Category: Safety Tips

Preparing Your Home For Winter Weather

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Are you—and your home—ready for the coming winter weather? Get prepared with this guide!

Can you believe it’s already November? Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, with the holiday season following right on its heels (thanks, Black Friday). That means that the coming months are only going to get busier.

Before the hectic time of year kicks into full gear, it’s important you deal with your other to-dos. Specifically, you need to think about preparing your home for winter. To help you do just that, here are a few pointers.

  • In case you missed it, experts a predicting that a monster El Niño is coming our way, complete with lots of rain. You might have been neglecting your gutters years into our drought, but its important you clean them out now. If you don’t, you could be left with water spilling everywhere you don’t want it – including right into your home.
  • There are some things you just shouldn’t try to DIY. Inspecting your furnace and chimney are a couple of them. Call out professionals to take a look at these systems before you’ll be using them this winter. It’s much better to deal with the small hassle of a routine inspection now than waiting to have a pro come out and fix your breakdown on one the coldest days of the year!
  • You want to keep warm air in this winter. Keep your house cozy and your heating costs down by checking the seals around your house. If you can fit a nickel in the gap between your windows/doors and your home, re-caulk those areas.

In addition to taking on these tasks, you also need to review your California homeowners insurance. If you’d like to do that with an expert who can advise you on the proper amount of coverage for your family’s needs, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency today!

Preparing Your California Home For The Fall Season

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

The California homeowners guide to getting their home ready for the coming cold.

Can you believe September’s almost already over? If the end of this month snuck up on you the way it did us, you might find yourself scrambling to get your house ready for the coming colder seasons.

We can help! To make maintaining and preparing your home for winter easy this fall, use these handy tips.

  • Clear Your Water Heater: What’s better than a hot shower after being out in the cold air? To make sure you can enjoy that feeling this winter, drain your water heater and clear out any debris that’s collected.
  • Seal It Up: Check your doors and windows for any cracks that will let hot air out, increasing your heating bill and your home’s chill. When you find them, seal them up.
  • Clean Your Gutters: With the winter comes an increase in precipitation. Make sure your home can handle it by cleaning out your gutters and drainpipes. Double-check that all of your downspouts are still pouring down a grade away from your foundation.
  • Get Your Chimney Inspected: Don’t try to clean your chimney yourself; have a professional come out and handle the job for you. While you have him or her there, make sure the damper gets checked so you can seal out cold winter drafts.

Another crucial aspect of preparing your home for the coming season is reviewing your homeowners insurance coverage. Do you have the right policy to protect your home? To make sure you do, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. Our committed California team can help you get the right coverage to fully safeguard your home this fall and throughout the rest of the year.

The Importance Of Monitoring Tire Pressure

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

What You Need To Know About Tire Pressure

When you think of your car’s safety features, what comes to mind? The seatbelt? Antilock braking system? Side airbags? Your tires may not be your first thought, but they should be!

Your vehicle’s four tires are your only point of connection with the road. When they do not properly function, you are in serious danger of skidding off the road or into another vehicle. Without proper tire pressure, your vehicle could hydroplane during a rainstorm. Low pressure also makes it more difficult for your car to come to a quick stop and for your tire’s to grip the road. Obviously, this is something you want to avoid, but how do you avoid underinflated tires?

One of the best things you can do to ensure your tires keep your car safely on the road is pay attention to its tire pressure. Even if your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system, it will not alert you until your vehicle is 25 percent below the recommended psi! That is why it is important to not rely entirely on your car’s monitoring system.

What can you do? First, regularly check your tire pressure. It is a quick and easy thing to do and could save your life! Then, when you do fill up your tires, experts recommend setting them at three psi above what is recommended in your owner’s manual. This gives you more cushion (literally!), since tires deflate over time.

Caring for your tires can help you stay safe out on the road, but to be truly protected you need great auto insurance. To get the right California coverage, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency today!

Water Safety Tips For Your Summer

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Protect Your Summer With Water Safety

The summer is heating up here in California, and you are probably looking for a way to take advantage of the summer season. The good news is that heading to the water can give you a reprieve from the heat while you enjoy the sun’s rays. So that you can enjoy your time by the water without stress, here is a quick guide to staying safe by the water this summer.

  • At The Beach: Be aware that at the beach, there are rip currents that could put even the most experienced swimmer in a dangerous situation. Never swim too far from the shore. The beach may seem like the perfect place to lay out and get a tan, but this could expose you to the sun’s harmful rays. Make sure you regularly seek out shade (an umbrella will help!) and reapply your sunscreen as needed.
  • On The Lake: You may think that a swim in the lake is just like a lap in the pool, but the moving water will tire you out more quickly than the pool would. Do not push your limits when in the lake. If you will be boating, make sure there is a designated driver who can safely drive everyone home and that every passenger has—and actually wears—a lifejacket.
  • By The River: With the runoff as the summer heats up, lots of rivers are moving very quickly right now. Never swim in the river without someone to keep an eye on you. Also, make sure you do not swallow any water to avoid waterborne illnesses.

We hope this water recreation safety guide helps you safely enjoy your summer! To offer your family even more safety, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency to put the best California coverage in place to protect you this summer and beyond.

Your Guide To Motorcycle Riding Gear

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Motorcycle Riders: Read This Gear Guide

Your motorcycle is an amazing machine. It lets you navigate tight spaces and heavy traffic. It uses minimal gas. It lets you feel the fresh air and sunshine. For all of these reasons, though, your motorcycle is also compact and exposes you to the environment around you. To avoid a serious injury, you need to wear the right pieces to protect your body. Here is a quick guide to the motorcycle riding gear you need.

  • Helmet: It should come as no surprise that you need to protect your head when flying down the freeway. Helmets reduce your risk for head injury by nearly 70 percent, so they are crucial. Choose a full-face helmet that properly fits and has been approved by the Department of Transportation to best protect your important brain.
  • Jacket: Your jacket will not only protect your skin from serious road rash, it can also protect your internal organs! Look for a jacket that has CE rated body armor but still allows your full range of motion. You might want to choose one that has ventilation so you will not be tempted to skip it on sunny California days.
  • Gloves: When your bike gets away from you, your natural reaction is to put out your hand to steady yourself. Protect your hands against this possibility—plus the very present hazards of wind and water—by investing in good motorcycle gloves. The right ones should include water resistant material, armor that protects your knuckles and palms, and a retention strap to keep your glove on should you need it.

Another crucial part of protecting yourself while on your motorcycle is carrying the right motorcycle insurance. Are you protected out on the road? To learn about the California coverage you need, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency today.

Identity Theft Prevention 101

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Ensuring Your Identity Is Protected From The Cyber World

Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, nearly everyone has experienced a stolen identity. As identity theft continues to grow in commonality and as we become more and more dependent on technology, it is important that you learn of ways in which you can avoid this common occurrence.

Ways To Prevent Identity Theft:

  • While you may think that it is smart to have all important documentation on you at all times in case you need to retrieve information, this is extremely dangerous and leaves you especially vulnerable to identity theft. Unpack your wallet or purse or all important documents that you do not need on a daily basis.
  • You must be careful of shoulder surfers. This includes when you are entering your PIN at a public place to make a payment.
  • How often do you check your bank statements? This is one of the most important things you can do as it will allow you to detect any problems as soon as they occur. Informing your bank or credit company right when you see one suspicious charge will ensure that you do not become responsible for the charges and you can cancel your cards to avoid additional charges.
  • While you may see no harm in leaving your mail sit in the mailbox each week and only collecting it periodically, this leaves you extremely vulnerable to identity theft.
  • Each homeowner should have a paper shredder in their house so that they can properly dispose of documents with sensitive information on them. Despite popular action, simply shredding them by hand may not do the trick.

Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your California identity theft insurance needs. We can help you obtain the right identity theft insurance in California until you are protected from the unpredictable nature of the cyber world.

Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping

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With the holiday season just around the corner, you must think about how you will remain safe while completing your holiday shopping to-do-list. While you may be inclined to assume that everyone is in the holiday spirit, there are an overwhelming number of criminals that take advantage of joyous people during this time. We want you to remain safe all year long, which is why we have gathered these important safety tips for holiday shopping:

  • Make sure to always be aware of your surroundings so that you can report suspicious activity immediately. If you see someone lingering around the parking lot, contact the authorities right away. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
  • If possible, try to purchase all of your holiday gifts with the same credit card. This will not only make it easier to track your spending, but it will also make it so that you can respond to fraudulent activity faster and with more ease.
  • It is imperative that you never leave any of your valuables in plain sight. This means putting all recent purchases in your trunk and out of sight. A criminal will find it hard to pass up the temptation if you have a load of Nordstrom’s shopping bags in your back seat.
  • If possible, do not pass over your credit card to the store clerk. Many of these employees are seasonal hires so they cannot be trusted as easily. Therefore, sliding your own card whenever you can is the best way to keep your personal information secure.
  • Where you park is extremely important. If possible, park in the front of the structure in a well-lit area so that criminals cannot hide in dark corners and approach you when you are least expecting it. Also, if you will be leaving the mall or boutique after the sun has already set, make sure to have a security guard walk you out to ensure safety.

Happy Holidays! We hope these important safety tips for holiday shopping allow you to enjoy the holiday season worry-free! Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta for all of your California insurance needs.

Must-Know Information Regarding Safety Recalls

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The recent mass safety recall of millions of cars with faulty air bags has many motorists wondering how to appropriately handle car recalls. Rather than panicking, simply take a deep breath and follow the guidelines on the safety recall notice. We want you to feel at ease when handling this common situation, which is why we have gathered all the must-know information regarding safety recalls:

Car recalls mean a problem has been detected, and the dealer or manufacturer has a plan for how to fix the problem. Recalls are typically handled in three ways. You will either have the part repaired, replaced, or you will receive reimbursement for the faulty item. This direction will allow you to determine your next course of action.

  • While you may be inclined to worry about how this recall will affect your auto insurance premium, it is important to realize that as long as you follow the directions of the recall notice, you will not receive negative penalties. In fact, if the recall streamlines on the headlines in the media, you may end up receiving a discount on your auto insurance premium. Often, mass recalls that hit the headlines decrease the value of your car, meaning a less expensive replacement cost value.
  • The only way a safety recall can negatively impact your auto insurance premium is if you ignore the notice altogether. For example, if your recalled airbag ends up causing serious injury to a passenger in your car because you failed to tend to the recall, you may be held liable for the damages and injuries inflicted.

Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta for all of your California auto insurance needs. If you have recently received a safety recall notice, please do not hesitate to give us a call to discuss your next course of action and see if your premium will be decreasing as a result.

Off Road Vehicle Safety Tips

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Off road vehicles yield plenty of fun and an array of dangers at the same time. Off road vehicles allow you to enjoy areas that are inaccessible by car. However, if you will be enjoying the many benefits of off road vehicles, you must be prepared to follow the basic safety precautions. Compiled is a list of off road vehicle safety tips for you to remain safe during your travels:

  • If you will be taking on a local trail in your off road vehicle, it is important that you begin by researching the local laws and regulations. You will want to make an effort to preserve the local area by following all rules and suggestions.
  • Whether you are taking a short stroll around the neighborhood or embarking on a 23-mile trail, you must always be equipped with DOT-approved motorcycle gear. This includes a helmet, eye protection, leathers, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. Without the right gear, you leave your most important asset vulnerable to harm.
  • No matter how many times we hear it, we somehow seem to always forget – Practice makes perfect. You should find a safe place to practice your braking and turning skills. The more you practice, the safer you will be during your 23-mile journey through the trails.
  • You may want to take a defensive driving course for the extra knowledge and to perhaps land an insurance discount.
  • As tempting as it may be, refrain from driving on paved roads. Your off road vehicle was not built for the paved roads and can prove to be a dangerous combination.
  • Most importantly, always be aware of your surroundings while on the roads or trails!

Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta for all of your California off road vehicle insurance needs. We can help safeguard your most enjoyable ride with a unique off road vehicle insurance policy.

10 Summer Heat Safety Tips

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Rising temperatures can be enjoyable if you are lucky enough to spend it in the pool. Chances are, you’ll have to venture away from water at some point this summer. Consider these 10 basic safety tips to beat the summer heat:

  1. During the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm, the sun’s rays are strongest. Therefore, if possible, you should stay inside with the air conditioning and avoid direct sunlight.
  2. Switch your sheets and covers to lightweight, breathable ones to avoid overheating in the middle of the night.
  3. When you venture outside, be sure to put lightweight, breathable clothing of light hues.
  4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Many of us forget the importance of drinking water every twenty minutes throughout the entire day, especially when we are busy having fun. Bring a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go so that you can constantly be reminded of the importance of hydrating.
  5. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and carbonated or caffeine filled drinks during extreme temperatures. These ingredients will only dehydrate you.
  6. Only exercise during the early morning hours or late at night to avoid overheating in the extreme temperatures.
  7. Avoid using the oven and stove during hot days. Using these appliances will generate heat that will rise and travel throughout your entire home.
  8. Before taking your dog on a walk, be sure to feel the ground and asphalt beforehand to determine if the hot ground would burn the pads of your pup’s feet.
  9. Keep blinds and curtains closed throughout the day so that your home doesn’t warm up from the direct sunlight.
  10. Most importantly, know your body and seek immediate medical attention if you are feeling the symptoms of overheating or heat exhaustion.

Stromsoe Insurance Agency is available for all of your California insurance needs. Contact us today and allow us to provide you with the peace of mind knowing your assets are adequately protected.