Home Sense
811: The Number To Call Before Digging
Whether you’re planting a garden, installing a mailbox, or hiring a contractor for a more complex job, it’s important to call 811 before digging in your yard. Why? Calling 811 will get your underground utility lines marked and your project off to a safe start. Utility services such as cable TV, telephone, electric, gas, water,…
Read MoreStay-At-Home Safety Check: How To Outsmart 4 Common Risks
Even though some states have started easing restrictions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, you still may be spending most of your time at home. (See how ERIE is responding to the pandemic in our COVID-19 Information Center.) With warmer weather, perhaps you’ve started tackling new projects like digging a garden, landscaping, or teaching your…
Read MoreAvoid Common Home Accidents During The Summer
Summer is the season of outdoor adventures such as swimming, boating, and trips. It is also a time when many minor or more serious accidents can occur. The following tips can help you keep your family and friends safer by preventing some common summertime home accidents and injuries. Sunburn Damage from the sun is one…
Read MoreGrilling Safety Tips For Propane, Charcoal & Gas Grills
Nothing says summertime like eating hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbecue straight off the grill. There’s something about cooking your food over an open flame that seems to make everything taste better. But it does come with one notable risk: house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grills are the cause of more…
Read MoreHow To Prepare Your Home For Fall
When the thermometer begins to drop and temperatures get cooler, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for autumn. The weather can be unpredictable, and it’s best to get a head start on seasonal chores so you are not caught unprepared. The following general “to-do list” can help you prepare your home for fall.…
Read MorePreparing Your Home For The New Year
With all the holiday activities coming to an end, the New Year is a great time to give your home a fresh start. These tips can help you get your home clean, organized, and prepared for the winter months ahead. Clear Out the Clutter Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, and odds and ends that accumulate over…
Read MoreIs Lost or Stolen Jewelry Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Personal jewelry items can be extremely valuable. For example, the average cost of an engagement ring in the U.S. is $7,829, as reported by Brides.com. A strand of South Sea pearls can be worth more than $100,000, as stated by The Pearl Source. If jewelry is lost or damaged because of a covered peril, such…
Read MoreThe Pros & Cons Of Installing Hardwood Floors
If the rooms of your home feature wall-to-wall carpeting, chances are you’ve considered replacing it with hardwood floors. Maybe you’re drawn to the clean, classic aesthetic. Or you’ve just grown tired of dealing with stained carpets. Whatever the reason, there’s no question that hardwood flooring is a popular upgrade. But it also represents a significant…
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