Last year we have seen a record number of large hail losses.  See the attached web site

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/online/monthly/2011_annual_summary.html

 Last year we had 9,417 large hail storms that caused property damage.  The High Wind storms across America were not much better.

 There were 18,685 High winds Storms that caused property damage.  Last year there 1,894 tornado’s that caused property damage and human death.

 What does this mean for the home owner????  Insurance companies are having to take rate increases even if you did not have a claim in the last few years.  Also, there are some insurance companies that are not issuing any new home policies. 

 BDH Insurance Solutions represents 15 admitted insurance companies.  Even in times like this we will be able to find you the right coverage with the right price.  Give us a call to see what we can do for you.

 303-740-9600

True or false?  If a tornado is headed your way, you should:

- Get under a highway overpass if you’re on the road.

- Open the windows in your home to equalize the pressure.

The answer to both is false.  Highway overpasses provide little to no shelter, and opening a window is not only useless but dangerous.  These are just two of the more common myths about tornadoes.

2011 was one of the worst years for tornados, about 1,000 tornadoes are reported every year in theUnited Statesand there seems to be increasing sightings inColoradoduring the late spring and early summer months.  Here are some things you should know about handling twisters:

Prepare emergency supplies

In addition to food, water, flashlight, battery –operated radio and first-aid kit, remember to stock medication and extra batteries.

Have and action plan

If you don’t have a basement or storm cellar, designate a windowless, interior room on the lowest floor of your home as the family’s “saferoom.”  At work or school or elsewhere look for the same type of location.  Avoid taking refuge in spaces with wide-span roofs, such as cafeterias or auditoriums.  If you’re in a car pullover as quickly as possible and seek shelter indoors.  If no buildings are nearby, lie down in a ditch , culvert or low-lying area.  If you’re in a mobile home get to a designated safety area. Don’t stay in a mobile home!

Remember to DUCK

Down to the lowest level, get Under something, Cover your head and Keep in your shelter until the storm has passed.

Check utilities post Tornado

If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise turn off the gas at the outside main valve and call the utility company.  See sparks or frayed wires or smell hot insulation?  Turn off the electricity at the main fuse/breaker box.

Keep a home inventory

Make a list of each room’s contents, accompanied by photos and or a videotape incase you have to file a claim.  Keep a copy of the inventory in a secure location other than your home, such as a safe-deposit box.

My agency would be happy to take digital pictures of your personal property and provide you with a CD of those pictures and a Household Contents Inventory Record brochure to fill out.

Brent Snook

BDH Insurance Solutions

303-740-9600

Here is how you can fight fraud and help keep your insurance cost down.

-Look out for staged auto accidents scams.  Criminals deliberately cause accidents so they can submit fraudulent claims against honest drivers.  The best way to avoid such situations is to drive defensively and do not tailgate.  If you are involved in an accident that seems suspicious, take photos and get information on the other driver and all passengers.

-Be aware of high-risk locations for vehicle theft. 

-use only licensed and insured contractors to do home or auto repairs.

Report suspected fraud.  Contact your insurance company or the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 888-447-6282.

We will be closed Dec 23 and 26.

If you have an emergecy please email us at bsnook@insuranceaai.com as we will be checking email.

For many people, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the holiday.  Here are  some safety tips to make sure a mishap doesn’t spoil your holiday season.

Christmas Trees

Natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 14 deaths, 26 injuries and $13.8 million in property damage yearly.

Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.

Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.

Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

Line-voltage holiday or decorative lights start an average of 170 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 7 deaths, 17 injuries and $7.9 million in property damage yearly.

It only takes less than a minute for a Christmas Tree to start the whole house on fire.  Watch the video here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1608307514978064274&ei=5FlBSYqSLoWiqgL45s2nDw&q=NIST+Christmas+tree+fire+Video&hl=en#

Tree lights

Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.

Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

Tree ornaments

Always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places.

Read labels before you use materials that come in jars, cans and spray cans.

Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.

Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible.

From BDH Insurance Solutions have a safe and happy holiday season.

Brent Snook

303-740-9600

I work for you to make sure you get the best deal out there.

BDH INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

BRENT SNOOK

303-740-9600

OFFERING AUTO INSURANCE, HOME INSURANCE, BUSINESS INSURANCE IN HIGHLANDS RANCH COLORADO, CENTENNIAL COLORADO, PARKER COLORADO, LITTLETON COLORADO, AURORA COLORADO AND DENVER COLORADO

• The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate the Thanksgiving.
• The Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to reachNorth America.
• They sailed on the ship, which was known by the name of ‘Mayflower’.
• They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day atPlymouth,Massachusetts.
• The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.
• The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. He invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast.
• The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.
• Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, popcorn, milk, corn on the cob, and cranberries were not foods present on the first Thanksgiving’s feast table.
• Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.
• The pilgrims didn’t use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.

Fun Facts about Thanksgiving Today

• In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Each year, the average American eats somewhere between 16 – 18 pounds of turkey.
• Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in theUnited States.
• Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in theUnited States.
• Although, Thanksgiving is widely considered an American holiday, it is also celebrated on the second Monday in October inCanada.
• Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in theUnited States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season.

Fun Turkey Facts

• The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.
• The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.
• A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.
• The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.
• Turkeyhas more protein than chicken or beef.
• Turkeyswill have 3,500 feathers at maturity.
• Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clucking noise.
• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.
• Turkeyshave heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.
• A large group of turkeys is called a flock.
• Turkeyshave poor night vision.
• It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.
• A 16-week-old turkey is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster.

BDH INSURANCE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

BDH INSURANCE SOLUTIONS YOU ONE STOP AGENCY TO AUTO INSURANCE, HOME INSURANCE, BUSINESS INSURANCE AND LIFE INSURANCE.

WE OFFER INSURANCE IN HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO  LITTLETON, CO  PARKER, CO  DENVER, CO  CENTENNIAL, CO  ENGLEWOOD, CO  AURORA, CO

BRENT SNOOK

2.    Thawing turkey is so boring.  Just throw a frozen one in the fryer!  Frozen turkey and 400 degree oil are an exciting combination.  Geysers of hot oil will fly through the air resulting in desirable third-degree burns and potentially igniting yard-engulfing flames.  

3.    Save time by putting all the food down the disposal at the same time.  What a waste of time putting the food down the disposal little bits at a time and then running hot water to flush it through.  Instead, shove it all down there to save time!  Your local plumber will LOVE to hear from you on Thanksgiving evening!

Now lets hope none of these things happen, but if they do?????? Are you covered with your home owners insurance?  Give me a call so that we can discuss your home owners coverages and make sure you have the right coverages at the right price.

BDH INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

HOME INSURANCE IN CENTENNIAL, CO PARKER, CO DENVER, CO HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO ENGLEWOOD, CO AURORA, CO

BRENT SNOOK

303-740-9600

Give me call to see if we can save you some money on your Home Insurance.  We insure homes in DENVER, LITTLETON, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CENTENNIAL, ENGLEWOOD, PARKER , AURORA

BDH INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

303-740-9600

BRENT SNOOK

Have a Ghostly night,

Brent Snook

BHD INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE IN CENTENNIAL, HIGHLANDS RANCH, PARKER, DENVER, COLORADO