How fire-safe is your home? An inspection of rural homes last year in three states most afflicted by house fires showed that 80 percent did not have a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Even in our mild Central Texas winter, we use fireplaces and small heaters more often, and increase the risk of accidental fire and burns. February 5 – 11 is National Burn Awareness Week, so take time to learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from in-home fires.

Kitchen Tips

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
• Store flammable liquids away from the range or other heat source – a pilot light can set vapors on fire.

Living Areas

• Do not run extension cords under rugs or carpets, or looped over nails or sharp objects that could cause fraying
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from curtains, furniture and papers

Garage and Storage Areas

• Do not store oily or greasy rags because they may ignite.
• Do not store gasoline or other flammables near a workbench or pilot light.
• Do not store anything next to furnaces, water heaters or other heat sources.

These and more home fire safety tips are available in this free download, “How Fire Safe is Your Home?”

Should I insure my jewelry separately, or is it covered under my home insurance policy?

If you just received a new piece of jewelry as a gift over the holidays, or you inherited something in the last few years, or if the price of gold has you wondering what those gold earrings are really worth, then get an appraisal. Many companies limit jewelry coverage limits to $ 500 to $1,000.  We have a company that will include $10,000 of jewelry at no extra charge.  We can show you how to properly insure your jewelry.  We will take the confusion away so you have what you need and want. 

By scheduling jewelry, your coverage is much broader. For example, if you lose a piece of jewelry, it is covered. Your deductible is waived when you schedule jewelry. With the rising cost of gold, heavy gold pieces should be reappraised. Last year, a home insurance client in Georgetown reappraised her five-year old gold ring. She didn’t realize the value of the item, and the insured value was raised from $10,000-$12,000 to $25,000 after the piece was reappraised.

Read more about protecting your valuables from loss. 

Is it time for Winter Storm 2012?  It's February in Central Texas, and on any given year, we may get a Texas storm that freezes our roads for a day or more. We want Georgetown and Austin-area drivers to be prepared to drive safely in icy conditions. (It’s more important in our warm climate because a lot of drivers do not have experience driving in these conditions.)

When driving in winter weather conditions:

·         Take care pulling out of streets and give cars plenty of time to slow down or stop

·         Watch more closely for runners and walkers – our active Central Texas lifestyle means people get their exercise even on the coldest days, and sidewalks may not be clear.

·         Take corners carefully – not too tightly.

·         Does your car have anti-lock brakes? Do NOT pump your brakes on an ice patch. Let the anti-lock mechanism take over.

·         Older car without anti-lock brakes? Pump them gently to prevent wheels from locking.

·         Back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out.

(Sources: Texas Department of Insurance and Insurance Information Institute)