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... saving on fuel costs and consumption this winter, you may be contemplating installing a wood stove, a coal stove, or a portable kerosene heater. If so, we applaud your intentions. But we also want to caution you with the following tips: To prevent the risk of fire, make sure you install your stoves properly, and have your local fire marshal inspect them. Make sure your chimneys are thoroughly cleaned of all creosote. Be very careful if you use kerosene heaters-they can be extremely dangerous. Avoid using them in air-tight rooms because they tend to use a great deal of oxygen. Don't turn your thermostat down too low-particularly if you go away on vacation. Frozen or broken pipes and fittings can cause water damage that add up to one big expensive mess! As always, if ... have any questions on any of these matters, please give us a call. For more detailed information, we have enclosed a brochure about wood stoves and also a questionnaire for you to complete if you decide to install one. This way, we can keep our files and your insurance coverage up to date. Sincerely &# 160 (Your Name) Login or Register (for FREE) to gain access to thousands of other great articles. Need more reasons to join? Need insurance for you, your business or your family? Get quality appointments - Save yourself a whole lot of time & money when you use our directory of carriers, wholesalers and service providers. Negotiate lucrative contracts with carriers and wholesalers. Net result. More revenue for your agency! Clients & Prospects will research you ...

...spect them. Make sure your chimneys are thoroughly cleaned of all creos...

... that can pull away from pipes and rupture. Large appliances that could move far enough to rupture gas or electrical lines. Hanging plants in heavy pots that could swing free of hooks. Heavy picture frames or mirrors over the bed. Latches on kitchen or other cabinets that will not hold the door closed during shaking. Breakables or heavy objects that are kept on high or open shelves. A masonry chimney that could crumble and fall through an unsupported roof. Flammable liquids, like painting or cleaning products, that would be safer in a garage or shed. You can eliminate some of these hazards by securing or relocating heavy items. If you can't eliminate them, do your best to be aware of and avoid them should an earthquake occur. Coverage for Shakes, Rattles, And Rolls After a ... Even if home or business furnishings and effects look like total losses, ' do not get rid of them until after they have been examined by an adjuster. 10. If your car has been damaged or submerged in a flood, move it to high ground and let it dry out. Do not attempt to start or operate it until it is thoroughly dried. 11. Wooden furniture should be cleaned as quickly as possible. Avoid rubbing in abrasives such as ash, plaster, or wallboard particles that have fallen on furniture surfaces. 12. Your dry cleaning establishment can help you evaluate the cleaning or restoration costs for clothing, furs, and draperies. 13. Metal objects, including guns, drapery rods, and the electric motors in home appliances should be dried and rubbed or sprayed with ...

... Stucco/gypsum walls. Stucco walls without adequate sheathing may be strengthened by the addition of plywood. Check to make certain that garage and basement walls have adequate lateral bracing. The addition of plywood sheathing is an inexpensive way to strengthen a wall. 4. Masonry wall facade. Remove or secure dangerous masonry moldings and facades, check that any masonry is securely attached to your home. If your chimney is very tall, consider means of strengthening or supporting it. 5. Other tips: Consider replacing large plate glass windows with safety glass. Install positive latches on all cabinets. Study the possibility of purchasing earthquake insurance. It may be a sound investment for you. If you rent your home, discuss these recommendations with your landlord. FIRE SAFETY Following a major earthquake, your local fire ... as inside a cupboard or closet door, back porch, or garage. Inform family members, baby sitters, and neighbors where it can be found in case of an emergency. HOME PREPAREDNESS Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Securely fasten shelves to walls. Remove glass bottles from medicine cabinets and from above or around the bathtub and sink. Remove all flammable liquids such as painting and cleaning products to the garage or outside cupboard. Store in proper containers. Make sure your home or place of work has ample exits that will not be blocked with fallen debris. Fasten all top-heavy furniture such as refrigerators, tall bookcases, and glass cabinets, to the walls by means of hooks, angle brackets or braided wire. Install fasteners or latches on cupboard doors. Strong child-proof latches will ...

...ly attached to your home. If your chimney is very tall, consider means of stre...