Strahan Insurance News

Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:28:02 GMT

When purchasing a trailer in California or elsewhere, stay within recommended capacity guidelines. When determining capacity, remember to include the weight of fuel and accessories in addition to the weight of the craft.

Trailers come with closed or open frames. Closed frames help protect the wiring, but problems can be more difficult to locate and repair. Open frames leave the wiring exposed, but make it easier to spot and repair potential problems. Open frames also drain water more easily and efficiently, so keep in mind that when you dip that trailer into lakes, or elsewhere.

Consider the method of personal watercraft (PWC) support, the frame strength and construction, whether lights and wiring are approved for marine use, whether rollers and bunks are properly positioned and attached to the main frame for proper suspension, and the durability of the finish. (Powder-coated or galvanized finishes are more durable than baked-on enamel.)

Purchase good quality tie-downs with the right hooks to attach to your trailer. Before each use of your trailer, check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs, etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares

Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length of the car and trailer when turning and passing, and allow extra time for stopping.

Pull off the road periodically to check the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for signs of overheating, check the lights and test the tie-downs.

Before Leaving Shore

At the Launch Ramp:

It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don’t rush, but don’t linger longer than necessary.
Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other boats, debris, etc.
Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

Contact Us!

Be Safe on Your Motorcycle

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:13:05 GMT

To stay safe on Oakland streets, you need the right skills to control your ride, and the best safety equipment for just-in-case. Strahan Insurance cares about your safety – so keep these helpful tips in mind when you ride:

When You Ride, Be Prepared and Protected

Update your Policy when You Update Your Equipment
Make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your motorcycle insurance policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, contact us and let our team make sure your coverage is current before you head out on the streets.
Training Saves Lives
Smart riders are safe riders – that’s why many states encourage riders to take classes and improve their riding skills. Riders who attend safe riding courses may also qualify for insurance discounts – contact us to find out more!
Helmets Are For Every California Rider
A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots. Want to know what safety equipment is required in California? Contact us today!
Be Visible – In a Crash, the SUV Wins
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car never saw the motorcyclist. With more and bigger cars on the road, you need to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps – both night and day – and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility when out on the streets.
Ride sober!
Driving impaired is more deadly for cyclists than other drivers. In fact, more than half of all motorcycle deaths occur when the rider has been drinking.*

* Source: NHSA's Traffic Safety report on Motorcycles.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us or call us at 510-450-9051.

Spring is Coming!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:18:58 GMT

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, we're starting to think about spring. (Or at least hoping that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether spring arrives on time, we’ve got you covered with tips to get you ready for the season.

Get Ready for Spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in California changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (see the full list)

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition (stay safe doing that!), and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

Beat the Wintertime Blues

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting before spring.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

Contact Us !

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year – sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Strahan Insurance we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just contact us or give us a call at 510-450-9051. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Prepare for Driving In Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:08:52 GMT

Rain, fog, sleet, snow, ice and wind… bad weather is the enemy of every driver in California. Strahan Insurance wants you and your employees to be safe. Even if you are satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. At regular intervals, especially during the winter months, check the following items.

Abrasive Material: A bag of kitty litter or similar material will help you get moving under snowy or icy conditions

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Chains: Do you carry them? They can be a real help on ice or snow.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Does it need more anti-freeze? Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep lap and shoulder belts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced? Consider changing to snow tires.

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure to sweep snow off the windshield. Keep plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze handy.

Strahan Insurance can provide you with tools for fleet driving training and additional information to help reduce crashes in everyday driving. Just give us a call at 510-450-9051 or contact us today!

Face to Face With Hurricane Camille

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:23:13 GMT

Blank, Joseph P. (March 1970). Face to face with Hurricane Camille. Readers Digest, 62-67

To the weather experts, it was "the greatest recorded storm ever to hit a populated area in the Western Hemisphere." To the Koshack family of Gulfport, Miss., it brought a night of terror such as few people have ever experienced.

John Koshak, Jr., knew that Hurricane Camille would be bad. Radio and television warnings had sounded throughout that Sunday, last August 17, as Camille lashed northwestward across the Gulf of Mexico. It was certain to pummel Gulfport, Miss., where the Koshaks lived. Along the costs of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, nearly 150,000 people fled inland to safer ground. But, like thousands of others in the costal communities, John was reluctant to abandon his home unless the family - his wife, Janis, and their seven children, aged 3 to 11 - was clearly endangered.

Trying to reason out the best course of action, he talked with his father and mother, who had moved into the ten-room house with the Koshaks a month earlier from California. He also consulted Charles Hill, a longtime friend, who had driven from Las Vegas for a visit.

John, 37 - whose business was right there in his home (he designed and developed educational toys and supplies, and all of Magna Products’ correspondence, engineering drawings and art work were there on the first floor) - was familiar with the power of a hurricane. Four years earlier, Hurricane Betsy had demolished his former home a few miles west of Gulfport (Koshak had moved his family to a motel for the night). But that house had stood only a few feet about sea level. "We're elevated 23 feet," he told his father, "and we're a good 250 yards from the sea. The place has been here since 1915, and no hurricane has ever bothered it. We'll probably be safe here as anyplace else."

The elder Koshak, a gruff, warm-hearted expert machinist of 67, agreed. "We can batten down and ride it out," he said. "If we see signs of danger, we can get out before dark."

The men methodically prepared for the hurricane. Since water mains might be damaged, they filled bathtubs and pails. A power failure was likely, so they checked out batteries for the portable radio and flashlights, and fuel for the lantern. John's father moved a small generator into the downstairs hallway, wired several light bulbs to it and prepared a connection to the refrigerator.

Rain fell steadily that afternoon; gray clouds scudded in from the Gulf on the rising wind. The family had an early supper. A neighbor, whose husband was in Vietnam, asked if she and her two children could sit out the storm with the Koshaks. Another neighbor came by on his way inland - would the Koshaks mind taking care of his dog?

It grew dark before seven o'clock. Wind and rain now whipped the house. John sent his oldest son and daughter upstairs to bring down mattresses and pillows for the younger children. He wanted to keep the group together on one floor. "Stay away from the windows," he warned, concerned about glass flying from stormed-shattered panes. As the wind mounted to a roar, the house began leaking - the rain seemingly driven right through the walls. With mops, towels, pots and buckets the Koshaks began a struggle against the rapidly spreading water. At 8:30, power failed, and Pop Koshak turned on the generator.

The roar of the hurricane now was overwhelming. The house shook, and the ceiling in the living room was falling piece by piece. The French doors in an upstairs room blew in with an explosive sound, and the group heard gun-like reports as other upstairs windows disintegrated. Water rose above their ankles.

Then the front door started to break away from its frame. John and Charlie put their shoulders against it, but a blast of water hit the house, flinging open the door and shoving them down the hall. The generator was doused, and the lights went out. Charlie licked his lips and shouted to John, "I think we're in real trouble. That water tasted salty." The sea had reached the house, and the water was rising by the minute!

"Everybody out the back door to the cars!" John yelled. "We'll pass the children between us. Count them! Nine!"

The children went from adult to adult like buckets in a fire brigade. But the cars wouldn't start; the electrical systems had been killed by the water. The wind was too strong and the water too deep to flee on foot. "Back to the house"! John yelled. "Count the children! Count nine!"

As they scrambled back, John ordered, "Everybody on the stairs!" Frightened, breathless and wet, the group settled on the stairs, which were protected by two interior walls. The children put the cat, Spooky in a box with her four kittens on the landing. She peered nervously at her litter. The neighbor's dog curled up and went to sleep.

The wind sounded like the roar of a train passing a few yards away. The house shuddered and shifted on its foundations. Water inched its way up the steps as the first-floor outside walls collapsed. No one spoke. Everyone knew there was no escape; they would live or die in the house.

Charlie Hill had more or less taken responsibility for the neighbor and her two children. The mother was on the verge of panic. She clutched his arm and kept repeating, "I can't swim, I can't swim."

"You have won't have to," he told her, with outward calm. "It's bound to end soon."

Grandmother Koshak reached an arm around her husband's shoulder and put her mouth close to his hear. "Pop," she said, "I love you." He turned his head and answered, "I love you" - and his voice lacked its usual gruffness.

John watched the water lap at the steps, and felt a crushing guilt. He had underestimated the ferocity of Camille. He had assumed that what happened could not happen. He held his head between his hands and silently prayed: "Get us through this mess, will You?"

A moment later, the hurricane in one might swipe, lifted the entire roof off the house and skimmed it 40 feet through the air. The bottom of the steps of the staircase broke apart. One wall began crumbling on the marooned group.

Dr. Robert H. Simpson, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., graded Hurricane Camille as "the greatest recorded store ever to hit a populated area in the Western Hemisphere." In its concentrated breadth of some 70 miles it shout out winds of nearly 200 m.p.h. and raised tides as much as 30 feet. Along the Gulf Coast it devastated everything in its swath; 19,467 homes and 709 small businesses were demolished or severely damaged. It seized a 600,000 - gallon Gulfport oil tank and dumped it 3 1/2 miles away. It tore three large cargo ships from their morrings and beached them. Telephone poles and 20-inch-thick pines cracked like guns as the winds snapped them.

To the west of Gulfport, the town of Pass Christian was virtually wiped out. Several vacationers at the luxurious Richelieu Apartments there held a hurricane party to watch the storm from their spectacular vantage point. Richelieu Apartments were smashed apart as if by a gigantic fist, and 26 people perished.

Seconds after the roof blew off the Koshak house, John yelled, "Up the stairs into our bedroom! Count the kids." The children huddled in the slashing rain with the circle of adults. Grandmother Koshak implored, "Children, let's sing!" The children were to frightened to respond. She carried on along for a few bars; then her voice trailed away.

Debris flew as the living-room fireplace and its chimney collapsed. With two walls in their bedroom sanctuary beginning to disintegrate, John ordered, "Into the television room!" This was the room farthest from the direction of the storm.

For an instant, John put his arm around his wife. Janis understood. Shivering from the wind and rain and fear, clutching two children to her, she thought, Dear Lord, give me the strength to endure what I have to. She felt anger against the hurricane. We wont' let it win.

Pop Koshak raged silently, frustrated at not being about to do anything to fight Camille. Without reason, he dragged a cedar chest and double mattress from a bedroom into the TV room. At that moment, the wind tore out one wall and extinguished the lantern. A second wall moved, wavered. Charlie Hill tired to support it, but it toppled on him, injuring his back. The house, shuddering and rocking, had moved 25 feet from its foundations. The world seemed to be breaking apart.

"Let's get that mattress up!" John shouted to his father. "Make it a lean-to against the wind. Get the kids under it. We can prop it up with our heads and shoulders!"

The larger children sprawled on the floor, with the smaller ones in a layer on top of them, and the adults bent over all nine. The floor tilted. The box containing the litter of kittens slid off a shelf and vanished in the wind. Spooky flew off the top of a sliding bookcase and also disappeared. The dog cowered with eyes closed. A third wall gave way. Water lapped across the slanting floor. John grabbed a door, which was still hinged to one closet wall. "If the floor goes," he yelled at his father, "let's get the kids on this."

In that moment, the wind slightly diminished and the water stopped rising. Then the water began receding. The main thrust of Camille had past. The Koshaks and their friends had survived.

With the dawn, Gulfport people started coming back to their homes. They saw human bodies - more than 130 men, women and children died along the Mississippi coast - and parts of the beach and hi-way were strewn with dead dogs, cats, cattle. Strips of clothing festooned the standing trees, and blown-down power lines coiled like black spaghetti over the roads.

None of the returnees moved quickly or spoke loudly; they stood shocked, trying to absorb the shattering scenes before their eyes. "What do we do?" they asked. "Where do we go?"

By this time, organizations within the area and, in effect, the entire population of the United States had come to the aid of the devastated coast. Before dawn, the Mississippi National Guard and civil-defense unites were moving in to handle traffic, guard property, set up communications centers, help clear the debris and take the homeless by truck and bus to refugee centers. By 10 a.m., the Salvation Army's canteen trucks and Red Cross volunteers and staffers were going wherever possible to distribute hot drinks, food, clothing and bedding.

From hundreds of towns and cities across the country came several million dollars in donations; household and medical supplies streamed in by plane, train, truck and car. The federal government shipped 4,400,000 pounds of food, moved in mobile homes, set up portable classrooms, opened offices to provide low-interest, long-term business loans.

Camille, meanwhile, had raked its way northward across Mississippi, dropping more than 28 inched of rain into West Virginia and southern Virginia, causing rampaging floods, huge mountain slides and 111 additional deaths before breaking up over the Atlantic Ocean.

Like many other Gulfport families, the Koshaks quickly began re-organizing their lives. John divided his family in the homes of two friends. The neighbor with her two children went to a refugee center. Charlie Hill found a room for rent. By Tuesday, Charlie's back had improved, and he pitched in with Seabees in the worst volunteer work of all - searching for bodies. Three days after the storm, he decided not to return to Las Vegas, but to "remain in Gulfport and help rebuild the community."

Near the end of the first week, a friend offered the Koshaks his apartment, and the family was reunited, The children appeared to suffer no psychological damage from their experience; they were still awed by the incomprehensible power of the hurricane, but enjoyed describing what they had seen and heard on that frightful night. Janis had just one delayed reaction. A few nights after the hurricane, she awoke suddenly at 2 a.m. She quietly got up and went outside. Looking up at the sky and, without knowing she was doing it, she began to cry softly.

Meanwhile, John, Pop, and Charlie were picking through the wreckage of the home. It could have been depressing, but it wasn't: each salvaged item represented a little victory over the wrath of the storm. The god and cat suddenly appeared at the scene, alive and hungry.

But the blues did occasionally afflict all the adults. Once, in a low mood, John said to his parents, "I wanted you here so that we would all be together, so you could enjoy the children, and look what happened."

His father, who had made up his mind to start a welding shop when living was normal again, said, "Let's not cry about what's gone. We'll just start all over."

"You're great," John said. "And this town has a lot of great people in it. It's going to be better here than it ever was before."

Later, Grandmother Koshak reflected: "We lost practically all our possessions, but the family came through it. When I think of that part, I realize we lost nothing important."

THE LAW of heredity is that all undesirable traits come from the other parent. - Pensacola, Fla., Journal

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:31:43 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:13:02 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in California, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Strahan Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:37:27 GMT

Summer has ended, but there’s no need to fret: Fall brings with it crisp, cool days, wonderful colors — and football season!

It also brings with it a few maintenance tasks that Strahan Insurance recommends to help ensure your home is ready for fall and winter weather in California.

Check out the following information for some general tips from the National Association of Home Builders, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions about what your home insurance policy covers.

Exterior maintenance

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other material can clog your gutters in the fall, preventing proper drainage and raising the risk of water damage to your walls, foundation, basement or landscaping. Remove all debris from your gutters and consider installing one of the many available gutter guard systems — it could be the last time you have to worry about clogged gutters.
Trees: Weak trees and branches can break and cause damage to your home, car or even someone walking on your property (the latter is a good reason to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy). Watch out for large dead or detached branches, as well as cracks or rotten wood along trunks and major branches. If there are potential hazards, call a professional tree service.
Roof: Damaged or loose shingles, as well as gaps where roofing or siding meets vents and flues, can mean emergency (and expensive) repairs later. Being proactive is the best way to avoid problems — if you see signs of damage, you’ll want to call a professional roofer.
Walls: The exterior walls of your home keep the weather out — so you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the challenge of of a California winter. Look for possible damage or decay on siding and trim, and patch or replace pieces if necessary.

Interior maintenance

Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic, basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.
Pipes: Nobody wants to deal with a frozen pipe, so if you live in a place susceptible to freezing, wrap exposed ones with heating tape every winter and keep your home above 65 degrees. Always check for cracks and leaks. And know where the main water shut-off is in your home so you can act quickly if there is a problem.
Heating: It’s a good idea to have your heating systems (furnace, fireplace, water heater, etc.) serviced every year.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.com. A little action on your part now can make fall and winter a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

For further questions and assistance, please contact our office.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:24:01 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Strahan Insurance to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in California or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Disaster Preparedness, FEMA and More

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:16:18 GMT

If the unthinkable happens, Strahan Insurance understands that your most valuable assets are more than just items on a balance sheet. That information is critical during a time of catastrophe.

Sites to Check Out
The following sites are additional resources to assist with preparing for and recovering from disaster.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross not only provides disaster relief nationally, but is part of a global humanitarian network, responding to those in need.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA is an independent agency of the federal government, which provides preparedness and response and recovery support to the nation.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA is a federal agency and the primary source of weather data and warnings for the United States.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA

What if I don't have enough (or any) insurance?
You may qualify for grants from FEMA, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration, or the Farm Service Agency, or you may qualify for tax refunds for items that were not covered by insurance.

How do I get assistance?
Information on tax assistance, grants and loans can be obtained at a Disaster Recovery Center, or by calling FEMA at 1-800-462-9029. After your application is reviewed, the damaged property is inspected to verify the loss, and that will determine the type and extent of assistance that will be provided. Audits are done later to ensure that the aid goes only to those who are eligible and that the funds are used for their intended purposes.

What services are available?
FEMA may be able to provide Disaster Housing for up to 18 months, Low Interest Disaster Loans (from the SBA) to cover uninsured property losses, Disaster Grants to earthquake victims who would be unable to repay a loan, and other services such as crises counseling, unemployment assistance, legal aid, and assistance with income tax implications.

When should I apply?
FEMA encourages earthquake victims to apply for aid as soon as possible. The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the Presidents major disaster declaration.

What assistance is available from the SBA?
The SBA has a Disaster Loan program that helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations fund rebuilding after a disaster. The loans generally have low interest rates and long repayment terms to make SBA recovery more affordable.

What if I need more information?
More information is available by visiting FEMA's website at www.fema.gov, and by visiting the SBA website at www.sba.gov. Additionally, you can also contact the IRS about tax relief by calling 1-800-829-1040, or visiting www.irs.gov.

For more advice on protecting things that matter to you most through California car insurance, home insurance and more, contact us today.