While this winter has been very mild both in terms of temperture and snow, what snow we have had has melted very quickly. While this is a good thing in terms of comfort and such, it can present a risk to finished basements and other home spaces that are vulnerable to a sudden increase in surface water.
Please take care to make sure your sump pumps and downspout drains are functioning, and draining any excess surface water away from the foundation of your home. Make sure window wells are covered and the drains within them are clear of leaves, dirt and other debris that could prevent water from draining safely away.
This will help avoid any costly water damage incidents from occurring. Additionally, it will also prepare your home for the spring season ahead, which is forecast to be wet as usual.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine's Day Gifts!
Gentleman, today is February 13th, which means tomorrow is February 14th, which means there will be inordinate pressure upon you to find the perfect gift for your significant other. 10% of the roughly 2.3 million people who get engaged each year do so on Valentine's Day, which means there are about 230,000 engagement rings being purchased and given right around this year.
As anyone who has purchased a ring (or any kind of jewelry, for that matter) is aware, diamond rings are not cheap. They represent a very large investment, and any sort of large investment needs to be properly protected against the random events that can occur in life. From being lost or misplaced to the stone falling out of the mounting, the last thing you want to have happen is for your very large investment to go unprotected.
If you are getting engaged, or are already engaged and do not have the ring insured, please contact your insurance agent today. There are many different ways to protect your valuable jewelry, and your agent can help you choose the option that best protects your investment.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy and romantic Valentine's Day!
As anyone who has purchased a ring (or any kind of jewelry, for that matter) is aware, diamond rings are not cheap. They represent a very large investment, and any sort of large investment needs to be properly protected against the random events that can occur in life. From being lost or misplaced to the stone falling out of the mounting, the last thing you want to have happen is for your very large investment to go unprotected.
If you are getting engaged, or are already engaged and do not have the ring insured, please contact your insurance agent today. There are many different ways to protect your valuable jewelry, and your agent can help you choose the option that best protects your investment.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy and romantic Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
It's Ice Dam Season!
While the mild winter we've had has been a blessing in many ways (it's just 1 year ago today that we were all buried under 3 feet of snow!), one of the unfortunate side effects of the relatively mild winter has been the increased risk of ice dams which can form at the edge of your roof.
An ice dam can occur in an area which isn't exposed to direct sunlight on your roof. Ice can build up in the gutter and eventually force an opening between the roofline and the gutter. When the ice melts, the runoff can damage interior walls, insulation and attic space.
If you notice unexplained water damage to walls or ceilings this winter, call us today. We can discuss the best course of action to take to not only repair the damage, but remedy the cause.
In the meantime, enjoy the weather!
An ice dam can occur in an area which isn't exposed to direct sunlight on your roof. Ice can build up in the gutter and eventually force an opening between the roofline and the gutter. When the ice melts, the runoff can damage interior walls, insulation and attic space.
If you notice unexplained water damage to walls or ceilings this winter, call us today. We can discuss the best course of action to take to not only repair the damage, but remedy the cause.
In the meantime, enjoy the weather!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Happy New Year!
From all of us here at Havlic & Associates, to all of you and your loved ones, please enjoy a safe and happy New Year! Please drive safely and carefully this coming holiday weekend, and we look forward to taking care of you and your families in 2012!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Driving On Icy Roads
With winter weather finally here, here are some tips for making sure you're driving safely no matter what nature throws at you on the roads this winter:
-Make sure your tire treads are in good shape. As a general rule of thumb, if you place a penny in the tread, and can see Abe Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires! Having worn out treads can greatly reduce your car's ability to remain stable on an icy road.
-Make sure you can see. This one seems fairly obvious, but people sometimes do forget to clear off snow and ice before driving. Make sure you give yourself enough time in the morning to clear your car so that your field of vision is not impeded. Additionally, replace your windshield wipers! They should be replaced at the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring.
-Don't rely on technology. Newer model cars might offer electronic stability control, but there is never a substitute for simple care and attention to the road. Always give yourself space between you and any other cars on the road, and always drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions.
For more tips like these, check out http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/driving-on-snow-and-ice-10-safety-tips.html. Remember to drive slowly, and safely wherever your travels take you!
-Make sure your tire treads are in good shape. As a general rule of thumb, if you place a penny in the tread, and can see Abe Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires! Having worn out treads can greatly reduce your car's ability to remain stable on an icy road.
-Make sure you can see. This one seems fairly obvious, but people sometimes do forget to clear off snow and ice before driving. Make sure you give yourself enough time in the morning to clear your car so that your field of vision is not impeded. Additionally, replace your windshield wipers! They should be replaced at the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring.
-Don't rely on technology. Newer model cars might offer electronic stability control, but there is never a substitute for simple care and attention to the road. Always give yourself space between you and any other cars on the road, and always drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions.
For more tips like these, check out http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/driving-on-snow-and-ice-10-safety-tips.html. Remember to drive slowly, and safely wherever your travels take you!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Fatal Four
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel days of the year, and with more motorists on the roadway visiting family or shopping for holiday gifts, the potential for fatal accidents is quite high. Local law enforcement will also be stepping up their enforcement of the so called "fatal four" violations that can lead to deadly accidents, which are:
-Talking on cell phones
-Texting while driving
-Seat belt violations
-Driving under the influence
Aside from the possibility of getting a very expensive ticket, committing one of these four violations can place the safety of you and your loved ones in jeopardy. Please be mindful of yourself and others while driving this holiday weekend.
From all of us here at Havlic Insurance to all of you, please enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
-Talking on cell phones
-Texting while driving
-Seat belt violations
-Driving under the influence
Aside from the possibility of getting a very expensive ticket, committing one of these four violations can place the safety of you and your loved ones in jeopardy. Please be mindful of yourself and others while driving this holiday weekend.
From all of us here at Havlic Insurance to all of you, please enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Deer Season!
It's a subject we've touched on here at the Havlic Insurance Blog in the past, but deer mating season is upon us. This mean having to watch out for our four-legged friends darting in front of us at night.
The Daily Herald has a great article about deer and driving on their website here: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111026/news/710269822/
Remember, the best advice is often the advice most frequently given; drive slowly and alertly, and focus on the road and not the radio, your phone or anything else! A split second can make a difference!
The Daily Herald has a great article about deer and driving on their website here: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111026/news/710269822/
Remember, the best advice is often the advice most frequently given; drive slowly and alertly, and focus on the road and not the radio, your phone or anything else! A split second can make a difference!
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