Improving on the maintenance of your home likely did not make your list of top ten New Year’s Resolutions this year, but perhaps it should have.

Keeping your home secure and fit is just as important as keeping yourself in shape. Each has its own set of consequences if not done regularly, and each must be done year-round and changes with the seasons. Not buying it? Then consider this: time and effort spent taking care of your home can be measured in dollars and cents when you realize that homeowners insurance claims could be denied if an insurer determines that the loss could have been avoided through proper maintenance. That is not to mention keeping it secure for your family. So just what home related  tasks should you add to your resolutions this year?

READ MORE below to see the best resolutions to start with...

As a homeowner, you’ll want to take steps to avoid the risk of various liability issues during this Halloween season.  It’s a spooky night by design, but mischief can prevail and vandalism can result.  Likewise, there is always a greater potential for accidents such as slipping and falling that could cause injury as trick-or-treaters and other guests visit your property on Halloween.  Just as importantly, it might well be a challenge to restrain your pets as the doorbell rings repeatedly and strange voices carry through the house – not to mention all the scary and unfamiliar costumed visitors. 

Even so, it’s difficult not to be drawn into the fun.  So if you do intend to participate, the following tips might help you to enjoy a Halloween evening that is more a treat than a trick.

Food cooked outdoors, especially on a propane or charcoal grill in the backyard has a special appeal.  But grilling outdoors can be dangerous, even deadly, unless you take precautions.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8800 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues.  Of these fires,  about started on a courtyard, terrace or patio while 29 percent started on an exterior balcony or open porch.

Nevertheless, if you are like most Americans, you too enjoy summer grilling.  So, the following are some of the most important safety tips to assure that your barbecue is risk-free, whether you do a gas or charcoal grilling.

Safety Tips for Successful Backyard Grilling

• Place your grill on a level surface at least ten feet away from all other objects including structures like your house, garage, etc.; and stay clear of landscaping and traffic areas. 
• When grilling is complete, be sure to keep children and pets well away from the grill until it has completely cooled. 
• Never grill in an enclosed space including homes, vehicles, tents, campers, garages, etc.  This can be a deadly risk both for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Use only long-handled grilling tools and wear dry oven mitts that cover your forearm to avoid burns when cooking. 
• After grilling with charcoal, soak the coals with water and store in a metal container for disposal. 
• After cooking on a gas grill, turn off BOTH the grill and the propane bottle. 

Need some help making the best meal ever on the grill?
Check out this one-stop site for your next outdoor get together.

MORE ON GRILLING SAFETY

• Learn the proper use and care of the gas grill (Video: National Fire Protection Association).
• Get the NFPA Grilling Safety Tip Sheet (PDF)

When we get a referral from a client or a friend in the community like yourself, it means a lot to us.  The experienced agents here at William M. Sparks Insurance in Timonium, MD, work hard to earn each referral by providing “top notch” service with every call and visit.  Now, we’ve found a way to say thank you for this business through our Sparks Insurance Referral Program.   It’s our way of showing appreciation for all the referrals our loyal friends have sent our way.

Renae Osborn of Baltimore was our winner for 2016.

Renae was chosen a while ago and invited to visit our office to receive our appreciation and her prize -- a FitBit Charge2.  We finally caught up with Renae recently to pass along her prize.

Could you be our next Referral Winner?

Check out our website for the Referral Program details, and then decide who you know that could use the service and expertise of Timonium/Lutherville's best insurance agency.

By referring your friends, neighbors and family to William Sparks Insurance Agency, you can enjoy a win-win.  Not only will you be automatically entered into our drawing to be the next Referral program Winner, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped those that you care about to have access to the best insurance service and expertise in Lutherville/Timonium and beyond. 

See our website for all the Referral Program details.

Feel free to contact any of our very capable and experienced agents at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency here in Lutherville/Timonium, MD to discuss your insurance questions.  We can help you review your current insurance policy and explore your options to be sure you have the best coverage and protection according to your circumstances.