Cyber Security Tips for Businesses and Personal Use

Cybersecurity has never been more important than it is now. As we spend more time online, we’re often creating and sharing more of our personal data. And if this data falls into the wrong hands, private and financial information could be at risk. So, for businesses and individuals alike, protecting sensitive data is critical.

1. Use Anti-Virus Protection & Firewall

Anti-virus (AV) protection software has been the most prevalent solution to fight malicious attacks. AV software blocks malware and other malicious viruses from entering your device and compromising your data. Using a firewall is also important when defending your data against malicious attacks. A firewall helps screen out hackers, viruses, and other malicious activity that occurs over the Internet and determines what traffic is allowed to enter your device.

2. Use Strong Passwords & Use a Password Management Tool

You’ve probably heard that strong passwords are critical to online security. The truth is passwords are important in keeping hackers out of your data! You should consider:

⦁ Create a password with at least eight characters and a maximum length of 64 characters.
⦁ Don’t use the same password twice.
⦁ The password should contain at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number, and four symbols but not the following &%#@_.
⦁ Choose something that is easy to remember and never leave a password hint out in the open or make it publicly available for hackers to see. If you want to make it easier to manage your passwords, try using a password management tool or password account vault. 
⦁ Reset your password when you forget it. But, change it once per year as a general refresh.

3. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication

Without two-factor authentication, you would normally enter a username and password. But, with two-factor, you would be prompted to enter one additional authentication method such as a Personal Identification Code, another password or even fingerprint.

4. Learn about Phishing Scams – be very suspicious of emails, phone calls, and flyers

In a phishing scheme attempt, the attacker poses as someone or something the sender is not to trick the recipient into divulging credentials, clicking a malicious link, or opening an attachment that infects the user’s system with malware. A few important cyber security tips to remember about phishing schemes include: don’t open email from people you don’t know, know which links are safe and which are not – hover over a link to discover where it directs to, and be suspicious of the emails sent to you in general – look and see where it came from and if there are grammatical errors. Malicious links can come from friends who have been infected too. So, be extra careful!

5. Be Careful on Social Media

In the new “always-on” world of social media, you should be very cautious about the information you include online. It is recommended that you only show the very minimum about yourself on social media. Consider reviewing your privacy settings across all your social media accounts, particularly Facebook. Adding your home address, birthdate, or any other personal information will dramatically increase your risk of a security breach. Hackers use this information to their advantage!

6. Backup Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data regularly is an overlooked step in personal online security. The top IT and security managers follow a simple rule called the 3-2-1 backup rule. Essentially, you will keep three copies of your data on two different types of media (local and external hard drive) and one copy in an off-site location (cloud storage). If you become a victim of ransomware or malware, the only way to restore your data is to erase your systems and restore with a recently performed backup.

7. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi

Don’t use a public Wi-Fi without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By using a VPN, the traffic between your device and the VPN server is encrypted. This means it’s much more difficult for a cybercriminal to obtain access to your data on your device. Use your cell network if you don’t have a VPN when security is important.

With these tips in mind, you can browse, shop, and enjoy the web while feeling safe about your personal digital security. If you want even more information on protecting your personal data or protecting your business from threats, call us or visit our website.

Source: https://www.executech.com/insight/following-easy-digital-security-tips/ and https://cipher.com/blog/10-personal-cyber-security-tips-cyberaware/

Understanding Different Types of Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance is a necessary expense for all vehicle owners. It helps protect you financially in case of an accident or theft. In this blog, we’ll break down the various types of auto insurance policies to help you decide which one is right for you.

1. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the most basic type of auto insurance policy. It covers the cost of damages and injuries you may cause to others in an accident. This type of insurance is mandatory in most states, and the minimum coverage required varies from state to state.

Liability insurance has two types of coverage:

Bodily injury liability: This coverage pays for the other party’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in an accident you caused.

Property damage liability: This coverage pays for repairing or replacing the other party’s property damaged in an accident you caused.

2. Collision Insurance

Collision insurance covers the cost of damages to your vehicle in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This policy is optional but is highly recommended if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle. Collision insurance also covers damages caused by hitting a stationary object, such as a tree or a wall.

3. Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It also covers damages caused by hitting an animal. This type of insurance is optional but recommended if you live in an area prone to theft or natural disasters.

4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers the medical expenses and lost wages of you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This type of insurance is mandatory in some states and optional in others.

5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance covers the damages and injuries you may sustain in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This type of insurance is optional but recommended if you live in an area with many uninsured or underinsured drivers.

In conclusion, it’s essential to understand the different types of auto insurance policies available to decide which one is right for you. Consider your driving habits, the value of your vehicle, and the likelihood of accidents in your area before choosing a policy. Feel free to speak to an insurance agent to help you make the right decision.

Heat Safety: How to Recognize and Respond to Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer is here, and with it comes to the sun, heat, and the potential for heat-related illnesses. As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to understand how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses to stay safe and prevent serious health risks. Here are some essential tips for heat safety, whether you’re spending time outdoors, exercising, or working in hot conditions.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat cramps to severe conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these illnesses. Common signs of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, and fainting. If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, taking immediate action is essential.

Take action when you notice symptoms: If you or someone else shows signs of a heat-related illness, take action promptly. Move to a cool shaded area, remove excess clothing, and drink plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. You can also use a cool, damp cloth or take a cool shower to help lower body temperature. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after taking these measures, seek medical attention immediately.

Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is critical in hot weather to replace fluids lost through sweat and prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages, which can worsen dehydration. If you’re engaging in physical activities, drink water before, during, and after your activity.

Dress appropriately: Wear loose, light-colored, and breathable clothing in hot weather. Opt for fabrics like cotton that allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate, helping to keep you cooler. Avoid dark-colored clothing and heavy fabrics that can trap heat and increase your risk of heat-related illnesses. Remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Take frequent breaks: If you’re working or exercising in hot conditions, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat, especially during the peak hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Rest in shaded areas, use fans or misting devices if available, and give your body time to cool down.

Acclimate to the heat: If you’re not used to hot weather or working in hot conditions, it’s essential to acclimate gradually. Your body needs time to adjust to the heat, so start with shorter periods of exposure and gradually increase your time in the heat over several days. This allows your body to adapt and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Check on others: Keep an eye out for those around you, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. They may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and may require additional assistance. Check on them regularly, encourage them to stay hydrated, and take appropriate measures to keep cool in hot weather.

Heat-related illnesses are preventable; proactive measures can help you stay safe in hot weather. By recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses, staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, taking breaks, acclimating to the heat, and checking on others, you can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and enjoy the summer season safely. Remember, if you or someone else experiences severe symptoms of a heat-related illness, seek medical attention immediately. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe this summer!

Heat Safety: How to Recognize and Respond to Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer is here, and with it comes to the sun, heat, and the potential for heat-related illnesses. As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to understand how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses to stay safe and prevent serious health risks. Here are some essential tips for heat safety, whether you’re spending time outdoors, exercising, or working in hot conditions.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat cramps to severe conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these illnesses. Common signs of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, and fainting. If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, taking immediate action is essential.

Take action when you notice symptoms: If you or someone else shows signs of a heat-related illness, take action promptly. Move to a cool shaded area, remove excess clothing, and drink plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. You can also use a cool, damp cloth or take a cool shower to help lower body temperature. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after taking these measures, seek medical attention immediately.

Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is critical in hot weather to replace fluids lost through sweat and prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages, which can worsen dehydration. If you’re engaging in physical activities, drink water before, during, and after your activity.

Dress appropriately: Wear loose, light-colored, and breathable clothing in hot weather. Opt for fabrics like cotton that allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate, helping to keep you cooler. Avoid dark-colored clothing and heavy fabrics that can trap heat and increase your risk of heat-related illnesses. Remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Take frequent breaks: If you’re working or exercising in hot conditions, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat, especially during the peak hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Rest in shaded areas, use fans or misting devices if available, and give your body time to cool down.

Acclimate to the heat: If you’re not used to hot weather or working in hot conditions, it’s essential to acclimate gradually. Your body needs time to adjust to the heat, so start with shorter periods of exposure and gradually increase your time in the heat over several days. This allows your body to adapt and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Check on others: Keep an eye out for those around you, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. They may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and may require additional assistance. Check on them regularly, encourage them to stay hydrated, and take appropriate measures to keep cool in hot weather.

Heat-related illnesses are preventable; proactive measures can help you stay safe in hot weather. By recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses, staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, taking breaks, acclimating to the heat, and checking on others, you can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and enjoy the summer season safely. Remember, if you or someone else experiences severe symptoms of a heat-related illness, seek medical attention immediately. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe this summer!

Summer Driving Safety: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Road Trips

Summer is the perfect time for hitting the road and embarking on exciting road trips. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long cross-country adventure, it’s important to prioritize safety while enjoying the journey. Here are some tips for safe and enjoyable summer driving.

1. Get your vehicle ready: Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the oil, brakes, tires, and other essential systems. If you’re going on a long trip, consider getting a professional inspection to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.

2. Plan your route: Plan your route ahead of time, including rest stops, meals, and accommodations. Check for road closures, construction zones, and weather conditions along your route. A well-thought-out plan can help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Take breaks and rest: Long hours of driving can be tiring, so taking regular breaks and getting enough rest is crucial. Fatigue can impair your reaction time and decision-making skills, increasing the risk of accidents. Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles, and get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road.

4. Wear your seatbelt: This may seem obvious, but wearing your seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in case of an accident. Please ensure everyone in your vehicle always wears their seatbelt, regardless of how short the trip may be.

5. Stay focused on driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Avoid using your phone, texting, or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road. If you need to use your phone or GPS, pull over to a safe location before doing so.

6. Stay within the speed limit: Speeding is a major factor in many accidents. Observe posted speed limits and adjust your speed to match the road conditions. Remember, arriving at your destination safely is better than rushing and risking an accident.

7. Stay hydrated and have snacks: Like any other season, staying hydrated is important for safe driving. Dehydration can affect your concentration and alertness. Keep plenty of water and healthy snacks on hand to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels.

8. Be prepared for emergencies: Pack an emergency kit that includes a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra water, a spare tire, a jack, and jumper cables. Also, ensure you have a fully charged phone, a map or GPS, and a roadside assistance plan in case of unexpected situations.

9. Be cautious in extreme weather: Summer can bring severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and intense heat. Be careful while driving in adverse weather and adjust your driving accordingly. If the weather becomes too severe, find a safe place to pull over and wait it out.

10. Enjoy the journey: Road trips are about exploring new places and creating memories. Take time to enjoy the journey and the scenery along the way. Take breaks to stretch your legs, take pictures, and soak in the experience.

In conclusion, following these summer driving safety tips can help ensure that your road trip is enjoyable and safe. Remember to get your vehicle ready, plan your route, take breaks and rest, wear your seatbelt, stay focused on driving, obey speed limits, stay hydrated, be prepared for emergencies, be cautious in extreme weather, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Have a fantastic and safe summer road trip!

Spring Showers May Bring Home Hassles

After a cold, dark winter most people look forward to the sights and sounds of the spring. But with the warmer months also comes the potential for heavy rains, which can lead to slippery driving and property damage. So, what can a homeowner do to help avoid the hassle and expense of cleaning up after leaky roofs and flooded homes?

Maintain your gutters: Gutters and downspouts that don’t do their job will lead to trouble inside your home. It starts with cleaning your gutters of leaves and debris at least once a year. But if your gutter is leaky or damaged and you don’t want to buy and install a new gutter, you can patch it. According to HGTV, “Check the sources of any leaks, including holes in the gutters and cracked caulking in the seams. Use an old chisel to scrape the old caulking out and dry the area thoroughly.”

Invest in the roof over your head: A leaky roof leads to a leaky ceiling. No one wants to buy a new roof, so before you spring for a roofer you can inspect the damage before ever stepping on a ladder, according to Bob Villa.  “Leaks can occur at any point where shingles butt, or where caulking and flashing have been compromised.  End caps, the tent-shaped shingles that cover the angular peaks of the roof, can also be the source of leaks, so check those as well. If you discover shingle problems, which you can do from the ground with a good pair of binoculars, repairs may be an easy fix.” A professional may be required. If you do the job yourself, be very careful.

Beware of Mold: If water has led to mold, address it right away. It smells, rots the wood and can make you sick. But it’s also just bad for the value of your home.  According to the Family Handyman, “If you have a high concentration of mold, you may smell it. If you detect the typical musty odor, check for mold on damp carpets, damp walls, damp crawl spaces and wet wood under your floors, wet roof sheathing and other damp areas. Clean up these infestations right away before they get worse. Scrub the surface mold stains from walls and wood trim with a mixture of 1 qt. water and 1/2 cup bleach to kill the mold. Use a soft brush and work until signs of the mold disappear.”

Know your policy: When it comes to water damage to your house it’s important to understand the difference between what’s covered and what isn’t under your homeowner’s policy. It’s covered if the damage is from water entering from a covered loss such as lightning or a windstorm. However, damage from a flood, surface or groundwater or back-up of sewers or drains is generally not covered. This would include water that seeps through the foundation and floods the basement. If you live in an area that floods, ask your MAPFRE agent or visit the National Flood Insurance Program.

Making simple fixes can save you from a lingering problem and costly repairs down the road. But never put yourself in a dangerous position. Consult with a contractor. And check with your agent before trouble strikes. Contact us to discuss your home insurance budget and needs. Source: https://www.mapfreinsurance.com/blog/spring-home-roof-gutters/

Smartphone apps drive gig workers, parents to distraction

Gig-economy workers are 4 times as likely as other drivers to use smartphone apps regularly while driving, a new survey from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows.

“The explosion of smartphone features and services has not only created new forms of driver distraction, but also a new group of rideshare and delivery drivers whose jobs require them to interact with their phones while they’re on the road,” IIHS President David Harkey said.

Parents are also nearly 50 percent more prone to routinely making video calls, checking weather reports and other types of smartphone-enabled distractions than drivers without children 18 or younger, the survey found.

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that more than 3,000 people died in distraction-related crashes in 2020, accounting for 8 percent of all traffic-related fatalities. Because it’s difficult to determine if distraction contributed to a crash, that number is almost certainly an underestimate.

Anything that diverts the driver’s attention — eating, adjusting the radio, putting on makeup — can increase the risk of a crash. But tasks involving mobile phones and other electronic devices can be both more demanding and more tempting than other common distractions. The variety of smartphone applications has also exploded in recent years.

To begin exploring the impact of these newer applications, IIHS surveyed more than 2,000 drivers nationwide about what secondary tasks they perform while driving. Tasks were separated into ordinary activities and those that involved a mobile phone or another electronic device, and the device-based activities were further categorized into basic talking and texting and smartphone-based activities like programming a navigation app or checking a social media feed. For some device-based activities, drivers were also asked whether they performed the task using a hands-free feature.

Overall, nearly two-thirds of the participating drivers reported performing one or more distracting activities of any type most or every time they drove over the past 30 days. Half said they performed at least one device-based task during most drives. Common device-based activities included making phone calls, streaming music and reading texts, but the most common was programming a navigation app. Far fewer people reported playing games on a mobile device while driving, but 8 percent said they play games regularly while they’re behind the wheel.

For the most part, the drivers said they usually used the hands-free feature for device-based activities when the capability was available. About 8 out of 10 drivers who said they regularly programmed their navigation app and 7 out of 10 who said they regularly read and sent texts while driving reported that they used voice commands to do so.

“Hands-free operation is generally believed to be less dangerous, since drivers can more easily keep their eyes on the road,” said IIHS Research Associate Aimee Cox, the lead author of the study. “However, it doesn’t eliminate the distraction altogether.”

Previous research has shown, for instance, that hands-free systems that require drivers to perform some operations manually, such as scrolling through a contact list, are less safe than those that can be managed completely with voice commands. Hands-free capabilities are irrelevant or impractical for some smartphone-based activities, such as scrolling social media or playing games.

Not surprisingly, the survey showed that drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 were more likely to use smartphone apps while behind the wheel than drivers ages 35-49. Less predictably, however, it also showed that parents of children 18 and younger were 65 percent more likely than other drivers to perform non-device-based tasks, 31 percent more prone to any device-based distraction and 47 percent more likely to engage in smartphone-enabled secondary activities.

Gig-economy workers were more than twice as likely as other drivers to engage in any distracting activity and nearly 4 times as likely to regularly use smartphone apps while driving. The smartphone-based activities they performed also went well beyond communicating with customers and navigating to pickup and delivery locations using the app provided by their employer.

One possible reason could be that they’re more tempted to conduct other business or find ways to entertain themselves while driving because their jobs force them to spend so much time behind the wheel. In response, ridesharing and delivery companies should put in place or strengthen policies that mandate safe practices for necessary operations and restrict device-based behaviors that are not an essential part of the job.

“These results show that nobody is immune to distraction and suggest that hands-free capabilities may be making us a little too comfortable using our phones and other devices behind the wheel,” said Harkey.

Source:  https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/smartphone-apps-drive-gig-workers-parents-to-distraction

MAPFRE Customers Can Simplify Car Care and Maintenance with Openbay+

When things go wrong with your vehicle (and they will at some point), you want to find a reputable repair shop that will fix the problem in a timely fashion and not break the bank.

MAPFRE Insurance is always looking for ways to help save you money and that’s why we’ve teamed up with Openbay+, a one-stop source for repairs and maintenance services, with up to 25% savings. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Openbay+ is an online e-commerce marketplace for automotive repair and services.

With Openbay+, customers who sign up can search for a repair shop, compare estimates, choose a shop, and schedule an appointment securely online. Through the collaboration with Openbay+, when MAPFRE customers sign up, they could save up to 25% on their repair costs and also receive special offers and incentives.

How Openbay+ Works

Once you create a free Openbay+ account online you’ll be able to: *

  • Search for the services you’re looking for
  • Add your vehicle for accurate pricing
  • Receive a list of shops and prices for that service
  • Choose your preferred shop and book an appointment
  • Book and pay for the service securely online

Popular Openbay+ Maintenance Service Searches

MAPFRE’s partnership with Openbay+ not only helps MAPFRE customers find vetted repair shops but also find better deals from repair shops to do regular vehicle maintenance. Some of the popular maintenance services searched for include:

  • Oil changes
  • Brake pads
  • General diagnosis
  • Check engine light
  • Wheel alignment
  • A/C diagnosis
  • Transmission flush
  • Brake fluid

When customers use Openbay+, all services are guaranteed through Openbay+.

If you’re not a MAPFRE customer yet, contact us to learn how you can become one so you can take advantage of MAPFRE’s Openbay+ program. (phone number) (contact us page)

*Program available to customers with the MAPFRE Loyalty Rewards Program Endorsement CIC-2237 or CIC-2238 attached to a MAPFRE policy, as indicated on your Declarations Page.

Source:  https://www.mapfreinsurance.com/blog/mapfre-customers-car-care-maintenance-openbay/

Know How to Escape Your Home Safely in a Fire

Fire departments across the country responded to 377,399 residential fires between 2015 and 2019, according to statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires resulted in 2,761 civilian deaths, 11,582 civilian injuries and $7.7 billion in property damage.

While people tend to feel safest from the threat of fire in their own homes, they are actually at greatest risk according to the NFPA report.

“Today’s homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time they have to escape safely,” said Lorraine Carli, Vice President of the NFPA Outreach and Advocacy division. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out from the time the smoke alarm sounds.”

During the NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week, fire officials are stressing the importance for home owners to develop an escape plan with members of their family in the event a fire occurs.

Some key recommendations from the NFPA are:

  • Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and inside every room where a family member sleeps
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound
  • Insure that every family member knows an escape plan in the event of a fire and that the plan meets the needs of everyone – including those with sensory or physical disabilities
  • Make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of every room, if possible
  • Make sure all doors and windows open easily

In addition, the NFPA recommends having a centralized outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where family members should go in the event you should have to evacuate. That way everyone is meeting in the same location and can be accounted for to let the fire department know if everyone made it out OK or if there is someone else who may still be in the building needing help.

We hope these tips will help to keep your family and home protected. And remember, to ensure you get the right protection for your home and auto insurance in Massachusetts, you can always get a fast, free quote from us today.  

Source: https://www.mapfreinsurance.com/blog/escape-home-safely-in-fire/

Fire & Ice – Your Guide to Winter Preparation

Winter is coming and for homeowners this means being prepared for the utmost extremes, both the frightful and delightful!

With beautiful blankets of white snow come picturesque landscapes, family sledding, and, well, the threat of ice dams. Ice dams form when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. Then, as the snow melts, water backs up pooling on the shingles, and eventually finds its way into the home.  Water damage from ice dams can be significant, damaging ceilings, walls, flooring, and cabinetry and the cost of repair can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. The best way to cure and prevent an ice dam:

  • Seal all points where warm air leaks from living spaces into spaces below the roof sheathing.
  • Insulate the living spaces well enough to prevent heat from escaping.
  • Vent the space between the insulation and roof sheathing so that any heat that does leak is carried away.

Frozen sidewalks are also a major hazard to your property and your guests. Most people know enough to remove any snow from the surface and spread rock salt or ice melt. But look to make sure you have a product that will not damage your driveway, stairs, or walkway, and won’t harm your pets.

For thick ice or compacted snow:

  • Use an ice chisel in the afternoon when it is a little warmer to break down and clear chunks of ice and snow.
  • Throw more salt or ice meltdown to take care of any little bits you may have missed, and to help keep new ice from forming.

Just as drivers should use safe, cautious driving techniques during the slippery and frozen winter season, you should practice safe winter walking.

  • Wear proper footwear with visible treads
  • Be wary of black ice, which may appear as wet pavement
  • Walk steps slowly and grip handrails firmly
  • Avoid shortcuts, as they are more likely to be where snow and ice removal is not possible

Beyond the hazards that may arise from snow and ice, there are also dangerous areas inside when you’re trying to keep warm. Structure fires increase greatly in the winter. You can help prevent heating fires with a few simple steps:

  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment
  • Have equipment cleaned and inspected each year
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from your furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
  • Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed

There are few things as tranquil, and beautiful as a candle burning inside as snow falls outside. But a candle is an open flame and should be treated as such.  Candles cause an estimated 15,600 house fires, 150 deaths, and 1,270 injuries each year and 85 percent of candle fires could be avoided. 

Here are a few tips:

  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Keep candles away from anything that could catch fire.
  • Make sure all candles are out of reach of children and pets.

As always, test smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they are in working condition, it could save your life.

With the precautions in place, go enjoy winter inside and outdoors.

Source:  https://www.mapfreinsurance.com/blog/fire-ice-your-guide-to-winter-preparation/

Mold Damage Insurance Coverage – Personal & Commercial

Mold is a fungus. There are all kinds. It’s everywhere–indoors and out. Most mold insurance claims typically arise in one of two circumstances: (1) mold comes to the property owner’s attention along with the discovery of ongoing moisture buildup, water leakage or water intrusion that has gone on for some time below the property owner’s radar; or (2) after a sudden, accidental flood or leak from a plumbing system or appliance, and there is a delay in, or failure to, adequately dry out water damaged building products, fixtures, furnishings, finishes or belongings.

Homeowner, commercial property owner and renter property policies differ in kind and in scope from insurer to insurer. Dealing with mold problems goes beyond tackling its adverse effects on health. Often, the first headache for home or business owners comes from not having a plan or budget for mold restoration services. Well, no one builds a home or office with plans for it to be taken over by some dangerous fungi. However, when you find mold growth in your workplace or apartment, you have to deal with it immediately. What do you do when you find out that you are facing mold issues, and feel the need to use your insurance?

What is mold insurance or mold liability coverage?

Mold insurance is the coverage for damage due to mold, which is included in an insurance policy. Environmental insurance, general liability, and property policies sometimes include coverage of mold. If these policies do not include mold insurance coverage, then, an insurance coverage could be made available by purchasing an endorsement to the forms.

Does insurance cover mold damage?

The short answer to this question is yes. However, mold may only be covered by insurance if and when certain conditions are met. Typically, insurance coverage depends on the source of the moisture or the leading cause of mold growth. Several insurance policies will cover any damage if linked to an actual loss that was initially covered. Also, you need to prove that such loss resulted in the mold problems you are facing. While most insurance policies offer minimal coverage for mold claims, you still need to check with your homeowner’s insurance provider for whatever mold remediation coverage you may be able to access.

Mold damage and insurance claims – What to do?

A larger percentage of home or property owners do not plan for mold remediation, which can be an obstacle to getting the help needed in a mold problem. If you have discovered mold damage in your home or business due to a covered peril, the next question on your mind may be how to file a mold damage insurance claim. Follow these steps to make a successful mold insurance claim.

Step 1: Prepare yourself for the task ahead

One way to be sure you are ready is to request an investigation into the cause of mold damage. Then take pictures of the mold. It is important not to attempt to start repairs before calling your insurance company or filing a mold claim.

Step 2: Call your insurance company and make a mold claim

Once you have your proof ready, next is to contact your insurance provider and make a claim. Provide detailed information about mold growth and damage. If by any chance, you have cleaned or removed or tampered with the mold or any damaged material, state such too. However, do not dispose of any materials before the insurance adjuster arrives.

Step 3: Avoid any further damage

While you may be eager to start cleaning or getting rid of the mold, it is very important to not begin any reloads before the insurance adjuster has arrived to evaluate the extent of the damage. However, it is vital to prevent further damage. You may turn off the leak to a pipe or place a bucket where a roof is leaking or block the hole etc.

Step 4: Tender all your evidence

Now, this is the final step. Once the insurance adjuster arrives, please provide them with your supporting materials. These can include photographs, investigation reports, and a list of your damaged property. These will help you support your claim and receive support quickly.

In the end, taking the time to understand your insurance policy is the ultimate step in knowing whether you are covered for mold problems in the home. The best way to go about this is to contact your insurance company. We are available to answer your questions regarding your homeowners and business insurance policies. 

Source: https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/mold-contamination-insurance-coverage-101-the-basics/ and https://www.ecofmr.com/articles/guide-to-mold-damage-and-insurance-cover/