Don't Leave Your Leaves!

Fall is a beautiful time of year. Comfortable temperatures, clean, crisp air, and a brilliant palette of colors all make for what is the author's favorite season of the year (this may or may not correlate with when the authors birthday is). Those fall leaves, however, can cause home owner's headaches if they're not properly dealt with.

Aside from ruining yards in which they aren't raked up, the accumulation of leaves in gutters and around downspouts can prevent these systems from carrying water away from your house when it rains. Worse, when the temperature drops and we start to see snow, the leaves along with ice can form an ice dam which can wreak havoc on your roof and interior when the weather thaws again in the spring.

So, after the beautiful leaves fall this fall, clean them up! Install a gutter guard, or clean your gutter and downspout systems out several times during the fall. As with most home maintenance issues, a little bit of work now can save you a whole lot of headache later!

Let's Talk About Dogs

Take a look at any park, beach or sidewalk this summer and you'll likely see someone walking a dog. Normally, this wouldn't give anyone any pause, but even though the majority of pet owners are careful with their animals, there are still over 350,000 dog bite victims seen in emergency rooms each year. Insurance companies pay over $1 billion each year in injury claims related to dog bites.

While there are absolutely unpreventable examples of dogs biting and attacking people, there are some steps you can take to prevent being involved in an incident with your dog. The first, and easiest way to prevent an accident is to always make sure your dog is on a leash, regardless of how well trained and where you are. Keeping control of your pet means you are in control of the situation. Next, be sure you are only walking your dog in safe areas, and away from things that could stimulate a reaction, such as fireworks or large groups of parties.

Finally-and this can be a difficult for some people-take extreme caution with your pet around children. Children love animals, and plenty of parents do not exercise the appropriate caution when it comes to allowing their children to pet a "stranger" dog. If your dog has ever exhibited any aggressive behavior, take extreme caution before allowing a child to pet your dog.

As with most things, simple steps can go a long way. Be sure to also discuss with your insurance professional to make sure you have enough personal liability coverage to protect you and your family in the event that something unfortunate does occur. With how litigious society is today, it's absolutely critical to make sure that everything you've worked for is protected in the event of an accident, and your insurance professional can go through the many options available to protect you, your family and your pet!

Are You Ready For Summer?

Summer means lots of things-barbeque's, swimming and family vacations. It's also a time of year where we see our fair share of severe storms. 2011 was a year full of severe weather in our area; with numerous power outages affecting nearly all of our insureds.

When power goes out, it can be more than an inconvenience-it can mean a loss of food or other items needing refrigeration, issues with heatstroke and other health concerns, and potential danger from malfunctioning power generators.

Make sure you and your family are prepared for potential power outages this summer. Have your emergency kit ready with first aid supplies, non perishable foods and 1 gallon of water per person, per day. If you or anyone in your family take medication or have other health issues that can be exacerbated by heat or a power outage, be sure to try and make arrangements with a family member or health care provider for continuation of treatment.

Finally, take care to avoid eating spoiled foods-be sure to reference http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Severe_Storms_and_Hurricanes_Guide/index.asp
for extremely helpful information on food safety in the event of a disaster or power outage, and be sure to use extreme caution if attempting to use a generator to power electrical devices.

While the hope is we never go through another summer like last in regards to the power, the reality is that we may be faced with more severe weather this year. Like with anything, though, planning and preparation are the keys to getting through the days until the power comes back!

Check Your Sump Pump!

Spring is in full swing in our area, and despite the unseasonably warm stretch we had enjoyed in March, we are now right back in our normal weather pattern, which means a lot of damp, rainy days. As the ground begins to get more and more saturated, the chances that your sump system and drain tile system could be overwhelmed and back up grow higher and higher.

For every homeowner with a finished basement, the specter of water damage to that area of the house can be a recurring nightmare. The cost of cleanup can be thousands of dollars, and that's before factoring in the stress and time spent dealing with damage post-loss.

If you have a home with a sump system, be sure to check it to confirm that it is still in working order, and that your battery backup system is fully ready to kick in in the event of a power outage. Don't have a backup sump battery? Consider purchasing one! The cost of one of these backup systems is a fraction of the cost of a claim, and can save you from having to deal with a ruined basement. Be sure the sump pit is clear of any blockage or obstruction, and make sure the ejector pipe is likewise clear, and carrying the water away from the foundation of your home.

Finally, speak with your insurance professional and confirm that you have coverage on your policy in the event that a loss occurs. Fewer things are more frustrating than thinking you are covered when you are not! A quick, five minute phone call can save you time, money and stress-and everyone can appreciate the value of a stress free envrioment!

Do You Have An Emergency Kit?

Everyone in the area experienced power outages last spring and summer due to severe weather, and this year has the potential to be just as voliatle when it comes to the kind of storms we can expect to see. From uncomfortable heat to lost food and medicine, we were all affected in some way, shape or form, and in some cases the power was out for over a week!

While there isn't anything we can do to prevent the power from going out in the event of severe weather, there are steps that we can take to help get us through until the power comes back on. Here are some helpful suggestions:

-Keep enough bottled water in your home for one week. The average person needs one gallon of water per day. Keep gallons or bottles off the floor, elevated on a shelf.

-Keep one flashlight per person in a central location, and change the batteries every six months. A good time to do this would be every time change we have; just as we change the batteries in our smoke detectors, change the batteries in your flashlights just as often.

-Food in the freezer can last up to 48 hours if the freezer is full, and 24 hours if it's half full, provided it's not opened and closed frequently during this time. Food in the refrigerator will only last about 4 hours in a power outage. Throw out any dairy, meat, cream based dressing or leafy green that's been in a refirgerator with the power out for longer than 4 hours.

-Keep one weeks' worth of non perishable food in your home at all times. Peanut butter, canned foods, granola, peanuts and the like are all excellent foods to keep on hand, along with any foods that can be heated on an outdoor grill.

-When in doubt, throw it out!

-Enjoy the silence! One of the things that I personally found last summer during the several days my power was out was how peaceful and quiet things were, especially at night. Without the usual light pollution we normally have, it was fantatsic to see the starscape and everything else out there and up there. Take advantage of the downtime to read a book, relax, play a board game and enjoy the company that you keep.

Melting Snow

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

October is Fire Prevention Month!

Here are some fantastic smoke alarm tips, courtesy of safekids.org!

1. Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom.


2. Smoke alarms can be battery-operated or electrically hardwired in your home and are available at a variety of price points.


3. If you have hearing problems, use alarms with flashing strobe lights and vibration.
   


4. Test smoke alarms every month. Replace batteries once a year, even if alarms are hardwired.


5. Test your smoke alarms at night to see if your child will wake up and respond to the alarm. Children sleep more deeply and may not wake up. If your child does not wake up to the alarm, try an alarm where you can program your voice to alert him or her.


6. 
   

   Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings since smoke rises. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least 4 inches away from the nearest wall. Wall-mounted alarms should be installed 4 to 12 inches away from the ceiling.



7. 
   

   Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years



8. 
   

   Consider installing both ionization alarms, which are better at sensing flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms, which are better at sensing slow, smoky fires, or dual sensor alarms.

If you would like to learn more about fire prevention and safety, please visit http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-resources-by-risk-area/fire-burn-and-scalds/fire-prevention-tips-1.html

How To Save Money With Your Teen Driver

One of the most common questions we get is "How can I save money on my insurance premiums?". This questions is especially relevant to parents of newly licensed drivers. The cost to insure a teen driver can sometimes be an eye-opening experience. There are, however, ways to make sure that you're maximizing your savings opportunities at every turn.

Talk with your agent about discounts for honor roll students. Many insurance policies will give a discount for students who maintain a "B" average or higher on their high school or college reports. Additionally, if you have a college student away at school a great distance away from your home, speak with your agent about potential discounts for this, as well. Finally, discuss with your agent what types of safety and education courses allow for discounts on your policy as well.

Remember, making sure that your teenager is insured on your policy can potentially save thousands in a claim situation. Making sure you're taking advantage of any available discounts can make actually insuring them a more affordable proposition as well!

Back To School Means...

...Lots of things! From school supplies to clothes shopping, college and NFL football, crisp fall afternoons, and more free time to take care of the items on your to do list, fall is finally here! Back to school is the perfect time to sit down and review all of the ways we can help protect you and plan for your family's future.

Call us or stop by our office today. In less than an hour, you can make sure that everything you work so hard to have is fully and completely protected. Our professional experts can show you ways to save money and give you more coverage for your dollar, to protect and care for the ones you love.

Don't hope you have the right coverage, and don't wait until it's too late-call us to schedule your personal protection review at 847-680-7500 today!!

How Is Water Covered?

Water can be one of the most damaging things to occur to a home. Whether or not it's a roof leak, a burst pipe, or a sump pump failure, it's important to note how water is generally treated with respect to a homeowner's insurance policy

• Water from a pipe or roof leak, depending on the cause and how long since the event began, is typically covered on a homeowner's policy no differently than any other event. It's important to file claims as soon as the damage is noticed, as the length of time since the event began can in some circumstances affect how a company evaluates and treats damage claims.


• Sub-surface water backing up from a pump, sewer or drain is typically not automatically covered on a homeowners policy without an additional rider to add coverage for these types of events. If you have a finished basement space, or use your basement for storage, it's very important to discuss how your policy can cover this sort of water event.


• Surface water that comes in from a window well, or through another entry area due to heavy rain or an inability of a storm sewer outside to keep up with the volume of water is typically only covered under a flood insurance policy, which is a standalone insurance policy underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program.


• Water which seeps in through a wall or basement floor is typically not covered under any policy available.

Now, every situation is different, so it is very important to discuss with your agent all of the details about how water entered your home. Communication and clarity can help avoid confusion and coverage issues.

PBA Bowling Event

To all our followers out there:

Havlic & Associates will be sponsoring the PBA Midwest Senior Open, and along with that, will be sponsoring the Senior Open Pro Am for both adults and juniors. The Pro Am will be Friday, August 5th, beginning at 5pm for the Junior Pro Am, and 7:30pm for the Adult Pro Am.

Please call our office at 847-680-7500 for more details, or if you are interested in signing up!

We'd love to see you there!

How To Protect Yourself Against Lawsuit

A major cause for anxiety after an auto accident comes from the possibility of being sued for injury. As society becomes more litigious, even minor auto accidents can result in suit. After an accident is not the time to wonder if you have the correct coverage. Here are some things to consider:

• Structure your limits of liability in proportion to your asset level. If you are a homeowner, or have significant assets of other types, consult your agent as far as the appropriate level of liability protection on your auto policy. They will be able to advise as to the best way to protect you and your family.


• Consider extended liability coverage. In many circumstances, a stand alone excess liability policy can be written to augment coverage on your autos. Additionally, these policies often will extend beyond just the automobile policy to provide blanket liability coverage.


• If you're involved in an accident, do not admit fault at the scene to anyone! Often times statements given at the scene can end up in police reports, which will factor into any liability decision or suit. The best advice is to only describe what you saw from your point of view, and to report the accident right away to your agent.

Remember this above all: your insurance company has a duty to defend you against any suit or claim. This means if you are served with suit papers, contact your insurance company first. They will be responsible for defending any suit related to an auto accident.

Food Spoilage and Power Outages

Severe weather over the past week has left thousands of homes in our area without power in some cases for more than 24 hours. One of the unfortunate consequences of a long term power outage is that food in your refrigerator may be spoiled as a result.

While power outages under 4 hours should have no ill affect on most foods, outages beyond 4 hours can cause food to spoil rapidly. The USDA has a fantastic website which can provide tips on how to try and salvage food in the event of a power outage or flood, and also has a chart which gives you a useful primer on what to keep and what to discard from your refrigerator in the event of a long term loss of power. The chart and more information can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/keeping_food_safe_during_an_emergency/index.asp.

If you are one of the many who have been affected by this power outage, please check out the above link. And remember, if there is a question about whether or not something is still good, the old adage of "when in doubt, throw it out" is always a safe choice!

Boating Safety

With the mild spring (hopefully) behind us, and with warmer weather (hopefully) on the horizon, boating can be a fantastic way to spend a warm summer weekend. Between the Chain o' Lakes region and Lake Michigan, as well as various destinations in Wisconsin, there is no shortage of options for boating destinations.

While boating can be a fantastic experience for people of all ages, boating carries along with it the need to act responsibly both as a passenger and driver of a vessel. Here are some tips to stay safe on the water this summer:

• Always wear a life jacket. According to the US Coast guard, life jackets could have made a difference in 80% of boating fatalities.
• Do not, under any circumstances consume alcohol while operating a boat.
• Develop a float plan in case of emergency. A float plan is similar to a flight plan-it includes a description of your boat, who is on board, what safety equipment you have, and where and when you expect to be.
• Have your boat checked out by a licensed inspector prior to taking it out on the water.
• Take a boating safety course. The United States Coast Guard offers safety courses for various levels of experience. Go to http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boating_safety_courses_.aspx for more information.

Driving or being a passenger on a boat is little different that being a driver or passenger of a vehicle, and while summer is a great time for fun, following basic safety steps can save the lives of yourself and any passengers out enjoying the water with you.