornado is upon you, it’s too late to devise a plan. That’s why you need to sit down with your loved ones and create a family disaster plan today. Decide how everyone will get in touch, where you’ll meet and what you’ll do in an emergency. This… Continue reading

Hurricanes are some of the most destructive storm systems that can occur on our planet. They form over warm water and cause devastation when they make landfall. Powerful winds, heavy rains, damaging storm surges, landslides and flooding are just some of the potential threats of these storms. The ravages of hurricane season last until November 30. Now that winter has… Continue reading

There’s nothing like curling up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. This is an inviting scene, but without the proper precautions, a stray spark could do serious damage to your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment starts more than 54,000 home structure fires each year, causing 480 civilian… Continue reading

Winter is known for hazardous weather conditions that can cause extensive property damage. Heavy snow can collapse roofs. High winds can damage siding. Ice can accumulate in the gutters, causing ice dams and leaky shingles. Bitter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. With so many winter hazards to watch out for, you would be wise to prepare your… Continue reading

The holidays are a time for relaxing and enjoying the company of good friends and family. Unfortunately, a house fire can quickly dampen the festive spirit. Stay safe with these tips for preventing holiday house fires. Christmas Trees About 170 Christmas tree fires start in the US every holiday season. When flames ignite in or spread to a Christmas tree,… Continue reading

If you live in a cold climate, there’s a real possibility your pipes could freeze this winter. If ice forms in your plumbing, the resulting pressure could cause the pipes to burst, causing localized water damage and possible home flooding. Fortunately, with a bit of prevention, you can keep your pipes free of ice this winter. Just follow these tips.… Continue reading

When the seasons change, homeowners focus on outdoor cleanup and preparing the house for colder temperatures. This involves many tasks that could potentially cause injury, including: Raking and disposing of leaves Cleaning the gutters Pruning trees and bushes Fertilizing and aerating the lawn Installing storm windows Winterizing the sprinkler system These tasks involve hauling out and using rakes, leaf blowers,… Continue reading