Every so often, you see it on TV, hear it on the radio, or read about it in the newspaper. Somewhere in the country, a hurricane, tornado, or blizzard leaves behind a trail of widespread damage. Sometimes, weather-related damage to property and homes is minor; at other times it may be catastrophic. Do you know what natural perils your homeowners policy does cover and what it does not? Let's take a closer look.

Wind, Lightning, and Hail: Damage to your property and home caused by winds associated with thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, or by lightning or hail, is generally covered. But, what happens if your tree falls down and damages your neighbor's house? In most cases, your homeowners policy will pay to remove the debris and repair any related damage. Your policy generally will pay (within specified limits) for losses to your own property, as well as those for which you might be held liable.

Snow: If, following a massive snowstorm, part of your roof collapses under the weight of snow, sleet, or ice, your homeowners policy will generally pay for any necessary repairs. You may also be covered for cost-of-living expenses, should you have to move out and find temporary living quarters in a hotel or rental apartment.

As a general rule, several weather-related risks or other natural disasters are excluded from coverage. These potential hazards are listed under "policy exclusions." Some typical exclusions are:

Earthquake, Flood, and Sewer Backup: Most homeowners policies do not cover damages caused by earthquake, flood, or sewer backup, although you may be able to add these perils to your policy by special endorsement. Flood insurance, however, is available separately from The National Flood Insurance Program.

Landslides, Mudslides, Tidal Waves, and Ocean Storms: Landslides, mudslides, tidal waves, and wave damage in coastal areas are excluded from most homeowners policies. Like earthquakes, these perils generally affect only individuals in certain geographic areas. Separate coverage for one or more of these risks may be available where you live.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that not every policy is the same and coverages may vary from state to state. Feel free to review your insurance with us so we can help you identify important areas of coverage, and assist you in updating your policy, if needed.

Sewer Backup: Unpleasant and Expensive

The extra protection may prevent a costly gap in your insurance coverage. Please call or stop by to check your homeowners policy provisions, or to learn more about sewer backup endorsements.

Anti-Theft Devices a Deterrent to Crime

The decline in auto theft may, in part, be due to the installation of anti-theft devices, such as electronic alarms, engine disablers, steering locks, and the like. In short, anything that makes stealing a vehicle more challenging or time-consuming will help deter a thief. To prevent a likely theft, a "layered approach" to protection is most often recommended.

Layer One is common sense—perhaps the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Common sense involves removing your keys from the ignition; rolling up all windows; locking all doors; keeping tempting articles out of sight; and always parking in well-lit areas.

Layer Two is a visible or audible device such as audible alarms, steering wheel locks, steering column collars, theft-deterrent decals, tire locks, and window etching. These devices alert auto thieves to the fact that a vehicle is protected.

Layer Three is a protective device that prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition, and hot-wiring your vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys; others inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular devices in this category include "smart" keys, fuse cut-offs, kill switches, and starter, ignition, and fuel disablers.

Layer Four, the final layer of protection you can install, is a tracking system that emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when a vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking systems are known to be particularly effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Using common sense costs no money and can go a long way in protecting your car from theft. However, it may be wise to go one step further and, if you do not already have an anti-theft device in your vehicle, you might want to consider some of the available options described above. While taking precautions is always recommended, you should also make sure that your insurance coverage is adequate should a theft ever take place.

Protect Your Child: Use Safety Seats

Every year, children die because of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. In fact, automobile accidents represent the biggest single threat to child safety in the U.S. Many of these injuries and deaths could be avoided if adults would take the time to secure a child in a safety seat that is properly anchored to the car's permanent seating. When properly installed and used, safety seats can prevent 75 percent of potential fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you drive with small children, make sure you put them in child safety seats. All states have laws mandating this basic requirement. Remember, seat belts alone are not good enough. And, you can't protect children by holding them in your arms—even if you, yourself, wear a seat belt. A crash at 30 mph will hurtle a 10-pound child from your arms with a force of 300 pounds—an impact comparable to falling from a third-story window! Before you buy a car seat, consider the following important guidelines.

• Buy only seats that meet federal safety standards.
• Test the seat in your car. Not all seats fit all cars.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Place the car seat in the safest position—if possible, in the center of the back seat.
• Never put rear-facing infant seats in the front seat of cars that have a passenger-side airbag (some cars and trucks have shut-off switches that allow you to disengage a passenger-side airbag).
• Secure the child in the seat, and use the car seat belt.
  

It is important to use the safety seat even if your child resists. Teach them young. Children learn to recognize it as acceptable behavior only if you insist. Also, wear your own seat belt. Children learn from example.