If you do a lot of online shopping during the holiday or year-round, be aware of the growing threat of package theft. Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” have become so brazen that some will even tail delivery drivers to swoop up packages the minute they are gone. In a recent year, over 260 million packages were stolen across the U.S., costing consumers millions of dollars.

Here are some tips to keep your packages safe from being ripped off:

Hide The Goods

A simple way to avoid theft is by making sure thieves can’t find your package. Leave instructions for delivery personnel to hide your package behind a fence, bench, shrub, or planter to be hidden from package thieves.

Use a Lockbox

These days, a host of lockbox options offer varying degrees of security for package deliveries. They range from extra-large post-mounted mailboxes and sturdy metal cabinets to fancy expandable doormats that transform into package receptacles with a combination lock. Choose what works for you and tell your delivery service how to use your setup.

Sign For Your Packages

If you can, a simple way to keep your packages safe without any extra technology is to request that they require a signature. If you plan to be home when your delivery arrives and sign in person, it doesn’t allow package thieves to steal your items.

Install Security Cameras

While cameras cannot prevent theft, they can undoubtedly deter thieves and help the police identify the culprit after the fact. Good options include those that are motion-activated and connected to your phone. This feature lets you get real-time alerts when someone is on your property. Some home security systems even have the option to turn on a siren or engage in two-way communication to scare off an intruder.

Consider Personal Insurance

When your property is stolen from your home by a porch pirate, this is covered by personal insurance. Most individual insurance, including renters and homeowners insurance, cover property theft. If you are only missing a dog toy you ordered, you may not want to file a claim, but having personal insurance coverage can protect you from the financial losses of expensive items.

Track Your Deliveries

Take advantage of online package tracking and plan to be home or nearby when your package arrives. You could ask a friend or neighbor for help picking up the goods and storing them safely until you return.

Arrange a Pick-Up Location

Maybe your home isn’t the ideal place to have an expensive item delivered. Why not use one of the many pick-up locations available? Often, big-box stores and online merchants have lockers, counters, or stations at the Post Office where packages can be retrieved. Check out what is available in your area, and have it delivered to one of these secure areas, where it will be stored until you arrive to pick it up.

Don’t let Porch Pirates Ruin Your Day—Protect Yourself with Insurance.

Personal property theft still happens even with cameras, lock boxes, and GPS tracking systems. Whether it’s your latest online purchase or an expensive item for your home, you can protect your financial health with personal insurance coverage. No matter how brazen thieves become, with the right insurance policy, you can have peace of mind that you are safe from unnecessary financial losses and the hassle of trying to resolve a stolen package.

Contact us for more information about individual insurance and how it can cover property theft losses. Our agents would be more than happy to answer your questions about the types of personal insurance that suit your budget and lifestyle.

It is that time of year again. Whatever holiday you celebrate, Americans nationwide go to their favorite online retailers to buy holiday decorations, party supplies, and gifts to make the season merry and bright. The convenience of the internet is hard to resist, but the freedom and flexibility of online buying come with some grave risks.

Cybercrime is on the rise. In a recent year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 2.6 million fraud reports, with losses totaling over $10 billion. A significant portion of these incidents were directly related to online shopping scams and identity theft. By being alert and educated, you can keep your holidays truly happy this year. 

• Use the maxim, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” Scammers often use unbelievable deals to lure in naive shoppers or give a false impression that something is free when it’s just a ploy to grab your bank details. An offer to earn “$17,000 in Bitcoin for free!” when you sign up sounds great, but the platform won’t let you withdraw anything, even after you input your credit card number.

• Stick with brands you know; research those you don’t. Big-name brands have a reputation to uphold. They have a duty to the public to ensure online transactions are safe and secure and a more extensive process for protecting against identity theft. When attracted to an item a new e-retailer offers, verify its legitimacy by looking it up on independent review sites. Only purchase from an unknown retailer after some research.

• Make payments with credit instead of debit cards. Credit cards work better than debit cards for fighting fraud. You can get actions reversed or canceled by speaking with the company. When a debit card is used, the money is gone as soon as it leaves your bank, and it can be more complicated, or in some cases impossible, to have your money returned to you.

• Access only secure websites. Another good tip on website security is to look at the lock symbol in the search bar at the top of your web browser. The symbol means the page is secure; passwords and personal information entered will be private. Another safety indicator is if the URL starts with HTTPS, the “s” stands for secure. If there is no “s,” the site may be more easily hacked—and your information with it.

• Consider getting personal cyber liability insurance. Most people do not know that you can purchase insurance that will protect you against certain types of online cybercrime. Personal cyber liability insurance can cover fraud losses, identity theft, and even data restoration after a cyber incident.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi while shopping. Public Wi-Fi is precisely that: public! A hacker’s dream. Cyber thieves can record your keystrokes from afar if you enter your details using the public internet. Avoid using public Wi-Fi services if you need to shop online when you are out and about.

• Open email links with caution. Scammers are getting smarter every day, posing as your bank, the retailer you just visited, or the store where you recently purchased an item. Look out for messages that pressure you to urgently take action or ask you to “re-enter your credit card details” because your transaction failed. Rather than click the link, visit a reputable website or call the retailer to see if the email is legitimate or a scam.

• Use secure passwords. A unique password with upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is one of your best defenses against cyber criminals trying to access your accounts.

• Track your bank statements regularly. If you keep an eye on your spending as a matter of course, you’ll be able to catch odd charges or indicators of fraud right away before it is too late to have your money returned to you. If you see something suspicious or off, call your bank immediately to report the matter or get the charges reversed.
• Avoid storing financial information online. Yes, it is easy to save your credit card details with every retailer you love, so you can “click and go” when at checkout. Remember that any retailer can run into security issues—as has been proven repeatedly. If there’s a breach, your data is at risk. Take an extra 30 seconds to re-enter your card data so your personal information is not saved on dozens of sites across the web.

Stay Safe, Shop Smart

Remaining vigilant and aware can save you from the incredible hassle of resolving financial fraud or identity theft. With these tips, you can shop safely and enjoy the winter holiday.

If you want to know more about personal cyber liability insurance benefits, our local agents are happy to answer any questions. We’re here to help you achieve peace of mind, knowing your financial health is protected online.

Fall and the end of daylight savings time is upon us once again. As the clocks are turned back an hour, you can expect your normal sleeping patterns to be disrupted for about a week before they return to normal, as the amount of sunlight in a day is less. Driving to work or around town could be just that much more challenging. Here are some safety tips to consider as we roll through the last few months of the year.

1. Have Your Headlights Adjusted

During the darker hours of the evening, full and proper illumination of the road is key to safe driving. If you can’t see more than 20 to 30 feet ahead, road signs do not appear bright, or the lighting from your headlights looks uneven, it is time to get them checked. Over time, the vibrations of the road and changes in the suspension system can cause headlights to shift. A mechanic can easily and quickly adjust your lights as part of yearly maintenance.

2. Look Out for Animals

When the time changes, many of us drive at dusk or dawn. These are the most active times for animals like raccoons, foxes, rabbits, and deer to forage or hunt when they are more likely to cross busy roads. Using your high beams is advised, as the light will reflect in the retinas of the animals, allowing you to spot their glowing eyes in the dark. Be alert to animal crossing signs and proceed with heightened caution through wooded areas. If you see an animal on the road, do not swerve, or you risk a collision with oncoming traffic. Come to a controlled stop or use your horn to frighten the creature off the road.

3. Avoid Looking at Bright Headlights

Avoid staring directly into bright lights while you are driving. Doing so can cause temporary “flash blindness,” making it difficult to see the road for approximately 30 seconds until your eyes readjust to the dark environment. Flash blindness is particularly dangerous on freeways or high-speed roads. Instead, focus your eyes on the road and slightly avert your gaze if you encounter an approaching vehicle driving with high beams.

4. Clean Your Windshield Well

A clear windshield is imperative to prevent glare and difficulty seeing while driving. A simple, cost-effective solution is to use a small amount of dish soap and warm water with a microfiber cloth to wipe away any film, dirt, or grime. Afterward, use a dry microfiber cloth in a circular motion to remove all moisture or streaks from your windshield surface. Be sure the inside of your windshield is also clean.

5. Get Your Tires Checked

If you experience rain, snow, or a dramatic temperature drop during the late fall and winter, getting your tires checked and rotated can ensure they continue to get traction on the road. A good tire grip keeps you safe from sliding and swerving. As the thermometer drops, so does your tire pressure. Also, ensure your tires are inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid braking and vehicle handling issues.

Safe Driving Brings You Long-Term Benefits

By following these driving tips around daylight savings time, you not only keep yourself and your passengers safe, but you could also save money on car insurance. Lower premiums are often available to people with good driving habits or who go for years without an accident. At any time of year, having the right auto and personal insurance policies will ensure you are covered if something goes wrong. Contact our local insurance agent for guidance on affordable personal insurance.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when any carbon-based substance is burned to create heat or energy. If inhaled in small quantities, carbon monoxide causes dizziness, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and chest pain. When inhaled in more significant amounts, the gas is fatal for children and adults. If a person is asleep or intoxicated when they begin to breathe carbon monoxide, they may not experience any symptoms before they die.

November has been called “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month,” as November is typically the onset of colder weather when people are more likely to misuse fuel-burning appliances to create warmth—inadvertently poisoning themselves or their loved ones. Every year, 100,000 Americans visit the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 400 die, as reported by the CDC. Understanding how to protect your home from carbon monoxide poisoning is essential to staying well during the winter and year-round.

1. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The only way poisonous carbon monoxide gas can be detected is with a carbon monoxide alarm, as the gas is odorless. Alarms should be installed on all floors and placed within 15 feet of bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test the alarms to ensure they are loud enough to wake you if you are sleeping. Be sure to check the alarms’ batteries regularly. A good rule is to check the batteries in these units when you change the clocks. Test the devices to ensure they are functional each month.

2. Avoid Using Fuel-Burning Devices Incorrectly

Any device or machine that burns gas, wood, oil, or charcoal can produce carbon monoxide. Some examples include furnaces, gas stoves, generators, fireplaces, water heaters, and automobiles. You can put your life and the lives of your loved ones at risk by misusing fuel-burning units or failing to ensure the exhaust is directed out of and away from the home. Here are some common points to watch for:

• Stoves should never be used as space heaters.
• Gas generators must always be located outside of the house.
• Chimneys must be clear and unobstructed before starting a fire.
• Generally, exercise caution and read directions when dealing with fuel-burning devices to avoid CO poisoning.
• Coal must never be burned inside a home.

3. Maintain Existing Gas or Fuel Burning Appliances

Most homes today have appliances that burn fuel. Be sure that your existing gas-burning devices are maintained, with no leaks or broken pieces, and that they are correctly ventilated. Hire a professional to check for damage or blockages regularly so your appliances are safe and operating as they should.

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation in Your Home

In addition to ensuring each gas-burning appliance has a correctly fitted exhaust pipe, review your home’s ventilation to ensure it cannot become a carbon monoxide trap. For safety and general health, verify that fresh air can get in and out of your home as it should.

5. Develop an Emergency Escape Plan

Once a CO alarm goes off, it is imperative to leave the house immediately and call 911 for help. The longer any person in the household breathes the gas, the more likely they will experience severe or even fatal consequences. If the CO detector goes off, create an emergency escape plan for your family or group to meet at a set location, like a tree or mailbox. From here, you can contact the authorities. You can return home after the carbon monoxide leak is resolved and your home is safe—not before.

Stay Safe with Peace of Mind

By installing alarms, avoiding heating unit misuse, maintaining the home, and establishing an emergency escape plan, you can help keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. One more thing that will give you peace of mind is good personal insurance coverage. Talk to one of our helpful local agents today about an appropriate plan that covers medical bills, lost income, and property damage associated with carbon monoxide.

In today’s world, home security has become a top priority for homeowners looking to protect their property and loved ones. With burglaries and home invasions a constant concern, investing in a reliable home security system can provide invaluable peace of mind. Beyond deterring potential intruders, modern security systems offer many benefits, from protecting your home to integrating with smart technology for added convenience.

Types of Home Security Systems

1. Monitored Systems

Monitored home security systems are among the most comprehensive options available. These systems are professionally monitored 24/7, meaning that trained professionals will respond immediately if an alarm is triggered. The primary benefit of a monitored system is constant oversight, ensuring that emergency services are contacted even if you’re not home or unable to call for help. While these systems may come with higher installation and monthly fees, their reliability and fast response times make them ideal for homeowners seeking robust protection.

2. DIY Systems

DIY security systems are becoming increasingly popular for their affordability and ease of installation. These systems are typically wireless and come with customizable components, allowing homeowners to tailor the setup to their needs. While DIY systems generally don’t include professional monitoring, many offer remote monitoring through a mobile app, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere. These systems are perfect for tech-savvy homeowners looking for flexibility and control over their security.

3. Wireless vs. Wired Systems

Wireless and wired home security systems each have their pros and cons. Wireless systems are easy to install, making them ideal for renters or homeowners who want a hassle-free setup. They are also portable, allowing them to be easily moved or expanded. However, they rely on Wi-Fi, which could be a vulnerability if the connection drops. On the other hand, wired systems offer more stable connections and don’t depend on wireless signals. Still, their installation is more complex, often requiring professional assistance and permanent fixtures within the home.

Features to Consider

When choosing a home security system, including essential components that provide enhanced protection is critical. Here are key features to keep in mind:

• Cameras: Essential for monitoring entrances and vulnerable areas around your home.
• Sensors: Placed on windows and doors to detect any unauthorized entry.
• Alarms: Effective deterrents for burglars, alerting you and your neighbors of a break-in.
• Smart Home Integration: Many systems can control locks, lights, and cameras remotely through a smartphone app, making it easier to monitor your home from anywhere.

Choosing the Right System

Several factors should guide your decision when selecting a home security system:

• Budget: Systems vary widely in cost based on features and whether professional monitoring is included.
• Home Size: The size of your home determines how many cameras and sensors you’ll need.
• Neighborhood: Consider your neighborhood’s safety. Homes in higher-crime areas may require more advanced security features.
• Comprehensive Detection: Look for systems that offer additional protection, such as smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring and burglary protection.

Secure Your Home with the Right System

Purchasing the right home security system involves understanding the options available and choosing one that fits your needs. Whether you opt for a monitored system or a DIY setup, the right system can help protect your home and family. As you explore your options, consider the features, installation process, and costs that make the most sense for your home. Prioritizing home security gives you peace of mind that your property is safe, whether at home or away. To learn how home security systems affect your insurance coverage, talk to one of our local insurance agents today.

October is National Fire Prevention Month, making it an ideal time to raise awareness about fire safety at home. House fires have devastating consequences, and preparedness is critical to reducing risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. firefighters respond to an average of 346,800 house fires annually, resulting in over 2,500 deaths and billions in property damage. Understanding how to prevent fires and knowing what to do if one occurs is essential for keeping your family and home safe.

Prevention Tips

1. Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a house fire. Installing them on every level of your home, particularly inside and outside sleeping areas, is essential. Choose interconnected alarms so that when one is triggered, all alarms sound. Test them monthly and replace the batteries yearly. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years or as the manufacturer recommends. There are two primary types of alarms: ionization alarms, which are better at detecting flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms, which detect smoldering fires. Dual-sensor alarms combine both technologies for broader coverage.

2. Kitchen Safety

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires, so it’s essential to remain vigilant in the kitchen. Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling. Keep flammable objects like towels and packaging away from your stove. In case of a small stovetop fire, smother the flames with a lid and turn off the heat. Avoid using water on grease fires, as it can cause the fire to spread. Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also recommended, and you should familiarize yourself with its use.

3. Electrical Safety

Electrical fires can occur due to faulty wiring or overloaded outlets. If you notice flickering lights, frequent blown fuses, or discolored outlets, have a qualified electrician inspect your home. Avoid plugging multiple appliances into one outlet and use power strips with circuit breakers for additional protection. Unplug appliances like toasters and space heaters when not in use, and always replace frayed or damaged cords to reduce the risk of a fire.

4. Heating Safety

During colder months, heating systems and space heaters are common fire hazards. To prevent heating-related fires, have your heating system inspected annually by a professional. If using space heaters, keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable, and turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed. Never use your oven to heat your home, as this poses a significant fire risk.

5. Create a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, every second counts. Creating and practicing a fire escape plan with your family ensures everyone knows how to evacuate safely. Identify two exits from each room—usually a door and a window—and ensure windows can be easily opened. Designate a meeting spot outside, such as a tree or mailbox, where everyone can gather. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year to ensure family members know the routes and actions they should take in an emergency.

What to Do During a Fire

A clear action plan during a fire can be the difference between life and death. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure everyone’s safety and minimize potential harm.

• Get out immediately: Leave the house without hesitation at the first sign of smoke or flames.
• Stay low to avoid smoke: If smoke is present, crouch or crawl to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
• Check doors for heat: Use the back of your hand to test if doors are hot before opening them.
• Call 911 from outside: Once safe, contact emergency services securely.
• Do not re-enter: Stay outside and wait for the fire department to declare your home safe before returning inside.

Keep Your Home Safe Year-Round

Fire prevention is a shared responsibility that requires preparedness and vigilance. You can significantly reduce the risk of a house fire by following simple steps like installing and maintaining smoke alarms, practicing kitchen and electrical safety, and having a fire escape plan. National Fire Prevention Month is a reminder to prioritize fire safety in October and throughout the year.

Ensuring your home is fire-safe helps protect your loved ones and provides peace of mind in case the unexpected occurs. Stay safe, stay prepared, and make fire safety a family priority. If you’re looking for more robust protection for your home, talk to one of our friendly local agents for solutions tailored to your lifestyle and coverage needs.