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Insurance protection for emergency situations

METRO SERVICES

Emergencies, especially storms, can be unpredictable and cause personal injury and costly damage to homes. The right insurance is essential to help mitigate damage from storms and soften the financial blow that such destruction can cause. Not all insurance is the same, and additional policies and riders may help reduce the impact of emergencies.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Standard homeowners insurance policies will cover a wide range of issues. American Family Insurance says damage from wildfires, wind storms, tornadoes, ice storms, lightning strikes, hail, power surges and fallen trees is included but additional coverage may be needed to cover excessive damage.

MATCHING SIDING COVERAGE

Some homeowners may want to replace all the siding on their homes if parts are damaged and color or siding materials cannot be matched exactly by patching up damaged areas.

ROOF REPLACEMENT INSURANCE

This insurance will be used to pay for the full replacement of a roof minus the deductible, which may differ from what is covered through standard homeowners policies.

SUMP PUMP OVERFLOW INSURANCE

Sump pumps are designed to engage and pump water out of basements and crawl spaces, helping to avoid flooding in the home. If the power goes out and the sump pump cannot work or if the sump pump fails, homeowners typically are not covered for any ensuing damage. Sump pump overflow insurance provides additional peace of mind and protection.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage, especially if a home is in a flood zone. Flood insurance can bridge the gap of coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program offers building coverage and contents coverage policies. Building coverage will cover carpeting, electrical and plumbing systems, window blinds, foundation walls and more. Contents coverage protects curtains, personal clothing and furniture, artwork and appliances, among other things.

UMBRELLA INSURANCE

According to GEICO, umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection that goes beyond limitations and coverage of other policies. It can offer coverage for injuries to people staying at your house or renting your property, property damage, personal liability and certain lawsuits.

RENTERS INSURANCE

Renters insurance protects renters, yet the Independent Insurance

Adjusters & Brokers of America says almost two-thirds of residential lessees in the United States do not carry renters insurance. Renters insurance can protect belongings destroyed in a fire or weather event; provide assistance should someone be injured in your apartment; or it can protect you if you were found legally responsible for damages to someone’s property, according to State Farm Insurance.

An insurance representative can walk interested parties through the policies available to customize an insurance package that will offer sufficient protection against emergencies. ■

METRO SERVICES

Bathrooms can benefit from updates that improve their form and function. While styles and color patterns may inspire bathroom renovations, improvements to safety also should be considered.

Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a house. Bath and shower areas account for about twothirds of accidental injuries in these spaces. Many other injuries involve the toilet. In 2008, a thorough investigation of bathroom dangers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries in the United States among people aged 15 years and older.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable in the bathroom due to reduced mobility and flexibility, visual impairment and other factors. However, some key modifications can make bathrooms much safer for aging populations:

Raised toilet seat: Install an Americans with Disabilities Act (Ada)compliant raised toilet seat. Standard toilet seats are roughly 15 inches high, but elevated seats can raise the bowl an additional two to four inches. Another option is to invest in risers that can be attached to an existing toilet.

Grab bars: Seniors may use towel holders as grab bars, which do not have stability and can dislodge from the wall. Install secured side grip bars by the toilet and inside the shower to make maneuvering easier.

Water temperature: Seniors may be vulnerable to hot water temperatures. Lower the water temperature setting on the hot water heater. Staysafe.org recommends 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Faucets: Change faucet handles to paddle-style handles rather than knobs. Knobs can be challenging to grip for those with arthritis in their hands. Also, handles that are easier for seniors to use can reduce the risk of the elderly losing their balance as they attempt to gain leverage to turn the water on and off.

Nonslip mats: Nonslip mats or tape strips can be used in showers and tub bottoms, as well as outside of the shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Rugs should have rubberized, slipresistant backing.

Rounded corners: Choose counters and fixtures with rounded corners. Should a senior fall against something, the rounded corner may prevent serious injury.

Shower benches and transfer seats: Benches and transfer seats make it easier getting in and out of the shower. Also, sitting while showering reduces the risk of becoming lightheaded or losing balance.

Walk-in tubs/showers: Minimizing the threshold to the shower or bathtub is an important safety feature. Some manufacturers make walk-in tubs with doors that secure and make watertight seals. Showers that do not have a lip or tub to scale also are better for seniors.

Lighting: Eyesight weakens over time, so improve lighting with combinations of overhead lighting and softer side lighting. Night lights or soft-glowing toilet lights can make it easier to get around the bathroom in the middle of the night.

These are just some improvements that can create safer bathroom environments for seniors. ■

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

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2021-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://daily.gazette.com/article/282462827197893

The Gazette, Colorado Springs