There is a chill in the air, and that is a sign that winter is not far away. As the temperature begins to dip, and you put away your flip flops till next year, don’t forget to protect your greatest investment- your house! Here are Vargas and Vargas Insurance  Agency’s top tips for preparing your home for the arrival of winter.

Keep the Heat Inside

Check around all doors and windows, and take time to replace weather stripping and caulk to seal up any cracks or openings to keep warm air from escaping outside. Consider installing new energy efficient windows and take care of the 2011 Energy Star Tax Credit! Add insulation in the attic and take a few moments to inspect your roof. Prevent possible ice dams by cleaning out the gutters and downspouts and fix any areas that may need repair.

Check That Furnace!

Don’t do this on your own. Schedule a checkup with an HVAC specialist to do a proper inspection of your furnace. Do you have a woodstove or fireplace?  Clear out the ashes, have chimney and flue are cleaned, and cover the chimney top with a protective screen to prevent animals and debris from getting in. Visit the Vargas & Vargas Partners  page on our website for a selection of professionals.

Before the First Snowflakes…

How many times has it happened? The winter’s first snowfall catches you by surprise! You find yourself rummaging around looking for the snow shovel, ice scraper, and ice-melt. Be prepared! Tune up the snow blower if you have one. Make sure the shovels, rakes, and ice scrapers are in good working condition. Buy ice-melt and sand to take care of those driveways and walkways

No Power? No Problem.

Hurricane Irene taught us, you can’t be too prepared!  Have an emergency supply of candles, matches, blankets and batteries in case of a loss of power. Those who have generators should make sure they are in working order. Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable foods, and compile a first-aid kit.

Going Away?

Taking the family on a winter vacation? Some may want to shut off the heating system while gone to save money on energy costs. Don’t, the interior will become far too cold and cause your pipes freeze, burst and flood your home. Don’t turn off the heat; turn it down to 55 degrees. Your house needs to stay warm too!           

Getting ready for winter may add to your “weekend to do” list, but it will save you money and protect your biggest investment, your house. You may want to also contact Vargas and Vargas Insurance to make sure you are adequately covered on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

FORT COLLINS, Colo.—The next two weeks should feature hurricane activity at “above-average” levels, according to the Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University.

In a two-week forecast issued Wednesday, the Fort Collins, Colo.-based team said several factors played a role in the projection of above-average activity.

One of the primary factors is that Tropical Storm Katia is predicted to intensify into a major hurricane and have a long westward track across the tropical Atlantic, the team said in the forecast. It also noted that the National Hurricane Center is indicating that an area in the western Caribbean has a slight chance developing a tropical storm in the next 48 hours, “but indications are that there might be development of this system in the Gulf several days in the future.”

The forecasters also pointed out that several global models “hint at additional development” of storm systems in the eastern tropical Atlantic during the next seven to 10 days.

In its most recent long-term forecast, issued in early August, the team predicted 16 named storms would form during the season, which runs through Nov. 30. Nine of those storms are expected to grow into hurricanes, with five becoming major hurricanes, according to the forecast. 

Should you suffer any damage to your home, the first thing you want to do is report the claim to us. You can reach us online at www.vargasinsurance.com go to our service center tab. You can also call us with your claim. What many property owners don’t know is that they should also take immediate action to prevent addition damage.  Any immediate repairs that they make to prevent additional damage to the home are covered under your policy.  This might include hiring a contractor to come and put up tarps over the roof or having them remove the branch.  Vargas & Vargas Insurance stands ready to give you advice and counsel on how to best protect your family and property after an accident. 

Stop by our website today where we have found a better way to shop, buy and save on home insurance and auto insurance.  Not a homeowner?  Then request a free online renters insuranceThis policy will protect your personal property (clothes, electronics, liability etc) in the event of an accident.  Lastly, we can also get you a condominium insurance.  So if you are looking for Automobile Insurance, Flood Insurance, Life Insurance,  Homeowners Insurance, or Business Insurance, Vargas & Vargas Insurance is here to help you. 

If you have your homeowner’s insurance policy with Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we’re here to help you.