Autumn in Florida is a subtle transition, softly nudging the boundaries of a seemingly endless summer with mild whispers of cooler breezes. While the quintessential fall transformations are minimal, homeowners still need to adjust their maintenance practices to ensure their homes are well-kept and prepared for seasonal changes. Here’s a guide to fall home maintenance tailored to meet the specific needs of Florida residents. Read more
Our pets have sharp senses and can detect changes in atmospheric pressure, electrical charges, and vibrations, which often precede storms. Thunder, lightning, gusty winds, and sudden changes in lighting can be unsettling for them. Signs of pet anxiety during storms may include restlessness, pacing, excessive barking or meowing, trembling, and seeking shelter in unusual places. By understanding their reactions, you can better address their needs.
1. Create a Safe Haven: Designate a cozy, secure space where your pets can retreat during storms. A quiet room with familiar bedding, toys, and a comfortable hiding spot can provide them with a sense of security.
2. Gradual Exposure: If your pets are anxious during storms, consider desensitizing them to storm-related sounds. Play recordings of thunder or rain at low volumes while engaging them in enjoyable activities. Gradually increase the volume over time to help them build a positive association.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior during storms with treats, praise, or gentle petting. This positive reinforcement can help them associate the storm with positive experiences.
1. Stay Calm: Pets often mirror their owners’ emotions. If you remain calm during the storm, your pets are more likely to feel secure. Engage in soothing activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to calming music.
2. Distraction and Engagement: Provide engaging toys or activities that capture your pets’ attention. Puzzle toys filled with treats or interactive play can divert their focus from the storm.
3. Physical Contact: Physical touch and closeness can be reassuring. Holding, cuddling, or simply being present can help alleviate your pets’ anxiety.
1. Emergency Kit: Include essential pet supplies in your hurricane preparedness kit: food, water, medication, a leash, a carrier, ID tags, medical records, and a recent photo of your pet.
2. Evacuation Plan: Determine pet-friendly evacuation routes and shelters in your area. Keep a list of contacts who can provide temporary shelter for your pets if needed.
3. Identification: Make sure your pets have proper identification, including a collar with up-to-date tags and a microchip with accurate contact information. This is important in case of separation during a storm.
1. Reassurance and Routine: After the storm passes, establish a routine as soon as possible. Pets thrive on consistency, and returning to familiar activities can help restore their sense of normalcy.
2. Check for Hazards: Inspect your surroundings for any potential hazards that might have been caused by the storm. Broken fences, fallen branches, or debris can pose risks to your pets.
3. Monitor for Stress: Keep an eye on your pets for any lingering signs of stress. If their anxiety persists, consult a veterinarian to explore potential solutions, such as behavioral training or medication.
As responsible pet owners, our priority is making sure the well-being of our furry companions, especially during unpredictable weather events. By understanding their anxiety triggers, preparing ahead of time, and providing comfort during storms, we can help our pets feel safe and secure.
Having a plan in place ahead of time can reduce anxiety for the whole family. Download our Disaster Preparedness Plan to help you prepare for a storm.
South Florida’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and sunny climate are alluring, but the region is no stranger to the annual threat of hurricanes. This blog covers the top 10 essential hurricane resources in South Florida, empowering you to weather the storm with confidence.
Preparing your roof for hurricane season involves a multi-step process designed to ensure it’s as sturdy and secure as possible. Here’s what you should consider doing:
1. **Roof Inspection:** Hire a professional to inspect your roof for any potential damage or weak areas. If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, look for missing or loose shingles, rusted flashing, worn seals, and any other signs of damage. Don’t forget to check the underside of the roof from your attic for signs of leaks or water damage.
2. **Repairs:** Any signs of damage or wear should be repaired promptly. Loose or missing shingles should be replaced, as these can be easily torn off by high winds, creating a weak spot in your roof. If the flashing is rusted or damaged, it should also be replaced to prevent leaks.
3. **Trim Trees:** Trim back any tree branches that overhang your roof. In a hurricane, these branches can be torn off and thrown onto your roof, potentially causing severe damage.
4. **Gutter Maintenance:** Clean your gutters and make sure they’re securely attached. Blocked or loose gutters can overflow, causing water damage to your home, and can be torn off in high winds.
5. **Roof Strengthening:** Consider investing in roof straps if your roof doesn’t already have them. These metal straps are designed to secure your roof to the frame of your house, reducing the chance it will be torn off by high winds. Another option is to use a professional-grade roofing adhesive to create a stronger bond between the shingles and the roof deck.
6. **Professional Check-up:** If you’re in a high-risk area, consider having a professional wind mitigation inspector check your home. They can identify potential weaknesses and recommend fixes to help your home withstand a hurricane.
7. **Insurance Check-up:** Make sure your home insurance policy covers hurricane damage, and understand the terms. Some policies have a separate hurricane deductible, and others may not cover flood damage.
8. **Prepare for Emergency Repairs:** Keep materials such as tarps, plywood, and nails on hand for emergency post-storm repairs.
Remember, the best time to prepare your roof for hurricane season is well in advance of any storms. A well-maintained and strengthened roof can greatly reduce the potential damage to your home during a hurricane.
It’s time to improve your driving habits! Sure, you know the rules of the road, but we can all use a little refresher sometimes. Better driving habits will help reduce the risk of an auto accident later. You’ll keep your car insurance costs low and more importantly, you’ll keep yourself and those around you safe and sound.
Check out this list of lesser known driving facts and think again.
When adjusted correctly, your side mirror is your best friend. Did you know blind spots can be eliminated? You never need to take your eyes off the road to glance frantically over your shoulder again!
Take your driving skills to the next level— click here to read more about eliminating blind spots.
True, cutting to the front of the line at the taco joint is just plain rude. But racing to the start of a merge point on the highway? Not so rude. In fact, it’s the nicest thing you can do. Last second lane merges actually reduce congestion and decrease traffic confusion. Be a Nice Guy— go to the head of the lane merge!
You’ve heard it over and over again but the message is still the same, the text can wait! Distracted driving 
related accidents is on the rise and in our digital age where our phone is connected to us all day long, it’s difficult to just shut it down. The most effective way to avoid distracted driving is to put your phone out of reach when you get behind the wheel. Leave the phone in your purse, put it in the glove box, or anywhere else out of reach if you can. Another option for those who don’t mind the digital disconnection is to enable “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving” modes which most phone models have to disable incoming text messages or phone calls, but send back automated responses to senders that lets them know you’re behind the wheel and will return their message when it’s safe to do so.
However, there are some of us who’s jobs require us to be digitally connected. For those people there are some helpful apps to receive messages while reducing distraction.
Ever thought it was weird to see people driving with their headlights on during the day
time? Turns out, they’re making the roads safer for everyone.
Keeping a low watt headlight on during daylight hours helps reduce multiple-vehicle crashes, particularly head-on and front corner collisions.
Have you found yourself involved in a car accident and scrambling to remember important details? Let us take your worry away! Our Auto Accident Workbook was created to keep on-hand at all times in the event of an emergency. Click the graphic to get your free, printable version! Safe travels!
At Synergy Insurance Group, we pride ourselves on friendly service and professional know-how. If you’d like more great auto tips and tricks, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and get more information to help you and your loved ones stay safe out there on the road.
A vacation home is truly one of life’s ultimate luxuries. But it’s also one of the best long-term financial decisions a homeowner can make! Owning a vacation home is not for everyone though. There’s the stress of upkeep on a second property to consider and the how-to of managing renters and renters insurance. If you’re thinking about purchasing a vacation home, you’ll find the following tips valuable as you weigh your options.
A vacation home sale differs in many ways from the purchase of your first home. For one thing, there are no friendly breaks from the government like tax incentives on secured loans. On top of that, you won’t be able to deduct the mortgage interest on accumulated debt over $750,000 (a number that is easy to hit with two mortgages).
You’ll need a blemish-free financial history regardless of whether you plan to rent the second home or keep it for yourself. So, what’s your first step toward buying a vacation home? Calculate the long-term expenses (property, taxes, water bills, etc.) along with the price of the mortgage to project future costs and determine what you can afford.
Want to rent your home when you’re not there? It’s a great option, especially with services like AirBnB that make it easy to advertise your gorgeous home to eager renters around the world. A word of warning: it is also because of AirBnB that many cities have adopted more stringent, short-term rental rules. Check the area for city zoning and administration codes, and understand all rental regulations before you buy.
You’ll also want to create a system ahead of time for finding responsible and financially savvy renters. To get good tenants, you’ll need a thorough application process that includes background checks and requires renters insurance. The best rental properties are homes, guest cottages, or apartments in low-crime areas with plenty of job growth or tourism appeal.
If a second home sounds right for you, call Synergy Insurance Group to learn more about our homeowners insurance policies. We make it easy to customize your policy so you get exactly what you need without paying for anything extra.
Want to learn more about exactly what’s covered in a standard homeowners policy? Our Home Insurance Claims eBook takes you through different scenarios and explains whether you’d be protected. Click the graphic to get your copy, and protect your homes with ease.
You’ve changed the clocks and been bitten by the spring cleaning bug. While you’re in the throes of all that cleaning, take a moment to add these general safety tips onto your honey-dos. From the ceilings to the medicine cabinets, now is a great time to make your home as safe as possible for the new season. Here are a few ideas to kickstart your plans. Read more
It’s easy to forget about your car insurance rates after you purchase it the first time. Autopay systems keep that bill out of sight, out of mind usually. But the truth is your rate was not set in stone when you purchased the first time, and rates can vary greatly from year to year and company to company. Synergy helps unsuspecting drivers save money every day by reevaluating their coverage and providing them with any possible discounts and the most up-to-date rates. Here are five of the most common factors that influence the price of your auto insurance. It only takes a few minutes reach out to to a Synergy Insurance Group expert to evaluate your policy. Let’s see if we can put a little extra money back in your pocket. Read more
Preparing for a storm can be an undertaking that no one looks forward to, but being equipped when a storm hits can be invaluable. There is no better time than now to put a plan in place to protect you and your family. Below are some essential aspects to consider when storm is on the horizon.
Having an emergency kit prepared is vital. It’s a great idea to always have an emergency kit on hand stocked with batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, and other essential emergency items for unexpected disasters. When a storm is approaching, other necessities should be stocked for your emergency kit in case of power outages. Some of these items should include water, non-perishable food items, prescription medicines, cash, and any other items that may may be needed. When considering items to include in your family’s emergency kit, you should also consider any unique needs of your family. If you have small children, you may need to have extra formula and diapers; if you have pets, make sure you have plenty of pet food on hand.
Preparing your finances ahead of a storm could be one of the best financial decisions you’ll make. The recovery process after a disaster will take much longer if you don’t have immediate access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other household records. Below are a few tips to prepare your financial disaster plan.
Download your Disaster Preparedness Plan
It sounds simple, but it’s important to communicate with your whole family about what to do in certain scenarios to reduce stress and confusion. When a storm makes landfall, where will you shelter? Will you stay in place or evacuate? Do you know your evacuation route? How will you receive storm updates if there is no power or internet? These are just a few of the questions to consider when creating a plan for your family. Having a plan in place ahead of time can reduce anxiety for the whole family. Download our Disaster Preparedness Plan to help you prepare for a storm.
For more resources to create your storm preparedness plan visit https://www.ready.gov.
Between nasty weather, highway congestion, and general stress, road trips take their toll on family travel during the holidays. Every year, more than 500 fatal accidents occur between Christmas and New Year’s. Don’t be one of them. Follow these eight tips to prepare for a safe holiday road trip.
If your car hasn’t visited the mechanic in a few months, it’s time for a general inspection before you go. They will make sure all your fluids are full, oil is changed, and catch issues before they turn into problems. Don’t let a preventable issue leave you stranded. Talk to you mechanic about your holiday plans so they can give you location-specific advice.
It’s easy and inexpensive to replace windshield wipers yourself and new wiper blades make a huge difference if caught in an unexpected rain, sleet, or snow storm.
If you’re traveling out of Florida to visit family or friends, check the weather forecasts through all the states you’ll be driving through. If you’re going through any mountain passes, know that snow tires are often required by state laws when there are impending winter storms.
In case you need roadside assistance or a tow, make sure you’re covered. Check your plan and update your policy if need be.
A well-stocked first aid kit is of the utmost importance for any road trip. From bandages and antiseptic to aspirin and antihistamines, you cannot be too prepared. If headed north through colder weather, it’s recommended to pack a snow shovel and emergency blanket, extra water and snacks, batteries, and head lamps.
Keep your cell phone fully charged by bringing a car charger. Also, bring a rechargeable battery pack should your car break down and you need to stay in contact with emergency services, hotels, and relatives.
Email a copy of your holiday travel plans to relatives at your destination as well as with any family or friends behind at home. Make sure everyone in the car is on the same page and prepped for what to do in case of a detour or accident. Plan your routes in advance and download road apps to stay up-to-date with weather and traffic conditions.
Does your auto insurance provide enough coverage? Is it good for out of state travel? For more information about getting the right car insurance for you, call Synergy Insurance Group to discuss policies that will protect your family during the holidays and new year.
Before hitting the road, consider a little extra protection in case of an emergency with our Auto Accident Workbook or our Road Trip Safety & Tips eBook. These printable guides are meant to give you peace of mind if an accident were to occur, or even if you need an extra travel planning companion. Click either image to get your copy!
