Blog

What to watch for when buying a high-rise condo

You move into a new city and purchase a high-rise condo in one of the nicest parts of town. Shortly thereafter, you notice water leaking from the...

Feeling stressed? Go easy on yourself

Change can add stress to any family routine, but change amid a pandemic can bring stress to a whole new level. Make sure you recognize signs of...

October brings focus on fire prevention

Cooking is a major cause of fires in homes. Fire safety organizations traditionally conduct fire prevention awareness campaigns in October,...

Fall means family fun for everyone

The song lyrics “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” are not just for Christmas, or even back-to-school season for parents of school-age...

How to protect yourself from fraud

Whether you’re planning a much-anticipated remodeling project or facing repairs to fix damage from a storm, hiring a contractor can be a daunting...

Wildfire: Suppression tips may help keep homes standing

When a house is still standing after a wildfire destroys neighboring homes, observers often wonder how the home survived. While not every wildfire...

What to expect when you apply for life insurance

You have discussed your life insurance needs with your agent and you’re ready to complete an application. What’s next? That depends. Your age,...

Safety tips before, during and after a wildfire

Consider these tips to help you and your family before, during and after a wildfire. But if an evacuation is ordered, do not delay; safety is your...

Back to school: Some things don’t change

Whether elementary or college age, students are heading back to school. Continued effects of the coronavirus pandemic seem to assure that this will...

International travel is back, but extra steps needed

Stay informed on current travel conditions. International travel is once again a possibility for many people. While it is always exciting to visit...

Produce safety and your health: Wash first, cut later

Contaminated food can cause serious illness for people with compromised immune systems. Apples and cantaloupe, lettuce and zucchini – fruits and...

Keep the fun in summer with attention to safety

Summer. Time to relax and enjoy the fun in your own backyard. But to keep the fun rolling, make sure everyone stays safe and sound. — SWIMMING POOLS...

Contractors caught in post-COVID volatility

Whether you are a homeowner building a deck or a commercial contractor building multimillion-dollar projects, the soaring costs of construction...

5 ways to protect your home from wildfire embers

Wind can push wildfire embers into unprotected openings around your home. You’ve taken the precautions to make your home resistant to wildfire by...

Aboard a WWII troop ship on Fourth of July

Cpl. William Beckman, right, perhaps with his squad after a football scrimmage. July 2, 1944: an American soldier slowly walks the steep incline to...

Entrust storm repairs to honest contractors

When businesses and homeowners are desperate for help to repair and rebuild after a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or wildfire, they seek...

Preserve your prized jewelry and watches

Jewelry and watches have a strong appeal to many people. They can represent sentiment, personal adornment, private assets, family heirlooms and...

Healthy swimming: A matter of chemistry

Test the water regularly to help maintain a chemical balance in your pool. While Southerners may enjoy swimming year-round, most Americans are...

The Three Little Pigs and the price of a stick house

Growing up, I loved reading the tale of “The Three Little Pigs,” never thinking much of how the story – credited to James Halliwell-Phillipps in the...

Make emergency evacuation plan for your horse

Having a disaster plan is critical to keeping your animal companions safe. And horses require extra consideration because of their size and specific...

Fake job postings: Know the warning signs

Job seekers, beware of scammers out to defraud victims at your most vulnerable. Watch for some common warning signs that a job posting may be a...

3 myths about hurricane wind risks

The 2020 hurricane season was one of the most active seasons in history, and weather experts predict 2021 will be similar. While hurricanes...

Prepare your commercial building for spring

We all think of spring cleaning for our homes, both inside and outside, but have you thought about getting your commercial building ready for warmer...