Tag: Helpful Home Tips

Energy Saving Tips

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As winter begins its descent into spring and we begin to plan our family vacations, we would like to provide you with some helpful energy saving tips for the tail end of these cold days.

  • Take advantage of the sun during the day and open the curtains to allow natural light and heat to enter
  • Set the thermostat to the lowest temperature that you can tolerate and only increase heat when you go to sleep to save on your heating bill
  • Layer clothing and use weighted blankets to stay warm instead of running heating system
  • Use blackout curtains to help block the flow of cold air from entering your home

WM-Energy-Saving_2.24.20wm-quote-button

Do I Have Homeowners Insurance or Warranty?

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Many people wonder who to call if something happens to their home that needs to be assessed, inspected or repaired due to damage. However, what company to call is the most important to know since home warranty is completely different then homeowner’s insurance.

A simple way to describe it is that your insurance company such as Western Mutual protects your home from things that MIGHT happen. This includes things like fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters except earthquake and flooding as not all homes are susceptible to those perils.

Home warranty on the other hand is optional and protects you from baring the entire expense of repairing or replacing home appliances and system components in the event that they break down. As stated, home warranty is optional and protects you, while home insurance protects your property from potential hazards.

We hope this helped you out for any future occurrences.

WM-Ins-or-Warranty_1.27.20

wm-quote-button

Simple Ways to Prevent Losses

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

According to the Insurance Information Institute’s latest report about 1 in every 50 homes will file an insurance claim each year. The two reasons topping the chart as the most common losses are wind plus hail and water damage, followed by property damage and theft.  Some losses may be at least partially preventable.

We would like to provide some tips and info on how you could potentially avoid a claim in the coming year.

  • Check all water line connections; this includes appliances in your kitchen, bathroom, wash room and outside hose attachments
  • Inspect all drainage and vents of your home, make sure to sweep out and flush exterior gutters, degrease and clean range hoods as well as unclogging sink/tub drains monthly
  • Trim trees around the home that could potentially cause damage to the siding of your roof, upkeep your lawn and check the sprinkler system
  • Check exterior home for areas that show cracks or need to be repainted and refinished as needed
  • Inspect roof for loose or missing shingles, hire a licensed contractor to repair any damage and keep proof of completed work

  • Install a Wi-Fi Water Detector.  Wi-Fi Water Detectors, particularly those that automatically shut off the water supply to your home if they detect inconsistency in the flow of water, may reduce – or even eliminate – significant water leaks.  We have partnered with FLO Technologies to offer you half off a FLO by Moen device – with free installation!  Visit www.meetflo.com/western-mutual for more information.  If you elect to use another Wi-Fi Water Detection System with automatic water shutoff, we will reimburse you up to $200 for the cost of the system. You may also be eligible for a policy discount when you install a Wi-Fi Water Detection system.

    B702C891-C89F-4BCC-8E15-9D74DAD2B19B

wm-quote-button

Rainy Days To-Do List

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

So it’s raining outside and your day has now taken a soggy turn. Don’t worry, here are some ideas on how to make the best of a rainy day:

WM_Rainy-Day-To-Do_10.19

  • Plan for some rest and relaxation with face masks, hair treatments, warm baths and soothing music
  • Finally take on organizing your kitchen pantry and junk drawer to make it feel like new again
  • Bake your favorite festive treats, it’ll make your home smell good too
  • Sit and plan your expenses for the week or month, now that you have time and are not out and about spending money
  • Plan a movie night to catch up on all the blockbusters you missed
  • Get a quote on your homeowners insurance with our company and see how much you’ll save

wm-quote-button

WM_Rainy-Season-Infographic_2019

Time to D.I.Y.

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

WM_DIY_10.19

As we watch the leaves change colors, feel the nights get a bit colder and make our home smell like cinnamon and pumpkin, take time to do some D.I.Y around your home. Small things can make a big difference in getting your home ready to host your family for the holidays, or a movie night in cuddled up on the couch.

Something as easy as collecting pine cones and pine needles to fill an old vase for an easy centerpiece. Empty out that Mason jar and top it off with Reese’s for the perfect candy display that everyone will love. Dust off your coffee tray and lay a bed of fall leaves as the base for your scented candles. Take an old white sheet and tie-dye it black to make a spooky table runner that looks like a spider web. And of course, most of all, enjoy these moments with your loved ones.

wm-quote-button

Earthquake Preparedness

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

WM-earthquake_9.16.19

Is your home ready for the next big one?

Although earthquakes are unpredictable and years can go by without feeling one, being ready at all times is a must! Everyone knows to take cover and wait it out, but what do you do once the shaking has stopped, will you be ready? A few very important reminders:

  1. Try to maintain close to a full tank of gas in your car at all times (or in portable containers) as gas stations will not operate after a big earthquake.
  2. Share your phone location with family and/or friends so that in the midst of havoc, you can still find each other.
  3. Along with your first aid kit and back up food supply keep a portable charger that can keep your phone alive a little bit longer to call for help.
  4. Check under your sinks for cracks or leakages to make sure you won’t be leaving the house and coming back to a flooded home.
  5. Be ready for aftershocks! Although checking for damages is important, know that aftershocks are more than certain so be prepared to exit or take cover.

wm-quote-button

BBQ Safety

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

WM-BBQ-Season_5.17.19.jpg

Barbeque season is upon us! Are you and your family familiar with BBQ safety tips? Didyou know that you should never place a barbeque near your home or by brush? Have you taught children to not touch the hot grills or for family members to not leave the BBQ unattended? Do you know you aren’t supposed to use a grill indoors or throw away warm coals? Please share the colorful BBQ Safety infographic below with your family and we wish you a safe and fun summer season!

wm-quote-button

BBQ-Safety-Infographic_6.25.18

Water Safety

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

WM-Pool-Time_5.22.19Warmer weather brings with it an excuse to take a dip into a pool, ocean or lake! In addition to brushing up on swim safety, having family members trained in CPR can be crucial in the event of an unlikely emergency. You should also to be vigilant against unwelcomed pests and mosquitos lurking near pools of standing water around your home or outdoor space. Walking, not running, around wet/damp areas is always a good way to prevent injury to family and friends. Using paper or plastic drinkware around the pool or deck areas will eliminate the risk of broken glass and related potential injuries. Finally, maintaining a buddy system is critical in helping prevent avoidable water accidents at home or elsewhere.

Remember to have fun & be safe!

wm-quote-button

Spring Savings Home Maintenance

On By Western Mutual BlogIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Take advantage of the longer daylight hours this springtime and tackle some much-needed home upkeep!  Our homes are often our biggest investment, so routine maintenance should be performed to keep it happy and healthy. Open up your windows, “Marie Kondo” (clean out) your closets and show your house a little love, both inside and out! A plan could be to start outside and work your way inward. Rake away leaves and clear debris to see if your home is in good condition or has any cracks around its foundation. Be proactive and catch problem spots before they present issues in the future. Also, be sure to check pipes, heater/AC lines, dryer vents and windows as these can all allot for unnecessary wasted utilities which can present a cost savings for you, the homeowner! Happy Spring cleaning to you!

wm-quote-button

Fire Preparedness

On By Western Mutual BlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

In honor of the recent deadly fires that ravaged Southern California, we kindly remind you to brush up on your fire safety preparedness tips. Check out a Fire Prevention & Safety Checklist created by the Red Cross. We have created a video highlighting how Western Mutual has helped our customers rebuild in the face of destruction and will share it with you in the coming weeks! Be sure to check back soon! We thank you for letting us protect you and your home!

wm-quote-button