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SEPTEMBER 2011
Winterize Your Home
Expectations of both colder weather and higher oil prices have the Energy Department forecasting a hike in residential heating bills. That's why it's important to check your home to insure your heating dollars aren't being wasted.
But there's a lot you can do to nip those heating costs in the bud:
Check for leaks. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner's heating dollars. Read more.
- Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping, and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape.
- Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.
- Close that damper - it's an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing!
Check your insulation. Insulate your attic.
Check your heating system.
- Get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system each autumn to make sure it's in good working order.
- Replace your heater's air filter monthly.
- If your heating system is old, you might consider updating it.
- Program your thermostat to allow you to automatically turn down the heat when you're away at work or when you're sleeping at night.
Courtesy of West Bend Mutual. Click here to read the full article.
JULY 2011
Cox Insurance Summer Newsletter
• Ric Cox Agent of the Year
• Client Survey Results
• Industry Insights: Don't Text & Drive
JUNE 2011
Living the Good Life: The Case for Optimism!
In our ongoing quest to help our network of clients and friends stay happy and healthy, Cox Insurance hosted a luncheon and presentation focused on living with a grateful mind, good communication and humor.
Dr. Robert Veninga shared his message on living with resilience and a positive attitude. For a summary of the presentation, download the PDF or visit Dr. Veninga's website.
APRIL 2011
Ric Cox: 2011 MN Agent of the Year
Cox Insurance Associates attended the MN Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association award ceremony where Ric Cox was named 2011 MN Agent of the Year.
This is a great honor, and we cannot think of anyone more deserving. Ric earned this title by working hard to maintain his father's original mission statement from 1950, to "provide quality insurance for each client and give ongoing service that exceeds client expectations."
Congratulations, Ric!
FEBRUARY 2011
Home Protection Tips
Nine out of ten household burglaries are preventable. Knowing about a burglar's three worst enemies can help protect your home from crime: 1. Light, 2. Time and 3. Noise
A burglar won't find your home an "easy mark" if he's forced:
• To work in the light
• Has to take a lot of time breaking in
• If he can't work quietly
• Take the time to "case" your house or apartment, just as a burglar would. Here are a few questions you probably should ask yourself. Read more.
Q. Where is the easiest entry? How can you make it more burglar resistant?
A. Trim trees and shrubs near your doors and window, and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but privacy is a burglar's asset. Exterior lights, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
Q. How can you slow burglars down?
A. Time is a burglar's enemy, too. A burglar delayed for four or five minutes is apt to give up and try for another, less difficult location.
Install good locks and use them. Many homes are guarded only by spring-latch door locks which can often be opened by sliding something, like a credit card, through the door. Any door opening to the outside should have a one-inch key-operated deadbolt lock held in place by screws at least three inches long.
Secure your windows. Many windows come equipped with latches that enterprising burglars can readily circumvent. To secure double hung windows, for instance, install removable pins through the window sashes (kits are available at most hardware stores).
Q. How about noise?
A. Try to make the general prospect of robbing your home a noisy job. Noise is that important third enemy of the burglar. Many types of alarm systems are available, with detectors to be mounted on doors and windows. Deciding just how much home protection you need, and can afford, is a personal judgment. Ask your police department or sheriff to have someone survey your home and advise you about suitable protection.
Courtesy of West Bend Mutual. Click here to read the full article.