Tag Archives: Texas homeowners

Preventing Spring Water Damage

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After a hectic winter many of us have been eagerly awaiting that perfect spring day. But those warm sunny days will also bring with them the onset of hurricane season—a wet, rainy season which includes a slew of problems all on its own.

The last thing you want to deal with this spring is household water damage, so what can you do to prepare?

Recognizing the first signs of water damage is the best way to prevent further problems— precisely why we at Dagley Insurance and Financial Services have put together a helpful list of signs you should be aware of and common causes of water damage:

1. Surface water running down primary foundation walls.

2. Broken pipes & hoses—check for burst water mains, old pipes or even ice makers that fail—all can lead to significant water damage if not remedied.

3. Common household accidents—this includes overflowing bathtubs, broken toilets, etc.

4. Flash flooding or excessive rain

5. Sewer back up—commonly results from tree roots and debris that clogs drain lines.

6. Notorious Texas hailstorms can also cause leaky roofs and windows

7. This time of the year, air conditioning systems in the attic may leak as well; now that they have been turned on and are running at full capacity, be sure to check for any inefficiencies

Being aware and proactively checking for these typical causes of water damage and leaking can help you prevent damages to not only your home but also your electronics and personal possessions.

As a Texas homeowner, there are many things you can do to combat household water damage. Always remember to keep your gutters free of leaves and other seasonal debris. Create a maintenance plan for yourself to ensure that you keep up-to-date on your landscaping—trimming surrounding shrubbery can help to eliminate clogged gutters and drain lines. Also be sure to periodically check your appliances—your shower, sink, toilet and refrigerator are all common violators that can cause water damage.

Already fell victim to water damage? Need help cleaning up after significant water issues? Why not check out our Preferred Partners Page for great local deals on home restoration and clean-up services.

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Texas Homeowners Still Struggling With Wildfires, As Dry Weather Continues to Fan Flames

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According to a recent Associated Press news story, picked up by The Washington Post, hundreds of Texas firefighters are continuing their fight—battling a seemingly endless wave of wildfires that have been burning through West Texas for the past week.

Forecasters offered little hope of salvation, with only a slight chance of rain near the end of this week; leaving firefighters and residents to face the flames the hard way.

Hundreds of Texas homes and weekend retreats within the area remain in danger—with three minor fires expected to combine into one massive threat.

This dry spell, one of the longest and strongest in Texas history, has left the majority of the state in extreme drought. Wildfires in various parts of the state have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land in the past week—an area that combined would be the size of Rhode Island.

The fires are driving Texas homeowners from their properties; and along the shore of the North Texas Lake, Possum Kingdom Reservoir, at least 18 homes and 2 churches have been burned.

With death, injury and destruction resulting from these terrible fires, the team at Dagley Insurance and Financial Services send our thoughts and prayers to those who have been affected by the devastation.

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Critical Wildfire Conditions Expected: Protect Your Texas Home Now

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Although the recent cooler weather has helped to ease the threat of fire danger across the state— local news source, KHOU.com, reported that hotter, dryer conditions are expected to make their way through Texas by this weekend.

The Texas Forest Service reported on Wednesday that “critical fire weather conditions are likely Saturday and Sunday as winds begin to pick up during hot, dry conditions”.  They added that currently, 180 of the state’s 254 counties now have burn bans in place.

Image via MSNBC.com

So as a Texas homeowner, how can you protect your home and property from wildfire risks? The Texas Forest Service has generated a list of tips designed to help you properly prepare your home and lessen the threat of wildfire damage to you and your property:

1. LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep the area around the tank clear of any flammable debris or vegetation.

2. Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.

3. All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, stacked lumber, etc. should be kept away from all structures.

4. Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.

5. Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

6. In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least 3 times the fuel length around all structures.

7. Have fire tools handy such as: a ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake and a bucket or two of water.

8. Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.

9. Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.

10. Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.

Most importantly, securing a customized Texas home insurance policy can help you better manage the aftermath of a serious wildfire. If you have any questions at all about your current homeowners insurance – and whether or not your home is effectively protected from wild fire risks – contact Dagley Insurance and Financial Services today; we’d be happy to help!

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Protect Your Texas Home: Combat Flooding & Water Damage

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No matter where you are located across the state of Texas, the onset of spring weather can bring with it a slew of problems—if the necessary precautions have yet to be taken. Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with a wet basement and household water damage.

Whether it’s the extra spring precipitation, a plumbing mishap in your home or simply your location along the Texas coastline, water damage is possible and by spotting the first signs early enough you can stop the issue from growing. They “symptoms” may seem trivial at first – a few water stains on your bathroom ceiling or a leak under the kitchen sink – but with continued disregard and seasonable rain, those small issues can turn into major problems.

As a Texas homeowner, recognizing the causes of water damage can help you prevent damages to your home and personal possessions.

Common causes of water damage include:

  • Broken pipes & hoses
  • Household accidents – overflowing bathtubs and broken toilets
  • Flash flooding and excessive rain
  • Sewer back up – tree roots are common violators!

There are many ways you can take a proactive approach and prevent water damage from causing chaos within your Texas home. Start by evaluating your property and determine any possible sources of water damage; then try utilizing some of these maintenance tips:

  • Keep your gutters free and clear of any debris
  • Check for leaks under the sink where the hoses connect to the water supply
  • If your refrigerator has a built in icemaker, check the hose connection and be aware of any wet spots on the floor.
  • Replace any weakening caulk around sinks

In addition to appliances and the general upkeep of your home, location can also play a significant role in you water damage woes. Live in a high-risk flooding area? You may want to consider adding extra, enhanced protection to your Texas home insurance policy to cover flood and water damage.

With roughly a month left until the Spring Equinox, all of us at Dagley Insurance hope you enjoy the spring weather, and while you’re out and about doing some spring cleaning, stay up to date on these important water maintenance needs!

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Texas Insurance Commissioner to Step Down

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Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin has been with the Texas Department of Insurance for eight years now; serving as commissioner for five and a half—however; he recently announced that he will not be seeking another term as head of the TDI.TDI Commissioner - Mike Gleesin

Geeslin’s term ends on February 1st, 2011. He was originally appointed to the commissioner post by Governor Rick Perry, back in June 2005; just months before hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Texas coast.

Geeslin, who began his commitment by serving as Deputy Commissioner for Policy at the Texas Department of Insurance in 2003, found himself not only supervising one of the largest insurance markets in the nation, but also directing recovery efforts throughout the state after both hurricanes ravaged the coastline.

One of Geeslin’s most influential accomplishments includes the complete overhaul of the Texas workers compensation system, which was started in September 2005.

According to Insurance Journal, less than a year after the hurricane catastrophes, “Geeslin was then faced with placing one of Texas’ largest homeowners insurers, Vesta Texas Select, into rehabilitation and then liquidation”.

Since Geeslin took over the commissioner’s office in 2005 dramatic improvements have been made to the Texas insurance market. Insurance Journal reported that, the state’s market has “grown from $78 billion to $102 billion, one of the largest in the United States and among the top ten in the world”.

The commissioner’s job certainly is not an easy one—yet Geeslin gained the respect he deserves from insurance industry representatives during his tenure. In a letter written to the Governor, Geeslin stated that his decision to leave was based on many reasons, the most important being his family, in addition to the “simple realization that it is time for someone else to lead”.  

All of us at Dagley Insurance are thankful for Geeslin’s continued dedication and commitment to the Texas insurance industry and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

For a complete look at the Insurance Journal article and a comprehensive list of the Commissioner’s historic accomplishments, click here.

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