Residential
End-of-the-Year Insurance Checklist
At the end of each year, we are whisked through a series of holiday celebrations, all leading up to the most contemplative day of the year: New Year’s...
How To Keep Your Home (and Santa) Safe from a Chimney Fire
The tradition of Santa Claus entering people’s homes through the chimney goes back to pre-Christian times when European folklore characters were believed to use the chimney to deliver...
9 Christmas Tree Pet Safety Tips
If you have seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you probably recall the tragic scene where Clark goes into the living room to find the string lights on the Christmas...
6 Tips to Help Prevent Theft During the Holidays and Beyond
“We live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen.” – Buzz McCallister, Home Alone Planning on...
Turkey Deep-Frying Safety
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s no doubt that you have already started putting together a grocery list for the perfect holiday dinner. While sides like green...
Thanksgiving: How Not to Be Gobbled Up by Thanksgiving Day Fiascos
So, you’ve offered to host Thanksgiving this year. Hats off to you! Now for the fun part…a long list of holiday to-dos like braving the grocery store, ordering...
Fire Prevention Week: Kitchen Fires
Did you know that October 4th through October 10th is National Fire Prevention week? While it may not be something you’re going to actually celebrate, it’s a great...
Wildfire Emergency Evacuation Checklist
During an emergency, there may be little or no time to think about what you need to do. This checklist is designed to help you prepare and respond...
8 Tips to Help You Prepare for a Wildfire
Wildfires happen quickly. Sometimes it's only a matter of seconds from spark to blaze. And once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to...
Help Protect Your Home with Fire-Resistant Landscaping
Californians are no strangers to wildfires. In 2019 alone, 8,194 wildfires burned 259,148 acres in the Golden State, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With that in mind,...
Rethink The Word “Valuables”
Cash and jewelry aren’t the only items on thief’s must-have list. There are a lot of “soft” targets you may not have considered, too. Check out this list...
6 Wildfire Evacuation Preparation Tips
The 2018 wildfire season was one of the most devastating on record, and totaled more than $16 billion in damages. While wildfire season often occurs during the summer,...
6 Smart Devices to Protect Your Home
Summertime is vacation season. But being away can cause extra worries when it comes to home security. Whether you’re gearing up for the beach, heading to the lake,...
11 Pool Safety Tips to Help Avoid Accidents
As the days get longer and the temps continue to rise, one thing is clear: Summer fun is right around the corner. For people who own pools and...
Smart Thermostats: Heat-beaters and Money-savers
Summer’s here and temperatures are on the rise. If you’re looking for new ways to beat the heat, a smart thermostat might be the right solution: It can...
Dos and Don’ts to Safeguarding Your Home While on Vacation
"We live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen.” – Buzz McCallister, Home Alone Over the...
Create a Five-Foot Buffer to Help Protect Your Home from Wildfires
People living in California are keenly familiar with the risk of wildfire. Of the 4.5 million U.S. homes at high or extreme risk, more than 2 million of...
Your Guide to Summer Maintenance
With the first day of summer approaching, there's no better time to start tackling some home maintenance projects. There are all sorts of things you can do to...
Prepare Your Pool for Child Safety
Now that summer is in full swing, it’s likely that you and your kids are spending a lot of time cooling off by the pool. Here are some...
6 Simple Steps Can Help Minimize Your Exposure to Wildfires
Wildfire risk used to be seasonal, but in many states, it is now a year-round risk. Brush and forest fires cause extensive damage every year, and it’s not...
Spring Flood Protection: How to Secure Your Home
April showers bring May flowers – and sometimes a little flooding as well. While it's true that spring rains are great for new plant growth – which is...
Tie-Downs are Crucial for Manufactured Homes
Tie-downs are crucial when it comes to the safety of any manufactured home. Because manufactured homes are very lightweight, strong winds are more likely to get under and...
Your Guide to Spring Maintenance
After this cold and gray winter, you’re surely looking forward to brighter days, spring blooms, and lots of sunshine. And while spring may not have sprung quite yet,...
Earthquakes Can Happen Anywhere. Are You Ready?
People living in earthquake-prone areas are generally more aware of earthquake safety than others. Consider California and its history of earthquakes, for instance. Awareness of the risk is...
Why Skirting is a MUST For Manufactured Homes
When choosing a manufactured home that fits your style and needs, it’s important to remember to buy and install the skirting. Not only is the skirting used to...
5 Steps to Cut Your Water Heating Bills
Did you know that heating water for your faucets, showers and appliances can consume up to 20% of your home’s energy? That’s a big slice of any homeowner’s...
Protect Your Pocket from Costly Home Repairs – like HVAC and Appliances
In today’s world, we are all looking for more customizable options. Whether you’re building your computer’s system, picking out a band for your fitness tracker, or deciding if...
How Much Snow Can Your Roof Handle?
With several storms hitting the country in the past few weeks there might be quite a bit of snow on your roof. The question: Can your roof handle...
Heat Up Valentine’s Day Without Burning Down Your Home
Candles and romance go hand in hand on Valentine’s Day, but what starts as a warm glow could escalate into a dangerous fire. Although candles account for a...
10 Tips for Space Heater Safety
While we all hope Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, is right about spring’s early arrival, it’s likely the cold temperatures are still coming our way. People use space heaters...
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Freezing temperatures. Whiteout storms. Icy roads. And, worst of all, frozen pipes. While you’re probably going to have to tough out the first three, with a little know-how...
Seasonal Cheer without Fire Fear
Many of us take Christmas tree traditions very seriously. It is no wonder that trees are the centerpiece of our holidays and add a touch of magic and...
5 Easy Steps to Help Winterize Your Home
Winter is right around the corner, follow these 5 simple home winterization steps to help save money and energy. (more…)
Your Guide to Winter Maintenance
Although winter officially begins with the Solstice on December 21st, many states have already experienced their fair share of freezing temperatures and snowfall. Before the weather becomes even...
Halloween Hacks that Protect against Rental Property Nightmares
So, you’ve done the hard part and purchased a rental property. You’ve bought deadbolts, security devices, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to keep your tenants safe. You’ve also...
Your Guide to Fall Home Maintenance
Fall is finally here! Most of you are probably excited for cooler weather, and various fall season activities: pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, haunted houses, apple picking and...
Stay Free (from Danger!) this 4th of July. The Final Part.
The 4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can create dangerous situations. The final...
Stay Free (from Danger!) this 4th of July. Part 4: Grill Safety.
4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can also create dangerous situations. This week,...
Stay Free (from Danger!) this 4th of July. Part 3: Sun Safety.
4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can also create dangerous situations. This week,...
Stay Free (from Danger!) this 4th of July. Part 2: Home Safety.
4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can also create dangerous situations. This week,...
Stay Free (from Danger!) this 4th of July. Part 1: Firework Safety.
4th of July is a wonderful time for family, friends, fun, freedom, and fireworks. But, outdoor grills, pyrotechnics, and unattended homes can also create dangerous situations. This week,...
Don’t Get Burned this 4th of July
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there’s an average of 8,800 home fires annually as a result of outdoor grilling. And more happen in July than in...