30 Aug September is National Preparedness Month!

National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies, but we can extend that to being prepared for any kind of changes during this transitional period.

We can already see those changes as the summer eases into autumn: the color of the leaves, the air gets cooler and crisper, your child packs up their backpack and heads to the bus… It’s important to be ready for anything the season may bring, and that includes reviewing your policies and getting your home ready for the cooler weather.

Policies to Review

This time of year, is the perfect time to review several of your insurance policies, from back-to-school to home policies.

Back to School

• If your college student is returning to school, consider reviewing your renter’s insurance policy (to protect their personal belongings) as well as your auto policy.
  • For more tips on insuring your college student, check out our blog post here.

• For high-school aged kids, you can help them brush up on their safe driving abilities. Autumn comes with all sorts of road hazards, from wet leaves to school buses. This ensures your peace of mind and a potentially lower auto rate!

Umbrella Policies

• Review any umbrella policies you may have. This can help cover any falls or injuries that may occur on your property because of the weather (like someone slipping on ice in your yard, etc.). Umbrella policies may cover what your primary insurance does not.

Hurricane Preparedness

September is peak hurricane season, and it’s important to protect your loved ones and your home with a thorough disaster plan.

• Check out our hurricane safety tips at our blog post here, as well as ways to ensure your home is protected by your insurance policy in the event of any damage that may occur.

Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall

Preparing your home for the cooler weather for the fall/winter can help reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with winter damage.

Here are some tips for winterizing your home:

• Put away “summertime toys,”e., boats, motorcycles, etc. Secure them in a safe space, like a garage, for the winter and review your policy to see if you can get any discounts during the winter season.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. This prevents flooding and freezing around your foundation.
• Check your roof for signs of leaks or other damage.
• Check furnace filters, clean fireplaces, and chimneys. This prevents fires and improves airflow.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Prep your lawn. Rake leaves and trim any trees or bushes that may come off in a storm.
• Drain gas from yard equipment. Gasoline can damage rubber parts if it’s left in equipment.
• Swap windows screens for storm windows. Clean and repair screens before storing them away.
• Clean windows and doors to ensure they operate smoothly all year long.
• Store hoses. Remove hoses from spigots and drain and store them indoors.
• Stock up on wood or wood pellets for the winter if you have a fireplace or wood stove.
• Check other emergency securities like fire extinguishers, fire escape plans, first aid kits, stockpiled foods, and disaster kits.

As summer transitions into fall, you must be prepared for anything that the colder weather may bring. SAVA has your back! With these tips, you can ensure your safety and peace of mind.

To review your home, auto, or other policies, contact SAVA today!