Life Tips

Preparing For Winter – Before The Snow Flies

Prokop Team · November 7, 2024 ·

As winter approaches in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding areas of Minnesota, preparing for cold weather and snow-related challenges is crucial for protecting your home, vehicle, and well-being. Freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice can lead to costly damages, from burst pipes and roof collapses to car accidents and liability risks.

As an insurance agent, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive winter preparation—such as insulating pipes, servicing heating systems, maintaining proper insurance coverage, and ensuring vehicles are winter-ready—can prevent major financial and personal stress. Taking the time to prepare before the snow flies can help you stay safe, avoid unexpected expenses, and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Before The Snow Flies

Have Your Furnace or Boiler Checked: Schedule a professional check-up for your furnace or boiler. Think of this like a medical physical for your home’s heating system. A qualified technician can spot potential problems before they turn into emergency breakdowns – especially when you need heat the most during a freezing storm. They’ll inspect the flue vent and make sure everything is running smoothly, which can prevent unexpected and expensive repairs.
Check Your Roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles, and ensure the flashing around chimneys and vents is secure. A damaged roof can lead to water damage and mold growth.
Remove Overhanging Branches: Take a close look at the trees around your house and cut back any branches that hang over your roof or look weak and unstable. During winter storms, heavy snow and strong winds can turn these branches into dangerous projectiles. A branch loaded with ice can snap like a twig and crash through your roof, causing expensive damage.
Inspect Your Chimney: If you use a fireplace, don’t skip the yearly professional chimney checkup. Creosote – a sticky, black substance from burning wood – can build up inside your chimney and create a serious fire hazard. A trained expert can clean out this dangerous buildup and make sure your fireplace is ready to use safely. Skipping this maintenance could put your home and family at risk of a potentially devastating chimney fire.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System: Drain your sprinkler system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Protect Outdoor Plants: Cover delicate plants with frost-protective covers or bring them indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Test Your Sump Pump: Basement flooding can be a nightmare, so make sure your sump pump is ready to do its job. Test it a few times a year by pouring water into the pit and watching how quickly it pumps out. If it doesn’t work right, you could end up with a wet, damaged basement that costs thousands to repair.
Insulate Water Lines That Run Along Exterior Walls. This will help keep your water pipes from freezing and help to prevent damage from frozen pipes.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction: Switch the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise to push warm air downward and create a more efficient heating system.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries if necessary.

Check Your Supplies

Plenty Of Wood For A Fireplace. If you will be using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have a supply of dry, seasoned wood. If you start a wood-burning fire, follow all fireplace or wood stove safety precautions.
Prepare An Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and a portable charger. Here is a link our ultimate winter emergency kit for Minnesota.
A Supply Of Food, Warm Clothes and Medications. Keep a supply of warm clothing and blankets to stay comfortable during power outages or extreme weather. Pack enough non-perishable food and critical medications to support your family for at least three days. Build an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, a well-stocked first-aid kit, and other crucial supplies. Think of this kit as your family’s backup plan when normal resources become unavailable. Being prepared can make a huge difference in keeping your family safe and comfortable during unexpected emergencies.
Power Up Electronics. During storms or unexpected blackouts, having a charged device could be more than just convenient – it could keep you safe.Keep portable chargers, extra batteries, or power banks fully charged so you can call for help, check emergency updates, contact family or be entertained if a sudden power outage hits.
Fire Extinguishers: Make sure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and easily accessible.
Fuel. Check that you have sufficient fuel for your generator, if you have one.
Fun. Keep cards, puzzles and board games around in the event that online entertainment isn’t available.

Doors & Windows

Caulk And Weather-Strip Doors And Windows. Protect your house from freezing temperatures by blocking drafts around doors and windows. Use caulk and weather-stripping to stop cold air from sneaking in – it’s like giving your home a warm winter jacket. If your doors and windows are old and worn out, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern windows and doors can dramatically cut heat loss, keeping your home warmer and potentially saving you money on energy bills.
Replace Screens With Storm Windows. Swap out your lightweight screens for sturdy storm windows. They block icy drafts and provide extra insulation. Not only do they help keep your home warmer, but they also shield your windows from potential damage during severe storms. This simple change can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and protected during tough winter weather.
Consider using plastic insulation over windows. It can help to keep cold air and drafts out of your house, especially if you have old windows. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using plastic window insulation, including safety recommendations.

Winter Activities:

Shovel snow regularly: Shoveling snow regularly can prevent ice buildup on walkways and driveways, reducing the risk of slips and falls. If you need a reminder… Here is a funny video of people falling on ice.
Remove Snow from Roof: Use a snow rake to remove heavy snow from your roof to prevent ice dams. Ice dams can cause water damage to your roof and ceilings.
Maintain Indoor Humidity: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during dry winter months. This can help prevent dry skin, respiratory issues, and static electricity.
Use caution when using ice melt: Be mindful of the type of ice melt you use, as some can damage concrete, animals, flooring and plants.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can be produced by faulty heating systems. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Never use an oven or a range as a home heating device.
Stay safe when using a snow blower: Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and be aware of the dangers of throwing snow.
Be prepared for power outages: Have a backup power source, such as a generator, to keep your home warm and your appliances running during power outages.

By taking these additional precautions, you can help to protect your home and family from winter-related hazards and potential insurance claims.

Other areas of the home

Insulate walls and attic. This is a proven way to reduce heat loss if your power goes out in a storm. If you’re not sure how much insulation you need, check with a professional insulation installer.
Inspect your roof. From the ground, look for wear and sagging areas. If you find any, have a professional roofer check them out and repair them. Weakened roof areas could be further damaged or collapse under the heavy weight of snow and ice.
Repair roof leaks. Expansion and contraction of ice can make roof leaks worse. Have a professional roofer repair leaks quickly in order to prevent additional water damage.
Remove weak and overhanging branches. Get rid of any branches that are overhanging your roof or near your house. These branches could break away under the weight of snow and ice or because of severe winds and cause damage to your roof and other property.

Stay inside – and be safe outside

The best thing you and your family can do is to remain indoors during a severe winter storm. However, if you do need to go outside around your property to shovel or salt, there are a few added precautions to take:

If you go outside to shovel snow, know your limits and avoid overtaxing yourself.
Protect, identify and treat frostbite and hypothermia by wearing layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
Stay away from downed power lines.

Be sure you have the right insurance coverage

Review your insurance policy: Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for winter-related damage, such as frozen pipes, roof damage, and water damage. If you are unsure if you are protected please contact me for a complimentary insurance review. We make it easy to work with us, send us a message, setup a 30 minute meeting in person or virtual or call us. Prokop Insurance Agency wants to make sure you have the right coverage to protect your home and vehicle.

Lower Summer Electric Bills

Prokop Team · June 13, 2023 ·

Figuring out how to lower summer electric bills in Minnesota with our humidity can be difficult, especially when temperatures are at their hottest. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to save on your electricity bill during the summer months. Try these energy-saving tips so you can focus more on the pleasures of summer.

Insulate your home
Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Reducing the energy spent on cooling by improving insulation is a great way to lower your summer electric bills. Newer homes generally are better insulated than older, unimproved homes because building energy codes have become progressively stricter over the years, says the DOE. If you have an older home, consider adding better insulation. Unless your newer home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, your utility bills will still probably benefit from improving your home’s insulation.
Turn on your ceiling fan
Install ceiling fans, which can help everyone in the room feel cooler without the need to run the A/C as much – or at all. While the fans don’t actually lower the temperature in the room, they create a wind-chill effect and make you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on the skin. Another summer energy-saving tip: Ceiling fans are of no use when no one is in the room, so turn them off when you leave.
Close the drapes and blinds to reduce heat gain
Keep draperies and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house. Adding awnings can help, too. Looking for a longer-term solution that will add to the beauty of your property? Plant trees. “This Old House” recommends particular trees for fast-growing (1½ to 2 feet per year) shade options.
Be smart about peak-time summer utility rates
Plan to run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak usage times and potentially higher rates. Utility companies often raise gas and electricity rates during the hottest time of the day, according to Energy Upgrade California. You can still load the dishwasher after meals, but waiting a bit to run it can help lower summer electric bills.
Check for air conditioner efficiency
The DOE recommends having a professional check and clean your air conditioner (and your heater) once a year. If the unit is more than 15 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient unit. A new system can greatly reduce your energy costs, says the DOE, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. On your current system, check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with a duct mastic sealant. Keep yard debris away from the outside compressor of your air-conditioning unit and keep nearby bushes trimmed.
Look for the Energy Star symbol
Planning to replace your washer, dryer or refrigerator? Shop with energy savings in mind. The U.S. government’s Energy Star program certifies products that meet strict energy-saving specifications. According to Energy Star, washers built before 2003 are significantly less efficient than newer models. Energy Star washing machines use about 25% less energy and 40% less water compared with regular washers. Similar money and energy savings can be found in newer dryers, refrigerators and other appliances that are Energy Star-certified.
Use the grill instead of the oven
Running your oven on hot days makes your air conditioner run more to keep the house cool. Firing up the backyard grill for a barbecue instead can help you save on your electric bills in the summer.

Once you finish using these summer energy-saving tips for your home, check out these summer heat safety tips to help protect yourself and your family.

How To Prevent Car Theft

Prokop Team · May 11, 2023 ·

How to prevent car theft? According to estimates from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there were more than 745,000 motor vehicle thefts in the first nine months of 2022 in the U.S. [1] [2] And when citizens are targeted in the most potentially dangerous of these crimes – carjacking – the attacker succeeds in roughly half of all attempts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

To find out how to prevent carjacking and car theft, read on.

1. Don’t leave valuables in your car

You don’t display your cash, financial statements, and jewelry in your home’s windows, do you? So why would you do the same in your car? Instead, hide any valuables, including purses, computer bags, and the ignition key. You’d be surprised how often people don’t.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, between 2019 and 2022, more than 100,000 reported vehicle thefts were facilitated by keys, including situations where keys were left inside the vehicle. [3] One-fourth left a purse or wallet inside, and one-third have left bank statements. In addition, one-third say they’ve kept their vehicle running while unoccupied.

2. Park in a well-lit area

Not everyone has a garage. But many have the option of parking on a well-lit street – another deterrent for crooks. Also, etch the vehicle identification number on windows to discourage thieves from stealing the vehicle and selling it to a chop shop.

3. Lock your vehicle doors

The minute you step into an automobile, you’re vulnerable. So lock up right away, before starting the ignition or setting up your music, GPS, etc. (Buckling up is the second “to do.”)

4. Don’t leave your keys in the car

“It’ll just be for a second, I’m only running into the store for a couple things.”

Unfortunately, “a second” is all a thief will need if you leave the keys in the car for them. So always take your keys with you no matter where or how briefly you’ll be out of your vehicle. It sounds obvious, but this is one of the most important ways to prevent car theft.

5. Stay alert

Staying alert is the best example of how to prevent carjacking. When stopped or slowing down, you increase the opportunity for a carjacker. So at traffic lights, exercise caution. “When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to move forward,” says Brent O’Bryan, vice president of learning and development for AlliedBarton Security Services, a physical security firm. [4]

6. Know where you’re going

Just as you want to stay in well-lit areas while parking, you don’t want to “hide” in the darkness while driving. “Don’t head into remote or unfamiliar areas,” O’Bryan says. “If you feel like you’re being followed, don’t drive home. Don’t park next to a vehicle such as a van which could be hiding a suspect.” [4]

7. Install an anti-theft system

If someone tries to break into your car, you’ll want to make it apparent to anyone in earshot that this has occurred. Anti-theft systems emit loud alarms when they detect forced entry into your vehicle, alerting anyone nearby and potentially scaring the would-be thief from sticking around. You can also install a GPS tracking system that will show the location of your vehicle if the thief successfully makes off with it.

Having an anti-theft device in your vehicle may earn you a discount on your car insurance.

8. Stay cool during a crisis

Even if you take every precaution, you could still get involved in a carjacking. If so, your and your passengers’ safety remains the top priority. Stay calm – if you panic, it’s more likely a criminal will too. “Never argue; give up your car,” O’Bryan says. “Get away from the area as quickly as possible. Note the suspect’s appearance, and immediately report it to the police.” [4]

Most commonly stolen cars

You might expect thieves to go for the glitziest, most expensive-looking cars they can find, but the trouble with those vehicles is that they stand out in a crowd. No car thief wants to be seen after they make their getaway, so the most commonly stolen cars are some of the most widely owned models. Ford F-series pickup trucks and Honda Civics have been US frequently targeted for this precise reason. In 2021, cars like Civics were also popular because they share parts with other Hondas, making them valuable for stripping and selling. [5]

More recently, in a 2022 HLDI study, 2019-2021 models of Dodge Chargers topped the charts for most stolen vehicles. [6]

What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Certain vehicles are also being singled out to steal their catalytic converters. Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius use expensive metals to construct their catalytic converters, making them prime targets. [7] Thieves will steal the catalytic converter and sell it for the value of its metal.

Does insurance cover car theft?

So, you took all the precautions, but someone managed to make off with your car anyway. Are you covered? It depends on your policy. Comprehensive policies will typically cover theft. However, policies like liability insurance do not.

Contact us for a FREE review of your insurance, quotes and learn more about what your car insurance will cover in the event of car theft.

27 Spring Cleaning Tips

Prokop Team · May 3, 2023 ·

These are Prokop Insurance best 27 Spring Cleaning Tips for your house, car, and life. We know any cleaning can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and these 27 tips, you can tackle every nook and cranny. From decluttering to deep cleaning appliances to organizing paperwork and cleaning outdoor furniture, these tips will help you create a clean and comfortable space to enjoy all spring and summer long. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started!

Declutter: Get rid of anything you don’t need or haven’t used in the past year.
Create a cleaning schedule: Plan out what needs to be done and when.
Start with the big stuff: Clean the larger items first, such as furniture and appliances.
Dust everything: Get rid of dust and cobwebs from corners, ceilings, and walls.
Wash windows: Clean the glass and frames, and don’t forget the sills and tracks.
Clean curtains and blinds: Dust or wash your curtains and blinds to remove accumulated dirt.
Scrub floors and carpets: Give your floors a good scrub or steam clean, and shampoo carpets.
Clean upholstery: Vacuum and spot clean your furniture.
Tackle the kitchen: Clean the fridge, oven, microwave, and cabinets.
Clean the bathroom: Scrub the toilet, sink, shower, and tub.
Wash bedding: Wash and replace your bedding, including sheets, pillows, blankets, and duvets.
Clean out the closet: Declutter your closet and organize your clothes and accessories.
Deep clean appliances: Clean your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer.
Clean the garage: Get rid of any clutter and organize your tools and equipment.
Polish metal fixtures: Clean and polish your faucets, doorknobs, and other metal fixtures.
Clean light fixtures: Dust and clean your light fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs.
Check smoke detectors: Test your smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary.
Clean air vents: Vacuum or dust your air vents and replace filters if necessary.
Clean the chimney: Have your chimney professionally cleaned if you have a wood-burning fireplace.
Clean outdoor furniture: Clean your patio furniture and prepare it for outdoor use.
Clean the grill: Scrub your barbecue grill and prepare it for summer cookouts.
Clean the yard: Rake leaves, trim bushes, and remove any debris or clutter from your yard.
Organize your paperwork: Sort through your paperwork and organize important documents.
Clean your car: Give your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out.
Clean your pets’ areas: Scrub your pets’ beds, toys, and food and water bowls.
Donate unwanted items: Donate any unwanted items to a local charity.
Celebrate: Once you’re finished, enjoy the fresh, clean feeling of your home and treat yourself for a job well done!

Make Spring a time of renewal and rejuvenation by giving your home, budget, and life a good deep clean to feel fresh and new again. If we can help with your auto, home, life, and any other insurance part of your life please contact us for a free consultation.