Preparing for Blizzards

In 1991, Minnesota experienced the most catastrophic blizzard in its history, dubbed the Halloween Blizzard. The storm began on October 31st and raged for four days, ending on November 3rd. It dumped about two and a half feet of snow on MSP and more than three feet of snow on Duluth. Roads closed, and people became trapped in their homes.

Although that marks the worst blizzard in Minnesota’s history, every winter promises at least one major snow event, and proper preparation can prevent damage to your home and person. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can explain how to prepare your Little Falls, MN home for heavy snow.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Purchase a ready-made emergency kit from a local hardware or home improvement store. These kits provide a first aid kit, emergency blanket, a few meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), a flashlight, and batteries, and may include emergency flares.

Add to this kit your own medications and those of family members, plus added canned food and water.

Get Ready for Power Outages

Have on hand a few high-powered flashlights with rechargeable batteries or fresh batteries. Purchase a backup generator to keep the heat going while a storm continues. While most homes in Minnesota feature buck stoves or fireplaces, those heat sources can’t battle a four-day blizzard alone.

Small generators that can provide about 1200 watts of power cost less than $500. These devices come in solar, gas, and propane versions. Keep it outside; the gas and propane versions require an individual to replenish their fuel every few hours. You can keep the solar-type indoors and let its solar panels recharge by placing them in the window. The panels may sit on the roof with a permanently installed solar backup.

Contact Us

Let us help you protect your Little Falls, MN home. Contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. for home insurance, so you can repair your home after the blizzard without spending too much of your own money.

Tips to keep your car running smoothly

Owning a car is an investment that requires care and attention. Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle operating smoothly and avoid costly repairs later. In this post, we’ll share some tips for keeping your car in good shape, including:

Choosing the right oil and filter

Choosing the right oil and filter is essential for keeping your car running smoothly. Not all oils are created equal, so it’s necessary to choose one designed for your vehicle’s make and model. Likewise, not all filters are created equal either – you want to choose one specific to your car’s engine.

Scheduling regular tune-ups and fluid changes

Scheduling regular tune-ups and fluid changes is one of the best ways to keep your car running smoothly. Tune-ups help ensure that your car’s engine runs efficiently, while fluid changes help keep your car’s brakes and other systems in good working order. You can help prevent expensive repairs down the road by routinely scheduling these services.

Inspecting brakes regularly to ensure they are functioning properly

Inspecting your car’s brakes periodically is one of the most important things you can do to keep it running smoothly. Brakes that aren’t functioning properly can lead to dangerous accidents, so it’s important to inspect them regularly and make any necessary repairs.

These simple steps will help you take care of your car so it can continue serving as your reliable transportation! If you have any questions about keeping your car safe, give Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. a call today. We are proud to serve the Little Falls, MN area.