Helsmoortel Insurance Agency Inc.

10/16/2026

Do you know how to turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home? It’s more important than ever to be ready to respond to natural disasters. Follow these 8 disaster preparedness tips to be ready for anything. Learn more.

10/14/2026

Creating an emergency survival kit can ready you for when disaster strikes. Use Travelers emergency survival kit list to create yours.

10/12/2026

If your possessions are lost or damaged in a storm, it may be difficult to remember all of your belongings. Having a current inventory of your possessions, including make and model numbers, may help you recover faster after a loss. – Learn more.

10/08/2026

October is Fire Prevention Month, serving as a good reminder that fire safety is not something to put off until an emergency happens. In the United States, one home structure fire is reported every 96 seconds, serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of fire safety.

So, that said, our team wanted to share a few practical tips worth reviewing this season:

⚫ Know the leading causes - Cooking and heating are the two leading causes of home fires in the United States. Never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials at least three feet from heat sources, and check electrical cords regularly for damage or fraying.

⚫ Check your smoke alarms - Test them monthly, replace batteries annually, and fully replace any alarm that is 10 or more years old.

⚫ Have an escape plan and practice it - Plan two ways to escape from every room, make sure all windows and doors open easily, and designate an outdoor meeting place.

⚫ Know how to use a fire extinguisher - Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle slowly, and Sweep the nozzle side to side. If you are not confident, get out and call 911.

⚫ Build safer daily habits - Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended, keep matches and lighters locked away from children, avoid overloading outlets, and turn off all appliances before leaving the house or going to bed.

Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and a little preparation goes a long way. If you have further questions about fire safety, we encourage you to reach out to your local fire station.

And if you have any insurance questions or needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to help you.

10/06/2026

Trees can beautify your property, but during storms, they can become a risk. Inspect for dead or broken limbs, watch for leaning trunks, and keep trees healthy with pruning, watering, and pest control. Taking care of your trees can help protect your home and family during severe weather.

Trees can beautify your property, but during storms, they can become a risk. Inspect for dead or broken limbs, watch for leaning trunks, and keep trees healthy with pruning, watering, and pest control. Taking care of your trees can help protect your home and family during severe weather. #...

10/05/2026

Are tree branches on your property too close to power lines or hanging over your house? Fall is a good time to trim overgrown branches before they damage your home or become a safety hazard. Learn more.

10/01/2026

A garage door is the largest opening in the home and the most vulnerable in a storm. Wind-rated garage doors can help provide better protection in severe windstorms. Upgrade to a wind-rated garage door today. Learn more at IBHS.org

09/29/2026

If you’re putting on a new roof, consider renovating to FORTIFIED standards. Learn how FORTIFIED home building standards can help your home better withstand the next storm. Learn more.

09/29/2026

The transition into fall is the ideal window to take stock of your home and address small issues before they become expensive ones. A few hours of attention now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later. Swipe for a few key areas to focus on.

We hope you found this seasonal checklist helpful! If you would like to get recommendations for trusted, local providers that can be of assistance, please feel free to reach out. And as always, if you have any questions or any other needs our team can assist you with, just give the office a call. We are here to help.

09/23/2026

It's the perfect time to get your home ready for fall. Clean gutters, check heating systems, seal windows, and inspect smoke detectors before colder weather arrives. A little maintenance now can help prevent bigger issues later.

It's the perfect time to get your home ready for fall. Clean gutters, check heating systems, seal windows, and inspect smoke detectors before colder weather arrives. A little maintenance now can help prevent bigger issues later.