9 Tips for Surviving an Earthquake

You've followed precautions and made your home safer if an earthquake strikes. So what happens if an earthquake happens?  In the chaos, split-second decisions could be the difference between peril and safety. Home insurance with earthquake will replace everything, just save yourself and loved ones Remember to stay as calm as possible, one rash choice is one too many.  Louisville based DolackInsurance would like you to keep these tips in mind when the ground is crumbling beneath your feet.

·          At the first sign of an earthquake, drop and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an inside wall away from objects that may fall on you.

·         Sit or stay close to the floor and hold on to furniture legs for balance.

·         Use your arm to cover and protect your eyes.

·         If there's no sturdy furniture nearby, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall away from windows, shelves, or furniture that could fall and place your hands on the floor for balance.

·         Stay away from doorways, violent motion could cause the doors to slam against your body, crush your fingers or inflict other serious injuries.

·         Do not run outside.

·         If outdoors, quickly move into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.

·         If driving, bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road away from traffic.

·         Do not stop on or under bridges, near or under power lines or road signs.

After the earthquake is over, it's important to be alert for aftershocks. Once you feel safe, look for injured victims and help administer first aid.  Be sure to pay attention to damaged utilities. Avoid loose or dangling electric power lines and report all gas and electrical problems to the proper authorities. Turn off any damaged utilities that you find.
Thanks for visiting our blog.  Visit our website DolackInsurance.com for a FREE QUOTE or call us at 502-333-0577 for a consultation.

5 Tips on How To Prevent Identity Theft

I started looking into what criminals can do with your personal data and realized just how damaging and common it is. Scam artists often use stolen personal information, like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, PINs and other sensitive information to commit various types of fraud, from taking out credit cards in a victim’s name or using a stolen identity to get a job. In 2012 alone, about 28 million Americans became identity theft victims in one way or another. Hopefully with these tips you can protect yourself from a growing threat to our privacy, courtesy of Dolack Insurance.

1. Get security software that updates automatically. As the efforts to outmaneuver identity thieves evolve, so do the thieves’ tactics. One way to combat this is to make sure that the security software, operating system and browsers on your computer are up-to-date. You can usually set these programs to update automatically.
2. Set up an external drive for data storage. Also back up your computer data with an external hard drive. You may also want to consider printing off your most important files, such as financial documents and family photos, so if your digital copies are compromised, you’ll have hard copies. Store the drive or hard copies in a fireproof safe or emergency kit.
3. Put it in the cloud. Like your laptop, computer or smartphone, external hard drives are vulnerable to fire, flood or theft. Back up your data to an online data storage server, also known as keeping it “in the cloud,”which means that it is protected no matter what happens to your home. A paid storage provider will archive all your files, which you can access via a user-friendly website. 
4. Strengthen your passwords. Never use the same password for more than one account login. Be creative with your passwords Think of a phrase or word and then substituting numbers and symbols for some of the letters.
5. Encrypt your data. Guard online transactions by using an encrypted, secure connection. Not sure if a site is encrypted? Check your browser’s status bar. A “lock” symbol means that your data can be safely exchanged. Save personal financial transactions, like checking a bank account balance, for secure networks. 
6.  Be careful about unsecured wifi.  An unsecured network means anyone can see what data you send and receive.  Public wifi is convenient, but be careful not to visit any sites where you give out your personal information. It's also wise to keep your home wifi secure, anyone can sit in a car and access your information if they desire.

Above all, use common sense when on the internet. Criminals disguise the malicious contents as free offers, giveaways, to good to be true advertisements, and e-mails from unfamiliar contacts.  By following all these precautions, hopefully one accidental click won't crash your computer or, more importantly, destroy your identity.

Thanks for taking the time to view our blog.  We try our best to provide information content on how to protect yourself from some of the more expensive problems life can throw our way. For a Free Louisville Insurance Quote, visit DolackInsurance.com, or call us at 502-333-0577 for a Free Consultation.

7 Essential Spring Cleaning Tips

With the arrival of warm weather and sunshine, (It's coming, be patient) the last thing you want to do is spend every weekend on spring cleaning projects. Fortunately, our handy checklist makes it easy to tackle the big projects step-by-step. Set aside time each weekend to tune up a different part of your house, and in no time your home will be ready for summer!

1. Check for missing or cracked shingles. While on your roof, visually check the condition of your shingles for curling, warping, Clean gutters and downspouts. After removing winter debris from your gutters, check for any blockages by tapping the side of the spout or by blowing air down your drain spout with a leaf blower.
2. Air should flow easily and the drain spout will make a hollow sound. Drainage should be diverted at least three feet from your home’s foundation.
3. Remove debris and vegetation. Ensure winter storm debris does not cause any airflow blockages, which can strain the unit and spike energy bills.
4. Change air filters.  At a minimum, you should change your air filter every three to six months.  A dirty filter slows down airflow, causing your system to work overtime to keep your home cool, which increases energy costs.
5. Schedule a tune-up.  Many reputable HVAC service centers offer seasonal savings on spring tune-ups.  A professional will check your unit for potential problems and replace any aging parts, which helps prevent early system failure.
6. Check for peeling paint or siding. Take a walk around your house and look for any siding damage. It’s much more affordable to repaint your siding or trim now rather than wait until water entry has rotted the wood! If you own a brick home, the brickwork should be resealed every five to eight years.
7. Reseal your deck. Check for loose boards that may need replacement or resealing. If it’s been a few years since your deck’s last spring cleaning, consider power washing and resealing your deck.

Spring is the perfect time to clear out winter’s clutter and start fresh.  Just like a car, your home needs regular tune-ups to keep it secure, comfortable, and beautiful for years to come.

Thanks for visiting our blog.  For more Louisville home insurance information visit our website, DolackInsurance.com or call 502-333-0577 for a Free Quote or Consultation.

How to Prepare for a Hail Storm

Hail can occur in any strong thunderstorm, with chunks of ice falling at 120 mph, even in the summer.  The size of the hail can range from the size of a pea to the size of a grapefruit.  When hail hits, it can shred roof coverings and lead to water damage to your ceilings, walls, floors, appliances and personal possessions.  Just one hailstorm in Kansas City in 2001 caused an estimated $2 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Dolack Insurance recommends you implement these hail safety steps now to prevent or lessen damage from a hailstorm.

FOR YOUR HOME

The biggest material concern during a hailstorm is damage to your roof. If there is hail to your patio furniture or your car, you should have your roof inspected as well. Here are a few more hail protection tips:

• No roofing material is hail-proof, but you can find hail-resistant shingles. Look for a Class 4 rating from the Underwriters Laboratories. This rating means that a sample of the product didn't crack when hit twice in the same area by a 2-inch steel ball.
• Find information on what type of roof is appropriate for your area with help from the Institute for Business and Home Safety.
• Most roofing jobs are not for the do-it-yourselfer. Unless you have lots of experience in replacing roof coverings, hire a professional roofing contractor to handle it.

For your car

Hail can damage your automobile so severely that it may cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to repair, so take steps to protect your car if a thunderstorm approaches. Consider these car hail protection tips:

• If weather forecasters are predicting a severe thunderstorm, park your car where it will be protected, such as a parking garage.
• If you are driving and it starts to hail, drive under an overpass or to a garage or carport if you can. If there's no time, pull to the side of road, cover your face with clothing to protect it from possible broken glass and wait until the hail stops. Most hailstorms last five minutes.

During the storm

• If you're inside when a storm with large hailstones strikes, stay there.
• Because large pieces of hail can shatter windows, close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent the wind from blowing broken glass inside.
• Stay away from skylights and doors.
• If you're outside, move immediately to a place of shelter.

This hail protection information is meant to help you make decisions that may reduce your risk. Of course, we can't note every possible risk, and we can't guarantee that these tips will work for you. However, we hope that if you use some of them, you'll better protect your family and yourself.

We hope this information has been of some use.  Contact Dolack Insurance for a Louisville home insurance or Louisville car insurance quote.  Call 502-333-0577 or visit DolackInsurance.com for a quote or free consultation

The Gun Debate and Louisville Home Insurance

As the gun debates rage on, it’s a good reminder that homeowners insurance policies also provide some coverage for firearms.  Specifically, a homeowner or renters insurance policy will typically cover theft of a firearm stolen from the premises and liability due to the accidental discharge of a firearm causing injury up to the limits of the policy.  Intentional acts, not related to shooting an individual threatening your safety, home insurance does not cover. 
For proper and effective ways to store and secure firearms, Dolack Insurance provides these tips to help gun owners rest easy:

• Store guns safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use, such as in a lockable container like a lock box or gun safe.
• Guns and ammunition should always be stored separately.
• Increase safety by using both a trigger or cable lock 
• Don not store guns where visible or within easy access of children.
• Do not store firearms with other valuables such as jewelry or cameras, etc.
• If you have children in the household, you may be guilty of a misdemeanor or felony if you keep a loaded, unsecured firearm on the premises and a child in your custody under the age of 18 uses it or carries it to a public place.

 

We hope these tips proved helpful because one misstep is one to many when it comes to guns.  Gun safety courses are essential for anyone interested in protecting themselves, or family, with a firearm.  The most basic rules to remember are use common sense and treat every gun like it’s loaded.

Thanks for visiting our website.  We are always willing to provide our expertise when it comes to Louisville auto insurance, Louisville home insurance, or whatever you need.  For a Free Consulatation, call us at 502-333-0577 for an insurance quote, or our website, DolackInsurance.com

8 Steps for Securing Your House over Spring Break

Spring Break is coming up and thieves and robbers can't wait.  Burglars use your time away to plot and scheme wasy to rob you blind.  If they are successful, you may end up turning in a home insurance claim and see your premium skyrocket.  Whether you’re going away for a week or weekend, here are some simple ways to secure your home and avoid wrecking your homeowners insurance rate:

1.       Get to know your neighbors. Let trusted people know you are leaving and ask them to keep an eye on your home.  Make sure they pick up your mail/newspaper, or stop those deliveries for the duration of your trip.  A pile of newspapers and an overstuffed mailbox is a dead giveaway that no one is home.

2.       REFRAIN from social media:  Don’t announce your travel plans on Twitter or Facebook.  If you can’t stop making vacation related updates, at least turn off the location notifications so people don’t know how far you are from home.

3.       Make your place LOOK OCCUPIED:  Set your outside lights so at least one stays on at night and put timers on your indoor lighting so they go on and off at random intervals.

4.       HIDE obvious temptations:  Do you have an amazing grill?  Lock it inside.  Can you see in your windows? Don’t leave something valuable near them.

5.       LOCK EVERYTHING:  A quality deadbolt lock is the first defense from an intruder entering your home, but it only works when it’s used.  Double check every door and window before you leave to be safe.

6.       DO NOT hide a spare key outside:  Criminals have more experience finding spare keys than you have hiding them. If you need to leave a key somewhere, leave it with a trusted neighbor.

7.       If a car is parked outside, DO NOT leave a garage door opener in it.  Should the house prove impregnable, this is the last option burglars exhaust before they chance breaking glass.

8.       Plant a home security sign in the front lawn:  Home security systems work exceptionally well but not everyone can afford the service.  Create a legitimate looking sign and place it in a visible, well-lit spot.  Burglars will think twice before robbing a protected home.

      

      Above all, enjoy your spring break.  We just hope this tips will help you rest easy while you're away taking a well deserved break.

d    Thanks for stopping by and checking out our blog.  For a free Insurance Quote, visit our website www.DolackInsurance.com or call us at 502-333-0577 for a free consultation. 

Don't Drive Drowsy

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In order to better understand the conditions under which drivers experience drowsy driving, drivers who reported having nodded off while driving within the past six months were asked a series of defining characteristics of their most recent experience. We at Dolack Insurance have collected some valuable information for you to consider when you plan your next big trip.

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Time of Day

·        While some hold the perception that drowsy driving occurs mostly late at night or in the early morning hours, just 28% of drivers reporting a recent drowsy driving experience report this experience occurring between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. More than one-third (35%) of drivers who nodded off while driving within the past six months say their last experience occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. An additional 17% report they nodded off between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

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Average Length of Time Driving

·         While slightly more than one in five (22%) drivers who recently experienced a drowsy driving episode report having been on the road driving for five or more hours, nearly half (47%) were driving for an hour or less. [Figure 14-B]

·         On average, these drivers were driving for almost three hours before they nodded off. Males had driven for about an hour longer than females on average (3.2 as compared to 2.2 hours). Drivers age 30 and over became drowsy in a shorter amount of time than younger drivers. [Figure 14-C]

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Type of Road Driving

·         Nearly six in ten (58%) drivers with a recent drowsy driving episode report this occurrence on multi-lane interstate highways, 23% report nodding off while driving on a two-lane road with posted speed limits of 45 MPH or higher, and fewer than one in ten drivers nodded off while driving on non-interstate multi-lane roads (8%) or local city or neighborhood roads (8%). This report of nodding off experience by road type does not match the overall pattern of driving by road type. Just 55% of drivers report frequently driving on multi-lane interstate highways as compared with 83% who frequently drive local city or neighborhood roads. 

Hopefully these statistics are powerful enough to consider how aware you are each time you get behind the wheel.  Not only does it raise your car insurance rates, but it's dangerous for your passengers and other drivers.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our blog.  To receive a Free Insurance 

Quote, visit our website DolackInsurance.com or call us at 502-333-0577 for a Free 

Consultation