Snow: It’s pretty until it’s a pain

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

There are two types of people in this world. Those that love the snow and all of its storybook beauty, and those that would rather never catch a single snowflake on their tongue. I think we can all agree that a freshly dusted roof is quaint to say the least, but is the pretty view enough to excuse the damages that it can trigger?  Although light and fluffy in small amounts, roofs can easily be damaged as a result of the weight of the snow or ice accumulating on the shingles.

Winter roof damage is additionally concerning if you’ve had any wind or hail damage earlier in the year that hasn’t been repaired yet. Previous damages weaken the structure, then the snow comes and sits on it. Imagine you fractured your leg and an elephant comes to rest on it. You now have a broken leg. That may be a bit of an extreme comparison, but you get the gist.

The weight of snow isn’t your only concern. If your gutters are backed up with leaves from the trees around the house, you have a risk of your gutters and downspouts backing up with water and freezing. Having ice in your gutters and downspouts can not only cause roof damage but can also harm the gutters themselves because ice is so difficult to remove.

If you begin to notice leaks or water marks, the damage is already done and preventative measures need to be in place as soon as possible.

If the snow hasn’t settled in yet, be sure to double-check the roof and gutters for damages or clogs so that you can get ahead of any potential winter damage. For more information check out the article that inspired this post by HomeAdvisor: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/winter-roof-damage/

Stephanie McLain

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

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Snow on Roof

Fire Pit and Campfire Safety Tips

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

Fire pits are wonderful inexpensive additions to any yard. They can be an outdoor getaway after a long day, or the centerpiece of a social event. Installing a new fire pit, whether it’s portable or permanent, can instantly boost the appeal of spending time in your yard without breaking the bank. If you’ve decided a fire pit is all your house is missing, be sure to review the following tips from Mother Earth News for safe installation.

Always make sure the fire pit is at least 10 feet away from any structure or neighboring yard. If you can, 25 feet is preferable. Be aware of what’s above the fire pit. Do not place it under a covered porch or low hanging tree branches. Always place it on a non-flammable surface such as patio blocks or concrete. If you have dug out or cleared a spot where it can be sat on dirt, this is also an option. Never place on your wooden deck or directly on grass.

Similarly to camp fires, you need to clear a firebreak. A break is the surrounding area that has been cleared of all flammable materials. A suggested break is 5 feet in all directions from the fire pit or campfire. This allows for any embers or logs that may fall or pop out of the fire to land on the ground without a heightened risk of uncontrolled fire. You can also pile dirt or rocks around the pit to help prevent ground fire from escaping.

A few fire pit/campfire rules to abide by:

  • Never leave a fire pit unattended.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended with the fire.
  • Consider a wire mesh cover to keep embers contained and to keep children and pets safe from falling in.
  • Limit the amount you burn. Add just enough to keep the fire going gently.
  • Don’t put garbage or paper products into the fire. They can easily spark and throw off embers or burning remnants.
  • Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes while tending to the fire.
  • Avoid burning soft woods like pine or cedar as they tend to pop and throw sparks.

Be aware that even if you follow all of these suggestions, accidents can still happen so be sure to have a water source nearby for emergencies.

When you’re ready to extinguish the fire add water and stir the ashes with a shovel or stick. Dispose of the ashes in a safe manner; keep a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Even after 2 or 3 days, ashes can still be hot enough to cause a fire.

By doing your best to adhere to these guidelines, you can safely enjoy your fire pit all year round.

Source:  https://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/5-fire-pit-safety-tips-zbcz1504

Stephanie McLain

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

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Summer Home Improvement

By Stephanie McLain

At any point in time this past winter, did you notice some issues with your home? Maybe you noticed how drafty that window is, or you realized your gate is a little wobbly. Now that the weather has finally taken a turn for the better, you have the opportunity to get things fixed up.

Claims in the winter can be costly, partially because there is potential for more damage, and because prices are higher for service calls that involve higher risk. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures, these are all factors that play into the danger of a claim. Not to mention, winter claims take longer as they are difficult to resolve when the weather won’t cooperate. You can’t assess a roof that’s covered in ice. By making routine updates to your home during the warmer months, you can help prevent costly issues during winter.

Here are few items to consider upgrading or reinforcing:

  • Correct cracked concrete
  • Initiate inspections
  • Invest in new windows
  • Drain your water heater
  • Re-stain the deck and/or fence

Not only do these options make your house look nice, but they help lessen claim risks.

Don’t spend another winter thinking up things you should have fixed when you had the chance. Instead, spend it cozy in your home protected from the elements, with the security in knowing you’ve already got everything covered.

About Stephanie

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

Stephanie Headshot

Theft: What to do if your home is burglarized

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

As we go through life we collect an array of things. Many items hold sentimental value, some hold monetary value, some are just necessary for daily living, but they’re ours. Like birds that have carefully constructed the perfect nest, we have made our home our own and it is comforting to come back to it each day or night. You feel safe in your home. A bad day at work is alleviated by the comforts of your couch or favorite chair. What happens, when that comfort is invaded? According to the website https://www.alarms.org, there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66% of those being home break ins. Even the safest neighborhoods can be affected by theft.

Imagine with me:

You’ve been out to the movies. It’s been a great night complete with dinner, good company, and a hilarious movie. You’re quoting your favorite parts of the movie still laughing until your abs hurt as your pull up at home and see your door open. You freeze.

This moment alone is gut wrenching but what happens when you go inside?

You want to approach the house but you’re not sure if someone is still inside. Your friend grabs your arm and suggests calling the police first. A couple minutes go buy and a police cruiser pulls up and officers search the property to see if anyone is still inside. Your house has been completely ransacked. There is evidence of forced entry and the police begin an investigation as you stare in awe at the disaster that was once your place.

While having your home broken into is traumatic, it doesn’t have to be life altering. No amount of comfort will erase what has been done, but rebuilding and replacing is a step to healing. With insurance you’ve got the coverage to help in this process. Anytime a theft occurs follow these steps:

  1. Notify the police immediately and obtain your report number.
  2. Secure your property if damage created a hazard. For example, fix that door if it was kicked in or secure that window if it was broken.
  3. Create an inventory of any missing items to document your loss.
  4. Take photos of any damage.
  5. Contact MAX so the claim process can begin.

Your adjuster will assist you throughout the entire process. There will be a time where you can feel safe and comfortable in your home again and even be more prepared for situations in the future. Hopefully, you’ll never experience a theft, but, if you do, it’s better to be prepared.

Stephanie McLain

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

Stephanie Headshot

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

By Stephanie McLain, Claims Adjuster

Fluffy, scruffy, bouncy, and full of joy, dogs are and always will be man’s best friend. They do not, however, come with warning labels or instruction manuals. Every breed of dog comes with teeth and paws and they all naturally know how to use them. They do not always intend to be harmful. Take puppies for example who just want to play; they sometimes accidentally injure those they are trying to jump with and climb on.

Owners can take precautions with their pups to prevent bites from happening and avoid any potential injuries. Doggonesafe.com provides the following tips to consider:

  1. Leave dogs alone that are sleeping, resting, injured, very old, or with puppies. Also, give them lots of space so they feel comfortable.
  2. A safe dog is one that has a soft, relaxed, happy face and a wiggly body. Look at the dog’s body, face, and tail.
  3. Always walk away from dogs who cannot follow you. Never approach a dog that is on a bed or furniture. Do not bother dogs in cars or behind fences. Leave chained dogs alone. They may be protective of their space or their family and worried that you are an intruder.
  4. Keep dogs and kids separated during meal times.

It’s also important to teach your young ones the safest ways to interact with your pets. Here are some tips for the kids.

  1. Teach kids how to safely deliver treats to their pets.
    1. Kids can drop the food on the ground,
    2. Toss treats; or
    3. Give the food from an open hand.
  2. Teach your child to “be a tree” when confronted with an unknown, overly friendly or hostile dog.
  3. Teach your child to “be a rock” if a dog jumps on them and knocks them down.
  4. Teach children to play safe games such as fetch instead of running and jumping games.
  5. Teach kids to pet a dog correctly.
  6. Show them how to notice when the dog wants to walk away.
Be a Tree Graphic
Be a Rock

With proper training all around, we can continue to coexist safely and happily with our furry friends. Safety is always going to be priority number one, but caring for our companions is a close second. Owning a pet is a pretty great experience that you should want to share with friends and family. The last thing you should have to worry about it whether or not Fido is going to nip at Nana. Take the proper steps to avoid any issues ahead of time and you’ll be raising a courteous canine in no time.

Source:  https://doggonesafe.com 

Stephanie McLain

Tech enthusiast (not pro), photographer hobbyist, boy mom, animal lover, and Insurance Adjuster

When Stephanie isn’t at work she’s trying new things from food, tech, games, hair colors, etc. Stephanie and her husband of 2 years live with their 2 boys, 1 fostered cousin, 2 dogs, 1 snake, and 1 fostered bearded dragon. Her goals are to experience the best life has to offer. They like to explore as a family everything from the outdoors, new towns, new games, or even new concepts or ideas for the house.

Stephanie Headshot