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How to Help Prevent Water Damage From Frozen Pipes

Locate and close the main water shutoff valve as soon as possible and before temperatures rise above freezing.
Inspect pipes for damage, including those in attics and crawl spaces, where it is safe to do so.
As temperatures increase above freezing, watch and listen for signs of water leaks.
If a pipe is leaking, do not turn on the water. Open all faucets including those outside to drain remaining water from pipes and call a licensed plumber for repairs.
If no leaks are detected, turn water back on slowly. Continue to check for leaks before turning water on completely.
Never use torches or heat guns to facilitate thawing as these can create fire hazards.

Congratulations! After weeks of research, comparing makes and models, and taking test drives you finally bought that brand-new car you wanted. But before you take that well-deserved road trip, check one more item off your list: the right car insurance.

While some auto coverage options are essential whatever the age of your car, new vehicles may carry some additional risks you should know about. So before leaving the lot, give us a quick call to discuss the possible coverage options:

If you're planning a home renovation, you may want to call your insurance agent first because this decision can impact your homeowners insurance. Some home renovations will change the amount of coverage you need, while others could even help you qualify for a discount. We cover six common scenarios that could affect your insurance, so you can plan ahead.

1. Building a New Addition

When you expand and improve your home, you could likely increase its replacement value. This is the cost to repair or rebuild your home. Some additions that could increase your replacement value include: adding a second-story bedroom, expanding the living room or building a new garage.

Due to Covid 19, most of us have had extra time on our hands to take on projects that otherwise we may rarely think about, such as home efficiency.

Extreme temperatures, from wintry winds to summer heat waves, can make us more mindful of the importance of an energy-efficient home. But no matter the season or which climate you live in, taking a few key steps can make a significant difference on your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.

That’s because making your home more energy efficient can do more than help control temperatures. Mold, excessive dust, ice dams, moisture on windows, sinus problems and inordinate noise can also be potentially addressed by making home improvements.

Rather than one-off solutions, such as adding insulation or replacing dated appliances with more energy efficient ones, ENERGY STAR^® recommends a more holistic approach. Their Home Performance survey, conducted by a qualified contractor, can help homeowners identify specific problems. For example, ice-cold kitchen floors, a second-floor bedroom that’s too hot in the summer or high energy bills, might be signs of larger issues.

School is out for the week, the weather is warming up, and it's time for a vacation. What does the perfect vacation mean to your family; where do you see yourselves making the most epic memories?

Good Housekeeping composed their list of the "Perfect Spring Break Destinations."

1. Los Cabos, Mexico

2. Oahu, Hawaii

3. Paradise Island, Bahamas

4. Lisbon, Portugal

5. Palm Springs, California

6. Washington, D.C.