Madison Messenger - April 25th, 2021

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PAGE 8 - MADISON MESSENGER - April 25, 2021 www.madisonmessengernews.com Severe Weather Review insurance policy for property protection Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judith L. French urge Ohioans to evaluate the adequacy of the insurance they have for their property and personal belongings, including for coverage for damage and losses caused by flooding. “Each year, it’s important to prepare for and review your insurance policies relating to severe weather,” DeWine said. “Severe weather can happen quickly, causing significant damage to your property.” Just one inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 of damage to a home, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “People without adequate insurance protection risk encounter costly out-of-pocket repairs,” French said. “I encourage people to carry out an insurance review with an agent and to also reach out to the Department of Insurance with their insurance questions and concerns. We are here to help.” DeWine and French ask Ohioans do the following: • Review coverage amounts. Most standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies generally cover rain, hail, lightning, wind and tornado damage. However, people should review if their coverage amounts reflect the value of their property and possessions. Also, review any policy exclusions. • Consider flood insurance. A standard property insurance policy typically does not include flood damage. The federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program provides most flood insurance policies. Sold by insurance agents, a 30-day waiting period applies before coverage begins. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for information. Determine if coverage for sewer or drain backup is appropriate to add to your policy. • Evaluate personal possessions coverage. Actual cash value pays the value of the item the day it was destroyed. Replacement cost coverage pays in accordance with the value of a comparable item at the current market price. Renters should consider renters insurance to protect their possessions. • Assess roof repair/replacement deductible. Most policies have a wind/hail deductible. It is either a flat dollar amount or a percentage amount based on the home’s insured amount, not the damage amount. Be clear on how much you may have to pay. • Determine after-the-fact expenses coverage. Inquire if the policy pays for such things as fire department charges, temporary repairs, debris removal, trees and shrubs, personal property storage, and certain living expenses. • Conduct a home inventory. Listing your possessions with photos and their values will prove worthwhile during claim filing. It will also help determine if you have adequate amounts of insurance. Download a free home inventory app or print out an inventory checklist available online at www.insurance.ohio.gov. For more tips and insights, review the Ohio Department of Insurance severe weather preparation and recovery toolkit on its website. The department's insurance experts at 1-800-686-1526 or consumer.complaint@insurance.ohio.gov can answer questions. The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website, www.weathersafety.ohio.gov, contains valuable safety information. Tree Trimming Tree Removal Stump Grinding FREE ESTIMATES 740-845-LAWN Take time periodically to evaluate the adequacy of the insurance you have for your property and personal belongings. It could save substantial out-of-pocket costs in cases of damage caused by severe weather.
www.madisonmessengernews.com April 25, 2021 - MADISON MESSENGER - Page 9 Severe Weather Power outages: What to expect and what to do Major storms can result in extended power outages that may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may: • disrupt communications, water and transportation; • close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services; • cause food spoilage and water contamination; and • prevent use of medical devices. Power Outage Tips • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. • Use a generator, but only outdoors and away from windows. • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. • Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices. • Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you. Preparing for a Power Outage Take an inventory of the items you need Tips for tornado safety that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last. Know Your Medical Needs Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life. Food Storage Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher. Using Appliances During Outages Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage. Returning After a Power Outage • When in doubt, throw it out. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply. Chaney & Thomas Insurance Agency Gloria Penwell Since 1927 Tina Pace Deeann Deeann Blake Blake Tina Pace Ty Blake Ty Blake 104 Lafayette St., London, OH 43140 740-852-2323 Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health • Farm BOYD GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS Opening Doors Since 1992 Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris. They can happen anytime and anywhere, and bring intense winds. If you are under a tornado warning, find safe shelter right away. Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating funnel-shaped cloud of debris, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar similar to a freight train. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone. For more tips, go to ready.gov and search for “tornado.” RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL SALES & SERVICE OF ALL DOORS & OPENERS DO IT YOURSELF PACKAGES SERVING MADISON & ALL SURROUNDING COUNTIES EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE Great Service & Fair Pricing CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES ON NEW & REPLACEMENT DOORS. (740) 852-2483
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Madison Messenger - April 25th, 2021

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