Five Ways to Prevent Package Theft This Holiday Season

Many of us shop online all year round, but there is a definite uptick during the holidays. Consumers love the convenience, but one major downfall to online shopping is the increased risk of package theft, also called “porch piracy”. A 2016 survey conducted by the home security company Ring.com found that nearly 20 percent of homeowners reported having a package stolen within the previous year.

Protect yourself from package theft by following these few simple tips:

               -- If possible, have packages delivered to your workplace so they are actually in your hands.
  
               --Utilize your home security system’s cameras. Keep them turned on anytime you and your family are away from home so you can track the activity at your house.

    --Instruct drivers to leave packages at another location. According to statistics on Ring.com’s website, 73% of homeowners have packages dropped off at the front door, so this is the most obvious location for a thief to look. Both FedEx and UPS have apps that allow you to choose where you’d like your packages delivered, so take advantage and choose an alternative drop-off location, such as at your back door or with a trusted neighbor.      
      

         --Sign up for delivery alerts. Most e-commerce sites will notify you when your package ships and give you an expected delivery date. If you know when your package is arriving, you can rearrange your schedule so you or a family member can get home and take the package inside so it’s not sitting on the porch for hours.

       --Request a signature for your deliveries. This might be the most inconvenient option, especially if you and your family are out of the house all day, but most delivery companies offer extended hours during the holiday season.  You can choose to get your package dropped off in the evening or on a weekend to ensure you’ll be home to sign for it.

The holiday season can be stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to worry about potential package thieves.  Besides the tips listed above, ask your neighbors to look out for any suspicious vehicles or individuals in your neighborhood so everyone’s property and belongings stay safe.  

ETA Insurance Group is a local, independent insurance agency that works with over 50 carriers. We offer a full line of insurance products for all your needs, from home and auto to health, life, and Medicare. As independent agents we can shop around to find you the best coverage for your needs and your budget.  

Fall Home Heating Tips

Photo: Business Insider

There's something to love about every season. Whether it’s summer’s longer days and leisurely pace, the beauty of winter’s first snowfall, spring’s renewal and warmer temperatures, or fall’s incredible foliage and cooler temps (not to mention pumpkin spice everything!), if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with four seasons, you’re luckier than you probably realize!

But along with the changes in weather come the changes in how you take care of your home and property. Sure, there’s a lot to love about fall, but one thing many homeowners don’t love is the thought of rising heating costs as colder temps approach. Heating your home is certainly a necessity, but it can  =eat up a big piece of your household budget every month. It’s important to take care of your heating units so you’re not wasting money or any of that cozy warm air.

Below are a few ways to keep your home heating system’s efficiency high and costs low:

Furnace or oil burner inspection. Scheduling a furnace or oil burner cleaning should be one of those routine appointments you put on your calendar every year, like going to the dentist or taking your dog for their annual checkup at the vet. It’s that essential for keeping your home nice and toasty all winter long. A professional HVAC technician can give your heating system a thorough check-up to make sure it’s running properly and identify small problems before they turn into big ones.

Fireplace and chimney cleaning and inspection. Along with your home’s central heating system, many homeowners like to stoke their fireplace on exceptionally cold nights. If this sounds like you, make an appointment with a chimney sweep, who can clean and inspect both the fireplace and chimney before peak season.

Find and seal leaks. Check your windows and doors for any openings or cracks and seal them accordingly with caulking or weather stripping.  Air often escapes through windows in older homes, and drafty conditions are both uncomfortable and expensive (if the cold air is coming in, then the warm air is escaping from inside!)

Watch your thermostat. For some households, winter means a regular tussle over a comfortable temperature—it seems as if someone is always too hot or too cold! Heating professionals recommend turning your thermostat down at night (and piling on the blankets) and any time you and the family are away from home. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to an agreed-upon temperature that keeps everyone happy!

Clean your air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter can make your heating unit work twice as hard. Changing the air filter regularly (at least monthly) will keep your heating system running well, and improve the air quality in your home.  Family members with allergies or asthma will certainly appreciate having less pollen or other allergens circulating through the air in your home.

A few quick routine maintenance tasks can help you save money and stay warm all winter long. Would you add any other tips?

Why a Home Fire Evacuation Plan is Important

October 7-13, 2018, is Fire Prevention Week, which is the perfect opportunity to practice (or devise) a fire evacuation plan for your household.

A fire can be devastating, easily causing thousands of dollars in property damage, not to mention the lasting physical, emotional or psychological effects it can have on a family. An evacuation plan can help everyone in the house understand what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out. You may not be able to save your home or all the contents, but if you have a plan in place, you significantly increase the odds of getting all family members out safely. Remember—timing is everything, as you may literally only have a few minutes to get out.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a great resource for developing an evacuation plan for your home. According to an NFPA study, only one of every three households in America has developed and utilized a fire evacuation plan. Every member of your family should be involved in creating one for your home and understand how to use it. Below are some general fire safety tips:

• Make sure your home has smoke detectors in every bedroom, kitchen (away from the stove), and living room—ideally every floor in your home should have at least one smoke detector.
• Encourage everyone to know two ways out of every room in the house.
• Designate a meeting place in front of your house for everyone to gather when they leave the house.
• Test your smoke detectors at least twice a year (a good rule of thumb is to test them when the clocks are changed during Daylight Savings Time).
• Once your escape plan is developed, test its effectiveness with a drill once or twice a year—once at night and once during the day.
• If your smoke detector does go off, leave immediately and don’t go back in for any reason. You may not make it out a second time.
• Call the fire department from a safe space outside your home.

Practicing good fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. It only takes a few minutes to develop a plan that could prevent a tragedy.

Most homeowners' insurance includes coverage for loss or damage related to fire. You can also purchase fire insurance for additional protection. This extra coverage helps with the costs of repair, replacement, or reconstruction of property above and beyond what your homeowners' policy covers. 

Campus Safety Tips for College Students

Photo: Pinterest

As a new college student, you’re dealing with a lot of “firsts”—probably your first time away from home for more than a few days, your first time being on your own and having real control over your schedule, your first time meeting new people (students and faculty) who are different from your friends, classmates, and teachers in high school. College is also likely the first time you’re really looking out for yourself—both your physical safety and personal property. Even if you’re going to a small school in a tight-knit community, you always want to make your safety and well-being a top priority.

Below are a few basic ways you and your belongings can stay safe on campus.

Walk in well-lit areas. Obviously, you’ll have to leave your room and walk around campus for a variety of reasons. If you’re coming back to your dorm after dark, stay in lighted areas and/or walk with at least one other student if you can.

Check in with your roommate(s). You’ll likely have a different class or social schedule from your roommate, so you may not see each other regularly.  But you should always let someone know your whereabouts if you’re leaving your room. At one time, students left messages for each other on white boards on their dorm room doors (low tech, but effective!). Text messages and other forms of instant communication have come along since, and with everyone connected at all times, it seems, there’s really no reason to not let your roommate know where you are (and vice versa).

Protect your possessions. Always lock your door when you leave your room, and encourage your roommate to do the same. Even if you have friends on the same floor or in the same building, don’t leave yourself open to potential theft. And never, ever leave your bag unattended. Think about it—you’re carrying around textbooks and electronics worth a few thousand dollars. It would be a shame to call Mom and Dad and explain your bag was stolen while you were in the dining hall or library. Some campus buildings, like the dining hall or bookstore, require students to leave their bags outside and provide storage carrels for this purpose.

Create a personal inventory. A personal inventory is a list of your most valuable possessions. If you’re keeping costly electronics or sports equipment in your dorm, you should have a list of these items should you ever have to make a claim because they were lost, stolen, or damaged. Contact your insurance agent to see if they have an inventory template you can use, otherwise you can download one. Some insurance carriers even have apps that allow you to catalog your belongings instantly.

Ask your parents if their homeowners’ insurance policy extends to your on-campus housing in the dorm. If it does, this means you (or your parents) can file a claim in case something from your room is lost, stolen, or damaged.

College is great—the time in your life to learn more about yourself and your interests, and develop some independence and personal responsibility. Make the most of it, and do it safely!

Preparing Your Pet for a Move

Photo: thesprucepets.com

Moving is one of the most stressful life events you’ll ever experience.  New beginnings can be exciting, but there’s a lot of work to do before you even get close to the new beginning! From choosing a new home to downsizing and packing your belongings to saying goodbye to your old neighborhood—not to mention the actual move itself…the stressors are endless.  Some of us try to limit how many times we relocate simply to avoid the stress!

But you’re not alone. Your pet is picking up on your stress, too.  They’re affected by the move and will need a period of adjustment, just like you and your family. Luckily, there are a few ways you can make the change a little easier for everyone.

Like most pet owners, you probably considered your pet’s needs when you were looking at homes. Whether you have a large dog who needs a spacious back

yard for running and playing or a cat who’s content to perch on top of cabinets or bookshelves, you should assess their needs just as much as any other family member’s. Fortunately, animals are resilient and should adjust to their new surroundings in a few days—a few weeks at most—but you can still try to make the transition itself as smooth as possible.

Get your pet used to being in a crate for long stretches of time.  If your pet normally has the run of your house and only crated for the occasional vet visit, they probably won’t like their period of confinement. If you’re driving to your new home, your car is likely packed with your belongings (not to mention the rest of your family) so you can’t let your pet enjoy the same freedom they would at home. Crating them is the best solution.  Plan frequent stops so your pet can come out of their crate for a short time and take care of business.

When you get to your new home, the experts at the ASPCA recommend you do some pet-proofing—tuck away electrical cords, secure window screens, and remove any stray insect repellants or traps the previous owners may have left behind.

Rather than give your pet the entire house to explore, the ASPCA pros suggest introducing them to the house slowly, perhaps room by room, so they don’t get overwhelmed (or worse, lost—remember, you’re still learning your way around, too!)

Change is never easy, but to new circumstances is usually easier if you can take things one step at a time. Your pet is the same way.

Have you ever moved with a pet? What was your experience? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!  

Do's and Don'ts During Thunderstorms

Summer can have some unexpected (and dramatic!) weather, from hurricanes to tornadoes and massive flooding. These major weather events can cause extensive damage to people and property, but a common lightning storm can leave a devastating impact, as well. Lightning can pose serious safety risks, but there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your property until the storm blows over. Below are a few basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during a thunderstorm. For more helpful safety tips, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website.

Do:

      Stay inside.  There’s no guarantee that lightning won’t affect an enclosed shelter, but you’ll be much safer inside.  A house, business, office building, or car with a hard top would all be considered enclosed shelters.

Stay away from windows.  It seems like a no-brainer, but make sure all entryways to your home are shut tightly so the rain won’t get in and cause water damage.  Once the windows are shut, move away from them. The lightning could travel through the metal in the window frame.  
Stay away from electronic equipment. If possible, avoid watching TV, using any electronic device or appliances during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through a house’s electrical system or TV and radio connection systems (and you can get a serious jolt if you use any of the above electronics). Invest in whole-house surge protectors to keep your electronics and appliances safe.

Don’t:

 Go near water. As mentioned above, don’t use your washer or dryer, but also avoid washing your hands, doing dishes, or taking a shower during a thunderstorm, as lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.

Seek shelter in an open structure or space. If you’re outside and caught off guard by a sudden thunderstorm, try to get to a sturdy, enclosed structure rather than one that’s open, such as a pavilion or gazebo.  Also avoid waiting it out in a vehicle like a convertible or golf cart.  If you’re outside with no visible means of shelter, crouch down as low as you can, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible.

Use a phone with a cord. Corded phones are a bigger safety risk because lightning can travel down the phone cables. Cordless or cell phones are safe to use.

Go outside.  Watch the weather forecast and take weather alerts on your electronic device seriously. If there’s a storm in the forecast, be prepared to delay, postpone, or cancel your outdoor plans. Take the time to secure or bring in outdoor furniture or other lightweight items that could blow away when the storm finally hits. Bring pets and plants inside and be prepared to wait it out.

Lightning is impressive to watch (when you’re safely inside, at a distance) but it can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Choosing the Best Pool for Your Home

Summertime means barbecues, plenty of time outside, and both lounging by and cooling off in the water. For some families, this means hanging out by their backyard pool. If you’re considering installing a pool, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

First, decide what type of pool would work best for your backyard (and your budget!) Where you live is also a big deciding factor.  If you live in a warmer climate, an in-ground pool is almost a given.  If you live in a cooler region or have a smaller backyard, an above-ground pool will likely work better.  

Let’s take a closer look at the differences of each model, as well as the maintenance required.

Installing a pool is a big investment of both time and money. Take the time to research your options and compare prices before making your decision.

In-ground

An in-ground pool adds a pleasant touch to your backyard and quickly becomes the prime gathering spot for friends and family, where you can swim, lounge, and hang out together. It can also add value to your home. But in-ground models are expensive to both install and maintain. Besides the initial installation costs (site prep, digging the hole, and other charges), there are other expenses you may not be aware of, including:

• Higher electric bill due to running the filter
• Higher water bill due to refilling the pool’s water
• Chemicals for routine maintenance, opening, and closing the pool

If you decide that an in-ground pool is the best choice for your backyard, get ready to be overwhelmed by all the different options available. From shape to liner materials to wall colors, the possibilities to customize your pool to your exact preferences are endless.

Above-ground

Above-ground pools are a better choice for families who won’t be able to use it year-round (or most of it, anyway).  They are also considerably less expensive. Other advantages to an above-ground model is that it can be assembled in a few days, it usually come in the form of a kit, and a team of installers set it up for you. Some higher-end models also come with railing and decking options for an additional cost.

Unfortunately, above-ground pools add no value to your home.  Most are also too shallow for diving, and they are typically only available in a round or oval shape, unlike in-ground pools which can be round, oval, square, rectangular, kidney-shaped, and more.  Otherwise, they require much of the same maintenance as in-ground models.

Choosing the right pool for your backyard essentially comes down to price, size, and your geographic area.  Talk to a reputable dealer who can help you select the best model for your family’s lifestyle.

Are you thinking of putting in a pool? Will you be choosing an in-ground or above-ground model? Do you have one already? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

How Safe is Your Backyard?

Photo: Pinterest

It’s summer, which means spending a lot more time outside. Whether you’re having some friends and family over for a cookout or pool party or just hanging out and enjoying the sunshine, your backyard is probably seeing a lot of activity.

Your home and backyard should be safe places where you can relax and have fun with family and friends.  But an accident can happen to anyone at any time. If you have any of the following, you may have a greater risk for liability if someone gets hurt on your property.  Be sure to notify your insurance agent if you have any of these items so your homeowners’ policy can be adjusted accordingly.

Trampolines. Trampolines are a lot of fun and actually a great way to stay in shape, but they can be dangerous, as well. If one of your kids or a friend feel daring and tries stunts like a flip, they can get seriously hurt if they land wrong.  Do plenty of research before buying one of these items so you’re aware of the potential safety risks.

Swing sets and play equipment. Swing sets have come a long way—most are made from molded plastic or recycled materials rather than hard metal as they were for decades, so they are already safer than they were years ago. But there are still plenty of risks with these units.

Pools. Who doesn’t like lounging poolside on a hot day? Pools are a great investment and make a nice addition to a backyard, but they can also be dangerous. According to the American Red Cross (ARC)’s website, 200 children drown in backyard swimming pools each year.  If you have a pool, make sure you and your guests follow some basic safety rules:

•         Install a fence.
•          Supervise all swimmers.
•          Keep pool chemicals out of children’s easy reach.
•          Set safety rules that must be followed (such as no running, diving, or swimming alone)
•          Know how to respond to an emergency (make sure everyone in the household can swim; get certified in CPR and first aid).

Dogs.  We all love our furry friends, but depending on the dog’s temperament, they may not love your guests.  Not all dogs are good with people other than their owners. If your dog is skittish or tends to be aggressive, it might be best to keep them in the house until your guests leave. He may bite someone if he feels threatened, which could mean a potential lawsuit for you. (If you have umbrella coverage on your homeowners’ policy, that would help in case of a lawsuit). If you don’t have an umbrella policy, don’t take a chance on your dog’s unpredictable nature, especially if young kids are on the premises. Put them in the house and check on them, but keep them away from your guests.

Summer tends to fly by, so make the most of it! Have fun and stay safe, even if you’re staying in your own backyard.

How to Stage Your Home for Potential Sale

Photo: LifeStorage.com

Selling a house can be a long and often nerve-wracking process. It’s not unusual for a home to sit on the market for months, even years. As a seller, you may have to come up with some creative ways of showing off your home’s best features and enticing prospective buyers.  “Staging” is one way to do this. Staging your home allows buyers to see examples of furniture arrangements and room layouts. People are very visual, and seeing pieces in the home gives buyers ideas for how their own belongings could look in each room.  Buyers often look at multiple houses; staged homes are more likely to stand out from those that are unstaged, which can make the buying decision less overwhelming.

If you want to stage your house or a house you’re selling on someone’s behalf (a deceased relative, perhaps), you need to do some prep. First, keep in mind that staging an empty house is considerably easier than staging one that’s currently occupied.  If you’re not comfortable with the process or don’t know where to start, you can work with a Staging Consultant who can work with you on rearranging furniture and basically getting the home in “showing condition” so it’s presented in the best possible light.  This means all those awkward little nooks and crannies (such as a too-small closet or alcove under the stairs), the basement, and other imperfect areas of your home will be on display for potential buyers, but in a new, more flattering, way. You want buyers to see themselves and their family living in your home and making it their own, and giving them some ideas for what "works" in certain rooms will help them do that.

Even if you’re working with a Staging Consultant to handle the actual furniture arranging and room layouts, there are plenty of things you can do to get the process started.

Exterior

•         Mow lawn, trim shrubs, weed garden, and plant new flowers and other greenery
•         Make sure your house number is clearly visible
•          Give your front porch or entryway some TLC—apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to the floor and railing, wash down porch furniture, repair or replace stained, torn, or damaged furniture cushions.
•          Wash windows

Interior

•          Declutter. If you ever needed a good reason to get rid of the books, papers, and various other debris you’ve accumulated over the years while living in your home, this is it!
•          Give your home a thorough cleaning. This is especially critical if you have animals and/or small children! Pay special attention to wood floors. Consider refinishing them if they’re excessively nicked or scratched; if that’s not in your budget, invest in area rugs to hide the worst of the wear.
•          Pick up toys and encourage your kids to clean up their rooms.
•          Try to strike a balance between “clean” and “lived in”. You want buyers to know real people live in this house, so you don’t have to remove all traces of your presence. But don’t leave newspapers, mail, kids’ sports equipment, and other remainders of your “real life” laying around, either.
•          Be vigilant about tackling pet odors. We love our pets, but let’s face it, they can be stinky at times. Besides giving your four-legged friends a bath prior to each showing (if you can), steam-clean all rugs and wash floors thoroughly.

     Have you ever staged a home for potential sale? Did you work with a professional or do it yourself? What was your experience? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Condo vs. Apartment: What's the Difference?

If you ask most people the difference between a condo and an apartment, you’d likely get responses like: “A condo is a fancy apartment”, “Condos are more expensive”, “Condos are nicer.”  While none of these responses are wrong, there is a lot more to living in an apartment or condo than these simple answers suggest. The key differences between a condo an apartment have less to do with appearance and more to do with ownership. Price-wise, depending on the location, rent is usually roughly the same for a condo or a more upscale apartment.

Let’s look at each type of residence—if you’re considering moving into either, you’ll have some of the information you’ll need to make the right decision.

Condo

A condominium is defined as a building or group of buildings in which each unit is owned by the tenant; an apartment building is owned by a landlord. Due to its ownership structure, a condominium complex typically has its own homeowners’ association.

Other information:

-Because condos are individually owned, these units are typically well-maintained, often with higher-end appliances, fixtures, and other upgrades.  (So even if you rent a condo, you’ll probably find that the owner keeps it in pretty good shape.)

-The owner of the condo can renovate or remodel the space however they like.

-Residents of a condominium complex usually have shared common areas, such as a gym, pool, and garage or designated parking area available for their use.  

-There’s usually more flexibility with a condo’s amenities (garbage, water, and sewer, and even additional services like snow removal) as part of the rent because of the homeowners’ association’s collective bargaining power.

Apartment

Apartments are owned by a landlord or leasing management company, so any requests for repairs or other issues must go through the owners.

Other information:

-Unfortunately, because a tenant doesn’t own the apartment, there’s no way to know how they will maintain the space. Landlords usually ask for references and tenants pay a security deposit, but even that doesn’t guarantee they’ll leave the apartment in pristine shape.

-Tenants usually can’t redecorate or remodel an apartment on a large scale without the landlord’s permission.

-Apartments aren’t just in multi-floored buildings in cities. You can find apartments in small- to medium-sized towns and cities. They're in renovated old homes, above or behind small businesses, restaurants, and bars, or in traditional apartment-style housing.

-Amenities are usually standard (water, sewer, garbage); tenants can sometimes, but not always, negotiate the terms of the lease.

ETA Benefits Group works with several homeowners’ insurance carriers that provide coverage for any type of residence (home, condo, motor home, and renters’).  Do you need a new policy or are you looking for a better one? Contact us!

Have you ever lived in an apartment or condo? What was your experience? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

How to Get Your Home Cooling Units Ready for Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and most of us are cleaning off the outdoor furniture, planting our gardens, and generally getting ready for warmer temps. There’s a lot to love about summer, but many of us find the extreme heat and humidity a bit…well, extreme…and we rely on our cooling units—whether fans or air conditioners—to keep us comfortable when the temperatures rise.

Like everything else in the home, both fans and air conditioners require regular attention to run at peak efficiency. These quick cleaning and maintenance tips can help you extend the life of your cooling unit, which can save you both time and money in the long run.

Window air conditioners

Unplug the unit so you can clean it safely, then give the front cover a thorough cleaning.

Taking care of the filter is one of the easiest ways to keep your AC unit running well. Dust, mold, and mildew can collect in the filter, clogging the unit and slowing down the cool air flow.  If you have a disposable filter, change it regularly.  If it’s a reusable filter, clean it when you put the unit in your window.  For most AC models with reusable filters, you simply pop off the front cover, remove the filter, wipe it with a damp cloth or rinse it in warm, soapy water, let it dry, and reinsert the filter.

Straighten any bent fins on the unit, and vacuum the inside—the brush attachment for the vacuum cleaner works well for this task.

Outside air conditioners

Turn the the unit’s power off at the electrical disconnect (this is usually a metal box near the unit).

Spray off any dirt, grass, leaves, and other debris with a hose.

Use coil cleaner to give the unit’s coils a thorough cleaning.

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fan blades are the prime collection site for all the dust and debris that floats through the air in your house, so they probably need a good cleaning (unless you’ve been diligent about dusting them all winter).  A dry mop or duster works best for cleaning the blades. Of course, you can always remove the blades and give them a deep cleaning in warm soapy water.

“Box” / window or oscillating fans

These units are also prone to collecting dust and debris, and they're a bit harder to clean than ceiling fans. You usually have to remove the grille first, then clean that with spray cleaner or soak it in warm, soapy water. If you can remove the blades, do so and give them a thorough cleaning. If you cannot remove the blades, simply use spray cleaner to do the job, or use the brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner to get into those hard-to-reach areas.

Maybe your window cooling units aren’t enough and you’re considering an upgrade—even a full-scale central AC system. Some home remodeling or improvement projects can impact your homeowners’ insurance premiums, so check your policy or contact your agent before you get started.

Do you use fans or AC units to keep cool all summer? Are there any cleaning or maintenance tips you’d add to our list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Porch, Veranda, Portico: What's the Difference?

Now that winter seems to be behind us (hopefully, anyway!), it’s time to look forward to spring! For many of us, spring means decluttering our home’s interior and sprucing up its exterior.  Maybe you’re thinking of planting a garden or tackling a home improvement project that will add that perfect finishing touch to your home.  Have you ever thought of adding a covering to your entryway, such as a porch, veranda, or portico? Do you know the differences between them? Read on below for a brief explanation of each and how they can bring a little something extra to the outside of your home.

A porch usually runs across the front of a house

Porch

A porch is an extension to the exterior of a house or building. It runs across the entire front of the structure and usually has a roof and may be enclosed with walls, columns, or screens.  Porches can be a small area where visitors wait prior to entering the house or the homeowners dispose of weather gear, or large, full-sized rooms (think sunporch) used for entertaining guests or just relaxing.

A veranda runs across the front and sides of a house or building
Photo: YourDictionary.com

Veranda

Most of us refer to any outside extension on a house as a “porch”, but there are actually subtle differences between a porch and its close counterpart, the veranda (or “verandah”).  A porch only runs across the front of a house or building; a verandah runs along the front and sides. It typically has a roof, as well.

A portico covers a home or building's entryway

Portico

A portico is a small porch extending from a home or building’s entryway. It usually has a roof and is supported by columns.

Besides making an attractive addition to your home, these exterior structures can add some much-needed protection from the elements.  No matter what type of exterior structure you add or renovate, you want to be sure to get the necessary building permits required by your borough or township. You should also notify your insurance agent about the project so your insurance premiums can be adjusted accordingly or you can purchase new insurance. Here at ETA Benefits Group, we work with several carriers and can shop around to find the best coverage for your needs. 

Do you have a large-scale home improvement project planned for the spring? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Tips for Dealing with Spring Driving Challenges

Winter driving has its challenges—snowy, icy roads, sharing the road with salt trucks and plows, and poor visibility—and unfortunately, the lingering effects of winter weather take a major toll on our roadways, and driving in the spring can be just as challenging. Below are just a few of the headaches we face on the road during this season:

Potholes

Potholes are probably the biggest nuisance when it comes to spring driving, mostly because they can impact our vehicles directly.  Hitting a deep pothole can cause anything from alignment and engine issues to shock and strut or tire rim damage. If you drive on a pothole-riddled road for your daily commute, it will take its toll on your car. Try to find an alternate route to school or work until the road is fixed to minimize your risk of costly damage.

When you’re driving, if you can’t avoid a pothole due to oncoming traffic or another obstacle, try to slow down before you hit it to lessen the stress on your car.  If you suspect damage, pull over as soon as you can do so safely and check your car. Some damage is obvious, like a flat tire. Other issues are less noticeable but can have long-term effects on how your car runs.  If you want to be sure, take your car to your mechanic, explain what happened, and ask for a full inspection. It’s cheaper to pay a bill for a good report than one for costly repairs.

Construction

Whether it’s paving projects, widening roads, line painting, or filling potholes, it’s hard to avoid road construction this time of year.  If you’re aware of construction projects on your daily commute, keep these tips in mind:

·         Give yourself more time. If you absolutely cannot avoid the road you travel to school or work every day, leave at least a few minutes early if you know you’ll be sitting in traffic.

·         Find an alternate route. If the road construction will be going on for weeks or months, find at least one alternate route for your daily drive.

·        Wear your seat belt and keep sunglasses handy. Hopefully wearing your seat belt is second nature, but it’s an important reminder for all of us.  Stop-and-go traffic can cause wear and tear on your vehicle, but it can have unfortunate health consequences on drivers and passengers, as well, so buckle up before getting on the road. Sunglasses are just a good practical item to keep in your car. Squinting miserably in the sun’s glare can make sitting in traffic seem even longer and more uncomfortable.

Flooding

Spring temperatures mean two things: lots of rain and melting snow, which increases the risk of flooding.  Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, you should always take flood warnings seriously.

If you live in flood-prone areas, make sure you’re prepared during heavy rainstorms. Put your belongings on high shelves out of the floodwaters so nothing gets damaged. Be sure your family has an escape plan in case you need to leave your home. (It’s also smart to have a home inventory checklist on file with your insurance agent so you can document anything that’s lost or damaged).

Finally, if you’re driving, avoid flooded roadways. The water may look shallow, but there’s no way to know that unless you try to drive through it, and unfortunately that increases your odds of getting stuck.

What other tips would you add for dealing with spring driving challenges? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Insurance Careers Month: Q&A with Joann Chickilly, Licensed Agent/Office Assistant

It's always important to make customers feel welcome when they enter your business, and that is always the goal for us here at ETA Benefits Group. If you stop by our office, chances are the first person you'll see is our receptionist, Joann Chickilly, who is also a licensed agent working primarily with home and auto. Joann talks a little more about her job below.

Name: Joann Chickilly

Title: Licensed Agent/ Office Assistant

Years in the Industry: 12

Years at ETA: Just shy of 1.5 years

What are some of your main job duties? Main jobs consist of taking care of walk-in customers—assisting with their current policies and writing new home and auto policies. The newest addition to my plate is Medicare.

How did you get into this field? After returning to the area from accompanying my husband through his 23 years of active duty military service, I needed employment.  I started as a part-time office assistant with another agency, and within 4 months I was a licensed, full time P&C agent. 

What do you like best about your job? One of the best parts of my day is helping our clients solve problems with their insurance, save money, or most important, ensuring they have all their assets properly protected.

What advice would you have for someone new to the insurance industry?

My advice to anyone getting into the insurance field is if being a trusted adviser and being there to help people when they are at a time of need is something you find fulfilling, then the insurance business is for you! 

New Year's Insurance Resolutions

The start of a new year is a great time to commit to starting new habits or ending bad ones. It’s also a good time to plan for any big changes coming your way in the next 12 months so you can buy the appropriate insurance for them.

Insurance gives you extra peace of mind when the unexpected happens, and the good thing is that there is insurance available for virtually every life occurrence or personal possession. Think of it this way—you wouldn’t go skydiving without a parachute. Why would you not have insurance that will protect you, the people, and possessions that mean the most to you?

With this in mind, let’s look at just a few major occurrences that could mean new or adjusted insurance coverage:

·         Life events.  Marriage, new baby, divorce, retirement, death—each of these milestones are important and need the right protection…sometimes several different lines of coverage.  For example, getting married might mean event insurance (for the wedding itself), travel insurance (for the honeymoon), valuables protection (for wedding jewelry), a homeowners’ policy, and life insurance.  Milestones like marriage, a new baby, and divorce would affect your life insurance, so notify your agent if you anticipate one of these life events this year.

·        

          Home remodeling projects. Your home is one of those ongoing investments—there’s always something to work on.  If you’re planning a major home remodeling project, such as an addition, new façade or roof, it could mean an adjustment to your homeowners’ policy. Also, if you purchase any valuables, such as jewelry, art, or antiques, these items can also be included in your policy. (Keeping a home inventory list is another good habit to get into. List all of your home’s contents on a spreadsheet or an easily-accessible location so if anything gets lost or stolen, it makes the claim process easier for everyone. This list should be updated every year.)

·         

      Changes to your driving status. If you’re in the market for a new car (which will likely come equipped with a host of safety features), adding a new driver, or your car is older and needs less coverage, all of these factors will affect your car insurance coverage in various ways. Discuss any changes with your agent so they can find you a new plan or adjust your existing policy accordingly.

·       

            Traveling abroad. Whether you’re planning to travel abroad for home, business, or volunteer work, insurance is always a good investment. You can purchase a policy for the trip itself, so you are covered if the trip is cancelled or cut short, and there are international medical and health insurance plans available—most regular health insurance plans may only cover a portion of your expenses (at most) if you get sick or injured while traveling.

ETA Benefits works with several carriers that can meet all the insurance needs above and many more! As independent agents we have the flexibility to shop around and select the plans with the best levels of coverage at the best price for our clients.

Are you planning any big changes in 2018? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! 

Supplemental Heating Sources for Your Home

Whether you use coal, oil, or natural gas to heat your home, the price of fuel is a major household expense for everyone.  You may use a supplemental heating source to cut costs and add extra warmth.  Some of the most common ones are:

•            Fireplaces (wood-burning or gas)
•           Pellet stoves
•       Coal stoves
•       Wood stoves
•        Kerosene heaters

Let’s look at some of the features, pros, and cons of each unit.

Fireplaces run on either wood or gas. Wood-burning fireplaces are messy and more high-maintenance than gas-powered units. They must be cleaned after each use, and a chimney sweep must inspect your chimney annually to keep too much creosote (a natural by-product of burning wood) from building up and potentially starting a fire. Gas-powered fireplaces are low maintenance; you don’t even need a chimney. Whichever model you choose, the heat these units generate will keep you cozy warm in the coldest winter weather.

Pellet stoves are available as freestanding or insert-style units and are either top- or bottom-fed. The freestanding model runs on a small amount of electricity. They can be placed anywhere in a room because, as their name implies, they don’t need to be mounted on or supported by a wall. An insert-style pellet stove would replace a standard fireplace, and since it does burn wood (in the form of small pellets), some ash will accumulate as it does in a fireplace. It should be cleaned and inspected by a chimney sweep every year.  One big difference between a fireplace and a pellet stove is that a fireplace will send air up the chimney; a pellet stove is more contained and better at keeping heat inside the room.

If you’re considering a wood or coal stove, as already mentioned, wood creates ash, a lightweight substance that blows around easily and can create a huge mess in your home. Coal, particularly anthracite, burns cleaner, slower, and longer, so you would actually use less coal to heat a space than you’d use wood for a wood stove.

Kerosene heaters are safer than they were even a decade ago, but they are still a common cause of many household fires every winter. They do a great job of heating a room, but it’s critical that you know how to use the unit before you get it up and running. Some common mistakes homeowners make with kerosene heaters are not allowing enough ventilation, spilling the fuel, or using the wrong fuel (you don’t want to substitute gasoline for kerosene!)

Supplemental heating sources can be an effective way to cut fuel costs, but they can also impact your homeowners’ insurance policy by way of higher premiums.  Be sure to review your coverage with your agent so you understand the implications of having one of these units in your home.

Do you use a supplemental heating source in the winter? What do you use? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Prevent Scary Accidents This Halloween

Halloween is the time of year for some spooky fun. But as always, along with fun comes the need for safety to prevent scary accidents on your property.

If you plan to welcome trick or treaters, clear away any yard debris or clutter from your porch or walkway. Little ones love Halloween, but when their enthusiasm and a long or cumbersome costume meets debris, they could trip, fall, and get seriously injured.  Likewise, you wouldn’t want an adult taking their kids trick or treating to fall on your front steps or sidewalk, either. For this same reason, be sure your porch or walkway is well lit. And if your kids are trick or treating, be sure to check their candy when they get home. Any pieces that look suspicious (such as, the wrapper has been opened or it looks like it’s been tampered with in some way), should be thrown away immediately.

Carving pumpkins into scary or funny jack o’lanterns is a favorite holiday activity, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re not handling the knife correctly, or little hands are trying to carve their pumpkin by themselves, it could lead to a serious injury. Paint or decorate the pumpkins instead of carving them, especially if you’re working with kids. Jack o’lanterns are traditionally lit with candles, but open flames are another potential safety hazard. If the pumpkin is sitting on your front porch or in a high-traffic area, it could easily be knocked over.  Use a battery-powered LED candle rather than a live flame instead. Better yet, stick with an artificial jack o’lantern.  Sure, the genuine article always looks better, but the artificial version is much safer!

And of course, we can’t forget the Halloween party, whether it’s a traditional costumed gathering or not. If you’ll be serving alcohol, make sure your guests are able to drive or have named a designated driver.  Encourage them to stay over if they’re not able to drive.  

If you’re expecting a lot of visitors at your house this Halloween, whether for a party or the neighborhood trick or treat night, make sure you’re protected. Consider umbrella coverage for your homeowners’ policy, which can give you additional coverage should a visitor get injured on your property.  ETA Benefits Group works with several carriers that offer this valuable protection.  Please contact us to learn more.

How do you celebrate Halloween? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

"In Case of Fire": Safety Devices for Your Home

The threat of a house fire can be very scary.  But there are ways that you can be alerted in case of a fire and get yourself and your family out of the house safely.  Although each one of these protective measures are effective by itself, ideally you should have all of them in place.

Smoke detectors. Most homes have smoke detectors, and if yours doesn’t, your local fire department may be able to get one for you. Some models also come equipped with a CO detector which can give you added security.  Professionals advise checking the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year (switching the clocks is standard practice for many of us), but if it slips your mind, the device will start chirping like a bird or make another irritating noise signaling that it’s time for new batteries!

Fire extinguishers. You should have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen should a grease fire break out or you have electrical problem with one of your appliances, and it’s also a good idea to keep one in the basement in case something goes haywire with your washer or dryer. There are several different makes and models on the market; this site explains the different types available and how to use them.  

CO detectors. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s website, carbon monoxide is an “odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely.  In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide.” Carbon monoxide poisoning has been called a silent killer, and these fumes can be lurking in your home without you even realizing it. Fire safety professionals recommend installing detectors right outside of sleeping areas and testing them once a month.

   

Fire escape plan. It is important that your family establish an escape plan, and hopefully you never need to use it! Everyone in the family should know two ways out of every room, and you should agree on a meeting place outside should anyone get separated. Fire safety professionals suggest reviewing the plan every six months so everyone in the family gets a refresher and remembers what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to meet.

Are all of the above components in your home fire safety plan?  Is there anything else you would add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Quick Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall

It’s September! School is back in session and autumn is on its way. While many of us enjoy the cooler temperatures and beauty of the leaves changing colors, the arrival of autumn means that the cold, dark winter is not far behind.

Every season brings its own home maintenance projects.  Most of us focus on our home’s exterior, lawn, and garden in the summer. Fall means we’ll be spending more time inside, so it’s a good time to focus on indoor projects.

Below are a few routine household tasks to tackle this fall:

Clean your gutters. Keep the gutters clear of leaves and other debris.
    

 Have your heating system cleaned. Schedule an appointment with a reputable technician to service your oil burner or furnace. This is also a good time to clear out any soot or buildup in your fireplace, or hire a chimney sweep to do a thorough cleaning.

Secure windows and doors. Seal any gaps or cracks around your windows and doors with weather stripping and caulking. Air coming in through those cracks create annoying drafts; air seeping out means higher energy bills.

Inspect your roof.  Check for loose shingles, cracks, leaks, or other issues. A small problem can get big very quickly when snow and ice pile up on it in the winter.

        

Put a fire escape plan in place.  Check the battery in your smoke alarm or CO detector (most experts recommend doing this when you change your clocks, but it’s never too early!), make sure you have working fire extinguishers in your kitchen, and try to rid your home of any potential fire hazards.

How do you prepare your home for fall and the cooler weather? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!