Interrupted By A Tree

It’s a cold, windy night. You’re cuddled up with a good book trying to stay warm. Then all of a sudden… crash! It sounds as though a freight train has gone through your attic.

Once you gather yourself from the near-heart attack you’ve just had, and realize that your backyard tree has just pierced your roof, it is it is important that you report the damage as soon as possible to your insurance company or to The O’Neill Group. During the call, you will be asked to provide a summary description of the damages that have occurred.

After you make the call, it is important that you make any necessary temporary repairs to keep yourself safe from intruders or from the outdoor elements. This could mean placing temporary plywood or heavy tarps to cover the damages. If the fallen tree has also taken down your power lines, call your service provider for repairs.

Protecting Your New Holiday Gifts

It’s holiday time again, and that means there is a good chance that some of our clients will be unwrapping some very special gifts. I just want to send out a friendly reminder to all of our friends to make sure that they contact our office if they receive anything that deserves extra insurance protection, such as antiques, jewelry, art or collectibles.

Not only does adding protection (under your homeowner’s policy) provide you with peace-of-mind should they be lost in an accident or fire, but it may possibly provide relief should the item disappear in a robbery or get lost accidentally.

Remember to contact The O'Neill Group about any toys your children (or you!) may receive that would need coverage, too. Items such as ATVs, 4x4’s, snowmobiles, and even trampolines carry certain risks that should be properly insured before you enjoy using them.

Living With Lightning

I find lightning storms to be very scary. Not only can lightning shock us (both literally and figuratively), it is actually responsible for starting many fires, causing injuries and killing hundreds of peole each year.

The only thing that eases my fear is knowing that I can help control my risks, and therefore limit the dangers that a lightning storm poses. Some things you can do include:

• If possible, weather the storm in a building or home.

• If you have to remain outside, be sure to stay away from metal sheds and outbuildings, as well as metal bleachers and fences.

• Stay away from trees and sources of water - both are good target areas for lightning strikes.

Once you're inside, be sure to follow these additional precautions to protect you and your property:
• Stay off of corded telephones, computers and any other electrical equipment. If you need to make a call, use your cell phone or a cordless phone.

• Stay away from windows and doors and a safe distance from large metal objects such as washers and dryers.

• Stay away from running indoor plumbing. Since lightning can follow the path of water indoors, never take a bath or shower, or wash dishes during a storm.

• Use surge protectors for all electrical equipment to reduce the chance of fires starting due to lightning strikes.