Weather

Perhaps it's the shorter days and colder weather, but the winter doldrums are real. It's a proven fact that, for some people, this time of year can bring on feelings of depression, lethargy, and boredom. Still, communities around the globe have found ways – both wily and weird – to brighten the winter blues.
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Does your home need a new paint job or a quick refresh on the trim? Are the gutters overflowing with the remains of fall foliage? Or are larger issues demanding immediate attention, like doors and windows, the roof, or the foundation? Whether you thrive on weekends filled with do-it-yourself projects or hide at the mere suggestion, summer's long days and generally agreeable weather in Michigan offer the ideal opportunity to take on the range of home maintenance and improvement tasks to preserve value and functionality for years to come. Here are a few considerations for fixing up the exterior of your home in the months to come.
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As gentle spring breezes give way to summer's scorching temps, many without air conditioning in Michigan will struggle to keep their homes cool. But all is not lost in the absence of central air. There are many simple, tried-and-true measures you can take to bring comfort back to the summer months.
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It's a subject we hear a lot about these days in the news: Drought. According to drought.gov in March of 2022, over 58% of the lower 48 states are currently in a drought. With a collective global force greater than all other natural disasters in the past 40 years, droughts around the globe eventuate in as much deadly destruction as any other extreme weather event. Droughts can be declared in as few as 15 days and can last a week, a month, a year, or longer.
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Winter is almost over and trees are budding with the first signs that spring is in the air. A crocus pops its sweet purple plumes through the last ice crystals and we heave a collective sigh of relief that, with the winter chills, the myriad of mucus-producing viruses is finally leaving the building. And then, for many, that first fatal sneeze. Spring, in all her verdant glory, has ushered back in seasonal allergies and the snotty noses and congestion we hoped not to revisit until the fall. For many of us in Michigan, seasonal allergies aren't just a nuisance, they prevent outdoor recreation, socialization, yard maintenance, and a host of other activities that make summer, well, summer.
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You get to the end of your flight reservation and the page comes up: For a few extra dollars, would you like to purchase travel insurance for your trip? Or maybe you're planning that once in a lifetime trip, and an experienced agent has suggested you purchase a travel policy. So what should you do?
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Winter is coming, and with increased costs on gas, food, and just about everything else, it's no surprise that your energy bill might threaten to strain your budget this season, too. But there's actually a lot you can do to stay cozy and warm and reduce your energy consumption this winter. Here are some ways to save on heating.
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Extreme weather is becoming more and more common these days, but even run-of-the-mill heat, rain, or snow can ruin an event or make it very difficult to carry out certain business operations, like construction. And when you have put thousands of dollars into a multi-day festival, film shoot, wedding, outdoor sale, or any type of activity that can be negatively impacted by the weather, it can be devastating to have to cancel or postpone due to intense heat or a dangerous storm. Even worse, you might not be able to recoup your costs, unless you have weather insurance.
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As youngsters, the more serious-minded among us were vigilant about making the Scout motto "Be Prepared" a reality. Now with the latest round of fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, the old adage is more relevant than ever. Even in Michigan, we all have the potential to encounter the occasional unpredicted mishap. But few events can be as unpredictable, or devastating, as natural disasters: hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, severe storms, tornadoes, and landslides, many of which we've been faced with lately.
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Heat-related illnesses are serious business. When left untreated, the symptoms of heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, which is life-threatening. During the prime summer months, this can be a big problem and one that can creep up on you, since the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can often look like something else. With normal summer temperatures slowly increasing around the globe, it's even more important to understand how heatstroke occurs and how you can prevent it.

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While the summer of COVID-19 continues, many Americans are looking for ways to get their recreation and vacation fixes without putting themselves at risk. Having a good old-fashioned day at the beach is a great option. Whether you're trying to minimize the risks of the virus or a jellyfish sting, make sure to follow these guidelines during your excursion to stay safe and protected.

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Even if you're used to it, driving on ice and snow can be nerve-wracking even during clear skies. But when a storm rolls in, driving can get extremely scary, as well as dangerous. Whether you live in a climate that gets severe winter weather or are just traveling through one, here are some tips for safer driving in a storm:

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There are a variety of potentially serious and costly problems that can happen when you allow too much snow to pile up on your roof: water damage, leakage and in some extreme cases, collapse. If you're a homeowner who lives in a wintry climate, it's important to understand how snow and ice can impact your roof, preventative measures, and when to take action.

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We've all got plans for the holidays and winter season in 48383: trips to take, winter activities to try, and the everyday to-do lists that don't stop just because the cold weather has arrived. But difficult conditions have a way of causing plans to go awry or causing damage that we just didn't expect. Here are some of the extra insurance protections you should consider purchasing this season, in case things don't go exactly the way you planned.

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Just for fun, let's take a look at some of the weirdest insurance policies out there.

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Extreme heat can be fatal. Already this year, 29 children have died from being left in hot cars, and hundreds of adults die each year from heat stroke or other conditions that are made worse by the high temperatures. As unusually high temperatures become more common, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness, and how to prevent them from happening.
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Happy spring! It's that time of year in Michigan when flowers, plants, and trees are blooming, the grass is green, requiring maintenance, and the air is fragrant with new life. It's also that time of year when millions of Americans are battling seasonal allergies. For some, spring is hopeful; for others, it's miserable.
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In regions with any kind of wintery weather, you probably know exactly how to prepare for and navigate the unique risks caused by snow, ice, and low temperatures. And since they can't change the thermostat or put on cold weather booties, your pets count on you to get them ready for the season, and to keep them safe through the cold winter months.
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Spring is just around the corner in Michigan. With it will come melting ice and snow, rising waters, and an increased potential for serious water damage due to flooding. Most standard insurance policies do not cover flooding, and that includes business and commercial policies. So should you spend extra to protect your business from flooding? Here are some things you should consider.
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For those of us in Michiganwith a yard to take care of, by the end of summer, your outdoor living spaces are probably looking pretty sharp. You may have spent a lot of time and money on the outcome, but did you know that your homeowner's policy may value high quality plants, mature trees, and landscaping at just a fraction of what they are worth? Fortunately, there are things that you can do to protect your precious live assets. Here's more information:

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Although avalanche danger doesn't affect most of Wayne County on a day-to-day basis, there's something fascinating and terrifying about the possibility of being buried beneath a tidal wave of crashing snow. It's easy to think an avalanche won't happen to you, but it isn't impossible: just last year a massive slide was triggered in a neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, resulting in one fatality and severe damage to several homes.

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Calculating the cost of natural disasters and extreme weather events is a complex process that takes a myriad of factors into account, including insurance payouts, lost income, property damage, and lives lost. In most cases, the cost of damage caused by these events far exceeds insured losses. Read on to find out some of the most surprising and significant facts about weather and insurance in Oakland County, the United States and around the world.

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Dangerous road conditions can occur any time of year, but winter is prime time for difficult driving in many Northern climates like Oakland County. Be prepared for whatever comes your way on the road by following these safe-driving suggestions:

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After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.

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Exactly what is a tornado and what is a near tornado?  When it comes to personal safety, it hardly matters.  Even relatively wean tornadoes can be devastating, causing tremendous property damage.  Learn a few facts about tornadoes and what you can do to keep you and your family safe before, during, and after a tornado.

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Home sweet home is an obvious place to give a good scrubbing once springtime in Highland arrives. It's time to wipe the grime out of every nook and cranny, wash the carpets and curtains, and pack away the space heaters and down blankets.
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Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to make sure your tires are ready to handle the curves. Accumulated debris, uneven roads and drastic changes in temperature (Michigan, no way!), can all affect their integrity. Routine tire maintenance will not only help you get the most out of your tires, but can also keep you safe while on the Oakland County roads.
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Of course gutters are not necessary for every house, but most houses need some kind of rain guttering system, especially in Michigan. If you notice the erosion of soil around your foundation, cement breaking up or dirt splattered on your siding, don't wait, your house is telling you it needs gutters to stay healthy.
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Between personal motor vehicles, factories, trains, and other sources of toxic fumes, the outside air would seem to be significantly more toxic than the air within our seemingly pristine indoor environments. Unfortunately, this is an illusion. The air you breathe at home or work can be seriously harmful. In fact, according to a study by the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution kills approximately four million people worldwide every year.
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Another big snow storm in Highland, Michigan....Refresh your memory on safe winter driving tips!
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Snow shoveling is not for the faint of heart-literally. According to Dr. Thomas Esposito of Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine, an average of 11,500 people visit U.S. emergency rooms each year for mishaps resultant from snow shoveling. Heart attacks, broken bones, and back injuries are just a few common consequences of shoveling sessions gone wrong. Bumps, blisters, sprains, and lacerations are also oft-cited injuries. And then there are the fatalities! Who knew this everyday wintertime chore could pose such danger?
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The Polar Vortex: it sounds almost otherwordly, like a malicious entity from a science fiction movie, or a faraway frigid realm in which one is destined to dwell in perpetuity. For those in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S., like Highland, MI, who recently experienced an actual polar vortex, however, those imaginative notions don't seem so far fetched. Actually a large-scale cyclone near either the North or South Pole, a polar vortex has the power to create drastically cold temperatures in a region spanning several hundred or even thousands of miles from its point of origin.
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• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze up and ensure that you have extra “running time” if the weather is unfavorable.

• Be sure you have the proper amount of antifreeze in your vehicle. Antifreeze works to prevent engine block freezing.

• If door locks are frozen, be sure to warm the key or use a lock de-icer. Be sure to never combine heat with lock de-icer as it is flammable. Don’t pour warm water on the car as it may re-freeze, making the situation worse.

• Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc. recommends warming up your vehicle for at least 10 to 15 minutes before heading out. Warming your vehicle allows oil and the engine to warm up, as well as the heat and defrosting systems. At all times, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust or exhaust system leak could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.

• Consider winter wiper blades and “no-freeze” windshield washer fluid. Motorists should replace worn wiper blades and always carry extra windshield washer fluid.

• Protect your vehicle from the cold by using a garage if available. Heat from a recently driven vehicle’s engine will warm the ambient air in a properly insulated garage and make your vehicle easier to start in the morning; plus, your vehicle will also be clear of ice and snow.

• Be sure your vehicle is fully equipped with a Michigan winter driving kit. The most important safety items are a fully charged cellular telephone and emergency road service coverage; small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, “non-clumping” kitty litter); a small snow shovel; snow brush and ice scraper; traction mats; flashlight with batteries; windshield washer fluid; cloth or roll of paper towels; booster cables; blanket; protective clothing – heavy gloves, scarf, warm boots; warning devices (triangles); first aid kit.

For all of your insurance related questions, call or contact Schoen Insurance Agency today.

The cold, snowy winter months in Highland, Michigan can cause some unique challenges when it comes to taking care of your new home. Especially when you least expect the most recent Snowmageddon! Proper measures can help prevent damage to your home. Here are just a few home maintenance tips for winter that we have put together to help you with your winter home to-do list.
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Is Facebook still a "friend" to the social media user who values some semblance of privacy? With the advent of Graph Search, Facebook's internal search engine, which allows users to search for comments, photo captions, photos, and other material posted by themselves or anyone else, many Facebook users are feeling that their privacy is a thing of the past, like those other casualties of technology, such as the handwritten letter and the answering machine.
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For those of us in Michigan who are guilty of putting the pedal to the metal, cruise control has seemed like a real blessing. With the press of a button, you can pull your lead foot off of that accelerator, keep your vehicle at a safe and consistent speed, and avoid an expensive speeding ticket. Some cars are even so "smart" that they can automatically adjust their own speeds when cruise control is in effect, keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you. Cruise control enables you to keep the road a bit safer for everyone...right?
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Just imagine this scenario: You're driving to work early one morning, and you stop at a red light in Highland. The driver behind you still has sleep in his eyes, and doesn't hit his brakes in time. He crashes into the back end of your car, not too hard, but hard enough to raise some concern, and maybe even a curse word or two. You both get out of your vehicles and when you check your rear bumper for damage and see not even a scratch, you shake hands, get back in your cars, and finish the drive to work.
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Sometimes, what appears to be an impenetrably solid roof above your head actually has little openings through which the rain can leak. The same is true of some car insurance and homeowner's insurance policies; they can appear to provide sufficient coverage, but, in the event of an accident of some sort, you may find yourself drowning in debt. To avoid getting soaked by surprising expenses, use an umbrella; umbrella insurance, that is.
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In Michigan, the change of the seasons can be dreadful.This means going from a beautiful summer day to a bitter cold winter in a matter of a week.It doesn’t take long to change the seasons, so you need to prepare before it hits you. It is time to start thinking about storing that boat, jetski and motorcycle.Have you thought about your insurance needs while your toys are in storage?Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you get the perfect coverage while your summer toys hibernate for the winter.
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Who doesn’t love a vacation? At Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc., we have the Travel Insurance you need to feel protected on your trip. While planning that well need getaway, do not forget to insure the unpredictable.Through unanticipated travel delays, bad weather, lost luggage and medical emergencies in foreign countries, Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc. in Highland, MI 48357 can have you feeling worry free from the time to purchase your flight to the time you get home safely.
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Download Hurricane/Flood Disaster Supply Kit (Excel)(PDF)
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Hurricane Safety
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Be prepared for storm season by knowing where to tune for weather updates, what to do before, during and after a storm hits.  Go over your Hurricane Property Preparation Checklist to make sure you have time to complete all necessary preparations. Even in high hurricane winds, preparation can mean the difference between minor damage and devastation.

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