FIRE WAITING TO HAPPEN?

Why there's more to your clothes dryer than just cleaning the lint filter.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2003, there were 15,600 fires that resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries associated with dryer vents.   Dryer fires are almost always caused by a build up of lint. Even though the lint screen is cleared away regularly, a large amount of lint still gets pushed into the exhaust duct behind the dryer. The dangerous problem of lint build up really occurs within this ductwork.

Not until the late 1980s into the 1990s did appliance retailers make a big push to educate the consumer of the risks of dryer ductwork and fires. Yet much of the risk has turned into differing styles of exhaust ducting instead of educating the public on the need to maintain and replace the ducts every 3-5 years.  Prior to the 1990's a large number of homes, apartment complexes and town homes relied on the use of the white vinyl flexible corrugated ducting. The silver mylar "foil" duct was a better choice due to its slightly better ability to withstand heat.

Today that vinyl and mylar duct is no longer universally sold in home improvement stores, hardware stores or appliance retailers. If a consumer is looking to replace an existing exhaust duct, these two exhaust duct types should not be used. Instead a semi-rigid or solid metal ductwork should be installed.

There are several reasons why the vinyl and "foil" ducts should never be used. As moisture from the wet clothing is vented out through the exhaust, the moisture will begin to saturate the lint that has become trapped in the ridges. As the lint becomes heavier from being wet, the piping will sag creating a low spot. From continue use of the dryer, more and more lint will accumulate at this low point thereby greatly restricting or blocking the entire air flow.

The restricted airflow is what then causes a great increase in the temperature of the clothing and drying cycle. Due to this excessive temperature increase, the lint will now act as a fuel source which will ignite given enough time to do so. Semi-rigid and straight metal piping has reduced the risk of a fire due to the above scenario. There is still a risk, though. Important warning signs are if the clothing is taking longer and longer to dry or the temperature of the dryer and clothing being dried has become hotter.

The key to eliminating a dryer fire is to periodically have the duct work cleaned professionally or replaced completely. Should the dryer exhaust have a straight run of only a foot or so, a visual inspection should be feasible. The catch is that most ducts do not make a short straight run to the exterior of the building. The more angles and bends that the exhaust needs to follow, increases the opportunity for lint to become trapped. A home owner may be able to perform the arduous task of moving the dryer and snaking a wet-dry vacuum hose in the ductwork, however, most household vacuums do not possess the power to clear a long run of pipe or a densely packed exhaust duct so it's rarely worth the effort.

So in most cases, it's an easy test:  Simply start your clothes dryer up with nothing in it.   Then go outside where your dryer duct exhaust itself to the outside world and put your hand in front of it.  If you feel a reasonably strong stream of air then your duct is probably fine for now.  But if you don't, in most cases the best and cheapest route is to simply replace the line from your dryer to the wall.  But if there is even more flexible exhaust line in your crawl space or attic... you will want to investigate and possibly replace that as well.
 

FLOOD INSURANCE - CAN WE FOOL MOTHER NATURE?

Only Flood Insurance Will Cover Your Flood Losses

If an individual relies on a homeowners insurance policy to cover whatever flood damage occurs, the result will not be favorable to the property owner. Only flood insurance will cover such losses. Because flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, property owners should not let an imminent flooding force a decision to obtain this insurance.

There are two basic insurance policies that deal with a homeowner's damage due to water -- a flood insurance policy and a homeowner's insurance policy. Losses not covered by one of these policies may be covered by the another policy. Knowing the losses to which your home could be exposed will help you decide whether to buy one or both of these insurance coverages.

While insurance policies may differ in the coverages provided, often there are basic features common to all policies. The homeowner should ask his or her insurance professional about the specifics of one's specific insurance policy. In the meantime, the following general information is based on standard insurance policies.

FLOOD INSURANCE

As the name implies, a standard flood insurance policy, which is made available by the National Floor Insurance Program, provides coverage up to the policy limit for damage caused by flood. The dictionary defines "flood" as a rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land. For insurance purposes, the word "rising" in this definition is the key to distinguishing flood damage from water damage. Also important to note is that flooding must be general and temporary, and it must affect more than just one property.

Generally, damage caused by water that has been on the ground at some point before damaging your home is considered to be flood damage. Examples of flood damage may include:

• A nearby river overflows its banks and washes into you home.
   
• Surface water caused by a heavy rain seeps into your basement because the soil can't absorb the water quickly enough.
   
• A heavy rain or flash flood causes the hill behind your house to collapse into a mud slide that oozes into your home.
   
• Poor drainage in your yard restricts the water flow from leaving your property and due to heavy rains the water level rises until it enters your home.

Flood damage to your home can be insured only with a flood insurance policy -- no other insurance will cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available through your insurance professional. To determine if your home is located in a flood plain, contact your county planning office. If you are living in a flood plain, flood insurance may be an excellent purchase.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

A homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for flood damage, but it does provide coverage for many types of water damage to your home. Just the opposite from flood damage, for insurance purposes, water damage is considered to occur when water damages your home before the water comes in contact with the ground. A few examples of water damage may include:

• A hailstorm smashes your window, permitting hail and rain free access to your home.
   
• A heavy rain soaks through the roof, allowing water to drip through your attic or ceiling.
   
• A broken water pipe spews water in your home.

Even if your homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover the water or flood damage you've experienced, losses from theft, fire or explosion resulting from that damage are covered. For example, if a nearby creek overflows and floods your home, and looters steal some of your possessions after you've evacuated the house, the theft would be covered by your homeowners insurance. However, the flood damage would be covered only if you have flood insurance.

Flood insurance and homeowners insurance do not duplicate coverage for water damage. Instead, they complement each other. It is up to you to talk to decide about flood insurance and homeowners insurance and then decide which insurance coverage you need to protect your home, its contents and your family.
 

SEASONAL HAZARDS STRIKE YEAR-ROUND

Naturally, weather-related disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires are most likely to occur during particular months of the year, when certain conditions create more potential for their formation.

For safety’s sake, it’s good to know which months are most active for weather-related emergencies in your area. However, it’s important to remember that your home and belongings are always at risk of sustaining some type of expensive or even catastrophic damage — weather-related or otherwise — regardless of the season.

Here’s a look at when and where the most fearsome conditions are likely to occur and how adequate insurance can help protect your family from the financial hardship that often comes with the loss of a home or personal property.

Risky Weather Watch

Hurricanes: According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30. Tropical storm activity peaks in August and September, when ocean waters are warmest and circulation in the tropical atmosphere is most pronounced. The condition exists in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Tornadoes: The frequency of tornadoes in a given area corresponds to the times of the year when warm and cold air are most likely to clash. From February to April, the Gulf States see the most tornado activity; by late spring, tornadoes spread to the Midwest and the Tennessee Valley. By mid-summer, tornadoes can occur throughout much of the nation’s center, moving to the upper Midwest and Ohio valleys by late summer. The pattern shifts southward again into the late fall. Although known tornado alleys in the southern and central United States are the most often affected, tornadoes have been documented in all 50 states.2

Wildfires: Fire season varies from region to region, depending on when and where combustible vegetation is present and on variables such as precipitation and humidity levels. For example, in South Carolina, fires are more prevalent in winter when vegetation is dead or dormant, but Michigan’s pine forests are more vulnerable during late spring’s sunny and windy days. Much of the west is at risk during a hot, dry summer. Southern California has become notorious for its combination of warm weather, dry vegetation, and whipping Santa Ana winds that arrive in October. Around the nation, more communities have been built at the edges of forests and wildlife areas, which means that a growing number of homes are ultimately at risk.

If your property is subject to flood risk or damage from an earthquake, you may need a specific policy in addition to your standard hazard insurance. It’s also important that your home and belongings be insured for their full replacement costs. If you are underinsured, it could prove difficult or impossible to rebuild a structure or replace your lost belongings at current market prices.

The most formidable natural disasters often affect a relatively small part of the country, but when images of the destruction make the national news, it’s a reminder of nature’s capacity to strike suddenly and with little warning. Wherever you live, knowing that you are appropriately covered may help you rest easier throughout the year.

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Insurance is an unusual product. It's personal and most often needed in times of stress. If your home catches fire or is burglarized, your insurance agent is one of the first to respond.

That's a big responsibility and we take it seriously. You also may hear from us from time to time because the more we know what's important to you, the better we can serve you. We believe one big advantage of having your insurance with us, an independent insurance agency, is the advice and service we provide. Our goal is to help you protect your way of life.