Proper Use of Space Heaters in Woodinville, WA Can Eliminate a Homeowners Insurance Claim

/in /by

Prevent a Costly Fire in your Home by Following Proper Space Heater Safety

Space Heater Safety in Woodinville, WASpace heaters are undeniably a convenient and efficient way to heat some spaces including garages, bedrooms and workspaces like shops or offices areas. But, an often overlooked fact with space heaters is the dangers that they may catch nearby items on fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that the number of residential fires caused each year by portable space heaters exceeds 25,000 annually. Furthermore, an estimated 300 people are killed annually by fires caused from space heaters being used improperly. In addition to fires being started, thousands of people each year receive hospital treatment to treat burns caused by improper use or handling of space heaters.

When using a space heater, regardless of type, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s safety and operational instructions.

Some things to consider when purchasing a space heater are:

  • Will you need to vent the space (propane heaters or kerosene heaters)
  • Does the unit you’re purchasing carry the “Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label?
    • The UL is a global independent safety science company with more than a century of innovating safety solutions from the public adoption of electricity.
  • Does the unit have a built in thermostat to control the temperature?
  • Does the unit have a safety feature that will disable it if it tips over?
  • Will your unit be able to be placed away from flammable material and away from children and pets?
  • Never leave your space heater unattended or running over night.

The proper use of a space heater can provide you with a great solution to heating a space and being energy efficient in your home. Be sure to properly use the space heater and avoid leaving it unattended or in an area where children might play.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at ISU Insurance Solutions Group. Their office in Woodinville, WA is here to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

 

Personal Injury Protection in Washington

/in /by

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Washington

You might consider increasing the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your policy from the minimum of $10,000 to $35,000.

Personal Injury Protection at $10,000 level provides the following benefits:

Up to limit of $ 10,000 for reasonable and necessary medical expense for each person injured in an auto accident.

Up to $200 per week for income replacement (some companies define as Income continuation benefits) coverage. This benefit is limited to the lesser of (1) $200 per week or (2) 85% off the insured’s weekly income from work. Usually it is limited to one year after someone has been disabled for 14 consecutive days after the accident.

Up to $ 2,000 for funeral expenses.

Up to $ 5,000 for loss of services (payment to non-family members for work you can’t do).

 

Increasing the coverage to the $ 35,000 option would provide the following benefits:

Up to limit of $ 35,000 for reasonable and necessary medical expense for each person injured in an auto accident.

Up to $700 per week for income replacement (some companies define as Income continuation benefits) coverage. This benefit is limited to the lesser of (1) $700 per week or (2) 85% off the insured’s weekly income from work. Usually it is limited to one year after someone has been disabled for 14 consecutive days after the accident.

Up to $ 2,000 for funeral expenses.

Up to $ 14,600 for loss of services (payment to non-family members for work you can’t do).

We would recommend increasing the limits to provide the extra protection in case of injuries involved in an automobile accident. It’s always a good idea to be on the safe side.

 

This information is an overview of Washington auto insurance policies and for informational purposes only. Refer to your automobile insurance policy for specific coverage language.

Keep your Friends and Family Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Woodinville, WA

/in /by

Keeping your Home in Woodinville, WA Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Woodinville, WAOur homes should be places of comfort, relaxation and memories. That’s why it is important to protect your homes from dangers such as fires, theft and one people too often overlook: carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced when fuels such as wood, oil, natural gas and propane are not efficiently burned. Carbon monoxide can be produced by your household equipment such as generators, lawn mowers, barbeques and your furnace.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that each year, 170 people in the United States are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes. These deaths can be caused when equipment malfunctions or when the products are used in areas that are not properly ventilated, such as a closed room.

The Center for Disease Control lists the common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as headache, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

The good news about all this is that protecting your family from CO poisoning is relatively simple.

Follow these tips for Carbon Monoxide poisoning prevention:

  • Always have your home’s gas burning furnace, water heater and fireplace serviced by a professional. A professional will ensure the appliance is burning properly and is properly vented.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home (newly constructed homes, apartments and condominiums will likely already have these installed). For an extra level of protection, consider installing a CO alarm in every bedroom of your house.
  • Never leave a car idling in a garage
  • Keep portable generators at least 20feet from an open window
  • Never use a charcoal barbeque inside a home, tent or camper
  • Never use a gas oven to heat a home

Even a single carbon monoxide detector in your home could save lives. If you rent a home or apartment that does not currently have a carbon monoxide detector, ask your landlord to provide one. Many states require that homes have them installed. Review your state laws here.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at ISU Insurance Solutions Group. Their office in Woodinville, WA is here to serve you. They have years of insurance experience and can help you insure everything from your home to your auto or business insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.