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Prevent Construction Equipment Theft

6/7/2021

 
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Keep a Job Site Safe and Secure
A recent report by Verisk Analytics showed that total reconstruction costs, including materials and retail labor, were up 8.12% from April 2020 to April 2021, in all states. The material with the most significant impact on this rise in cost was lumber at a staggering 84.71% price increase.
With the value of these already desirable materials skyrocketing, thieves may be targeting job sites to steal unsecured materials and equipment – putting Contracting businesses at an increased risk of job site thefts.

Now, more than ever, contractors must be vigilant about material and equipment theft. Selective offers the following strategies and solutions to help deter criminals from stealing from job sites.

Secure Equipment Daily
  • Anchor equipment with chains and lower any blades or buckets. 
  • Park large machines in a circle, with smaller portable equipment in the middle, creating a barrier to protect the smaller items 
  • Store equipment keys in a locked safe on-site, or take off-site
  • Install GPS or LoJack devices to help track and recover stolen equipment
  • If possible, store equipment in an area monitored by cameras 

​Keep an Equipment Inventory
  • Keep a detailed inventory of equipment, including the year, manufacturer, model, serial number, and any unique features of each machine 
  • Take photos of machines from multiple angles and keep prints in the inventory catalog
  • Develop a procedure for checking materials on and off the job site daily
  • Develop a Security Policy with Employees
  • Train workers to properly secure the job site
  • Reinforce that security is a top priority to deter internal, employee theft
  • Make it clear that when equipment is discovered missing, it should be reported as soon as possible

Properly Light and Fence-In Job Sites
  • Consider installing light towers to deter theft and vandalism, especially near an office trailer, equipment storage trailer, sheds, and equipment
  • If possible, enclose the entire job sit in sturdy fencing with one or two access points
  • Have employees park their personal vehicles in designated areas to minimize the thefts of tools and materials
 
National Equipment Registry (NER)
Selective policyholders benefit from our partnership with the industry experts at National Equipment Register (NER), a national database of heavy equipment and owners. NER offers several great services which help law enforcement recover stolen items:
  • IRONcheck® – lets users search the nation’s largest database of stolen construction equipment to verify that equipment is not stolen before purchasing
  • IRONwatch™ – offers real-time GPS tracking devices to help locate and recover your stolen construction equipment
  • HELPtech® – an equipment ownership database that helps users with registered equipment deter theft and increase the chances of recovering stolen equipment
For more information or additional equipment and material theft prevention guidance, contact our team of Safety Management experts at SafetyManagementServices@Selective.com.

be UNIQUELY insured

If you experience loss due to employee crime, re-building trust may be hard, but re-building your business doesn’t have to be. Selective offers customized crime insurance to help your business recover.​
learn more about crime & fidelity insurance

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Spontaneous Combustion: The Hidden Fire Hazard

2/5/2021

 
Business owners must be aware of the risk spontaneous combustion causes for fire related losses.
Spontaneous combustion may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to hazards around your home or business, but this hidden fire hazard is more common than you may think. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that on average, there are 14,070 fires per year caused by spontaneous combustion or chemical reaction.

Combustible substances are found frequently in homes and in certain types of businesses, like oil based paints for staining wood, or gasoline for lawn mowers, generators, and other small machinery. So whether you have a home or a business with combustible materials around, here is some important information you need know about spontaneous combustion.   

​The Science
In case your elementary science knowledge is dusty, spontaneous combustion is when a substance ignites in flames due to the components mixing with oxygen (oxidation). Substances like gasoline, lacquers, paint thinner, and other flammable liquids all release fumes and heat as they evaporate. When rags that are soaked in these liquids are left in an unventilated area, the fumes and heat buildup enough to reach the point of ignition, known as spontaneous combustion.
Prevention Tips
There are some simple ways you can protect your home or business from this fire hazard:
  • Do not pile rags soaked in a combustible material on top of each other. Lay them out to dry in a well ventilated area, far away from structures, if possible. A cool location, out of direct sunlight is ideal.
  • If the rags cannot be laid out, place them in a metal container with a tight fitting lid, filled with water and detergent. The detergent will break down the oils, and the lid will prevent oxygen from being available for vapors to oxidize.
  • Store gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids in a container approved only for that purpose and with a tight fitting cap to contain the fumes. Never use flammable liquids as a cleaning agent or to break down grease.
  • Never disable fire suppression systems or fire alarms. If a fire starts at a vacant home or jobsite, sprinklers and alarms will help get firefighters on the scene to control the fire. The sooner the fire is controlled, the less damage will occur to the structure.
Spontaneous combustion may seem like an unlikely fire risk, but it causes more structure fires annually than you would think. With the right tools and knowledge to prevent spontaneous combustion, you can help protect your home or business from a devastating fire.

Our Safety Management team understands the potential risks that could impact your business. Learn more about our Safety Management services and the benefit we can provide to your business.

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How to Keep Rodents from Entering Your Home

11/23/2020

 
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How to Keep Rodents from Entering Your Home
With more than 1500 species of rodents cataloged, rodents comprise more than two-thirds of all the mammals on earth. The vast majority of rodents,  though, do not hibernate.

Mice, rats and tree squirrels are three common pests that do not hibernate. These rodents nest and gnaw and will dig their way into almost any soft material, like insulation or upholstery, which will supply a warm comfortable environment for their young. This can be destructive to your house and belongings. 
 
If not prevented, these animals can cause damage to your home. This means that rodents, once inside your home, could attack your joist, beams, pipes and wiring in order to stay alive. This can, over time, cause severe structural damage. Rodents gnawing on pipes and wiring can also lead to flooding and fires. 

How to prevent damage
There are only two ways of preventing or minimizing the damage that rodents can cause to your home. The first way is to prevent gaining entry. The second is to eliminate rodents if they have already found their way inside.
​Tips to keep mice, rats, and squirrels out
The key to avoiding having rodents as roommates is to make your home as inhospitable to them as possible. Here is a list of preventive measures to help keep rodents from gaining entry into your home this fall and winter.
  • Clean your home regularly, paying special attention to areas like under toasters and refrigerators that can create a food source.
  • Clear any refuse garbage or garden plots close to your home.
  • Cut back any tree limbs or ivy vines that would allow them to reach the roof or eaves of your home.
  • Fix any dripping faucets inside and out to deny rodents an easy water source.
  • Inspect the outside of your home, especially around the foundation, and plug any gaps.
  • Keep all food (including pet food) in sealed metal, glass or plastic containers.
  • Keep your yard free of fallen limbs, leaves, fruits and nuts.
  • Make sure your garbage can lid fits securely.
  • Stack firewood away from your home and only keep as much as you need.
If you do see a rodent in your home or find their droppings, contact a professional extermination service immediately. In order to have well-rounded protection for your home, start with homeowners insurance from Selective. Find an agent today to learn more.

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Ice Dams on Homes: Why They Form and What to Do About Them

11/11/2020

 
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Icicles pull the gutters off of a roof, indicating improper water flood and ice dam formation.
Enjoy the picturesque icicles that come after winter snow and ice storms. But take them as a signal to prevent damage to the roof and gutters of your house.
 
Icicles and ice dams form under the natural thawing and freezing cycles that follow winter snow storms. But while icicles add visual appeal, ice dams can be a hidden risk to the roof and gutters as well as the attic and interior walls.
 
How Do Ice Dams Form?
Ice dams are “thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves,” according to homeowners website ThisOldHouse.com. Ice dams form because heat in the attic warms the roof but not the eaves. As the snow on the roof of a house melts, it runs down the roof where it hits the colder roof section above the eaves and freezes.
 
Through one or more thaw-and-freeze cycles, the ice thickens in the gutter and backs up onto the roof. Then, additional snow melt on the warm roof gets caught under the shingles and seeps through the roof. The water drips inside the roof into the attic and down the interior walls of the house.
 
The water damage that results from ice dams can be significant to roof, shingles and gutters and to attic insulation, contents and interior walls.
 
Any significant snow accumulation on the roof can put a home at risk for ice dams.  Real estate website HouseLogic points out: “The more snow, the larger the heat loss [into the attic from the house], and the longer the subfreezing temperatures remain, the higher the likelihood that ice dams will materialize.”
 
How Can Homeowners Avoid Ice Dams?
To reduce the risk of ice dams, here are prevention tips from ThisOldHouse.com:
  • Use heated cables on the roof above the eaves and along the gutters and downspouts. Typically installed before the winter season in regions with significant snowfall, these can keep the snow melt from freezing.
  • Use a “roof rake” – a long-handled upside-down scoop – during or after a snowfall to pull snow off the roof above the eaves.
  • Over the long term, homeowners might need to have a contractor check the insulation of the attic and address any heat loss from the house into the attic.
 
What Can Homeowners Do If Ice Dams Form?
According to ThisOldHouse.com, there are three potential remedies homeowners can take if ice dams form:
  • Use a roof rake to pull snow off the roof above the eaves.
  • Deice the roof by placing ice melt crystals (such as calcium chloride, bundled up in nylon stockings or panty hose) perpendicular to the gutter and hanging over the gutter.
  • Blow cold air into the attic with an attic fan or box fan.
 
Homeowners might be tempted to use a ladder to reach or climb on the roof, then pull off snow or chip away at ice. But doing so can be risky given the snow and ice conditions on the ground and roof and in the gutters. And chipping away at ice can damage the gutters or shingles.
 
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damages from Ice Dams?
At Selective, homeowners policies typically cover damage to an insured’s dwelling that resulted from ice dams (under the coverage for “weight of ice and snow”). Homeowners coverage for the contents of the house (including items stored in the attic) damaged by either the weight of ice and snow or the resulting melting and leaking is available through Selective homeowners policies. To get coverage, contact one of our local independent agents. 

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Cozy Up to Fireplace Safety

11/9/2020

 
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​The weather is cooling down and the heat is being turned up. Many homeowners opt to use fireplaces as a cost efficient supplement to their main heat source. Since it's getting colder out, we’ll look at different types of fireplaces and the dangers and maintenance associated with each one.

Electric

​A close runner up to wood fireplaces in popularity, electric fireplaces use internal heating coils to provide cost efficient, emission free heating.
 
Most common dangers: Flames on electric fireplaces are simulated, but the vent can get hot. The risks are minimal, but burns are possible.  
 
Maintenance: Electric fireplaces are quite easy to care for. Before servicing or cleaning an electric fireplace, always unplug the unit and allow it to cool. Check all electrical components for signs of wear, frayed wires or broken parts and consult a professional electrician if any parts need repair or replacement. Dust the unit with a clean dry cloth and vacuum dust from the heater components with the brush attachment.  

ethanol/gel

​This style uses liquid ethanol or gel canisters that are easily lit with a match. They provide little in terms of warmth, but have endless options when it comes to adding to home décor. They may come in handy if the power goes out, but don’t expect them to keep you as warm as traditional heating sources.
 
Most common danger: burns from handling the metal gel canisters or burst flames from ethanol mishandling. Always allow these types of fireplaces to cool before replacing or refilling the fuel source.
 
Maintenance: There is almost no maintenance on these fireplaces. Keeping the units clean simply requires a cloth and gentle cleanser. Replace or refill the fuel source as needed. 

Gas

​Propane and natural gas fireplaces are rising in popularity due to the low install costs and high heating efficiency. Gas fireplaces can also be retrofitted into traditional wood burning hearths, with very little modification to the home.
 
Most common danger: The main danger is emission of carbon monoxide, so always operate the heating device to manufacturer specifications and install carbon monoxide alarms around the home.
 
Maintenance: Maintenance should be done by a professional. A technician will disassemble the unit for a thorough cleaning of the ceramic logs, the pilot light assembly and the combustion chamber. They will also inspect your gas line, the gas pressure, and the burner operation and will also check for leaks of gas and carbon monoxide. Be sure to turn off the unit and gas main about two hours before your technician arrives to allow it to cool.  

Wood

​Arguably the most popular, wood burning fireplaces are cozy, nostalgic, and provide ample heat. Wood fireplaces are the only type of fireplace that require a chimney for ventilation.
 
Most common dangers: Particle pollution from burning wood, which releases byproducts such as benzene, formaldehyde, and methane. These toxins can aggravate asthma, bronchitis, heart, and lung diseases. A secondary danger is chimney fires, which result from a build-up of creosote, a combustible by-product of burnt wood.
 
Maintenance: Good chimney hygiene is the most effective step to preventing chimney fires, so hire a professional chimney sweep annually to check for any gaps, cracks or creosote build-up. Replace fire screens with a tight fitting door, ensure the room is well ventilated, and remove ashes regularly. Never burn particle board, treated wood, stained wood, painted wood or wet wood and never use accelerants such as gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter or a propane torch.

FAq's

​Are chimney cleaning logs safe? Yes, but chimney cleaning logs only remove the first stage of creosote from a chimney, but not the advanced stages of creosote, which can become a sticky, combustible tar.
 
Do gas fireplaces need chimneys? They are not required for ventilation, so many homeowners opt not to have them.
Do you need to clean a gas fireplace chimney? Yes! Those that do have a chimney should have it inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
​A fireplace is a cozy addition to any home and can help lower the cost of traditional heating methods. Consider the options carefully before choosing the right one for your home, and regularly maintain your fireplace for maximum safety and efficiency.  

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Winter Driving Safety Tips

11/6/2020

 
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Let's take a look at how you can keep yourself, your family and your vehicle safe when the roads become hazardous due to extreme weather.
With winter weather in full swing you might encounter some dangerous driving conditions. The Weather Channel, a national forecast provider, states that about 1.2 million car accidents are caused by weather each year. The organization notes severe winter storms that hinder visibility, ice and slick roads are among the greatest threats. 

Let's take a look at how you can keep yourself, your family and your vehicle safe when the roads become hazardous due to extreme weather. 

Black Ice
The Western Slope Driving Institute, an automotive education organization, explains that black ice is extremely dangerous because it is nearly impossible to see. By knowing how to anticipate black ice and what to do when the car encounters it, drivers can remain safe. First and foremost, drivers need to be aware that shaded areas of the road, as well as all parts of highways late at night during winter, will be more prone to black ice. 

Every vehicle is prone to losing control when encountering black ice. The type of automobile, tires or brakes you have do not make much of a difference. To help you stay safe on icy roads, what will make a difference is knowing what to look for and how to react.

If you encounter black ice, do not hit the brakes as this can cause an immediate spin, notes the Western Slope Driving Institute. Instead, slow down by taking your foot off of the gas. Downshift if you have a standard vehicle. Always keep the steering wheel pointed straight ahead. Try to identify areas that have more traction, such as spots of the road with sand or road salt. 

Driving in Snow
If you have to drive in the snow, it is important to stay alert, slow down and stay in control. Here are a few tips to navigating in snowy conditions: 
  • Reduce your speed and remain a safe distance away from the car in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to stop quickly should you need to.
  • Make sure your windows are defrosted and that your car is clear of ice and snow. 
  • Avoid spinning your tires by gently pressing your gas pedal to accelerate.
  • Prepare to slow down at least three times sooner than you normally would when turning or stopping.
  • Be cautious of snowplows and salt trucks on roadways. 

Vehicle Preparations
There are some preparations you can make to prevent other threats presented by major winter storms. Keep tires at the recommended level of inflation, check fluid levels more frequently and get wipers replaced as soon as they show signs of wear. 

In the event of an emergency that leaves you and your family stranded, you will also want to keep a survival kit in your car. Drivers should keep flashlights, blankets, extra clothing, water, a shovel, a bag of sand and a windshield scraper/brush on hand whenever driving in the wintertime. 

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Protecting Your Business From Cybersecurity Breaches

10/20/2020

 
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Here are five common questions business owners and nonprofit organizations face about cybersecurity breaches.
Cyber-attacks can impact businesses of all sizes, so every business owner must be conscious of cybersecurity risks. In fact, more than 43% of cyber-attacks are made against small businesses. Fortunately, having the right coverage in place can help you reduce the potential impact of cybercrime on your business.

Below are five questions business owners and nonprofit organizations may have about cyber-attacks. 
 
What types of breaches are possible?
Businesses of all sizes can be impacted by a wide range of cyber-attacks, including ransomware, malware, denial of service and phishing attacks, and much more. In some cases, cyber criminals may steal personal information from your systems, which they can use for identity theft.

How much could cyber attacks cost a business?
Estimates of the financial impact of a cyber-attack can vary greatly. The size, type of business, and industry are major factors in determining the extent of the costs that may be incurred. However, one source has calculated the global average cost of a data breach in 2020 as $3.86 million.  

Do hackers target small businesses?
Criminals often consider small businesses to be easier targets than large companies. This is because most entrepreneurs and smaller companies don’t have the resources – such as full-time information technology personnel – or know-how to protect their sensitive data. As a result, these smaller organizations are more likely to have exploitable vulnerabilities and less surveillance of threats. 
​What can you do to protect yourself?
Cybersecurity is a never-ending war of measures and countermeasures.  There are some things you can do to help protect your business.  For example, the FCC recommends the following 10 Cyber Security Tips for Small Business:  
  1. Train employees in security principles. Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. ​
  2. Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks. Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available. 
  3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection. A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system's firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall. 
  4. Create a mobile device action plan. Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment. 
  5. Make backup copies of important business data and information. Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud. 
  6. Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee. Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel. 
  7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router. 
  8. Employ best practices on payment cards. Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don't use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet. 
  9. Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software. Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission. 
  10. Passwords and authentication. Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account. 

be uniquely insured

Although each security breach is unique, one of the best ways to help recover from a breach is to have a cyber-insurance policy that provides your business with access to qualified breach remediation professionals. Selective offers Cyber Liability and Data Breach Response Coverage. This comprehensive cybersecurity solution was made for businesses like yours, and can easily be added to new policies or at renewal for as little as $50 (doesn’t apply in NY or NH).  
learn more about cyber liability and data breach response coverage

What Is a Smart Secure Home?

10/20/2020

 
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As great as the strides have been in home automation, is now the time to convert your home into a smart home?
A smart home, by definition, is one equipped with linked home appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, entertainment systems, or security systems, that can be conveniently accessed and controlled remotely. Complete home automation provides 24/7 access to the equipment you need to control your home.
​
​Today, homeowners can choose from a number of systems, which can make finding the right one for your unique lifestyle difficult. These systems range from do-it-yourself equipment like a smart thermostat that learns your routine, to those that combine interactive security and smart home automation into one comprehensive package. 
 
Smart home technology has become so commonplace that home appliances can now be purchased separately, with capabilities to connect to your home’s hub without any special tools or knowledge. Simply follow the instructions provided in the owner’s manual and your system will be up and running.
 
As great as the strides have been in home automation, is now the right time to convert your home into a smart home? Selective has the answer. Smart SecureSM is an integrated smart home protection solution that combines interactive security, intelligent automation, and advanced video monitored into one around-the-clock, discounted home monitoring solution.

Below you will find a few reasons why Smart Secure can make all the difference.

Smart Secure Benefits 
Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy automatically applied discounts on your Selective Homeowners Policy for choosing to protect your home with Smart Secure. (Discounts applied vary based on equipment packages.)
 
Interactive security: Emergency response, unusual event alerts, arming reminders, and more help you monitor activity in and around your property, and alert you to potential security concerns. 
 
Energy management: Control your energy costs with smart lighting and thermostat equipment that optimizes heating and cooling system efficiency.

Intelligent Video Capture:
Smart Secure cameras are equipped with real-time HD video capture and advanced video solutions that distinguish people from other objects. You even receive video clips and instant alerts sent to directly to your Smart Secure mobile app.
  
Superior Connection: To ensure uninterrupted systems operation, all Smart Secure equipment communicates using an encrypted 4G LTE cellular connection that is backed by a reliable Wi-Fi signal.

Excellent Value: Save on this comprehensive smart home and security solution with budget-friendly monthly plans that often cost less than traditional home security and DIY smart home security combined.

smart secure from Selective

Still not convinced? 
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Ways to Avoid a House Fire

10/20/2020

 
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The following are frequent causes of home fires in the United States and how to reduce your risk.
The thought of all your belongings going up in flames is a frightening one indeed, but every year, that's exactly what happens to hundreds of thousands of Americans. In 2018 alone, there were more than 379,000 house fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).  

Below are some common causes of residential fires in the United States along with some helpful tips on how to reduce your risk. Avoid being another statistic by following this home fire safety checklist. 
 
1. Cooking 

The most trafficked area in the house is the kitchen, which is also the one place where fire danger is most likely to be. In fact, the USFA estimates that in 2018 cooking was the leading cause of home fires, with approximately 50% of residential building fires starting in the kitchen. 

If you are using a Crock-Pot, air fryer, or any other counter top cooking appliance, make sure that outlets appear normal and avoid plugging in cords that are damaged, whether they're frayed, loose, or bare. If any of the cords are damaged, or if any of the hardware isn't secure, do not use it until it’s repaired. Additionally, it is imperative that only one heat-producing appliance (microwave, coffee machine, space heater, etc.) be plugged into the electrical outlet. 
 
While the kitchen is usually bustling with family and friends, accidents happen most when the room is vacant. Fire officials recommend always having someone in the vicinity when food is cooking.

2. Heating 
When the temperature drops and harsh winter sets in, it's time to dial up the heat in the house. Keeping warm, however, can occasionally lead to accidents, sometimes due to improper maintenance. For example, failure to clean creosote buildup in chimneys could result in heating fires. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that attaches to the interior of chimneys over time, especially when homeowners use their fireplaces as a primary source of heat.

It’s recommended that homeowners have
 their chimneys serviced on an annual basis by having a qualified professional clean the highly flammable creosote buildup.  
It's also important to keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from any heat source, portable or fixed. When using a space heater, it is critical to turn it off when leaving the room or going to bed for the evening. An unattended space heater has the capability to cause faulty wiring to overheat and combust.
 
3. Cigarette smoking 
Kicking the habit once and for all reduces the risk of residential fires, because smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire tragedies. In 2018, an estimated 12% of all fatal residential building fires  stemmed from careless cigarette usage. Fire officials recommend smoking outside the home to avoid exposing various items in your home to a smoldering cigarette and hot ashes. Before walking away from a previously extinguished cigarette, ensure it is all the way out and dispose of the remains in an ashtray or bucket with sand. 

4. Candles 
There's nothing like the "welcome home" smell of a scented candle, so inviting that it can often lead homeowners to forget that one is lit. Nationwide, 21 home candle fires are reported to fire officials on average per day. From 2014-2018, candles annually caused an average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in direct property damage.   
 
Homeowners should never leave a room unattended where a candle is burning, especially if there are curious young children or energetic pets present. Candles should also be placed in sturdy holders to reduce the risk of them tipping over and not placed close to anything combustible. Or you may simply choose the equally as effective alternative, flameless candles. They smell just like the real deal without the risk. 

5. Safety Equipment 
Taking the right fire safety precautions can go a long way. Unfortunately, sometimes even the best laid plans fall short. If disaster does strike, here are some proven fire safety essentials all homeowners should use. 

Smoke alarms are an indispensable safety feature that homeowners often take for granted. However, the Nation Fire Protection Association reports that from 2012 through 2016 approximately 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were the result of faulty or absent smoke alarms. As such, they should be properly tested each month and, even if still functioning, replaced with a new one every 10 years.  

If a manageable fire does occur in a home, a reliable fire extinguisher can make all the difference. A majority of homeowners may find themselves wondering how often home fire extinguishers should be replaced. The short answer is anywhere between 5 to 15 years, dependent on a variety of factors. Some tell-tale signs that an extinguisher should be replaced or serviced are a cracked hose or nozzle, a missing or unsealed locking pin, and a low pressure gauge. 
​ 
Want to learn more on how to make your home fire safe? For more information and resources, be sure to consult the National Fire Protection Association, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration. 
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Personal Insurance from Selective

For all of your unique residential insurance solutions, speak with a local independent agent regarding your home's fire safety risk
​and how to choose homeowners insurance coverage.  
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How to Create a Home Inventory

10/20/2020

 
The main thing to remember when creating your home inventory list is to take your time and not get overwhelmed.
​​The idea of creating a home inventory can be daunting. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 50% of homeowners had a home inventory, 37% of Millennial homeowners reported they had an inventory compared to 51% of Baby Boomers reported they had a home inventory. 

But there are many reasons why homeowners and renters should spend time creating one. First, you can be more sure that you have the proper amount of homeowners or renters insurance coverage by having a list of what you own and how much it might be cost to replace. Second, if you need to file a claim, having a properly documented inventory will make its processing much simpler. Third, if you are a victim of a burglary an inventory can greatly increase your chances of recovering your belongings.

tips for creating a home inventory 

The main thing to remember when creating your home inventory list is to take your time and not get overwhelmed. Accuracy is more important than speed.

Here are tips to help you get started – and finish – your home inventory.
  • Instead of looking at your entire home at once cut the job into manageable bites. Beginning with one area of your home, such as your kitchen or a single closet, is a good way to get started.
  • Break belongings down into categories. For example: List your clothes as shirts, skirts, pants, shoes. And categorize appliances by their function, like cooking or entertainment. This will help you track what you have and haven’t listed and make updating your list later much easier.
  • Be descriptive and list details for each item as possible. Color, make, model/model number, where bought, and the price paid can all be important details if you are trying to replace items lost in a fire or burglary.
  • Record the serial numbers on any appliances, firearms, watches and other items.
  • If you have big-ticket items such as artwork, collectibles of any type or jewelry, consider having them appraised or reappraised. You can then list the values in your home inventory. Values can vary greatly over time and establishing current worth will help you avoid being underinsured. Some categories of items (such as a diamond ring or other fine jewelry) may require a special rider to be fully covered.
  • When possible, list prices on sales receipts, sales contracts or other documentation. This helps you establish value in the event of an insurance claim.
  • Take pictures or shoot videos of items as you do your inventory. Pay special attention to items of greater worth. Jewelry, firearms, collectibles and similar items should be recorded in detail while items of lesser value like small appliances can be recorded in groups.
  • Use a mobile app or website service to assist in creating (and later updating) your inventory. Many of these make it possible to keep an electronic copy of your list on an online storage account where it will be safe from harm. But even a written home inventory list can prompt you  to get started.
  • Keep your list updated. Once completed, be sure to keep your home inventory updated. Remove items that have been discarded. Add any new purchases or gifts you may have received.
  • Keep a copy of your household inventory in a secure location outside the home. Rent a safety deposit box, or keep a copy at your office or at the home of a trusted friend or family member. Your inventory will be of no value if it gets washed away in a flood or destroyed in a fire.
It can be a little time consuming to create but once you have your initial inventory completed it is a simple matter to keep it updated but very important that you do so.

At minimum review your inventory annually. Consult with your independent insurance agent about any items of greater value that may have been added and your overall level of coverage. 
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