5 Surprising Fire Hazards

You know all about greasy rags, cluttered kitchens and loose wires, but fires can start from the least likely of sources, for instance:

Refrigerators

It’s designed to keep things cold, but it can still be a major fire hazard. Fridges actually lead to around 1,500 fires a year. Issues include light bulbs that don’t turn off when the door is closed, and electrical components short-circuiting and overheating. Press the switch where the door shuts to test the bulb, and monitor your fridge for any issues.

Microwaves

Stovetops seem like the most likely cooking appliance to start a fire, but microwaves lead to 1,700 fires a year. Microwaves can malfunction and turn on by themselves, and glass doors can shatter. Look for unusual messages on your display panel, and unplug it if you’re having problems.

Dishwashers

These things are usually full of water, so how do they catch on fire? For starters, the circuit boards inside of many appliances are basically kindling. Rinse-aids often leak into circuitry, causing malfunctions and around 1,000 fires a year. Regular maintenance and careful use of cleaning products should help keep your dishwasher safe.

Clothes Dryers

Lint blockages are a major issue with dryers. If you replace your lint filter after every load, you should be fine, but a blocked filter can be a major problem.

Toasters, Toaster Ovens and Hot Plates

The problem with plug-in cooking appliances is we tend to think that, being electric, they’re somehow safer than the stovetop. Nothing could be further from the truth. Like microwaves, these appliances can turn themselves automatically. Your best bet is to keep them unplugged when not in use.

Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can connect you with a policy that will cover you in the event of a fire, but it’s better not to have a fire in the first place.

 

What is covered by collision insurance?

Residents of Little Falls, MN know how important it is to have auto insurance coverage that you can count on in an emergency.  Fortunately, there are a number of options available at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. that can give you great coverage at an affordable price.

One of the most popular options in auto insurance is collision insurance.  While this coverage provides more protection than basic policies, it doesn’t cover everything that could potentially go wrong with a vehicle.  These policies offer funds to repair or replace a vehicle in the event that you are found to be at fault in an accident.  It will not provide any funds for other events, however.

That means that if your vehicle is left outside during a hailstorm, if it is stolen, or if it is damaged by another event, collision insurance will not provide any money to repair or replace the vehicle.  Furthermore, while collision coverage will provide funds towards the medical expenses of the passengers in your car, it will not cover damage to any of those passengers’ belongings.

Collision coverage is a good choice for people who are looking for more than a basic policy, but feel comfortable covering the costs of an unexpected event. Typically, if your vehicle costs more than what you have in savings, and you rely on it to get to work, it’s a good idea to invest in a comprehensive policy

If you live in the Little Falls, MN area and you need to save money on your auto insurance without sacrificing coverage, talk the agents at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc.  They have years of experience helping customers just like you find a policy that is right for them.