Carr & Co. Insurance Partners Blog

How Smart Home Technology Can Help Detect Problems Early

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Smart home technology is often associated with security cameras and smart locks, but many of today's most useful devices are designed to help homeowners identify potential problems before they become major repairs.

From water leaks to temperature fluctuations, smart home tools can provide early warnings that allow homeowners to respond more quickly. While no technology can prevent every issue, these devices can offer greater visibility into what is happening around your property, whether you are at home or away.

Smart Water Leak Detectors

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face. Even a small leak can cause significant damage if it goes unnoticed for an extended period.

Smart water leak detectors are designed to monitor areas where leaks commonly occur, including around water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, and sump pumps. If moisture is detected, many systems can send an alert directly to your smartphone, allowing you to investigate the issue before it worsens.

Automatic Water Shutoff Systems

Some smart home systems take water protection a step further by automatically shutting off a home's water supply when a significant leak is detected.

These systems can help reduce damage from burst pipes, appliance failures, and other plumbing issues. For homeowners who travel frequently or own seasonal properties, automatic shutoff technology can provide an added layer of protection.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors play an important role in home safety, but smart versions can provide additional awareness when you are not at home.

Many smart detectors can send notifications directly to your mobile device if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. This allows homeowners to stay informed and take action even when they are away from the property.

Smart Thermostats and Freeze Monitoring

Temperature-related issues can create unexpected property damage, especially during colder months. Frozen pipes can burst and lead to extensive water damage if problems are not identified quickly.

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor indoor temperatures remotely and receive alerts if temperatures fall outside a designated range. This can be particularly helpful for vacation homes, rental properties, or homes left vacant for extended periods.

In addition to temperature monitoring, some smart home devices can track humidity levels, air quality, and other environmental conditions.

Technology and Insurance Working Together

Many smart home devices can work together through a single app or platform, making it easier to monitor multiple aspects of your property from one place. Homeowners can choose the devices that fit their needs and gradually build a system that provides greater visibility and convenience.

While smart home technology is not a substitute for insurance, it can help homeowners stay informed and respond quickly when problems arise. Contact us today to review your homeowner insurance coverage and discuss ways to help protect your property.

Common Insurance Mistakes Young Families Make

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Starting and growing a family comes with many exciting milestones, but it also brings new responsibilities and financial risks. Between busy schedules, growing expenses, and changing priorities, insurance coverage is often overlooked. Unfortunately, small gaps in coverage can create major problems when the unexpected happens.

Keeping the Same Coverage for Too Long

Many young families continue using the same insurance policies they had before getting married, buying a home, or having children. As life changes, insurance needs often change as well. Coverage that worked a few years ago may no longer provide enough protection today.

Underinsuring Personal Property

Families tend to accumulate furniture, electronics, appliances, toys, and other belongings quickly. Many people underestimate the total value of their personal property until they experience a major loss. Creating a home inventory can make it easier to understand how much coverage may be needed.

Choosing Coverage Based Only on Price

It is natural to want affordable insurance, especially with the expenses that come with raising children. However, choosing the lowest-priced policy without understanding the coverage can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs later. Deductibles, liability limits, exclusions, and coverage options all matter.

Not Updating Beneficiaries

Life insurance and other financial accounts often require beneficiary updates after major life events such as marriage or the birth of a child. Forgetting to review this information can create complications later and may not reflect your current wishes.

Many young families delay purchasing life insurance because they assume it is too expensive or unnecessary. In reality, life insurance can help provide financial stability for a spouse or children if something unexpected happens. Policies are often more affordable when purchased at a younger age.

Ignoring Liability Protection

As families grow, liability risks can increase as well. Owning a home, hosting guests, having pets, or adding teenage drivers can all increase exposure to liability claims. Reviewing liability limits and discussing umbrella insurance may be worthwhile for some families.

Forgetting to Review Coverage Regularly

Insurance should not be treated as a one-time purchase. Families often experience changes in vehicles, income, home value, and lifestyle over time. Regular policy reviews can help identify gaps and ensure coverage continues to match current needs.

Insurance may not always be top of mind during busy stages of life, but having the right coverage in place can help provide peace of mind and financial protection for your family. Taking a little time to review your policies now can help prevent larger problems later.

Factors That Impact Your Car’s Resale Value

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

A vehicle is one of the larger purchases most people make, and its value changes over time. While some depreciation is expected, certain factors can influence how much your car is worth when it comes time to sell or trade it in.

Understanding what affects resale value can help you make informed decisions throughout ownership and maintain as much value as possible.

Mileage and Usage

Mileage is one of the most significant factors in determining a car’s resale value. In general, vehicles with lower mileage tend to sell for more because they are perceived to have less wear and tear.

How the vehicle is used also matters. Consistent highway driving may be viewed more favorably than frequent short trips or stop-and-go city driving, which can place more strain on certain components over time.

Vehicle Condition

The overall condition of your vehicle plays a major role in how it is valued. This includes both cosmetic and mechanical condition.

Exterior factors like paint quality, dents, and scratches can affect buyer perception. Interior condition, including upholstery, odors, and general cleanliness, also contributes to value.

Routine maintenance is equally important. A well-maintained vehicle with documented service history is typically more appealing to potential buyers.

Maintenance and Service Records

Keeping detailed records of oil changes, inspections, and repairs can support your vehicle’s resale value. These records show that the car has been cared for and can give buyers more confidence in its reliability.

Missing or inconsistent service records may lead to questions about how well the vehicle has been maintained.

Vehicle History

A vehicle’s history can influence its resale value in several ways. Prior accidents, title issues, or major repairs may lower the value compared to a similar vehicle with a clean history.

Even when repairs are completed properly, buyers often consider the overall history when evaluating a vehicle.

Make, Model, and Market Demand

Some vehicles hold their value better than others due to brand reputation, reliability, and demand in the used car market.

Popular models with strong reliability records often retain value longer, while less common or less in-demand vehicles may depreciate more quickly.

Fuel efficiency, safety features, and technology can also influence how desirable a vehicle is over time.

Modifications and Customization

Aftermarket modifications can affect resale value in different ways. While some upgrades may appeal to certain buyers, others may limit your pool of potential buyers.

In many cases, keeping a vehicle close to its original condition helps maintain broader appeal when it is time to sell.

Keeping Long-Term Value in Mind

While resale value is not the only factor to consider when owning a vehicle, it can influence long-term costs. Simple steps like regular maintenance, careful driving, and keeping records organized can help preserve value over time.

Your auto insurance coverage can also play a role in protecting your investment, especially in situations involving damage or loss. Contact us today to review your coverage and make sure your vehicle is properly protected.

How to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Your HVAC system is one of the hardest working systems in your home. It runs through freezing winters, humid summers, and everything in between. Because it operates year round, small maintenance habits can make a major difference in how long it lasts. With the right care, many systems can run efficiently for 15 to 20 years.

Here are some practical steps every homeowner can take to extend the life of their HVAC system.

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the simplest and most important tasks is changing the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder than necessary. This increases wear on components and reduces overall efficiency.

Most homes benefit from replacing filters every one to three months. Homes with pets, allergies, or higher dust levels may need more frequent changes. Setting a calendar reminder can help you stay consistent.

Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

Even if your system seems to be working fine, an annual inspection is essential. A licensed technician can check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, clean coils, and identify small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Preventive maintenance improves efficiency, lowers energy bills, and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns during extreme weather when your system is under the most strain.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

The outdoor condenser unit needs proper airflow to operate efficiently. Clear away leaves, grass clippings, and debris regularly. Trim shrubs and plants so there is at least two feet of open space around the unit.

During winter, make sure snow and ice are not blocking ventilation. A simple visual check every few weeks can prevent unnecessary strain on the system.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Your HVAC system works harder when your home loses conditioned air. Seal gaps around doors and windows, inspect ductwork for leaks, and ensure your attic is properly insulated. Improving your home’s energy efficiency reduces the workload on your heating and cooling system.

The less strain your system experiences, the longer it is likely to last.

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat helps regulate temperatures more efficiently. Adjusting settings for when you're away from home prevents the system from running continuously at full capacity. Gradual temperature changes are also easier on the equipment than dramatic swings.

Over time, consistent and controlled usage can significantly extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Know When It's Time to Upgrade

Even with excellent care, no HVAC system lasts forever. If repairs become frequent, energy bills rise sharply, or your home struggles to stay comfortable, it may be time to consider replacement. Planning ahead allows you to make a thoughtful decision rather than reacting to an emergency failure.

While you are reviewing your HVAC system and making improvements to your home, it is also a good time to review your homeowners insurance coverage. Major systems like heating and cooling equipment represent a significant investment. Contact us today to make sure your coverage aligns with the current value and condition of your home.

Is an Electric Car Right for You?

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity lately. Have you considered getting one? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars, so you can decide if owning one is right for you.

Great for the planet

There’s no doubt — electric vehicles are better for the environment. They don’t exhaust emissions into the atmosphere, and, as a bonus, you won’t need a smog check. They also don’t rely on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the planet to procure and burn and are non-renewable.

Electricity is considered a renewable resource, making electric vehicles more eco-friendly. Even when an electric car is charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, it still causes a lot less emissions than an equivalent car that burns gasoline. Some parts of the US are legislating a change over to electric vehicles for the future. You can get ahead of the curve by owning one now.

Less expensive to operate

Electric vehicles are considerably less expensive to own over time than their gas-burning counterparts. There are no gasoline expenses and no oil changes. You can charge your electric vehicle at home with a home charging station, and most can simply be plugged into any standard 120-volt outlet for power.

Maintenance is generally less costly, especially when it comes to brakes, since many electric cars use the motors to slow the car down, a process which actually puts energy back into the car's battery. You may also qualify for tax breaks when you purchase an electric car.

Quieter

If you’ve ever had an electric vehicle sneak up on you, you know how quiet they are. If you would rather hear the sounds of nature or your car stereo without the growl of an engine interfering, an electric car may be just perfect for you. Overall, greater use of electric vehicles would reduce urban noise pollution, too.

More convenient

Electric vehicles are considered more convenient by people who own them. Many municipalities have dedicated lanes just for preferred electric cars and high-occupancy vehicles. And if waiting in line for gas is eating up your time – save time by charging at home while you sleep. This means that if you plug in every night, you'll be able to leave the house every morning with a “full tank.”

There are a few cons to owning an electric vehicle, but their fans typically find these are outweighed by their advantages.

May cost more to buy

In most cases, electric vehicles are more expensive than equivalent models that run on gas. You will likely save this price difference over time with ownership (by not having to buy gas or spend money on maintenance), but you will need the cash or financing up front. Expect the expense of electric cars to drop, however, as the technology improves and they become more part of the mainstream.

Fewer options

You won’t find as many options with electric vehicles as you will with other cars and trucks. Options are growing, but these vehicles still have some catching up to do.

Electric charging limitations

The biggest disadvantage to electric vehicles is the flip side of their advantage: limitations imposed by electric charging. It can be tough to find charging stations in some places, especially in rural areas, although that is certain to change over time.

You’ll want to be sure there are stations along the way or at work, for instance, if you plan to take a long trip or have a sizable commute. Most electric vehicles can’t travel as far on a single charge as a gas-powered vehicle can on one tank, though some can.

Refilling at the gas station can be a hassle, but once at the pump, it only takes a few minutes. However, electric vehicles typically need more time to charge. Depending on the model you select, how depleted the battery is, and how much range you want to add, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. You need to plan that into your schedule, including any potential need for short-notice vehicle use.

A Final Consideration When Making the Switch

There is one last thing to think about when swapping your gas vehicle for an electric one: your auto insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance agent about what the cost of a new policy will be. As electric vehicles become more widespread, insurance is moving more on par with other cars. And owners say the advantages and overall cost savings by far make up for any increases to their premiums.

Leasing vs Buying Business Vehicles

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 04:35:17 GMT

For many small and mid-size businesses, vehicles are not optional, they are essential tools. Whether you operate a service company, delivery business, construction firm, or sales organization, the decision to lease or buy vehicles can significantly impact your cash flow, flexibility, and long-term financial strategy.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on how your business uses its vehicles and how you prefer to manage expenses.

The Case for Leasing

Leasing can be attractive for businesses that want lower upfront costs and predictable monthly payments. Since you are not purchasing the vehicle outright, you typically avoid a large down payment. This can preserve working capital for other needs such as hiring, marketing, or equipment purchases.

Leased vehicles are often newer and may remain under warranty for most or all of the lease term. That can reduce maintenance surprises and repair costs. Leasing also allows you to upgrade to newer models every few years, which may improve fuel efficiency, safety features, and brand image.

However, leases often come with mileage limits and wear-and-tear restrictions. If your vehicles are heavily used or operate in demanding environments, those limits can lead to additional charges.

The Case for Buying

Buying a vehicle requires more upfront investment, but it provides long-term ownership and control. Once the vehicle is paid off, you eliminate monthly payments and can continue using it for years. This can lower total costs over time, especially if the vehicle remains reliable.

Ownership also means no mileage restrictions and more flexibility to modify the vehicle to suit your business needs. For companies that log significant miles or operate specialized vehicles, buying often makes more financial sense.

On the other hand, purchased vehicles will eventually require more maintenance as they age. You also assume the risk of depreciation, and resale value can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Think Beyond the Payment

When comparing leasing and buying, look beyond the monthly cost. Consider maintenance expectations, tax implications, cash flow needs, and how frequently you plan to refresh your fleet. A business that prioritizes predictable expenses and modern branding may lean toward leasing. A company focused on long-term cost efficiency may prefer ownership.

It is also important to consider how vehicles are used. Are employees driving them? Are they transporting tools or inventory? Do they cross state lines? These operational details can influence not only your financial decision, but also your insurance requirements.

Before finalizing any vehicle decision, it is wise to review your commercial auto insurance. Whether you lease or buy, your policy should reflect how the vehicles are titled, who drives them, and how they are used. Contact us today to review your commercial auto insurance and make sure your coverage aligns with your business operations.

What to Do if You Hit a Deer While Driving

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Hitting a deer can be a startling and dangerous experience, especially if it happens unexpectedly on a quiet road or at high speed. Unfortunately, these incidents are fairly common, particularly in areas with high wildlife populations or during certain times of the year when deer are more active. Knowing what to do after the collision can help protect your safety, reduce stress, and make the aftermath easier to manage.

The first step is to make sure you and your passengers are safe. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Turn on your hazard lights, and if your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road. Stay inside the vehicle if you're near traffic and wait for help to arrive. If the crash is serious or your car can’t be moved, use cones or flares if you have them to warn oncoming traffic.

Do Not Approach the Deer

It may be tempting to check on the deer, but you should never approach an injured or stunned animal. Even if it appears still, it could react suddenly and cause injury. Instead, contact local law enforcement or animal control to report the accident. They can respond to the scene and handle the situation safely. A police report may also be helpful when filing your insurance claim.

Call Your Insurance Company

Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding road conditions, and the deer if it is still visible. Write down the time, location, and any relevant details, such as weather conditions or nearby landmarks. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Clear documentation will make the claims process much easier and help support your case if needed.

After ensuring safety and reporting the incident, contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Most comprehensive auto policies cover collisions with animals, but it's still a good idea to confirm your specific coverage. Keep your photos, notes, and police report handy. If your policy is with us, we can guide you through the next steps and help with any questions along the way.

Prepare for the Future

While it's impossible to prevent every accident, you can take steps to minimize the risk of future wildlife collisions. Stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk. Use your high beams when safe to do so, and scan the sides of the road for movement. Keep your speed reasonable in wooded or rural areas where deer are common.

It’s also wise to have a stocked emergency kit in your car. Include items like a flashlight, reflective warning triangles, first aid supplies, a phone charger, a water bottle, and a thermal space blanket to stay safe and comfortable in case you’re stuck waiting for help. Being prepared can make a difficult situation a lot more manageable.

If you’ve been in a collision or want to make sure your current coverage aligns with your needs, contact us today to review your auto insurance policy. It's a good time to ensure your insurance is current and that your policy fits your driving habits and risks.

How to Choose Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:08:18 GMT

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any home, so you should ensure that your house is equipped with them. You should have detectors in the main living areas on each floor, including in every bedroom and the kitchen. This way, you'll be able to identify problems in the most important areas as quickly as possible. However, not all detectors are the same. Here's what you need to know to pick appropriate ones for your home.

Types of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

First, you'll need to choose between individual and combination devices. With individual devices, you'll have separate detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide. As you might have guessed, combination devices can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide from a single device. While combo options can be a bit more costly, they'll take up less space on your ceiling, keeping the overall look clean and uncluttered.

You'll also have to choose between wired and battery-powered options. In general, battery-powered detectors are cheaper and easier to install, though you'll need to replace the batteries periodically. It is also a smart idea to test them frequently to ensure they are working properly. If you opt for wired detectors, consider choosing the kind with backup batteries to ensure they continue working in the event of a power failure.

Finally, modern smoke and carbon monoxide detectors also come in smart versions. These devices connect to your home's internet connection, enabling you to monitor them from your smartphone or other mobile device. This way, you can check on your home while you are at work or out of town to ensure everything is safe. These devices tend to be the most expensive, but they'll also give you the greatest peace of mind, especially if you travel frequently.

Adding Sprinkler Systems

If you live in an area that is prone to fires, you may wish to add overhead sprinklers to your home as well. In fact, some jurisdictions actually require them, so be sure to check the laws in your area. Modern sprinkler systems can sync with your smoke detectors, activating the sprinklers in case of fire.

Upgrade Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Even if your home already has detectors in place, you may wish to upgrade them to more modern versions. This will give you the greatest amount of protection for both your home and your loved ones. You may even be able to save a bit of money on your home insurance. Get in touch with us to learn more.

The Smart Way to Secure Your Home

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:08:18 GMT

Smart technology has brought us many benefits, including new ways of securing our homes. Regardless of the type of home where you live, be it an apartment or a house or anything in between, you’re sure to find helpful options below that you can manage from anywhere with just your smartphone.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are a boon to both apartment dwellers and other homeowners. Many apartment management companies allow these or install them themselves because it saves their staff from dealing with lockouts and having to screen visitors.

Smart locks come in different varieties and can be configured in multiple ways, depending on your needs. For example, you can give a door passcode to your nanny or housekeeper to come and go without a key. If you change home workers, you simply have to change the code, with no worries about a stray key still in someone’s pocket.

You can also control some smart locks remotely with your smartphone. This is good for when a worker or delivery person is at the door and you want them to set a package inside, but you don’t want to give them the passcode to your home.

Door Cameras

Smart locks often go hand in hand with door cameras, also known as doorbell cameras. These record the comings and goings at your front entrance, and you can view it all on your mobile device.

Door cameras are ideal for:

Seeing who’s outside when an unexpected visitor rings the bell
Knowing when your kids come home from school when you’re not home
Monitoring your front door while you’re on vacation
Checking for a package delivery
Seeing if someone is stealing your packages or mail
Deterring would-be intruders on the front porch

Automatic Garage Door Features

Garage door technology has come a long way lately. Basic up/down features let you open and close the door from the comfort of your home’s interior or inside your vehicle.

Even better, new security elements let you control the door from afar with your smartphone or tablet. If you realize you left it open, you don’t have to wait until you go home again to close it.

Some garage door security options go one step further. You can get an alert if someone tries to raise or tilt the door, so you can stop an intruder by calling the police.

Lighting to Deter Intruders

Lighting has always been one of the best defenses against intruders. In addition to motion sensor lights and dawn/dusk features, you can now find lighting controlled by your cell phone.

Say you’re at work and your teen calls to say they're coming home early from sports practice. You can turn on the lights for them to make their entry safer. Likewise, you can turn lights on and off when you’re traveling to make it look like someone is home.

Alarms and Security Cameras

Alarms and security cameras are growing in both technology and popularity. There are DIY models and those that you must integrate with a security monitoring company for a fee. In the latter case, they usually provide the equipment and maintain it for you.

These systems let you watch who is in or on your property from a distance via your phone, whether you’re upstairs or halfway around the globe. Alarms will sound and you’ll get a mobile alert if someone opens a door, raises a window, or breaks glass. If you have a DIY system, you can call the police. If your system is part of a professional service, they will respond or alert local law enforcement.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

No home would be complete without smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Previously, these security elements were only helpful if you were present in the home. Now, however, you can get alarms on your mobile device with more sophisticated models that work with Wi-Fi to alert you to danger at home.

One more important thing to note about smart home security: be sure to let your insurance agent know about any features you add to your house or apartment. You may be entitled to savings on your homeowner's insurance or renter’s insurance, which is a nice bonus to the peace of mind you get with these security elements.

Preparation for Extreme Weather

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:08:18 GMT

Extreme weather events are becoming more common across the United States. These events can be a threat to your home and its inhabitants if you don’t take precautions. Follow these nine essential tips to stay safe and minimize the risk of danger to your residence when bad weather strikes.

Service Your HVAC System Regularly

In the spring and fall, have your HVAC system serviced professionally so it’s ready for the coming weather season. In the fall, check over the furnace and replace old filters. In the spring, make sure the air conditioning is working properly and trim back any plants encroaching on outdoor compressor units.

Prevent Burst Pipes

Burst pipes can result in huge plumbing expenses and interior water damage. You can prevent this by ensuring your pipes are properly insulated against freezing and by knowing what to do in a cold snap:

Apply insulation to pipes in cold areas of the home.
Use insulation in walls where pipes run.
Know the signs of pipes subject to freezing, such as condensation or frost on their exterior.
Open under-sink cabinet doors during deep freezes to allow room heat to warm pipes.
Never turn off the heat when temperatures approach freezing, even if you won’t be home.
If your power goes out and you worry about freezing pipes, open your taps to a slight drip to help keep them from freezing completely.

Sign Up for Power Outage and Other Emergency Alerts

Whenever possible, enroll in your area’s alert system for power outages and other emergencies. Many regions now have mobile device apps and alerts for when power will be cut due to fire risk, for example, or when a serious storm is approaching.

Keep Your Electronics Charged

During times when extreme weather is likely, it is a good idea to keep your devices and flashlights fully charged. Consider investing in a lithium battery pack to charge them when the power goes out. A battery-powered radio is also great to have around for emergency broadcasts.

Have a Safe Emergency Lighting Option

While candles used to be the old standby for power outages, there are safer options if you need light. The battery pack chargers mentioned above often come standard with an LED light, which you can supplement with flashlights. Most smartphones also have a bright flashlight feature. Electric candles and battery-powered camping lanterns are other smart choices.

Store Food, Water, and Essential Personal Items for Emergencies

Don’t forget to keep emergency supplies on hand for times when the power goes out. Stock up on these items in advance:

Nonperishable food items
Foods you can eat without cooking if you don’t have a gas stove you can light manually
An extra can opener
Batteries in the sizes you need
Drinking water, including enough for pets
Extra water for washing and cleaning (wipes and dry shampoo are handy, too)
Personal care and essential household items
Medications and first-aid supplies
Battery-powered fans and cooling bandanas
Emergency heat blankets or sleeping bags
Hand and foot warmer packs

Understand Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks

Every year, during extreme weather events, Americans suffer tragic deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This is usually due to using things like using outdoor grills inside or trying to provide heat by turning on a gas stove, both of which are dangerous and should never be done.

Combustion of gas, wood, and charcoal without the proper ventilation can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air, which can be fatal if inhaled, as it replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. Signs of CO poisoning include sleepiness, loss of consciousness, confusion, and blue hands, feet, and lips. Call 911 immediately if you or a family member experience these symptoms.

Never use outdoor grills or camp stoves indoors, and never use your oven for heat. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean before using them in cold weather. Buy a few carbon monoxide detectors for your home to alert you if dangerous levels of CO are present.

Make Sure Everyone in Your Family and Community Are Safe, Too

Remember to check in on family members and others in your community during extreme weather emergencies. People who are especially vulnerable include folks who live alone, seniors, families with babies, and those who are disabled.

Have an Emergency Plan If You Must Leave Your Home

Finally, develop an emergency plan in case staying in your home isn’t feasible due to extreme temperatures or storm damage. Know ahead of time where you can head for shelter and heating or cooling, such as public libraries, schools, and other facilities designated for assistance. When you plan in advance, you’ll stay safer and worry less, no matter when bad weather visits your town.