by Flagship Staff | Sep 1, 2020 | Blog
If you live in an older home, chances are some things may not be working as well as they used to. In some cases, problems in your home can lead to unsafe conditions. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the signs that something in your home is unsafe, as it can help protect you and your family.
In this article, we’ll discuss four common signs your home may be unsafe. While this information isn’t meant to alarm you, it’s important for you, as a homeowner, to recognize and understand the signs of danger.
You have pests
Common household pests can pose a variety of safety issues for you and your home. Some pests, such as termites, can cause structural damage to your home. The worse a termite infestation is, the more unsafe the stability of your home becomes. Other pests, such as rats and cockroaches, can carry and transmit harmful diseases.
If you notice these pests in your home, you’ll need to take care of them immediately. Termites may be harder to find and deal with, which is why it’s important to do termite inspections annually. A single rat or cockroach in your home usually isn’t a serious problem, but the longer you leave these pests unattended, the more potential for a real infestation arises.
You get sick a lot
If you notice yourself getting sick frequently, the culprit may be something in your home. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose, rashes, and asthma attacks can all come from household issues. Mold growth is common in homes and can contribute to sickness and respiratory problems. Asbestos exposure can also cause these issues, especially in older homes. If these symptoms are common for you in your home, you may want to get it inspected for mold or asbestos.
Your deck is uneven
An uneven deck can be a sign of an unsafe deck. If your deck is unstable, you run the risk of the deck breaking, which can lead to serious injury or death under certain circumstances. Other signs of an unsafe deck include rotted or cracked wood, uneven boards, and unsteady railings. If your deck shows signs of any of these, get it inspected and fixed before the deck fails and causes severe damage.
You notice unusual smells
Persistent unusual smells in your home can be a sign of a gas leak, pest infestation, and more. Gas leaks may smell like rotten eggs. Gas leaks can easily start fires and cause physical symptoms, so if you notice this smell, you need to get it fixed. Other smells, such as rotting or urine-like odors, can be signs of dead animals or infestations. Other common unusual smells are fishy or burning odors, which can be caused by faulty electrical wiring or burns.
There are cracks in your foundation
If the foundation of your home is unstable, you may notice cracks in the interior and exterior of your home. These cracks may be located in your floorboards, sidewalk, bricks, or siding of your home. As your foundation becomes more unstable with time, the worse the problem becomes and the more unsafe your home becomes. If you notice cracks, address the problem immediately.
While most of these issues can cause problems, don’t let them put you into a constant state of fear. An unusual smell every once in a while usually isn’t reason to panic. But being aware of these signs is still just as important. As a homeowner, you should know what your house needs. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be when something goes wrong.
Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.
Author bio: Brie Taylor is a freelance writer who is passionate about home improvement and the outdoors. If she isn’t writing, you can find her biking on local trails or working on her latest DIY project.
Topics: Home Safety
by Flagship Staff | Aug 25, 2020 | Blog
Keeping your deck looking nice is a tough job. Mother Nature throws a lot of different weather elements at it. As an owner of a cedar deck, I’ve spent plenty of hours trying to keep it looking its best. If summer has been simply too hot or you’ve been putting it off, now may be the time to start thinking about it.
Here are some tips to help you with your project.
Stain vs. paint
No matter what type of deck you have, finishing it with stain or paint will protect it from the weather, and increase its lifespan. So, if you’re wondering what the difference is between the two, here we go!
Stain
- If your deck is brand new, a transparent stain is a good choice. This allows you to enjoy the wood’s natural beauty.
- Stain is usually cheaper per gallon.
- Staining doesn’t require the use of primer and it’s easier to apply.
- Stain does require more regular maintenance.
- Stain works well on newer decks.
Paint
- Paint offers a wider variety of color choices and allows for more creativity.
- Paint lasts longer.
- Paint allows for easier surface cleaning.
- As a deck ages, this becomes a nice option to hide some of the imperfections in the wood.
Sandpaper types
Whether you’re sanding your deck or working on another project, understanding sandpaper grit can help you be more efficient, and provide you with a nice finished product.
- Extra course sandpaper (34 – 36 grit) can be used for difficult jobs where paint and varnish need to be removed.
- Course sandpaper (40 – 50 grit) may also be used for removing finishes, as well as polyurethane.
- Medium sandpaper (60 – 100 grit) can be used for sanding rough wood.
- Fine sandpaper (120 – 220 grit) can be used for work that’s near completion to create the finishing touch.
- Extra fine sandpaper (240, 320, 400 grit) can be used to remove small blemishes or inconsistencies from a finish that has been applied. It won’t remove the finish like a course sandpaper would.
Preparation steps
Before applying your stain or paint it’s important to make sure your deck is properly prepared.
1. Remove debris. Decaying leaves, bird droppings, and berries that have fallen off your trees can make a real mess on your deck. Make sure you give it a good sweep or use a blower.
2. Apply a cleanser. To remove any tough remaining stains thoroughly apply a cleanser. Let it soak for the manufacturer’s recommended time period and then thoroughly scrub it with a stiff bristle brush. When you’re finished, rinse the cleanser from the wood using a garden hose or pressure washer. If you use a pressure washer, be cautious. A high-powered pressure washer can damage the wood. Allow 48 hours for the wood to dry.
3. Apply a stain/paint remover. For the best results, removing the remaining paint or stain is key. However, this process can be very time consuming. To see what options you have, I recommend talking to your local hardware or paint store. Some paints may allow you to go over the old stain/paint without spending a lot of time stripping the wood.
4. Inspect the boards. Before painting or staining it’s important to look for loose nails and screws, as well as imperfections in the wood. If you find loose nails or screws, remove them, and insert new ones. If nail or screw heads are not flush with the boards also consider removing them and inserting new ones. This can help prevent injury.
If you notice large cracks, consider filling them with an epoxy putty. The epoxy can be applied easily with a putty knife. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before sanding or painting. Don’t forget to fill nail holes or rotted wood with putty as well.
5. Sand ridged, rough, or uneven surfaces. Based on your job, refer to the sandpaper types above to effectively carry out this step. Make sure to remove excess dust when you’re finished.
6. Take a little extra time. Using painters’ tape, take some time to properly cover up surfaces that you don’t want painted or stained. This would include your home’s siding, aluminum spindles, and around doors. If you have plants around your deck, consider using a drop cloth or plastic to protect them. However, don’t leave the coverings on for extended periods of time.
7. Caulk the joints. If you have wood joints that don’t come together like they used to, consider using caulk to fill in the space. On my deck, I notice this happening particularly around the posts.
8. Apply paint or stain. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for application. It’s important to monitor temperature and potential precipitation.
As I mentioned, keeping your deck looking good is a tough job. However, the enjoyment and relaxation it can provide is worth it!
Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.
Source
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/painting-vs-staining-a-deck/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2145-quick-tip-choosing-sandpaper/
Topics: Home Safety, Yard Safety
by Flagship Staff | Aug 18, 2020 | Blog
The first five years of a child’s development provide a good foundation for long-term academic and social benefits so choosing a quality daycare provider for your child is very important. This blog will offer tips for parents when choosing a daycare provider, as well as tips for in-home daycare providers.
Parents:
There are many factors to considering when choosing an in-home daycare service.
You should first determine if the state requires the provider to have a license. Each state sets a limit on the number of children a provider may care for before a license is required. Be sure to find out what your state requires. Ask the provider how many children are cared for in the home and if the provider is properly licensed if necessary.
The provider should also have proper insurance. Sometimes this coverage is provided on a homeowner’s policy. If the daycare provider will be transporting your child in their personal vehicle, it’s also important to make sure they have the proper auto insurance, as well as appropriate and safe car seats.
Here are other things you should review with the provider before making your decision:
- Make sure the provider is trained in first aid and child/infant CPR.
- Make sure the provider keeps important medical information, including children’s allergies, doctors’ phone numbers, etc.
- Provide written consent for your child’s emergency medical care or treatment.
- Only authorized persons will be allowed to pick up your child.
- Make sure the home is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
- Outside play areas should be in good condition with proper safety features.
- If there’s a swimming area, it should be fenced and locked.
- The home should be childproofed, including:
Window blind pull stings are looped up and out of reach.
Cribs are placed out of reach of windows and window treatments.
Stairs are blocked off by stair gates.
Changing tables and high chairs have straps to secure children.
Outlet covers are firmly in place.
Toys are clean and in good condition.
Potentially toxic substances are secured out of reach of children.
Providers:
- As with parents, it’s vital that you know how many children you may care for before a license is required. Check with your state’s authorities.
- The proper insurance for your home and operation, as well as for any vehicles in which you may transport children, is also vital. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent to determine if you have coverage, if you need to add it to your policy, or if you need to purchase an additional policy.
- Make sure your home is properly childproofed.
- Be sure to obtain important information for each child, including medical information and consent, and the names of people who are authorized to pick up each child.
- Check the local YMCA or Red Cross in your area to see if they provide babysitting classes, first aid/CPR and/or other classes that offer certifications related to childcare.
- If you have more than three persons, you will need a separate business policy.
For parents, choosing the right daycare provider is one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. For providers, caring for children is rewarding and enjoyable. Making sure the children are in a safe environment gives both parent and provider peace of mind.
For additional information, visit our Culture of Safety blogs below.
Choosing the Right Childcare: Understanding State Licensing Reports
Choosing the Right Childcare: Staff Ratios
by Flagship Staff | Aug 11, 2020 | Blog
For my wife, keeping our cars clean has always been a priority. While she likes a shiny car on the outside, she’s more focused on keeping the interior spotless. I often joke with her that nobody can see the interior.
As we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning your car may have jumped up on your priority list. Or if you’re looking for something to do on a beautiful summer day, this project may be for you. No matter what the situation, here are some tips for cleaning your car inside and out.
1. Use the proper soap. When I was a kid, I washed my parent’s car all the time with dish detergent. It smelled good, was cheap, and produced a lot of bubbles. I thought, the more bubbles I had, the cleaner the car. Today, I only wash my cars with soap that has been specifically formulated for this. Check out your local auto parts store to see what products are available.
2. Control the dust. Do you have dust rolling around in your car like a tumbleweed in the desert? If so, it’s time to bring in the reinforcements. To keep dust at a minimum, and to clean your car more effectively, using a brush and vacuum can help tremendously. For me, using paper towel and a spray cleaner is aggravating because it just smears dust around. Lastly, a small brush and vacuum do a great job cleaning nooks and crannies, as well as vents, radio knobs, or heat dials.
3. Sanitize high touch points. You may think this is a challenging task because you don’t have access to disinfectant wipes or other cleaning products. However, there’s no need to worry. High touch point objects can simply be cleaned with soap and water. While dish soap isn’t the best for the exterior of your car, it works great for cleaning the interior. This is because dish soap is made with mild detergents which won’t damage interior materials. A clean rag or microfiber towel will do a fantastic job. Just make sure to ring it out prior to using it. You don’t want excess water pooling or seeping into places it shouldn’t be.
In the past, the only item you may have considered a high touch point was your steering wheel. Today, there are many more touch points to consider to keep your family healthy. Items include:
- Seat belts
- Cup holders
- Radio knobs or dials
- Touch screens
- Door handles
- Gear shifter
- Steering wheel controls
- Car seats
If you don’t enjoy cleaning your car on a regular basis, keep it germ free by using hand sanitizer before you get into your car.
Lastly, never use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean your car.
4. Embrace the power of magic. My wife loves using the Magic Eraser for different household chores. At first, I was a bit skeptical, but now I’m a fan. If you have stubborn spots of dirt or grime in your car, give it a try. Don’t forget to squeeze out the excess water.
5. Conquer the Crumbs. If you have stubborn crumbs everywhere in your car that you just can’t get rid of, consider using a toothbrush. The bristles of a toothbrush may be just enough to loosen them and get them out of tiny places.
6. Don’t neglect your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are critical to keeping you safe. Windshield wipers take a beating from the elements. Dirt, debris, and sunlight contribute to the breakdown of the wipers’ rubber blades. If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks, try cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to replace them.
7. Replace your cabin filter. If your car smells musty all the time, it may be time to change your cabin filter. The cabin air filter helps keep dust, dirt, pollen, bacteria, and other things from entering your car through the HVAC system. To keep your car smelling fresh, consider changing your filter yearly or every 12,000 miles. If you drive in dusty or polluted conditions, you may have to change it more regularly.
8. Buy a squeegee. If your pet loves riding in your car, it may be waiting by the door when it hears you grab the car keys. If you have fabric upholstery, after a few rides it may be time to for fur removal. Consider dampening the fabric with a light mist of water. Then, use a squeegee to remove the fur. Have a vacuum standing by to suck it up.
9. Wipe away those pesky bugs. If you’re like me, bug guts on the front of your car may drive you buggy. Bug guts are difficult to remove. Luckily, there are products available at your local auto store that can help. If you’re looking for a home remedy, give a bucket of warm water and fabric softener sheet a try.
10. Invest in cupcake liners. If you’re tired of the debris that collects in your cup holders, consider using cupcake liners. While it may not look pretty, once they fill up with debris, simply toss them in the garbage and insert new ones.
by Flagship Staff | Aug 4, 2020 | Blog
While West Bend designs our home and auto insurance forms to be coverage rich, we do practice restraint in automatically including bells and whistles. This is because we want to keep it affordable and competitive and provide you with options.
That said, you can request to add a number of these bells and whistles, also known as additional coverages, to your Home and Highway® policy. Here are three of the more common coverages you may purchase for your home and three for your auto(s). Some of these coverages are for losses that are more likely to occur, while other coverages are for losses that are less likely but more costly.
Let’s start with the Personal Auto Policy since most people own a car and most states require you carry insurance on it.
TravelNet® Emergency Roadside Assistance (aka towing and labor)
This coverage provides emergency roadside assistance if your vehicle becomes disabled due to a flat tire, no fuel, dead battery, lock out, and other minor repairs. We offer limits up to $150 per disablement.
In addition, if the disablement occurs more than 100 miles from your home and you’re stuck elsewhere overnight because of necessary repairs, this coverage provides up to $250 for lodging, meals, and alternate transportation.
The TravelNet dispatch facility is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you’re familiar with AAA, this coverage is similar. If you’re already a AAA member, you may want to compare those benefits before adding TravelNet.
Auto Loan/Lease Coverage (aka GAP)
This provides coverage for the difference between an outstanding balance on a loan or lease and the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of a loss or accident. If you have a trade-in or a solid down payment, you may not need this coverage. But if you’re financing a new model year car with no or little money down, this coverage offers great protection for the expected depreciation on the vehicle. Dealerships often recommend or offer this with financing. We find our coverage is equal to theirs and less expensive.
Car Damage Replacement Coverage (aka new car)
If an accident results in a total loss to your vehicle, this coverage changes the claim settlement from actual cash value with deduction for depreciation to replacement cost. This means we’ll replace the damaged vehicle with a new vehicle of the same make and model. If the exact model is no longer in production, we’ll replace it with a new vehicle of similar size, class, and equipment. So if you’re concerned about depreciation on your vehicle or about having to find a good used vehicle if yours is totaled, you may want to consider purchasing this coverage.
This option expires when the vehicle is five model years old and is not available on a leased vehicle.
Now on to Homeowners insurance.
Protector Plus is a package option that includes four popular coverages. These can also be purchased individually but are priced more competitively when purchased as a package.
- Identity Protection Coverage
Identity theft crimes are on the rise. Our ID protection program offers services to help you avoid these crimes, including tax fraud, as well as other situations in which fraud may occur like travel, disaster recovery, medical, relocation, military, marriage, child risk, and estate.
If your identity is stolen, the service also aids in resolution. While the service alone can often remedy an event without any cost to you, there is a $30,000 limit for expenses related to an identity theft crime. This can help cover attorney fees, lost wages, phones bills, and other related costs and fees.
This is an important coverage if there’s a total loss to your home and you must rebuild and secure a new mortgage. It will pay the difference in your mortgage interest rate if the new rate is higher. Mortgage extra expense will pay up to $250 a month for up to four years. It also provides $2,000 in coverage for acquisition costs (closing, appraisal, title, etc).
- Special Personal Property Coverage
This endorsement broadens the coverage for your personal property from specific named perils to all-risk coverage, subject to certain exclusions. Here are some examples.
Your accidentally throw your Wii remote (or other gaming system controller) through the TV shattering the screen.
The power company is working on the lines outside your home and blows a transformer. The surge causes damage to everything plugged into your outlets!
Due to its weight your crystal chandelier falls from the ceiling onto your mahogany dining table scratching and denting the solid wood.
The possibilities are endless therefore this coverage should be added your policy!
- Water Backup and Sump Overflow Coverage
If water backs up or your sump pump overflows causing damage to your home, mechanicals, or possessions, you’ll have coverage up to the selected limit. We have limits up to $125,000 available! This type of loss happens more frequently than flood. Water can travel fast and far, causing a lot of damage, making this another coverage you’ll want!
For those who rent, three of the key coverages listed here – Identity Theft, Special Personal Property Coverage, and Water Backup and Sump Overflow – are available to add individually to a renter’s policy.
Protector Grand adds increased limits and peril coverage to both your home and contents. At $25, it’s great protection for minimal cost!
- Additional $5,000 of coverage for your jewelry for a total of $10,000.
- Coverage if your home collapses due to hydrostatic pressure (ground water).
- Landslide coverage. Wisconsinites may remember when Lake Dalton disappeared and took several homes with it. This CAN happen in the Midwest!
- $1,000 of coverage to protect sports and hobby equipment.
- Waiver of your Homeowners deductible if you suffer a loss to your personal property while traveling.
- $500 for food stored in a refrigerator or freezer that spoils during a power outage.
- $10,000 for your share of a loss assessment. This is especially important for those who are members of a condo or homeowners association.
- $2,500 of coverage for an owned golf cart.
Underground Service Line Coverage
Underground service lines consist of exterior pipes and wiring that provide services to a home, such as electrical, heating, gas, water, waste. These lines can be damaged by causes not covered by the standard Homeowners policy (or your municipality) like freezing, corrosion, tree roots, and rodents or insects, for example. We now offer coverage up to $15,000 to repair or replace the underground service line, including excavation costs and damage to your trees, plants and lawns, and driveways and walkways.
West Bend offers many options to customize your insurance policies and meet your specific needs. I truly had a difficult time narrowing it down to just the ones mentioned here. As always, we recommend you discuss this with your trusted independent insurance agent. Your insurance advisor is qualified to answer your questions and help manage your risk.
