Blog Posts

Earthquake Preparation

12/6/2018

What did the ground say to the earthquake?
You crack me up.

Road damage caused by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.
AP Photo provided by Mike Dinneen. Click here to read more.

Alaska was recently rattled by some major earthquakes. Many people think that earthquakes are only a West Coast problem, but they can occur in nearly every state in the U.S. There's a reason why children have required drills in school! While there are some areas more prone to higher magnitude quakes, it's still important to know how to prepare if the unpredictable were to happen to you. Here are some helpful tips to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe in the case of an earthquake.

Before an Earthquake

Anchor heavy furniture (such as bookshelves, dressers, filing cabinets) to walls.
Use straps or safety cables to anchor water heaters and appliances to walls.
Make sure that items hanging from the ceiling are secure to the building structure.
Add steel plates or anchor bolts between your home structure and foundation.
Brace un-reinforced concrete walls, chimneys, masonry, and foundation.
Stay informed about your communities risk and response plan.
Establish an emergency plan with your family.
Practice drop, cover, and hold on in safe places identified around your home. A safe place could be under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall away from windows or tall furniture that could fall.

During an Earthquake

As mentioned above - drop, cover, and hold on!
Move as little as possible and protect your head and torso.
If you are already indoors, stay there. Do not exit a home or building until shaking has completely stopped.
Move away from windows, doors, skylights, heavy furniture, or anything that could topple over.
If you're outside, quickly move to an open space away from trees, buildings, street lights, and electrical lines.
If driving, slowly pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Do not stop under bridges, overpasses, roadway signs, or power lines.

After an Earthquake

Drive cautiously and watch out for cracks or debris on roads. If possible, avoid bridges and ramps that may be unstable due to damage.
If you are near a cliff or in a mountainous area, be alert for falling rock, toppled trees, or landslides.
Clean up broken glass and debris immediately to avoid potential injury.
Board up broken doors and windows.
Cover a damaged roof with tarp or plywood.
Set aside damaged items in a safe place to be further inspected later.
Save receipts if any temporary repairs are made.

Nature is a fickle friend, and home policies exclude earthquake coverage. ALINK Insurance Services is here to help prepare you for when the unexpected hits. Give us a call today at any of our offices below to discuss your insurance questions or needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We are "Your Link to Security!"

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Knowing Your Homeowners Policy

5/4/2016

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What is Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance

For many of us, Spring is the season of cleaning, home improvement, and "honey to-dos". Whether settling into the new or sprucing up the old, we put a lot of time and effort into caring for our homes and our belongings.

So, how is our home protected?

Standard homeowners insurance policies are structured to cover:

The STRUCTURE of your home.
The PERSONAL BELONGINGS in your home.
The LIABILITIES that come with home ownership.

For a great explanation of each, watch this short video published by the Insurance Information Institute.

ALINK Insurance Services wants to make sure your home and belongings are protected from unexpected loss. Give us a call today to discuss your homeowners insurance questions and needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We're your link to security!

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Prom and Graduation Safety

4/15/2016

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Teen driving tips to keep prom and graduation safe

High school is full of defining moments for Colorado Springs teens and a couple of the highlights for most are prom and graduation. However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments - serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At ALINK Insurance Services, we want to help make this season one to celebrate for you and your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe. First, encourage your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules:

Absolutely no alcohol
Always use seat belts
No cell phone use (including texting) while driving

Special circumstances

Of course, special events such as prom and graduation often present special circumstances. There may be dinner with dates before the dance, and parties before or after either event. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations well before each event, putting some guidelines into place before your teen heads out for the night. Here are some ideas:

Make sure you know the itinerary of the evening, as well as who else will be with your teen. You should have contact information for everyone.

Have a way to contact your teen at all times. You may want to require them to check in with you once or twice over the course of the evening.

Set a curfew, whether they are coming back to your home or staying with a friend. If they are staying elsewhere, make sure the curfew will be enforced by a responsible adult.

Discuss with your teen how to handle difficult situations, such as facing pressure to drink, or accepting a ride with someone who shouldn’t be driving. It’s a good idea to provide your child with money for a taxi just in case.

Offer a “no-questions-asked” ride home, should they need one during the evening.

If you’re worried about your teen driving, consider alternate transportation. A car service or limousine will provide a responsible, experienced adult driver. You also will be able to limit changes to the itinerary and contact the driver.

Prom and graduation are special times in a teen’s life; a little common sense will go a long way toward making sure your young adult is around to enjoy the other milestones that are sure to come. And fair warning...don’t blink, it goes by QUICK!

Have a teen driver? There are a variety of tools, benefits and discounts to help your teen become a safer driver — as well as manage the cost of adding them to your policy. Call ALINK Insurance Services at any of our offices for more information!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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Spring is in the Air

3/29/2016

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Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time.

Happy SPRING! This cold weather and these blizzards were sure ready to give spring a warm welcome …. Not giving up that easy! Let's just close our eyes and dream of wild flowers...

In most places in the United States, March 13th was Daylight Savings. We moved our clocks forward and lost that precious extra hour of sleep. While that’s not my favorite day of the year, we here at ALINK Insurance Services want to remind you it’s a great time to improve your family’s safety.

Be safe in your 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 Colorado, 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 around the time you move your clocks forward.

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.

Now here’s to warmer days ahead! We here at ALINK Insurance Services hope these tips help and we hope you all have a wonderful spring!

Contact us!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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Life Insurance - An Act of Love

2/19/2016

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Nothing says love quite like Reese's hearts, a baby dressed in pink and pearls, and...life insurance.

Life insurance means more than money. It means planning for the future of you and your loved ones, providing that peace of mind that everything will be okay for those who depend on you, even if you aren't there in person.

Take a few minutes to watch this brief overview on life insurance provided by the Insurance Information Institute.

For additional information, refer back to our post on the advantages of life insurance here, and our post on the different types of life insurance available here.

At ALINK Insurance Services, we will assist and help you determine the type and amount of life insurance that is appropriate for you and your family. Give us a call today at any of our offices listed below and we can help you select the best life insurance coverage for your needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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Keep Those Valuables Covered

2/11/2016

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February is here and LOVE is in the air! (Perhaps in part due to the Broncos big Super Bowl WIN this past weekend. GO TEAM!) Getting your Valentine something special this year? When purchasing a high value item, it’s important to remember that your homeowners insurance may cover only part of what you would pay to replace it. With that in mind, here are 5 things you should know about coverage for jewelry and other valuables:

1. Standard homeowners/renters insurance policies include some coverage for jewelry and other valuable items.

2. There are special limits of liability for certain items. This means that the insurer will not pay more than the amount specified in the policy. Take jewelry theft for example – because jewelry can be easily stolen, standard policies generally have a low limit for theft coverage (around $1,500) in order to keep coverage affordable.

3. There are two ways you can increase coverage:

Raise the limit of liability
Schedule your individual pieces through the purchase of “floater” policies

4. Raising the limit of liability is the less expensive option in terms of insurance premium cost. BUT, there is usually a limit on the amount you can claim for the loss of an individual piece, perhaps only $2,000 even though your overall limit is $5,000.

5. Scheduling each individual item may cost more in insurance premiums, but it offers more extensive protection. The floater covers any type of loss, even accidental losses, that standard policies do not cover. Dropped your diamond ring down the sink? No problem! Your floater has you covered. Before you can purchase a floater policy, the items covered must be professionally appraised.

Have questions? Give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services today to ensure you have the coverage you need to protect those valuables. 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

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Source: Insurance Information Institute

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Watch out for that ICE

1/27/2016

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We've all been there.

Controlling Slip and Fall Liability Risk

Here in the beautiful state of Colorado (or really anywhere that experiences the joys of winter weather and freezing temps), we are all too familiar with snow and ice covering our porches, driveways, sidewalks, roads, parking lots, you name it. And, I’m sure we can all recall a time or two where those slippery paths have landed us on the ground with a few colorful bruises to show for it.

That snow and ice, whether it be on your personal or your business property, is a LIABILITY RISK.
With thousands of people injured every year, Slip and Fall Accidents are one of the most common liability risks. That being the case, it’s important to always be on the lookout for slip and fall hazards in and around your home or business and eliminate them as soon as possible. From a business standpoint, it’s also extremely important to train your employees on what to do if someone on your premises should suffer a fall.

The Insurance Information Institute suggests routinely checking that the following things are taken care of:

Lighting: All areas should be adequately lit, including hallways and stairs.
Stairs: Handrails, steps and landings should be in good condition, clear of snow/ice.
Walkways: Walkways should be kept in good condition, clear of snow/ice.
Doormats: Doormats should be flat, slip resistant, cleaned and checked regularly in bad weather.
Ice and Snow: Have an effective procedure in place to assure that snow and ice are removed.
Exits: Exits should be well marked, well lit and clear of obstacles.
Parking Lot: Potholes, cracks, or uneven areas should be repaired.
Floors: Any changes in floor level should be clearly marked.
Housekeeping: General housekeeping should be maintained and storage areas kept neat.
Carpeting: Carpeting should be tight and smooth.
Spills: Have an effective procedure in place to assure that all spills are immediately cleaned up.

If there are treacherous areas on your property, such as an icy spot that hasn’t been cleared, an uneven area of the sidewalk, a ripped carpet, etc. – they also suggest that you consider marking them by using warning signs or putting up barriers around them. If you can provide evidence that you took your responsibility seriously and made reasonable efforts to prevent harm to others, you are much less likely to be found liable.

From us at ALINK Insurance Services to you, stay safe out there this winter and watch out for all that ice! Give us a call today at any of our offices listed below to discuss any of your insurance questions or needs.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We’re your link to security!

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Teen Driving Safety

1/20/2016

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Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving

January is Teen Driving Awareness Month. Having had many teen drivers myself (my last currently with a driving permit in hand), I can't stress enough the importance of consistently having these conversations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, when teens begin to drive, the sobering statistics start to pile up:

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 14 through 18.
A teen’s crash risk is three times that of more experienced drivers.
Being in a car with three or more teen passengers quadruples a teen driver’s crash risk.
More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

You can help your young driver make better decisions behind the wheel, however. Start by setting a good example yourself. And set time aside to have a serious discussion about the following issues, all of which have a large impact on the safety of teen drivers:

Speed: According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding continues to grow as a factor in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. While a lot of emphasis is rightfully placed on the risks of driving under the influence or while distracted, the danger of speeding is just as important.
Alcohol: If drivers are under 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. It’s as simple as that. And not only does the risk of a serious crash increase once alcohol is involved, jail time is a possibility as well.
Seat belts: Teens don’t use their seat belts as frequently as adults, so it’s important to set a good example and always have yours on. Seat belts are the simplest way to protect themselves in a crash, so let teens know that buckling up is mandatory.
Phones: You are 23 times more likely to crash while texting. STOP! Distracted driving is dangerous driving, especially for an inexperienced teen. That means no calls or texting when behind the wheel — no exceptions. Again, it pays to set a good example when you’re driving with your teen in the car.
Passengers: The risk of a fatal crash goes up as the number of passengers in a teen driver’s car increases, according to the NHTSA. Depending on your state’s licensing laws for young drivers, limiting your teen to one passenger is a good guideline. (And some states don’t allow teens to have any passengers for a time.)

Of course, any driver needs to have a good grasp on the laws and rules of the road, and, because teens don’t have much experience, it’s important to have regular conversations about safe driving. How teens drive doesn’t just depend on them. It depends on you, too!

ALINK Insurance Services wants you and your teen(s) to stay safe on the roads! Give us a call today to discuss the effects of having a teen on your auto insurance and to make sure you have the coverage you need. 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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Night Driving Dangers

12/14/2015

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A little extra caution can go a long way while driving at night

Summer has long since ended, and while fall and winter have their own pleasures — including cozying up by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa, and enjoying holidays galore — longer nights mean increased danger on the roads.

You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: Even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23% of vehicle miles traveled, more than 50% of fatalities for vehicle occupants 16 and older occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Safety Commission (NSC).

Because we’re big advocates for safety at ALINK Insurance Services, we thought it would be helpful to take a look at why night driving is more dangerous, and what you can do to decrease that danger.

What’s dangerous about night driving?

Decreased vision. We won’t go into all the biological details, but different parts of the eye (such as iris, pupil and retina) work differently at night. Your peripheral vision is actually slightly improved, but it’s more difficult to focus on objects ahead of you. And traveling between well-lit areas and darker roads creates issues as well.
Driving too fast for your headlights. Depending on vehicle speed and headlight setting, many people “over-drive” their headlights. That means, by the time they see something on the road, it’s too late to stop in time to avoid it.
Impaired judgment. Whether due to drowsiness or the use of alcohol or drugs, it appears that drivers at night often don’t use good judgment. According to the NSC, 66% of fatalities at night involve vehicle occupants who weren’t wearing seat belts.

So what do you do?

Sometimes, there’s no way around driving at night. So here are some tips to help you make a safe trip — whether you’re just running to the store, or you’re headed a few states over to visit dear Aunt Sally for the holidays.

Make sure your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition. And not just headlights, but turn signals, taillights, etc.
Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger cushion between you and other cars than you would during daylight hours. Leave yourself more time for the trip.
Be more aware of your surroundings. You shouldn’t be using your phone, messing around with the radio or trying to find something on the floor while you’re on the road anyway — and distractions are even more deadly at night. You could maybe even invest in a nice pair of these...

Anti-glare night driving glasses! I may or may not have known these existed until today. Don't knock it til you try it!

Of course, if you’re not comfortable driving at night, the best thing is to avoid it altogether if possible. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a ride from a trusted safe driver or waiting for the sun to come out!

Contact Us!

At ALINK Insurance Services we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected! We’re your link to security!

Photo by Kurayba / CC BY

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Veterans Day

11/10/2015

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Top 10 ways to honor a veteran on Veterans Day

Americans celebrate Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall. While it can be easy to confuse the two holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to honor American’s war dead; Veterans Day is intended to honor the service of all U.S. veterans, both living and dead.

In fact, celebrations surrounding Veterans Day often place a special emphasis on thanking all living U.S. military veterans who have or are currently serving in any U.S. armed service. And it’s the perfect time for all Americans to show appreciation for their service.

The best way to thank a military U.S. veteran for his or her service depends on the individual and his or her needs. But the most important thing is to do something to show your gratitude.

Here are 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to show your gratitude towards veterans today.

Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere.
Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and be an active listener as you hear about their experience.
Speak. Simply say, “Thank you” to veterans you see.
Reach out. Contact a disabled or homeless veteran whom you know and spend some quality time together.
Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans.
Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family.
Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military.
Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street.
Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from service to rejoin civilian life.
Share. Use your social media to help celebrate Veteran’s Day and acknowledge the service of all veterans.

To learn more ways to honor a veteran on November 11, visit http://www.wallawalla.va.gov/Misc/Honor_Veteran.asp.

To all our American heroes, we at ALINK Insurance Services thank you for your service to our country!

Contact Us!

At ALINK Insurance Services, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

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