Christmas in July?

Christmas in July? Could it really be? 

Ok, maybe not exactly Christmas but SNOW?!? We were shocked to hear that Montana, Wyoming and Idaho received snow this week. 

Article from the Washington Post Says: 

On Monday, an unusually intense cold front — which forecasters described as “exceptional” — swept through the northern Rockies. The front set the stage for a rare July snow event that deposited up to several inches at above 8,000 feet elevations in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

“This pattern should not happen in July,” commented the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office in Billings, which is bracing for its “windiest July day ever” in the front’s wake.

As the front blew through, it also triggered severe thunderstorms, including a possible tornado that destroyed seven camper trailers in the Bighorn mountains, according to the NWS forecast office in Riverton, Wyo.

Although this particular snow event produced more snow in more areas than normal, very light amounts of snow are not uncommon at very high elevations in parts of the northern Rockies in July. Montana has at least one reporting station, Mystic Lake (elevation of almost 8,000 feet) in the southern part of the state, that averages 0.1 inches snow in July.

Now we all know how unpredictable the Wyoming weather can be and it's important to take the steps to be prepared for anything. Even winter in July! Follow the link below to see just how Allstate can help you to make the proper preparations to weather proof your home. 

http://blog.allstate.com/weatherproofing-your-way-to-a-warmer-winter/

We may not like the snow blistering through our nice warm summer, but we can be thankful it reminded us of what we need to do to prepare for the real winter that is just around the corner. 

Merry Christmas??

4 Survival Skills for Everyday Life

Lets face it, we all live extremely busy lives and sometimes the small things that happen in our daily lives can really upset us if we are not prepared. We wanted to share just 4 tips to help make your life just a little easier and possibly avoid any major problems! 

1. Lower Fridge Temp Before A Power Outage:

Living in this small community we experience a lot of random power outages that are impossible to prepare for. But when you get the notice from the electric company of scheduled power outages you can prepare to make sure that your food does not go bad. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and when a large storm is coming through you can also make sure to lower that temp down, just in case! A full freezer can last up to 2 days without power, but the food in a fridge will start to go bad with in 4 hours. Once the power is restored just make sure.

2. Invading Pests: Look At Things From Animal Eye Level:

Lets face it we have all had, sometime in our life, a problem with pests. It is important to check the perimeter of your home and yard closely, as if you were an animal invader. Look for holes around the foundation that pests can enter. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, any opening larger than a quarter of an inch should be sealed up. Be sure to check out areas around porches, decks and even window air conditioning units. And don’t forget to look up. Animals can scale walls and trees, so trim those tree branches by the house; that way, they can’t use them as pathways into your home. We all know that if we are not careful these pests can become a serious problem!

3. Random Injuries: Honey Is A Sweet Salve For Treating Scrapes:

The next time someone has a minor boo-boo, reach for the honey. The National Center for Biotechnology Information says it’s a great natural germ killer and antiseptic for cuts and scrapes because it contains hydrogen peroxide. The thick, viscous nature of honey also forms a natural barrier and even helps prevent scarring, too. And on top of all that, it can even work on antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

4. Darkness: LED Flashlights Last Longer:

If your power goes out, battery-powered LED flashlights and lanterns are a good idea because they last six to 10 times longer than incandescent models, according to familyhandyman.com. It’s also smart to get some of those LED puck lights that are typically used for under-cabinet lighting. They run on batteries and can be placed in bathrooms, bedrooms and hallways. 

It is always better to be prepared and ready for what life is going to throw at you! 

It's a Jungle out there... are you ready? 

Does Home Insurance cover floods?

You don't have to live in a high-risk flood zone to be affected by a flood. Floods and flash floods can occur anywhere, even in the desert. Just an inch of water can cause damage to your property. In fact, in the U.S., flood related losses cost people more then a billion dollars a year. 

We have witnessed just how devastating a flash flood can be just within the last couple of days. The town 60 miles east of us, Rock Springs, Wy, was hit with a flash flood. So many people have lost almost everything they own. As an insurance agent it is heart breaking to see. Here are just a few photos of the damage done this week in Rock Springs.

Did you know that damage caused from a flood is not covered under your home insurance policy? Even minor incidences, for example, leaving your sprinkler on all night and your basement floods, or ground water seeping into the basement is not covered by your home policy. 

Did you know that Allstate offers flood insurance? Here are a few points and tips to keep you informed about the importance of having flood insurance to make sure you are protecting yourself. 

The Benefits Of Flood Insurance.

Though the government determines flood insurance coverage and premiums, you can still purchase your flood policy through Allstate—even if you don't have an existing property policy with us. So why choose Allstate for flood insurance? Because it gives you access to invaluable features and benefits, like:

• 24/7 nationwide claims support and assistance
• A dedicated agent who can help you understand your flood coverage
• Assistance finding discounts to help you maximize your savings

Fast Facts About Claims And Coverage.

Understanding your flood risk and what flood insurance typically protects can help you choose coverage that meets your needs. Here are some facts you should know:

• The average flood loss is $38,0002.
• Nearly 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from areas not considered high risk1.
• There is a waiting period before your flood insurance policy goes into effect, typically 30 days from the application and premium payment date2.
• If flood insurance is required for your mortgage loan, you may not have to wait 30 days. Usually, the loan closing date will be the effective date3.
• Flood insurance can help protect you even if a federal disaster isn't declared.
• Less than 50 percent of all flooding incidents are awarded a Federal Disaster Assistance declaration4, and most disaster assistance is provided in the form of a loan that must be repaid with interest5.

Protect Against Other Types Of Water Damage.

Most flood insurance policies and basic property insurance policies do not cover water backup damage. This type of damage is typically caused by water that overflows from a sump pump or backs up through sewers or drains.

Even A Little Water Can Cause Big Damage.

Flood insurance coverage can help you protect your property and your belongings. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) determines coverage and premiums, but when you purchase a flood policy from Allstate, you'll get the support of a knowledgeable agent and service you can count on.

A flood insurance policy can help protect your house, condo, apartment, mobile home or even your business. Most flood insurance policies can include three types of coverage: building coverage, contents coverage and replacement cost coverage. Each of these coverage options offers different kinds of protection.

• Building coverage
  This protects the physical structure of your home or non-residential property.
• Contents coverage
  This covers your belongings—the items inside your home. Some examples include clothing, furniture, microwaves and grills.
• Replacement cost coverage
  This coverage helps reimburse you for the cost of replacing your home. Replacement cost coverage is only available to owners of single-family, primary residences that are insured to within 80 percent of the total replacement cost1.

Your flood insurance could also help cover the cost of items, like sandbags, used to protect your property from the imminent danger of a flood. Contents coverage and replacement cost coverage is not included in all polices. Be sure to talk to an agent to understand what is covered and what isn't.

Learn About Flood Insurance Limits.

An insurance limit is the highest amount your policy will pay for a covered loss. If you have damage or losses over the amount of your policy limit, you are responsible for those costs. The NFIP offers the following maximum limits for most flood insurance policies:

• Building coverage can typically insure your residential building's structural elements up to $250,000, or your non-residential building at up to $500,0002. Replacement coverage may be available for single-family, primary residences.
• Contents coverage can typically insure your belongings at up to $100,000 for residential policies and up to $500,000 for non-residential policies2. Contents are covered for actual cost value, which is the value of the item at the time it's lost—not the item's purchase price. Replacement cost coverage is not available for contents.

We hope that you found this information helpful. Please contact us to learn more about flood insurance and how you can get your policy going today. 

Don't wait till it's too late!