Learn to Protect Your Property

Your Farmers Alliance insurance policy will protect you in the event of a loss. However, you can also help protect yourself from damaging losses by following just a few simple tips.

Protect Against Fire and Water Loss

AVOID APPLIANCE AND ELECTRICAL MISHAPS

Regularly check small appliances for signs of wear (frayed cords, broken plugs, loose connections, etc.).

Repair or replace as necessary.

Shut off or unplug small appliances before leaving home.

Purchase and use only UL-approved devices.

Dimming or flickering lights, or tripped circuit breakers could be signs of problems and should be checked by an electrician as soon as possible.

CAREFUL WITH CANDLES

Never leave candles unattended

Use proper containers only

Always extinguish candles before leaving

Consider alternative ideas — wickless candles, or use candles only for decoration (don’t burn them)

MAINTAIN FIREPLACES

Keep the flue clean and well-maintained. Have a professional inspect the chimney and flue annually.

Install a chimney cap to prevent blockage from leaves, sticks and animals.

USE CAUTION WITH FURNACES, WOOD- BURNING STOVES AND OTHER HEATERS

Have your furnace professionally inspected and maintained annually.

Notify your insurance agent if you have a wood-burning or other solid fuel heating device installed in your house.

Use licensed contractors to install wood stoves, other appliances or additions. This will insure that building codes and proper clearances are followed.

CLEAN CLOTHES DRYERS

Clean out lint trap after each load of clothes.

Check vents for lint blockage at least monthly.

Replace all plastic vents with metal vents.

Protect Against Theft from your Vehicle or Home

PREVENT HOME BURGLARY

Invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors and windows, making it difficult and time-consuming for burglars to gain entry.

Don’t hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.

Plant thorny bushes under all windows and trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves.

Don’t leave ladders outside and keep any tools that could be used to break in your home safely locked away in a garage or shed.

PREVENT CAR THEFT

Take your keys and lock up

– 50% of all vehicles stolen had keys in them.

Close all windows – professional car thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.

Park carefully, a car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or an attended lot.

Never hide a second set of keys in your car.

Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Check out the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety website for even more loss prevention information. Click on the IBHS logo to visit the IBHS website.