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Boat Season Pre-Check – DeKok Insurance Group

May 6, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Get your boat ready for summer.

If you love the water, few things are better than boating season. Summer just wouldn’t be summer without spending those long, hot days on Lake Pepin, the Zumbro River, or cruising the Mississippi. Plus all the fun of cooling off with a lazy dip in the water, dropping a line in hopes of catching a “big one,” sunning on the beach across the river, or having an action-packed day of waterskiing and tubing.

Boating is not without its share of pre-summer preparation. If you’re not on the ball early, it’s easy to find yourself midway through July still on dry land.

Tune it up. It’s always a good idea to have your boat winterized at the end of each season, but whether you did or didn’t get it done last year, make sure to get a full tune-up before you hit the lake this summer.
Charge it. Make sure your battery is fully charged.
Clear it out. If there’s a chance any bit of gas from last season is still in your tank, fill it up with fresh gas as well as a stabilizer; this will prevent buildup in the gas lines and injection system.
Give it a test. Before you get the boat all the way into the water and off the trailer, lower your motor into the water and make sure it will turn over.
Plug it up. Ensure your drain plug is in and the bilge pump is functioning properly.
Double- and triple-check. The last thing you want is to be turned away at the ramp for not having an updated registration or missing your ski flag or life vests. Double check that your documents are updated and that your boat is fully stocked with everything you need.
Be sure you’re covered. If you’re not certain you have the right insurance coverage, give me a call at 507-226-8121.

I hope you have a fun-filled and safe boating season!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

[tweetthis]Get your boat ready for summer. #BoatInsurance #Summer #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © veneratio – Fotolia.com

Flood Preparation, Reaction, & Coping Tips – DeKok Insurance Group

April 9, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Joy and I took a ride to Lake City, MN the other day. On our way, we noticed the water was high and moving fast in a couple of the little towns we drove through. Yesterday, in one of the fields near Pine Island, where the river crossed its banks slightly, the water had receded. Although we live on what might be called “high ground,” we’ve been flooded in a couple of times when the main roads we drive was covered in flood waters.

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as important as with other types of emergencies.

Before we get into how you can prepare for, react to, and cope after flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that I can discuss with you. Just contact me at 507-226-8121 or [email protected] for more information.

Preparing for a flood

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. The first two tips will benefit you in any type of emergency.

Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.
Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.
Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

I think it’s also important to be sure you have your cell phone and charger/s with you. If you lose power, and can get to you vehicle, you can recharge the phone there.

Reacting to a flood

If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:

Get information from the radio or television.
Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.
If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

Coping after a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath.

Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.
Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.
Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible. That information is with your policy.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]Flood Preparation, & Reaction. #FloodInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © swa182 – Fotolia.com

Winter Storms – Be Prepared

February 18, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready?

It’s already been one of those winters here in Minnesota. We know it can be worse because it has been. In April 2013, broke all previous snowfall records and on May 2, 2013 – it snowed!

Winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning to sheets of ice, and cars sliding around like hockey pucks. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, frost swells and other damage. Heating your home with fireplaces and holiday lighting can increase the risk of fire.

A picture-perfect winter requires a few precautions. . .

Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze, and emergency road supplies.

Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it is well-ventilated.

Do not overload circuits with holiday decorations.

When winter storms hit, be smart. . .

If you do not have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.

When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally—they’ll be less likely to burst.

And if the power is out, make sure you avoid leaving candles or fires burning unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions and do not use it indoors.

Know what your insurance covers. . .

We want to help you rest easy. You will be more relaxed when you know you have prepared your property to lessen the chance of winter storm damage. Your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs. However, your deductible does apply. Check your policy to see what is covered and to confirm the deductible you have chosen.

If you have any questions at all about your coverage, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected] and I will help you review your options.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready? #Winter #Minnesota #Insurance[/tweetthis]

Photo purchased from Fotolia and used with permission.

Snow Shoveling Safety

February 6, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Shovel snow safely this winter!

A snowdrift is a beautiful thing – if it doesn’t lie across the path you have to shovel or block the road that leads to your destination. -Hal Borland

Winter is here, and with it comes skiing and snowboarding outings, fireplace-lit living rooms, homemade batches of soup… and shoveling snow. Joy and I enjoy rides through Welch Village and enjoy taking a quick glance at the skiers on the slopes as we drive by. Although the snow is beautiful on our land, the only time it looks like fun is watching people on skis glide down the snow-covered hills. Or in the Winter Olympics.

Our driveway is at least 1/4 of a mile long so I don’t shovel it – I have a John Deere tractor with a snow blower attachment, but there are always paths to shovel for our dogs, and around the house.

For many people in Minnesota, snow shoveling is both a reality and a necessity this winter. You probably already know this stuff, but here’s a reminder from the Boston Herald.

Warm-up! Never jump right into an activity. Start by cleaning off your car.
Place your hands a good distance apart on the shovel – it helps with leverage.
Never bend at your waist.
Push the snow when you can.
Scoop smaller loads of snow.
Use your legs, core and arms to help scoop and throw snow.
Always step in the direction you throw snow to avoid excessive twisting on your lower back.
And for 2 tips not included in the Boston Herald. . .you could ask one of the kids in your life for help!
And, when you get in the house, a big cup of hot chocolate is always a good idea.

I don’t know about you, but the below zero temps, snow, and high winds in January have kept me busy. The great thing about living in Minnesota is that if we wait just a little bit longer, we’ll be mowing the lawn!

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. -John Ruskin

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]In #Minnesota, #snow shoveling is both a reality and a necessity this #winter. [/tweetthis]

Snowmobile Season

January 30, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Snowmobile Season Safety Tips from DeKok Insurance Group & the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA)

If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire, and concentrate on staying warm. This is what winter means to my wife Joy: if she has a book, her laptop, and a pot of coffee, she’s set for a quiet adventure with words.

For some of our friends and clients, it’s time to get excited — because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. The following safety tips are from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations — and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times. Click HERE for more information.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible.

If you’d like to see what DeKok Insurance Group can do for you, request a quote today. If your insurance isn’t due for several months, email me your renewal date and the information above. I’ll call or email you around that time.

Have fun and stay safe,

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

[tweetthis]Snowmobile Season Safety Tips #MNWiniter #SnowMobileSafety #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission.