Protect Your Property and Your Claim While we all have our favorite Valentine’s Day memories, 2021 probably isn’t topping the list. Winter Storm Uri hit all of Texas, and what was meant to be a lovely display of snow turned into a dangerous event that caused a power blackout that lasted days. Sub-freezing temperatures resulted in widespread property damage nearing billions of dollars. While we’ve had some bad freezes in the past, the damage hasn’t come close to what Uri brought. It is estimated that there was $10-$20 billion worth of damage from Uri across the state of Texas. As the coldest winter days get closer, it’s time we prepare for risky weather and do what we can to minimize whatever damage a potential hard freeze may bring. HOW TO PREVENT PROPERTY DAMAGE Winter Storm Uri taught us that it pays to be prepared. A strong winter storm can lead to busted pipes, flooding, fallen trees and utility poles, damaged roofs, broken water heaters, and much more. The best way to minimize any damage from a potential storm is by taking a few extra measures: • Protect your water pipes by keeping your home above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, insulating pipes more likely to freeze, and turning off your outdoor faucets. • Clean out gutters to avoid ice dams that can cause roof damage. • Seal your windows and doors with caulk, foam, and weatherstripping. • Trim low-hanging or dead branches from surrounding trees that can fall on your home. • Stay well-stocked with emergency supplies such as battery-powered lights, blankets, and enough food and water to last the storm. NEXT STEPS YOU NEED TO KNOW If your property does end up experiencing storm damage, you need to evaluate the level of damage your property endured, list every repair needed (and its cost), and photograph everything damaged. While this may seem like a hassle, this is the best way to ensure you have a bulletproof claim. You can send your claim to your insurance company on your own, but you’re going to want an attorney who can ensure you get the compensation you need. Insurance companies will always prioritize their profit, not your well-being. They will offer you the lowest reimbursement possible, and we’re here to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. If you want to learn more about winter-proofing your home, potential damages, or support for your insurance claim, call our team at (888) 989-2889 . This is what we do! LESSONS WE LEARNED AFTER 2021’S WINTER STORM URI
DECK THE HALLS WITH HANDMADE CARDS
3 Easy Ideas You Can Make With Kids!
Sending Christmas cards is a great way to tell people you’re thinking of them during the holiday season. However, like everything lately, buying enough Christmas cards for your loved ones is expensive. Store-bought cards can also feel too stiff and formal for our friends and family. That’s why you should consider making Christmas cards this holiday season! It is more cost-effective and a great way to give your cards a personal touch that lets friends and family know you care. The best part is that making holiday cards doesn’t have to be laborious or stressful — it’s quick, easy, and fun! Don’t believe us? Check out these three easy Christmas cards you and your family can make at home. Each card idea is built upon plain white cards! WASHI TAPE CARDS All you need for this card is a roll of washi tape with any design you wish. Simply cut strips of the washi tape, starting with a longer piece (about 2—3 inches), and place it horizontally across the card near the bottom. Then, build upward using gradually smaller pieces of tape to make a triangle — and that’s it! You’ve successfully created a washi tape tree! You can also draw a tree stump under the longest strip or a star on top. HANDPRINT CARDS This Christmas card variation is a favorite for kids to make and family members to receive. Have your child place their hand on the blank card stock and trace their hand with a pencil. Then, cut out the shape of their hand using scissors. Finally, with the cut-out hand facing down (fingers to the ground), have your child decorate it as if it were a tree, drawing ornaments, lights, candy canes, or other decorations. PIPE CLEANER CARDS For this card, you need green pipe cleaners and gold stars (like the ones you’d earn in school). Simply twist a pipe cleaner into a tree shape using a zig-zag pattern to form the widest branches at the bottom to the smallest boughs at the top. Glue the pipe cleaner to the card. Finish with a gold star as a tree topper!
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