Planning for Winter Weather

Being aware of and eliminating potential hazards prior to inclement weather approaching can save money, time, effort and stress.

• Inspect your property for damaged trees or tree limbs and have them removed appropriately.

• Trim or remove trees that present a hazard to your home, buildings and power lines.

• Prepare a plan in the event there is an extended power outage. Your plan should consider available heat sources, avoiding food spoilage, and care for animals and livestock.

• Consider purchasing or renting a generator for temporary power.

• Identify pipes that are likely to freeze and winterize them appropriately.

Preparing for a Winter Storm

If a winter storm is imminent, what steps should be taken to ensure your life returns to normal as soon as possible?

• Take an inventory of food and water supplies and prepare for the worst. Consider how you would cook these items in the event you are without power.

• Consider what temporary heat sources you will have access to and the fuel supply available for each.

• Keep your cell phones fully charged and have access to a car charger.• Make sure you have an adequate supply of flashlights and batteries. Avoid using candles for a prolonged period of time as they can be a fire hazard.

• Have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers available for all space heaters, stoves, fireplaces and generators.

• Insulate pipes with insulation, paper or plastic. Allow faucets to drip to avoid freezing pipes. Know where your shut off valves are located in the event a pipe does burst.

• Make sure your vehicles have an adequate supply of fuel.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out

Surviving a winter storm can be grueling, especially when it is accompanied with a loss of power. During these situations, it is important that you conserve your resources.

• Make sure you are adequately dressed and wear multiple layers of clothing.

• Shut off areas of your home which are not in use.

• In order to avoid spoilage, consider storing refrigerated foods in coolers with ice or outside if the temperature allows.

• Make sure your animals and livestock have proper protection and necessities.

For questions relating to your homeowners insurance in Minnesota or Wisconsin contact us at (651) 407-8787 or at info@dannaagency.com.

Improper use of space heaters can result in fire damage to buildings and personal property. Improper use can also lead to severe burns, other bodily injury or even death.

Only use a space heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Consider the safety suggestions below:

• Confirm the unit you’re using is “UL” approved and in proper working condition.

• Never leave a space heater unattended or go to sleep with one operating.

• Only use the space heater according to the instructions provided in the owner’s manual.

• Allow a minimum of 3’ between the heater and flammable materials including furniture, drapes and walls.

• When using fuel burning heaters, allow for adequate ventilation and install carbon monoxide detectors in the area(s) of use. Fuel burning heaters should not be used in a room where there are flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, lacquers, fuel or oil containers.

• Never fill a kerosene heater while it is burning and clean up any overfills or spillage before re-igniting.

• Keep children away from the immediate vicinity and never allow them to touch the system. Consider safety cages to keep children and small pets at a distance.

• Plug electric space heaters directly into wall outlets instead of using extension cords. If an extension cord is necessary, avoid areas with high foot traffic and running the cord under carpets or rugs.

• Make sure the unit is place on a solid, even surface.

• Keep electric space heaters away from water and never use them in a bathroom.

• Never place a space heater directly on a carpet or rug.

Inspections and Maintenance

It’s important to complete a thorough inspection of all space heaters at the beginning of each season. Each inspection should consider the following items:

• Condition of fuel lines and tanks

• Condition of all safety guards

• Condition of exhaust systems

• Burner efficiency

• Condition of electrical cords

• Overall cleanliness of unit

Never try to repair a heater yourself. Call a certified technician.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is produced by the partial oxidation of carbon containing materials. This toxic gas, which is produced by fuel burning space heaters, can reach fatal levels if adequate ventilation is not provided.

When using a space heater indoors, be aware of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Weakness/Fatigue

• Confusion

If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms during exposure to a space heater, get fresh air immediately.For more on space heater safety, visit the Insurance Information Institute Web sit at www.iii.org.  Contact us today to review your insurance program.

Fact: According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 1,451,500 fires were reported in the United States during 2008. This astonishing number resulted in $15.5 billion in property damages according to the National Fire Protection Agency.

A fire can be a devastating loss to anyone. A portable fire extinguisher, however, can help save lives and property by putting out small fires. Knowing the types of fire extinguishers, their maintenance, and how to use them correctly is essential.

Types of Fires & Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are categorized by five different classes of fire. Each class may have several different types of fire extinguishers that could be used in the event of a fire. However, it is important to realize that one type of extinguisher is not appropriate to use in every situation. Check your fire extinguisher for classification labels indicating against which class of fire it is best used.

• Class A fires involve mainly combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and trash.

• Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, and certain types of paints.

• Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as appliances, motors, and wiring.

• Class D fires involve combustible metals such as titanium, sodium, or magnesium.

• Class K fires involve cooking oils such as grease, animal fats, and vegetable fats.

• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

 Inspection and Maintenance

Proper maintenance should be followed. Be sure that you consult the owner’s guide or manual for your fire extinguisher. Here are some general tips:

• Make sure that the fire extinguisher is not obstructed from view and is easily accessible.

• Verify that the fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge shows that the extinguisher has adequate pressure.

• A brief inspection of the fire extinguisher should take place at least once a month, and a licensed fire protection company should inspect the extinguisher on an annual basis. (National Fire Protection Agency)

How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher

First: Your main priorities are making sure everyone is out of the building and that someone has contacted the local fire department.

If you are in the position where you feel that you can safely extinguish a small fire, remember the word

P.A.S.S. (National Fire Protection Agency):

• Pull the pin from the extinguisher.

• Aim the fire extinguisher low, pointing towards the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the handle or lever slowly and evenly.

• Sweep the nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side towards the base of the fire.

Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.  For a WI or MN homeowners insurance quote contact us at (651) 407-8787 or email us at info@dannaagency.com now.

American National Property And Casualty Company (ANPAC^®) is now offering insureds a new homeowners policy option to protect against the breakdown of equipment used to provide air conditioning, heating, hot water, and other basic services in the home.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage is designed to help pay for repairs or replacement of equipment that is damaged by accidental breakdowns in today’s equipment-intensive households. This equipment coverage is offered as an option in American National’s ANPAC Home Safe And Sound^® Signature Series homeowner policies. Although most homeowner policies do not include this specialized protection against equipment breakdowns, the ANPAC Home Safe And Sound^® Signature Series  includes individually tailored coverage to safeguard investment in property and valued possessions.

“With the trend toward larger homes and more types of equipment, homeowners face greater financial losses from breakdowns than ever before,” said American National agent, Sam Danna, of White Bear Lake. “Families depend on equipment for comfort and convenience. It represents a significant part of a home’s value. Our breakdown coverage helps protect that investment, so a homeowner isn’t surprised by a large repair bill.”

Unlike warranties and typical service contracts, which provide only limited coverage for a specific piece of equipment, American National’s Equipment Breakdown Coverage can cover a wide range of basic equipment, including:

• Central air conditioning
• Ventilation systems and fans
• Boilers and water heaters
• Furnaces, heat pumps, heaters, solar heaters
• Deep well pumps
• Back-up generators
• Chair lifts and elevators
• Electrical power panels
• Pool equipment
• Central vacuum systems

The coverage does not include electronic entertainment or computer equipment, kitchen or laundry appliances, or personal property.

American National is offering equipment coverage for homeowners through The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB), one of the nation’s leading providers of equipment breakdown coverage for business, industry, and institutions.

“Our equipment coverage protects the heart of a home,” said Michael Fusselbaugh, senior vice president for Hartford Steam Boiler. “Households rely more on equipment and fragile new technology increases the risk for expensive breakdowns from power surges, mechanical damage, and other causes. The world has changed, now homeowners insurance is changing as well to keep up today’s equipment exposures.”

ANPAC^® is a property and casualty insurance company with its home office located in Springfield, Missouri, and is a subsidiary of American National Insurance Company (ANICO) of Galveston, Texas. ANICO is a life and health insurance company that has been in business since 1905.

For information about American National’s Equipment Breakdown Coverage, contact us today at (651) 407-8787 or at www.dannaagency.com.

This is a summary of coverages.  For all coverages, terms, conditions, and exclusions refer to the actual insurance policy.  Coverage may not be available in all states. Eligibility guidelines may apply.

Why Complete Proper Winter Maintenance?
Your watercraft is a great investment and a great source of entertainment. Just like any investment, the watercraft needs a little TLC annually to keep the entertainment going. When the boating season begins to come to an end, this does not mean an end to taking care of the watercraft. Remember, it is your responsibility to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to properly winterize your watercraft. BEWARE: Many insurance policies may exclude damages arising out of failure to properly maintain your watercraft. If you leave the watercraft out in freezing temperatures for the entire winter, there is a a very good possibility your engine will sustain damage that may not covered under a watercraft insurance policy.

What Happens if Proper Winter Maintenance is Not Completed?
The boating season has ended and instead of winterizing your watercraft, you just park it in the carport and throw a tarp over it. If you are lucky, the only issue you will have is a grimy and weathered interior. However, if you live in a climate that has temperatures around the freezing mark for any part of the winter months, it is unlikely that that is the only issue you will have.

Preventing Freezing Damage to Your Engine
Taking the proper steps at the end of the boating season will allow you to enjoy the water for years to come. It is strongly recommended that at the end of the boating season you check your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s recommendations on winterization. You will find below a generic checklist of things to do to winterize your watercraft:

1) Winterize the engine.
2) Fill the fuel tanks and add fuel stabilizer.
3) Clean and winterize the bilge pump(s).
4) Completely drain the fresh water system and winterize it.
5) Pump out the head and winterize it.
6) Completely clean the interior and remove all items.
a. Take the seats out and install a moisture absorber.
7) For out-of-water storage, pressure wash the hull and remove batteries, charging them periodically through the winter months.
8  For in-water storage, close all seacocks, check the batteries, check that the bilge pump is functioning properly and check that the hull plug is in.
9) Either cover the lower unit with a waterproof seal covering the through prop exhaust, or store with lower unit in the down position.

Boating is an excellent hobby and an enjoyable outing for family and friends. Make sure you are able to continue boating for summers to come by taking proper care of the watercraft during the off-season.
Remember to utilize your local boat shop, as well as the manufacturer’s website, for the proper tools to use and more detailed instructions on maintaining your watercraft during the winter months.

For a free, no obligation boat insurance quote contact us today – www.dannaagency.com or (651) 407-8787.

This is a relatively new phenomenon and is actually caused by fierce competition. With more offers of low-down or no-down payments when buying or leasing a vehicle, you have little or no initial equity in the vehicle. After the vehicle is purchased, the value decreases substantially. Unfortunately, the vehicle’s value may be less than what you owe on your loan. Hence the “gap.”

Surprise. Auto insurance doesn’t pay it all.

You are liable for this “gap” in your coverage. A gap that could cost you thousands of dollars. Most people worry about getting a scratch on their new car. Imagine how you’d feel if all of a sudden your pride and joy – your brand new car – was a total wreck, and you had to pay $10,000 out of your own pocket – over and above what your insurance pays. How would you feel? Think about it. Then think about this.

Who pays the difference? You do.

The question is not can you afford GAP insurance, but can you afford not to have GAP insurance?

What do you have to lose?

Should you decide to “gamble” with your vehicle, you may remove the GAP endorsement at anytime. You will only be charged for the time the GAP endorsement is on your policy. Limit of liability for GAP coverage shall not exceed $10,000.00

Don’t put it off. Ask us for a GAP application now. It’s a very small price to pay for this much peace of mind. Call us now at (651) 407-8787 or visit www.dannaagency.com.

Why are we telling you about this now? Because September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. This new App is fun to use, but it’s also designed to remind you of the need to protect what matters most to you through proper life insurance planning.

Our goal this September is to help people in our community get the life insurance coverage they need to protect their loved ones.  For more information, or questions on your life insurance needs, please contact us at 651-407-8787.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage for Homeowners is an affordable way to protect these valuable systems.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage for Homeowners provides coverage for equipment that is built-in, or permanently attached, to the home; transmits or utilizes energy; or has contents that are under vacuum or pressure.

View some examples of losses covered for Homeowners Equipment Breakdown Coverage.

Warranties are not enough

Warranties and service contracts can offer some coverage for home equipment, but they can be expensive. Warranty contracts can also have restrictions on the types of equipment, parts, and labor to be covered. And, these contracts generally exclude breakdowns resulting from installation error, improper maintenance, and other external events which can cost thousands to repair.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage for Homeowners is designed for the larger losses that can present a significant financial burden to homeowners, not everyday maintenance issues resulting from wear and tear. Please contact us for more information on the differences between this product and warranty products.

Good for Earth. Good for You.

American National is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and to increasing our clients’ security and ease of access to their insurance information through paperless documents.

Sign Up today. When you choose to go paperless, you can:

• Save time and reduce clutter by receiving less mail.
• Access your insurance information even when you’re away from home.
• Decrease the likelihood that your personal information can be stolen from the mail.
• Control which policies are paperless*
• Help the Environment by
  1. Saving trees and water used to produce paper
  2. Using less fuel to mail documents, and
  3. Producing less wastewater, gas emissions, and paper trash

It’s easy and free to switch to paperless. Just click on the button below and log into Client Services or contact us at (651) 407-8787. Once successfully logged in, you will be directed to paperless enrollment.

New to Client Services? Simply click on the button below and follow the instructions to register. View details about going paperless here

*We are required by law to mail certain documents to you.