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What to Do After A Flood

- Monday, December 27, 2021

Anyone who's been through a flood knows that recovering after this kind of disaster isn't easy. You're forced to accept that irreplaceable family treasures and memories may be gone forever, your furniture is destroyed, potentially along with your home. It's a devastating and emotional moment and a lot to take in all at once. But you know the only thing you can do is move forward, and begin the steps needed to restore your home.

As soon as the floodwaters recede, you can return to your home as long as officials give the OK to do so. Before entering your home, however, make sure it is safe!

Tips for staying safe upon return:

  • Check for structural damage and use extreme caution. One way to do this is to check if the walls are vertical and straight.
  • Turn off the electricity in your home at the main breaker or fuse box. Make sure you stand in a dry spot to do this! If you can't stand in a dry spot, call an electrician who will take care of the risk.
  • Two people in rain boots standing on a wet floor
  • Turn off the gas. If you smell something unusual, leave immediately and call your gas company from another location.
  • Check your sewage system. Repair damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. These serious health hazards.
  • Take precaution when inspecting your home. Your home may have sagging ceilings and areas that are still flooded. Also beware of critters like snakes, spiders and rodents that may have taken refuge in your home!
  • Bring waterproof boots, a first aid kit, cleaning supplies and a battery-powered flashlight with you before entering the house! You never know what you'll run into.

Tips for claim reporting:

Another important step to take when recovering from a flood is reporting your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. While flood coverage is typically not provided under most homeowners and renters policies, flood insurance may be available to you through the federally regulated program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you need assistance to locate your flood insurance carrier, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A claims adjuster should contact you within a day or two after report of the claim, depending on the severity of the flood event.

When reporting a claim, you should have the following information available:

  • Your name and address
  • Policy number
  • Date the loss happened
  • Description of events that led to loss
  • Active phone number
  • Confirm what's covered under your NFIP policy (some policyholders may only have building or personal property items coverage, not both)

Tips for inspections:

The next step, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is to prepare for your inspection. After deeming the structure safe for entry, take as many photos or videos of the flood-damaged property on the outside and inside. Take pictures of high-cost items as well like washers and dryers, hot water heaters, televisions and kitchen appliances. It's also a good idea to separate the damaged from undamaged items prior to the inspection.

When the adjuster arrives, they will inspect your property including taking measurements and photos and give you an overview of the NFIP flood claims process. Remember that some flood insurance claims are more complex than others. Some may be opened and closed quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to resolve.

If your vehicle was also damaged in a flood event, it's best to call your auto insurance provider to see if you're covered for the loss.

If you are a Lallis & Higgins insurance customer and need to file a claim on your home or auto, contact us.

foremost.com


Happy New Year Wishes from Lallis & Higgins Insurance

- Monday, December 20, 2021
Happy New Year Wishes from Lallis & Higgins Insurance

Our warmest New Year’s wishes from the entire team here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance. Calendar year 2021 and these ever-challenging global events placed heavy burdens upon us all. But in many ways, and supported by family, friends, and all of you, 2021 was a uniquely remarkable year, reminding us of hope, family, gatherings and more. This time of year reminds us to recognize the joy that each and every one of you has brought to our lives. We recognize that our business exists because of your friendship, fellowship, trust, and loyalty.

Our New Year’s resolution is to nurture our ever strengthening partnership with you and to deliver value to you, your business, and your family through the entirety of 2022.

Throughout this Holiday season may you be blessed with health and surrounded by friends and family. We hope that the new year brings all of you uninterrupted good health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy New Year from Lallis & Higgins Insurance. As Anne Frank said, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”


Frozen pipes: What to do if Your Pipes Freeze

- Monday, December 13, 2021
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Frozen Pipes

Surprisingly, one of the most common problems that homeowners face this time of year is frozen water pipes. Here is some information to safely get pipes thawed:

What should you do if a water pipe freezes?

You should make sure it never happens again! When the water freezes, it tries to expand inside the pipe. It pushes against the sides of the pipe, as well as any nearby valves, seams and faucets. The freezing action of the water is more than capable of rupturing any pipe.

Unfortunately, a water pipe may freeze even if you have taken precautions. Whatever the cause, it's important that you thaw out your pipe for two reasons:

You almost certainly need the water.

You should be at home when the pipe thaws, just in case the pipe and/or joint is ruptured.

Bear in mind that a frozen pipe doesn't leak—the water is ice. You'll discover you have a leak only after the ice melts. If you're not home, a ruptured pipe can cause a great deal of damage.

Here are some methods to thaw out frozen pipes:

CAUTION!: Before you try any of these methods, first open the faucet the frozen pipe supplies. The steam you create while heating the pipe can burst the pipe if it doesn't have an escape.

Method #1: Use electric heat tape on the pipe, and wait for it to thaw out. This is a good method to use because it slowly thaws the pipe, which means it reduces wear and tear on the pipe itself.

CAUTION!: Remember to use only heat tape certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for use with mobile homes. Be careful never to wrap the heat tape back over itself. This could cause the heat tape to overheat and start a fire.

Method #2: Wrap the pipe with several layers of cloth or toweling and pour hot water over the cloth / toweling. Repeat several times until the pipe is unfrozen.

Method #3: Direct a heat lamp on the pipe itself. Place the lamp at least a foot away from the pipe. Cover adjacent areas with a layer of aluminum foil so the heat does not scorch these materials. Make sure the heat lamp is on dry ground. Even better, plug it into a ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.

CAUTION!: Do not use any direct heating method if the frozen pipe is next to a gas pipe! Call a professional for help.

Method #4: Hold a hand-operated hair dryer to the pipe, and slowly move up and down the length of the frozen section. Make sure you are standing on dry ground. Because you are working this close to water, plug the dryer into a GFCI protected outlet.

You will know the pipe is thawed out when water starts to trickle out of the open faucet. Let the water run for a while to completely clear the pipe. Then, close the faucet and check for leaks.

CAUTION!: Do not use a propane torch to thaw out frozen pipes. Do not use a propane torch even if it has a fire spreader attachment. This is not only a fire hazard, but it's also a quick way to destroy your plastic plumbing pipes.

We want you to be safe in your home and prevention is the key.

Source: foremost.com


Winter Bucket List

- Thursday, December 09, 2021
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Winter Bucket List

Santa’s wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Patriots Place

Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland – a Christmas Classic – is returning to Bass Pro Shops at the Patriots Place store in Foxboro! The rest of the Christmas season families are invited to create new traditions and lasting memories at Bass Pro Shops through no-cost pictures with Santa, crafts for kids, and games and activities to celebrate the season.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland

Gillette Stadium Holiday Magic of Lights Foxboro

Gillette Stadium will be hosting the Magic of Lights. You and your family will be able to enjoy a one-mile holiday lights display drive-thru from Friday, November .19 through Friday, December. 24
https://magicoflights.com/events/foxborough/

Marshfield Holiday Light Show at Fairgrounds

The Marshfield Holiday Light Show will be back starting November 19 – December 30, this is great family night out
https://boldmedia.ticketspice.com/marshfield-holiday-light-show

La Salette Christmas light display in Attleboro, MA

If you are looking to experience the Christmas spirit brightly decorated, you should check out La Salette Shrine in Attleboro. The shrine is decorated with the most extensive and beautiful display of Christmas lights in the area. Begins November 25th- January 2nd
https://lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/christmas-festival

South Shore Sights and Lights BYOB- 21+

Check out some of the South Shore's most beautiful holiday light displays, listen to music, sing songs, and make new friends! Halfway through the trip, we will arrive at a dining establishment where all guests can grab a drink or 2! There will also be a full bar and appetizers available to all guests!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7pm-south-shore-sights-and-lights-holiday-trolley-tour-adults-only-byob-tickets-175216175297?aff=ebdiayyoutube

ZOOLIGHTS! At the Stone Zoo

Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Take a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/zoolights/

The polar express 4-D Experience at Jordans Furniture in Avon

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4-D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
https://www.jordans.com/content/attractions/mom

A Christmas Carol- The Company Theatre Center for the Arts

The Company Theatre is proud to bring back a joyous South Shore holiday tradition, our signature production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Three spirits visit the miserly Scrooge on Christmas Eve and whisk him away on a journey through memories of his past and glimpses of his future.
https://www.companytheatre.com/a-christmas-carol/


The Cost of Flooding

- Monday, December 06, 2021

Flooding can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. With flood insurance, you're able to recover faster and more fully.

Use this tool below to see how much flood damage – even from just a few inches of water – could cost you.

Lallis & Higgins Insurance

Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home.

See how much a flood could cost you.

Buy flood insurance today.

Call Lallis & Higgins Insurance, the same company who sells your home or auto insurance.

Source: floodsmart.gov



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