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R&R Insurance Blog

5 Benefits of a Home Security System

Posted by the knowledge brokers

Home Security System

Many homeowners avoid installing home security systems because of the cost associated with the installation, monitoring and servicing. The security company charges a monthly fee for monitoring, and false alarms will also incur charges. Is the cost worth it?

Aside from the primary reason (keeping your family safe), you must consider other benefits of a security system, such as the cost of replacing stolen items and broken doors and windows. The peace of mind you have when your family is safe is invaluable.

Together with our from our friends at PropertyCasualty360.com, there are five reasons why a home security system worth the investment.

  1. Fire detection
    • Features such as smoke detection provide a timely warning for smoke in the house. Heat detectors can alert you if they sense a source of heat. Heat detectors can establish the presence of a growing fire in your home and provide a timely alert when they detect a small change in temperature. Early detection can help prevent further damage from the fire. Some heat detector will signal the authorities to respond to a fire crisis in your home.
  2. Detraction from possible intruders
    • Protecting valuables is the immediate benefit that people enjoy when they install a home security system. You continuously buy, inherit, and collect items that mean a lot to you or cost you a lot of money. The items reflect your values and accomplishment in life, but they are also the target for burglars.  The system alerts authorities of burglary, which increases the chances of catching the criminal. The cameras not only monitor your home but help identify the criminal for the committed crime. The video footage will also help you create a list of items lost during the burglary.
  3. Potentially lower home insurance premium
    • While there are many factors that make up the cost of home insurance, many insurance companies provide discounts to property owners who have a home security installed on their premise.  A home security system will also help protect your identity. Some invaders target your identity. Identity theft can occur if an invader if you keep crucial documents at home or forget them in the car. An invader can use the information on these documents and cause you significant financial losses.
  4. Protect against carbon monoxide gas
    • Carbon monoxide gas is part of combustion fumes. Burning wood, stoves and other heating systems produce carbon monoxide gas. The gas is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Thus, the human senses cannot detect the presence of the gas in the air. Prolonged exposure causes the gas to build up in the bloodstream. Large amounts of the gas in the air will cause your body to replace the oxygen in the red blood cells with the gas. The side effects include serious tissue damage, and in severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning culminates in death. A home security system can incorporate a carbon detector. The detectors will sense high amounts of the poisonous gas in your home and alert you so you can take the right measure.
  5. Peace of mind
    • Various security breach situations can disturb your peace of mind. For instance, if you live in an insecure area where burglary can occur at any time, having a home security system is crucial. Peace of mind is essential for the seniors or another person with a disability who frequently remain at home. Such people cannot respond with the necessary speed to a dangerous situation. The security system will monitor your home and dispatch security personnel whenever the need arises. Some security systems also feature a wearable medical alert device for those with specific medical conditions to call for help when a medical situation arises. You can go on a vacation or attend to your job feeling confident and safe.

 

Topics: home insurance

Putting Out a Turkey Fryer Fire (And How to Prevent One From Happening)

Posted by Steph Schreiber

The whole family is over and Uncle Joe is so excited to try out his new turkey fryer!  He heeded advice of the experts for proper precautions:

  • Thaw turkey BEFORE putting into the fryer
  • Use turkey fryer outdoors, a safe distance from buildings
  • Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck
  • Make sure fryer is on a flat surface to avoid spilling hot oil
  • Never leave fryer unattended
    • Most have a thermometer; oil will continue to heat until it starts on fire
  • Do not overfill the fryer

As conversations get distracting, Joe's attention is elsewhere and the next thing anyone knows is there a large grease fire!  What to do?

  • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touch pot or lid handles
  • Wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter
  • Use fire extinguisher to put out fire
  • Do NOT use water to put out the fire (oil + water do not mix!)

Watch now:

Preventing a fire [0:18]

Putting out a fire [1:10]

 

 

Think the Chinese restaurant is still taking orders for dinner?

Topics: home insurance

5 Tips for Your Next Home Improvement Project

Posted by the knowledge brokers

Kitchen-RemodelWith summer coming to an end and fall creeping in, most of us are planning to hunker in for the cold weather. For many, this becomes the perfect time to start a home renovation or home improvement project. According to Statistic Brain, in the next two years 26% of homeowners plan a bathroom renovation or addition and 22% plan a kitchen renovation or addition.

 

If you are planning to be a part of that percentage, we highly recommend keeping these tips in mind:

 

  1. Consider how the renovation will impact the value of your home. Do you need to update your property insurance? With large increases to the value of your home, it’s important to be sure your insurance agent is aware.
  1. When working with a contractor, be sure to get referrals from family and friends. Do you trust the person you’ll be inviting into your home day after day? Do they have a clean track record?
  1. Check out the Better Business Bureau for additional contractor and subcontractor references. This is a great way to avoid surprises and ensure you’re happy with the quality of work at the end of the project.
  1. Make sure your contractor provides proof of insurance. Ask to see their certificates and be sure that coverage will be in effect the entire time the work is being done. This will cover any damages, injuries, etc. that may occur.
  1. Contact your knowledge broker at R&R prior to signing any contracts. Not keeping your insurance agent informed may leave you with claims that are not covered. At R&R, we are more than happy to walk you through contracts and answer any questions you may have before signing the dotted line.

 

Home improvements and renovations are an exciting time for any homeowner! Be sure to keep these tips in mind, or contact a knowledge broker for more information.

Topics: Personal Insurance, Business Insurance, home renovation, home improvement, home insurance