Risk & Business Magazine Hardenbergh Insurance Group Magazine Winter 2018 | Page 6

HAPPY FALL
HAPPY FALL
From The Folks At HIG
T
he leaves are changing and
falling, pumpkin scents have
been applied to all things
possible, and we are trading
our shorts and flip flops for
cozy sweaters and boots. We’ve had some
severe weather to accompany this seasonal
change, and in addition to pulling out our
warmer wardrobe, we should take some
time protecting our homes from the fall
and winter elements. Here are a few tips to
prepare against and prevent costly damage
to your biggest investment:
• Trim trees, shrubs, and any dead
branches close to your home to prevent
them from falling on your roof or siding
during a storm.
• Inspect roofs for curling, lifting, or
missing shingles that could let water
into your home.
• Clean those gutters and downspouts.
Keep them clear of twigs, leaves, and
debris.
• Make sure your roof has adequate
insulation and your flashing is in good
condition. Once the temperature drops,
ice dams can form, causing roof and
interior water damage.
• Keep the outside weather from getting
inside your home by caulking leaky
doors and windows. Replace worn
garage or door weather stripping.
6
• Repair attic vents and screens to keep
unwanted critters from seeking refuge in
your home.
• Rake leaves promptly away from the
house and storm drains to prevent
flooding, mold, and water damage.
• Check your sump pump battery or add
one if you do not have one. A sump
pump only works to keep the water out if
there is power running to it, and power
loss is common after a heavy storm.
• Service the heater in the fall—before you
really need it—to keep it efficient for the
winter. Be sure to keep a supply of clean
filters handy.
• Check that your fire, smoke, and carbon
monoxide detectors are working; make
sure the batteries are fresh; and keep a
fire extinguisher handy on each floor,
just in case.
• Clean out dryer vents and any
accumulated lint. Make sure all gas and
electrical devices in the home are free
and clear of belongings to prevent fire.
Is your homeowners policy ready for the
things that can happen to even the most
careful homeowner? A high percentage of
consumers spend very little time reading
their insurance policy. OK, to be fair, we
all know that it is some pretty dry reading.
But, since that packet of paper in the file
drawer protects you and your possessions
BY: MARIE MANLEY,
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
for hundreds of thousands of dollars, a
regular review is in order. Check the
coverage amounts and discounts and make
sure your policy has the bells and whistles
that protect you from the things that you
work hard to prevent. Inquire about flood
insurance, as there are new, affordable
private choices to protect your house in
case of flood damage.
So while you are recovering from your
household to-do list and settling down
with your pumpkin spice latte, call up your
favorite insurance agent and make sure
your homeowners policy is as ready as you
and your lovely home. +
Marie Manley works in the Personal
Insurance Department as part of the Business
Development Team. Her primary focus for
more than 20 years is to offer consultation and
advisory services to clients for their personal
insurance. She helps them make educated
choices with their insurance portfolio, which
includes home, auto, collections, coastal
property, and individual life and disability
insurance.
Marie is a member of the Voorhees Business
Association, the Audubon-Haddon Township-
Oaklyn Rotary, the Doctors Advisory Alliance
Group, and BCSJ (Businesses Committed to
South Jersey). She resides in South Jersey with
her two children Natalie and Alex.