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Tips to Safely Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is right around the corner, and celebrating during the pandemic will be different. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Plan Ahead to Avoid COVID this Christmas

The first thing to do is simply plan ahead. Here are two things to consider as you begin your holiday plans.

Are COVID rates increasing in my destination’s area? If so, you will need to be extra cautious once you get there.

Am I or someone I live with considered a high risk individual? COVID isn’t fun for anyone, but certain people groups such as seniors and those with existing medical conditions are at higher risk than others.

The reason you should think about people that live with you is even if they stay home for the holidays, you don’t want to end up bringing the virus back to them.

Tips to Stay Healthy While Traveling for Christmas

Whether you’re driving or flying, there are a few general principles to follow to help you stay safe and healthy while on your way to and from your destination.

Please wear a mask – The topic of wearing masks is still hot. A lot of people feel like having to wear a mask is encroaching on their freedoms. Please do it to protect yourself, your loved ones and people around you.

Stop as few times as possible – The more often you stop, the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus. This doesn’t mean you need to completely avoid stopping, but see what you can do to minimize the pit stops.

Bring your own food – One way to minimize the number of times you stop is to bring your own food. Nonperishables such as chips, pretzels, protein bars or granola bars are great. You can also bring some stuff in a cooler.

Stop at restaurants with drive-through or curbside service – When you stop for a meal, avoid going inside and sitting down at a table. Opt for drive-through or curbside pickup instead.

Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes – Anytime you have to touch something that a lot of other people do, you’ll want to be prepared to sanitize your hands. For example, you can sanitize the gas pump with a disinfectant wipe before using it. Then after you’re done, use your hand sanitizer. It may seem excessive, but in these crazy times it doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious.

Being Safe at Your Destination

You don’t need to completely avoid Grandma for the entire trip. But we do recommend you avoid excessive close contact with her.

For example, maybe you live in an area where it’s warm enough to hold activities outside. Someone with a big backyard can host, or you can find a local park.

Another thing you can do is try to maintain 6 feet of distance most of the time. That way you aren’t breathing each other’s air constantly and potentially exposing each other to the virus.

Conclusion

This Christmas will look a bit different this year, but it can still be a great time to see family and friends. Just be careful out there!

 

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National Parks Close to Orange County to Visit

Looking for a nice weekend getaway? Here are a few national parks close to Orange County that we recommend visiting.

National Park #1: Sequoia National Park

Have you ever wanted to see some of the biggest trees in the world? They’re bigger than you can possibly imagine. They’re so big that tunnels have been built through them, allowing you to drive a car through. These trees are truly humbling.

Sequoia has a lot to offer. For one thing, you can start by just walking through the park and seeing the sights. Several lodges are available including Wuksachi Lodge, John Muir Lodge, Cedar Grove Lodge, and Grant Grove Cabins. You can also go camping if you are looking to get closer to nature.

Just make sure you plan your trip in advance. You’re more likely to enjoy yourself and get the most out of our time in the forest of giants. For more information, check out their website at https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm. 

National Park #2: Joshua Tree

What do you think of the Mojave desert? How about the Colorado desert? How would you like to visit a place that incorporates the beauty of both ecosystems at the same time?  

“What do you do in the desert?” Good question. There are actually a lot of things to do, just check out their website at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm for a few ideas. Take a look at the hiking trails, or you can plan on climbing and bouldering. More of a cyclist? No problem – they have bike trails too. Or you can hop on the back of a horse and enjoy the landscape that way. 

Plan on having a few picnics in the park. They have eight picnic areas, so you will always have one close by and convenient. There aren’t exactly restaurants inside the park, but you have a lot of options in nearby towns. 

National Park Close to Orange County #3: Los Padres National Forest

Have you ever been over to Los Padres? This park is huge and has a lot to offer. Horseback riding, hiking, camping, kayaking, and backpacking are just a few things you can do in this diverse park. 

One of the most interesting things about Los Padres is its biodiversity. You have forests, the sea coastline, grasslands, semi-desert, and more ecosystems all within a relatively small area. 

Check out their website at https://lpfw.org/our-region/los-padres-national-forest/ to help you plan your trip.

These are just a few of our favorite spots, but we recommend doing a quick Google search to find other places nearby to visit. Do you have favorite local spots for a weekend getaway? We would love to hear about them! 

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4 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Yourself

Looking for some DIY home improvement projects this summer? Here are a few of the easier ones that can make a huge difference around your home. 

Home Improvement Project #1: Paint

The first project to consider is painting. Almost everyone has at least one room in their house they wouldn’t mind as a different color. For example, maybe your bathroom is extremely dark, so you want to make it an off-white to brighten it up. Or perhaps your bedroom is too light, and you want to make it nice and dark to help you sleep better. 

Either way, the good news is painting is something that anyone can do. As long as you don’t need to reach any areas that are very high up such as a two-story foyer, you can probably do everything with an 8ft ladder. 

DIY Home Improvement Project #2: Garage Storage Shelves

It is a very common problem to feel like your garage is a mess and cluttered. Things start to build up the longer you are in a house and the more stuff you acquire. It’s easy to lose track of items that aren’t well-organized and stacked on the floor in boxes etc.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, have you ever been in a garage with storage shelves attached to the wall? They go a long way in turning a messy garage into a room you can almost enjoy.

The best part is these shelves aren’t too difficult to put up. You will need a circular saw and stud finder to do the job right, so an investment may be required. But those are great tools for any DIYer, and the extra breathing room you’ll experience in your garage will be worth it. 

Home Improvement Project #3: Refresh Caulk

Your house has caulk all over the place. Windows, bathtubs, counters, cabinets, etc. Over time, caulk tends to get worn out, cracking and falling apart. This makes the caulk both unsightly and less effective, causing things like moisture, cold air and bugs to come through. 

The good news is putting on a fresh layer of caulk is pretty easy. Here’s a pro tip: Don’t buy the cheapest caulk gun you can find. Get one that is easy to push and has a no-drip stop. 

House Improvement Project #4: Improve the Landscaping

Everyone loves the great outdoors, right? Here are a few ideas on projects to consider:

  • Build a fire pit
  • Dig a dry creek bed if you have erosion issues
  • Create a patio or wood deck
  • Cut down small trees and foliage
  • Rake up leaves in untouched areas of the yard
  • Plant a garden
  • Build a retainer wall

You don’t need to do everything at once of course. Just pick one or two projects at a time so you don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Doing a few home improvement projects may help you get your mind off the crazy world we live in right now. But because we do live in a crazy world where the unexpected happens, make sure you’re protected. Let us know how we can help with your insurance needs.

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Fun Summertime Activities to Enjoy

Looking for some fun summertime activities to enjoy with your friends or family? While keeping in mind we should still continue to practice social distancing due to COVID-19, here are a few of our favorite things to do this time of year.

Fun Summer Activity #1: Play with Water

While we generally have nice weather in Southern California year round, there’s something different about playing in the water in summertime. It looks different for everyone, but the key element linking the activities is the water that keeps us cool and refreshed in the summer heat.

Do you have a local beach that isn’t usually too crowded? Head over there to catch some rays, play in the sand and run into the water.

Is there a community pool that tends to be mostly empty every time you see it? Throw on your bathing suit and go for a swim. While many apartment and community pools are still closed, we see some starting to re-open!

Want to stay in the backyard? Hook up the sprinkler or slip-n-slide to your hose and have a blast with your family. 

This is always a great time for the whole family to enjoy!

Fun Summertime Activity #2: Have a Cookout with Family

Nothing like a summertime backyard barbecue with your neighbors, friends, or family! Now that certain restrictions are lifted, consider having a few people over for the ultimate summer cookout. Grab your favorite foods and play your favorite games, like cornhole. 

Fun Summer Things to Do #3: Head Up to the Mountains

Luckily, in Southern California, we are just a couple hours from several mountains! Take a weekend trip and enjoy a hike or swimming in a lake. Usually the mountain air is a bit cooler, giving you relief from the heat. 

While there are many mountain resorts you can stay in, camping is always a great time! If you’re feeling adventurous grab your camping supplies and stay in the great outdoors.

Fun Summertime Activity #4: Eat More Fresh Fruit

Let’s face it- fruit in the wintertime just isn’t as good. It’s usually coming from hundreds, if not thousands of miles away. That means it isn’t as fresh. But in the summer, we’re able to get the best fruit our local farmer’s markets have to offer.

#5: Make Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

You can’t go wrong with lemonade in the summertime! This is a fun activity for your kids to enjoy too.

#6: Have a Picnic in a Park

We have so many beautiful parks in and around Orange County. Pack a picnic basket with your favorite foods and go enjoy lunch in a new park! 

#7: Make Tie-Dye Clothing

Tie-dying clothing is a fun activity for all ages! We recommend doing this outside because it can get messy so summertime is the perfect time of year.

While we have experienced an extremely unconventional year, it’s okay to take time to enjoy your summer! What are some of your favorite summer activities? We would love to hear about them! 

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions!

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Reopening California – Phase 2

Wondering how California entering Phase 2 of reopening will affect you? Here are a few things to know and expect during this time. 

California Reopening = More Businesses Reopen

At a high level, the main thing to know is that more and more businesses are opening back up. There are three main types of businesses in the beginning part of Phase 2:

  • Manufacturers
  • Retailers
  • Warehouses

Why just these types of companies? Because 70% of the state’s economy relies on them! Think about it – manufacturers in California provide goods for the entire world, retailers sell those goods to the millions and millions of Californians and warehouses are needed to store the goods produced here. 

As time goes on, more types of businesses will open up. We’ll see office environments open back up. Restaurants will be able to have seated patrons again, not just takeout orders. Shopping malls will reopen. 

This is great news for millions and millions of Californians. Not only will they be able to go back to work and provide for their families again, but they’ll also get back to some kind of normalcy. 

However, things won’t be exactly as they were 3 months ago. 

California Phase 2: Changes to Expect

Even though all of these businesses are opening back up, you can still expect to see some new behaviors:

Social Distancing – Every business, from retailers to restaurants, are going to encourage social distancing. For example, retailers are enforcing this by marking spots on the ground so customers stand 6 feet apart at the checkout counter. Restaurants will either space out tables to be at least 6 feet apart, or only have a portion of the tables available for seating. 

Personal Protection – Employees will be required to wear protection. Masks will be the most common, followed by gloves. Some employers will go an extra step or two, such as having their employees wear safety glasses. 

Temperatures – Some employers are going to ask employees to have their temperature taken when they get to work. A fever is one of the most consistent symptoms of the coronavirus, so employers are trying to catch anyone infected before it spreads to other employees or customers. 

Sanitization – Grocery stores have been doing this for a while now, and the practices are going to spread to other businesses. Employees will be required to regularly wipe down surfaces with things like Lysol spray or disinfecting wipes. Everything from doorknobs to Keurig coffee machines will be on the to-do list.

Limited Store Capacity – This is another one some retailers have been doing for a while. They’ll track how many customers are in the store at a time, and stop allowing more customers once a limit is reached. 

California Reopening Phase 2: Do Your Part

As businesses start to reopen, do what you can to be a good citizen yourself. Some people are going to stores and restaurants without masks on. Even though some stores may allow it, that will be looked down upon for a while. Wear a mask to help prevent the spread of this virus. 

Try to be a patron to small businesses in your community. That doesn’t mean you should entirely ignore your favorite chain restaurant, but a meal or two at a mom-and-pop restaurant that’s been closed for 2 months will help your community more than going to a big chain. 

Starting to see the beginnings of California reopening is exciting but we will face many challenges. If one challenge you face is the need for better insurance, please reach out! We’d love to help. 

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How to Flatten the COVID-19 Curve

How do we “flatten the curve” of COVID-19? That is the most important thing any American can focus on right now. As this virus ravages the world, we need to work together to help the healthcare system fight it. 

First, let’s start with what it means to “flatten the curve.”

What Does it Mean to Flatten the Curve of COVID-19

When government and healthcare officials talk about “flattening the curve,” they are essentially saying we need to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Think about it like this- assume there are two scenarios.

  • Scenario 1 is where 10,000 people get the Coronavirus within 2 weeks
  • Scenario 2 is where 10,000 people get the Coronavirus over 2 months

In the first scenario, the healthcare system will be overwhelmed. They just don’t have enough beds in the hospitals to take care of all those people, plus people experiencing “usual” healthcare issues such as heart attacks, car accidents, etc. 

This leads to many people not getting the care they need and finding it more difficult to recover.

Scenario 2 doesn’t overwhelm the hospitals. People can be treated and sent home without running out of beds. Everyone is able to get the care they need, so more people are able to live. 

Scenario 2 is the one with a “flatter curve” because there wasn’t as large of a spike in cases, and is what health experts are trying to get our help with. 

How to Flatten the Curve

The number one thing we can do to flatten the curve is practice “social distancing.” This refers to intentionally staying home and avoiding interactions with people. The fewer people we interact with, the slower the virus spreads. Here are some actions you can take to flatten the curve even further:

1. Workout from home rather than going to public places such as a park. It is okay to go on walks around your neighborhood, but just be sure to practice social distancing and do not touch anything. If you have to touch something, (crosswalk light etc.) don’t touch your face until you can return home to wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Only go to the grocery store when it is absolutely necessary. While we may be accustomed to going to the store for just a few items, make sure to use most or all of your current groceries before venturing out. Limit your trips by making a list or meal plan before you go and getting all necessary ingredients. 

Note: As you know, it is difficult during this time to find everything we need at the grocery store. Keep a few alternatives in mind that you can get if you can’t find exactly what you were looking for.

As an alternative, there are many meal delivery services that deliver groceries right to your doorstep. While these options may be a little more expensive, it can be worth saving a trip right now.

3. If you are experiencing any symptoms, do not leave your home at all. It is best to quarantine yourself for at least 7-14 days and 72 hours past when your symptoms have subsided. 

4. Do not visit your friends at their homes. Many people are still visiting friends and family and think it is safe to do so because they are at home as well. Limit this as much as possible because this still facilitates the spread of germs.

5. Above all, stay home. This too will pass and we will eventually be able to get back to normal life. The more we stay home, the faster this will be over with. Together we can flatten the curve.

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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Coronavirus 101 – What it is and How to Prevent it

Now that Orange County has declared a local state of emergency, the coronavirus is on everyone’s mind. What is the coronavirus? Are there tips to help prevent contraction?

What is the Coronavirus?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (often referred to as COVID-19) is a respiratory illness. It’s highly contagious and spreads from person to person. It’s caused by a virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China where the outbreak began. 

As of today, there are over 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and over 3,400 deaths. That said, over 55,000 people have recovered from the virus, proving that it can be beaten. 

How does the Coronavirus spread?

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the main way this virus spreads is from close contact with an infected person. If someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, they produce respiratory droplets that contain the virus. 

The virus also spreads through physical contact. If the virus gets onto a surface that is then touched, it can spread. For example, if someone with the coronavirus sneezes into their hands and then touches a door handle to open it, the virus is now likely on that door handle. Anyone who touches that door handle has a risk of contracting the virus. 

What are the Coronavirus Symptoms?

There are three main symptoms of someone with the coronavirus:

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough

How do You Prevent Getting the Coronavirus?

There are a few things you can do to help keep yourself healthy:

  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This can be difficult because you don’t always know if someone has the virus. However, if they are showing symptoms, it’s best to keep your distance. 
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Even if you get the virus on your hands, it may not make you sick. It’s when you touch your face or eat with hands that have the virus on them that makes you more likely to get sick. 
  3. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Keep soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds, though longer is better. You need to give the soap time to kill the virus, which is why you can’t wash it off too quickly. 

What Else Should I Know About the Coronavirus?

There is currently no vaccine for the virus, even though companies are working around the clock to develop one. Many areas of the world have declared a state of emergency, and some companies are even having people work from home to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Even if your area doesn’t have any confirmed cases, start taking action now. Considering how fast the virus is spreading, there is a good chance it will be in your area soon. Start washing your hands often and avoid people who are sick if possible. If you or your loved ones start showing symptoms of the virus, seek medical attention quickly. 

This is also an ideal time to review your health insurance. If you think a new policy is in order, give us a call at (877) 600-7347. We look forward to helping you keep your family healthy and safe.

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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6 Fun Things to Do in Orange County this December

Looking for a few fun things to do in and around Orange County this December? Here are a few recommendations. 

111th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights

Join the OC community at one of the most beloved events of the holiday season – The 111th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights. Extravagantly decorated boats and yachts circle Newport Harbor nightly from December 18th through December 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Make sure to arrive early to find the best viewing spot and parking!

For more information click here.

Winter Fest OC 2019

Have you ever been to Winter Fest OC? It’s an annual tradition for thousands of people. From December 19th  through January 5th, 2020, Winter Fest attracts a huge crowd due to the great variety it offers. Music lovers can go to see tributes to popular artists including an 80’s cover band, Bruno Mars, Queen, and Fleetwood Mac. Young families can bring their kids to see their favorite heroes – Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Peppa Pig and Thomas the Train. 

Highlights of this event include ice skating, tree lighting, fireworks, the world’s biggest rocking horse and Candy Cane Carnival rides. 

There are different activities every day so plan your visit ahead of time! Check out the website to learn more about the schedule and scope out the best day for you to go. 

Enjoy The Holiday Season at Disneyland

Disneyland is a magical place. Whether you’ve never been or you’re a regular, it’s a great place to go this time of year. The park is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Christmas trees, lights, wreaths and more are all over the park. You don’t even need to ride any rides – just take a stroll through the park at night and be in awe. 

Don’t miss out on the holiday magic! Click here for more information.

Sawdust Art Festival

This is the place to be if you love festivals, great food or shopping. Open every weekend until December 22nd, the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach features over 180 artists selling their wares. Here are just a few things you can find here:

  • Clothing
  • Sculptures
  • Paintings
  • Textiles
  • Ceramics
  • Jewelry
  • Blown glass

Already done with your holiday shopping? No problem. There are live shows, art classes, food vendors, a petting zoo, Santa and more. You can spend hours just exploring the festival. 

Click here for more information. 

Find a Local Tree Lighting

There are literally dozens of tree lightings in the area this time of year. Shopping centers, malls, city halls, and marinas are a few facilities that often do a big Christmas tree lighting. These usually happen on the weekends when crowds can be the biggest, so plan your Friday or Saturday night accordingly. 

Ring in the New Year in Style

Looking for big ways to celebrate the beginning of the new decade? Orange County has countless grand parties and ways to celebrate. From a New Year’s Eve Yacht Party in Newport Beach to a grand New Year’s Eve party at Hotel Irvine, you’ll be ready to ring in the New Year in style. Click here for more New Year’s Eve parties in Orange County. 

Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the New Year? Check out LA Zoo Lights 2019/20 at the Los Angeles Zoo!

Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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6 Types of Construction Insurance to Help Protect Your Business

As a small business owner, you likely can’t bear the weight of a potential construction accident. To help keep you and your business protected, we compiled a list of some of the most common types of construction insurance policies and what they each mean. Continue reading to find out which insurance policy is the best choice for your business to have during your next project or remodel!

 

  • Builder’s Risk

 

If your business is set to undergo building construction or remodeling in the future, builder’s risk insurance is a smart choice to help protect it. This type of insurance can protect the structure itself, provide coverage for necessary materials, and insures you, the business owner, from any accidents. This kind of policy usually only lasts for the duration of the project, so you don’t wind up paying for insurance before or after you need it. Builder’s Risk insurance does not usually provide coverage from situations like earthquakes, employee theft, or weather damage, so it’s important to clarify these situations with our team at Partner’s Direct prior to signing.

 

  • Commercial General Liability Policy

 

A Commercial General Liability Policy is the most common for construction-related projects, and it is known as a good starting base for business owners who might not know what specific policies they need to protect their project. The standard form of this policy insures against bodily injuries and property damage caused on a construction job. This policy, however, does not cover the costs of repairing any flawed work done incorrectly during the initial project, but this differs based on the contract signed between you and your insurance provider.

 

  • Umbrella Liability Coverage

 

This type of insurance is useful for contractors or business owners who are operating large construction sites or multiple projects at one time. A good supplement to the Commercial General Liability Policy, a ULC policy protects larger projects that might be maxed out on a basic CGL policy. If you’re wondering whether this policy is a good add-on for you, talk to our team at Partners Direct to see what’s right for your specific situation.

 

  • Contractor’s Pollution Coverage

 

If your business’s construction projects involve mechanical, excavation, carpentry, industrial, or other heavy-duty work, this policy could help protect you and your business from any damages caused by pollution from these services. This policy protects you from third-party claims and could help save your business thousands of dollars if a pollution accident caused bodily harm onsite.

 

  • Worker’s Compensation Insurance

 

Does your construction project involve more than five workers? In most states, this is when Worker’s Compensation Insurance is a required investment for your company. However, the State of California dictates that this type of insurance is needed in every work environment, even if there is only one employee. This policy can protect your business in the instance of an employee getting injured on the job, even in a non-construction related setting. It can help prevent you from paying out-of-pocket for any potential medical bills and lost wages that could be incurred by an injured employee, so this type of insurance is one of the most essential for any business owner.

 

  • Commercial Automotive Insurance

 

Does your construction project require any type of vehicle or heavy equipment? We’re guessing it does. If so, a Commercial Auto Insurance policy is necessary to protect these vehicles, as well as your wallet. No matter if it’s you behind the wheel or an employee, you will likely want to insurance covering your business if an accident occurs.

By signing up for several types of insurance policies for your business, our team at Partners Direct is willing to discuss discounts and potential packages to help fully protect your business. Whether you are searching for an overall policy like a Commercial General Liability Policy or need something that offers more coverage, like an Umbrella Liability Coverage Policy, our team wants to provide you with the coverage needs to protect you, your employees, and your wallet. Take a look at a comprehensive list of our services here and if you have any questions, give us a call today!

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Spring Cleaning Tips to Avoid Home Insurance Claims

Are you and your family in the spring-cleaning mood? You’ve probably already started on clearing out your closets and decluttering your rooms, but what about the lesser-thought-of chores, like cleaning out your gutters and checking for any damage? If you want to keep your home in good shape and prevent any future insurance claims, take a look at these 6 spring cleaning tips.

 

  • Check your HVAC

 

After a winter where you probably used your home’s heater pretty consistently, it’s important to check and change your HVAC filters to prevent a build-up of dust. Not properly maintaining a clean HVAC can result in physical illnesses, a higher energy bill, and a shortened life-span of the entire appliance. Make sure this is one of the first spring-cleaning chores on your list to help keep a healthy home and a happy family.

 

  • Repair your driveway

 

Cracked sidewalks and driveways, broken bricks and stones, or holes in your yard can be a tripping hazard that could potentially cause injury to you, your family, or your guests. To avoid paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s medical bills, keep an eye out for any tripping hazards. Similarly, watch out for any loose nails or screws on your deck that could have been exposed by rotting wood. It’s easy to forget to look at the floor, but doing so could protect your loved ones from some painful injuries!

 

  • Watch out for the windows

 

If an earthquake or other weather-related event hit your home in the past, it’s possible that your windows and doors were harmed in the process. Double check the caulking and seams around your windows and doors for any cracks. If cracks are present, moisture could be entering your home and causing damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, and appliances. This damage could show up in the form of insurance claims and home repair bills, so catching it early is essential.

 

  • Replace the batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors

 

Every 6 months or so, mark your calendars to check the batteries in your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While these likely go unnoticed during the year, it can be incredibly damaging to your home if they are not functioning properly in times of need. Instead of being oblivious when real damage is being caused to your home, make a point to switch out these batteries every spring and fall and help protect your family from danger.

 

  • Clear out your gutters

 

While we may not have traditional falls and winters in Orange County, our home’s gutters are still susceptible to becoming clogged with leaves and other debris collected throughout the year. If clogged, even the few showers of rain we receive in Southern California can back up your gutters, causing overflows and potential water damage to your home’s roof. Clean these out at least every spring, if not more, to help prevent making any insurance claims on a damaged roof!

  1. Keep an eye out on your home’s roof and walls

Similarly, any number of things can occur and cause potential water damage to your home’s exterior. If you notice water stains on your walls and ceilings or see any sagging spots on your roof, it’s likely your home has water damage and needs repairing immediately. Also keep an eye out for missing shingles, holes in the siding, or signs of damage caused by critters.

If you’re hoping to avoid paying a high repair bill or filing an insurance claim for damages, keep these 6 chores in mind when making your spring-cleaning to-do lists, and click here to receive a quote on our homeowner’s insurance policies. If you do happen to notice any damage on your home incurred over the last few seasons, give our team at Partners Direct a call and we’ll be happy to assist you with any insurance issues you have.

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