Dempsey Insurance Agency Blog

Electrical distribution systems are the 3rd leading cause of house fires according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Electronics have become ingrained in our everyday lives; from smartphones and tablets to televisions and gaming systems. This addition of technology puts an added strain on our home's electrical system and poses a risk of fire if not handled properly. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reports that electrical fires are most common in the bedroom, attic, and kitchen. Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe.

Snow makes any commute harder, but the best way to stay safe on the road while it’s snowing is to avoid driving altogether. However, if you can’t stay home until the plows have cleared the roads, we urge you to take a minute and refresh your memory with these following safety tips:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights. It’s not just good sense, it’s also safe and the law.
• Remember to warm your car up but only do so after you've made sure the tailpipe is clear. Never leave the vehicle unattended.
• Know the current road conditions. Tune in to current local traffic reports before leaving home.
• Pay attention. Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping. Roads may be slippery, even if crews have spread salt.
• Use brakes carefully. Break early, brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks. Even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner.
• Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Remain in control of your car — you don’t want any surprises.
• Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster!
• Don’t pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them
• Go slow!

For more on keeping safe on the road or what to do before you head out. Keep reading!!

To Our Valued Customers:

We are pleased to share Mapfre Insurances' latest blog content with you; helping you prepare for the coming winter.

Our first topic is: fire safety. Below you will find tips for keeping your home and family safe during the winter months.

Over the next few weeks we will share tips on home safety, safe driving, ice dams and more. We hope you find this winter preparation campaign useful. Thank you for your continued partnership with Dempsey Insurance.

• Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining off your roof
• Water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage
• Walls, insulation and ceilings are at the greatest risk for damage from an ice dam

How to Prevent Ice Dams?

• Proper insulation - Attic insulation should have an R value of 30.* Insulate around areas that may allow for heat to escape easily - lights, bathroom fans, sky lights, etc.
• Proper Ventilation - Allow heat to escape in other ways than the roof. Investigate gable vents, ridge vents and soffit venting
• Installation of Roof Leak Barrier - A rubberized film that gets installed under roof shingles to block water from leaking into vulnerable areas
• Keep all drains, downspouts and scuppers free of debris
• Maintain trees and plants that grow near your roof to prevent accumulation that may clog or slow roof drainage
• Get an energy audit done of your home to identify potential areas of concern

* R value is how well the material used to insulate can function at keeping the heat where it needs to be.                     The higher the value the better the insulating power.

What other factors contribute to ice damming?

• Complex roof designs
• Skylights
• Dormers
• Vaulted Ceilings
• Periods of unoccupancy greater than 30 days

What to do if you have an Ice Dam?

• Remove the first three to four feet of snow from the roofline with a roof rake or soft bristled broom

Warning - Be extremely careful while removing snow from your roof.

• Make sure the ladder is secure
• Beware of falling snow and ice as you clear the roof
• Consult with a roofing professional when dealing with snow removal
• If the home is too tall to reach the roof then hire a roofing professional to clear the snow
• Contact Dempsey Insurance agent as soon as possible.

Source: www.disastersafety.org/ibhs-risks-freezing-weather/reduce-winter-weather-damage-to-businesses https://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/preventing-ice-dams/ http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Leak_Barriers

The 2015 RMV Plate Lottery begins, today, June 19, 2015. The Plate Lottery Entry Form, includes the eligibility requirements and the list of available low number plates in the order in which they will be picked.