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Warming Up Safely

11/13/2014

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There’s nothing quite like warm gloves, hot apple cider, and the comforting warmth a home full of family and friends brings during the holiday season!  (Especially when temperatures outside drop below zero on a whim, only in Colorado!)

Picture
President of ALINK Insurance Services, Bill Syddall and his family enjoying last year's Thanksgiving holiday together.


These freezing temps call for some HEAT.  It’s time to crank up the furnace, light up the fireplace, and pull out the space heater to warm things up around here.  However, all of this heating brings along with it an increased risk for winter fires in the home.  Consider the following heating safety tips from the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association to protect your home and family this winter:


FURNACE HEATING


  • Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
  • Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line.  If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
  • Check the flue pipe and pipe seams.  Are they well supported, free of holes, and cracks?  Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
  • Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists.  Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.  
  • Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.


WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES


  • Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly.
  • Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
  • Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to stop embers from flying into the room.
  • Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home.  Let them cool before placing them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
  • Never burn charcoal indoors.  Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
  • Before you go to sleep, make sure your fireplace fire is out.  NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.


SPACE HEATERS

  • If using an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. 
  • Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
  • Keep young children away from space heaters – especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can easily ignite.
  • Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting.
  • Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
  • Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, outside of the house.
  • Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot.  Do not overfill and be sure to refuel outside of the home.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.


OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS
  • Test smoke alarms monthly.
  • Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.


Warm up safely this winter!  Contact us at ALINK Insurance Services for all of your insurance needs and questions, we’re your link to security! 


Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148
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Long-Term Care Insurance.  Who Needs It?

11/6/2014

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An accident happens, you grow old, a chronic illness is developed that makes it impossible to care for yourself for an extended period of time.  What happens then?  Who would take care of you?  How would you pay for that care?

About 70% of people over age 65 will experience some form of impairment that results in the need for long-term care at some point in their life and it is not cheap.  The Genworth 2014 Cost of Care Survey found that the annual median rate for a private room in a nursing home in Colorado costs $91,980 per year.  A home health aide in Colorado costs $22 per hour, or $50,336 annually.  What a hit! 

Long-Term Care Insurance is your answer.  It will get you the high quality care you need while providing you and your loved ones with a peace of mind in the occurrence of a disabling event.  According to the LIMRA and LIFE Foundation 2013 Insurance Barometer Study, 51% of Americans say they need long term care insurance, but only 14% actually own it.  A good time to consider purchasing long-term care insurance is between your 40s and your 50s when you are in good health and premiums are more affordable.  Often times, the insurance company will base its price on your personal health history and/or a medical exam.

The following video produced by the Insurance Information Institute provides a good overview on perceptions and facts about long-term care insurance.



Have questions about buying a Long-Term Care policy?  Here at ALINK Insurance Services we can provide you with flexibility and options.  We will shop around for the best policy and customize a plan to include the benefits and features that will work best for your needs and your budget.  Give us a call today!  
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