Boating Pre-Seasn Check-Up

Boat Pre-Season Check

Get started early to get your boat ready for summer

 

If you love the water, few things are better than boating season.  Summer just wouldn’t be summer without spending those long, hot days on Lake Wissota, cooling off with a lazy dip in the water, dropping a line in hopes of catching a “big one,” or having an action-packed day of waterskiing and tubing.

 

Boating is not without its share of pre-summer preparation.  If you’re not on the ball early, it’s easy to find yourself midway through July still on dry land.

 

At Mower Insurance, we want to ensure you’re first in line at the boat launch at the first sign of the season change, so here are a few tips for being ahead of the game.

·         Tune it up. It’s always a good idea to have your boat winterized at the end of each season, but whether you did or didn’t get it done last year, make sure to get a full tune-up before you hit the lake this summer.  

·         Charge it. Make sure your battery is fully charged.

·         Clear it out. If there’s a chance any bit of gas from last season is still in your tank, fill it up with fresh gas as well as a stabilizer; this will prevent buildup in the gas lines and injection system.

·         Give it a test. Before you get the boat all the way into the water and off the trailer, lower your motor into the water and make sure it will turn over.

·         Plug it up. Ensure your drain plug is in and the bilge pump is functioning properly.

• Double- and triple-check. The last thing you want is to be turned away at the ramp for not having an updated registration or missing your ski flag or life vests.  Double check that your documents are updated and that your boat is fully stocked with everything you need.

We at Mower wish you a fun-filled and safe boating season!

Preventing Floods

 

Flood Prevention

 

 

Flood prevention and safety

 

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies.

 

Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that we at Mower Insurance can discuss with you. Just contact us at 715-723-5525 or tmower@mowerins.com for more information if you live in Wisconsin or Minnesota.

 

Preparing for a flood

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should:

 

Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights,  a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.

Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.

Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.

Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

 

Acting during a flood

 

If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:

 

Get information from the radio or television.

Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.

If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

 

Coping after a flood

 

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath.

 

Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.

Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.

Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible.

 

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

Spring Cleaning Time

Spring Cleaning Tips

 

Spring cleaning tips from Mower Insurance

 

Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)

 

Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently.

Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it.

Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time — and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating.

Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow.

Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation — you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it!

Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers and other dangerous tools with caution.

 

Contact Us!

 

For further questions and assistance, please contact Mower Insurance at 715-723-5525 or tsperry@mowerins.com

 

Daylight Savings is a great time to do some checks on your house!

Daylight Savings

 

Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time.

 

In most places in the United States, the second Sunday in March, is Daylight Saving, when clocks are moved forward one hour. We here at Mower Insurance want to remind you it’s also a great time to improve your family’s safety.

 

Be safe in your Chippewa Fall’s home

 

Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The American Red Cross suggests you test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about your fire escape plan. Whether you live in Wisconsin, Minnesota, or elsewhere, practice the plan too – at least twice a year.

 

Daylight Saving is a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.

 

Carbon Monoxide a concern too

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people die annually in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. The CDC recommends changing the batteries in your CO detectors when moving your clocks forward this Sunday.

 

The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

 

See the CDC’s site for more ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

 

We here at Mower Insurance hope these tips help and that you’ll consider sharing them with the people you care about so they can live safer lives too.

Flood Damage Information!

Important Information About Damage Caused By Flooding

 

The legislatures of two states, Minnesota and Washington, have enacted new laws, which require all companies to provide every homeowner policyholder an annual notice regarding flood damage.  These laws can even dictate what content we put in the notice, even including the title, type size and specific wording.  Given recent concerns across the country and possible misunderstandings about the differences between Homeowners and Flood insurance, we thought we would take this opportunity and add to the required notice a reminder of those differences so everyone may make an informed choice about what insurance protection or policy they really need.

This homeowner policy does not cover damage to your property caused by flooding.  Flood insurance is available to communities and property that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”).

Not all communities participate in the NFIP.  Flood insurance may be available even if you do not live in a flood hazard area as defined by the NFIP.

If your community does not participate in the NFIP, you may contact your insurance agent for the best and most unbiased information on this important topic and to see if there is other flood insurance coverage available to you.

What is a Flood?*

Flood insurance, available through the NFIP, covers direct physical loss caused by “flood”.  In simple terms, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry that can result from:  an overflow of inland or tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; mudflow; or collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.

 

Flood Facts*

Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.

Riverine flooding is the overflow of rivers, streams, and lakes due to excessive rainfall, winter storms, rapid snow melt, or ice.

Urban flooding occurs where there have been man-made developments within the existing flood plains or drainage areas.

Everyone potentially lives in a flood zone.

Your home has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of fire.

It takes 30 days after purchase for a flood policy to take effect.

 

For More Information:

Visit the following website  www.floodsmart.gov

Contact the NFIP at (888)379-9531

 

 

*Source – FEMA and www.floodsmart.gov