Washington County Weekend Post

4 • W a s h i n g t o n C o u n t y P o s t R e t a i l • 4 - 2 2 - 1 8 T he value of homeowners insurance is often thrust into the national spotlight when natural disasters happen. The devastation and financial loss they can cause reinforces the importance of making sure you have adequate insurance coverage to rebuild if disaster strikes your home. In 2017 alone, the U.S. was struck by 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in a record-breaking $300 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Thankfully, most Americans don't experience large-scale natural catastrophes, but millions of homeowners do experience some kind of property loss each year and need to make an insurance claim. The most commonly reported homeowners insurance claims are actually the result of events that can occur at any time, so it's important for homeowners to be prepared for these potential risks. Water damage claims are most common "Water claims are the ones we see most often," says Christopher O'Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. "While certain perils are seasonal, water damage can occur any time of year. It's important for homeowners to conduct routine maintenance of appliance hoses and water pipes to make sure there aren't cracks or leaks and, if any are detected, have them repaired or replaced immediately. "Another thing everyone can do to protect their homes from leaks is turn off their main water supply when they're away for an extended period of time. No one wants to return from a relaxing vacation to find water running through their home." Smart home technology also delivers an extra layer of protection for homeowners by providing 24/7 monitoring to help detect water pipe leaks. Professionally installed water pressure sensors, for example, work with most smartphones and can, among other things, automatically shut off the home's main water supply if a leak or burst pipe is detected. And the best part is that insurance companies like Mercury Insurance will often provide a discount for homes that implement this technology. O'Rourke also notes that most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damage caused by rising water from storms or overflowing bodies of water, so he recommends homeowners consult with their local insurance agent to learn how to protect against these types of events. Fire damage is a concern for homeowners While water claims are the most common, fire damage is another possible concern for homeowners and can be caused in several ways. The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly half a million structure fires occurred in 2016, resulting in $7.5 billion in property damage, and wildfires ravaged California in 2017, leading to one of the year's billion-dollar disaster events. O'Rourke suggests controlling the things you can and mitigating against the perils you can't. "Most home fires happen when people are inattentive or negligent. These fires are preventable if people don't leave things like lit stoves, fireplaces, candles or portable heat sources unattended. You should also refrain from overloading electrical outlets and using appliances with frayed electrical cords," he says. "These things seem like common sense, but it's amazing how many claims we see that result from simply not paying attention. "Wildfires can be extremely scary and dangerous and there is often little warning when they sweep through areas, leaving homeowners little time to protect their homes. Most of this work needs to be done before a fire erupts. Homeowners can mitigate against this risk by keeping their yards free of dry brush, grass clippings and twigs, keep tree branches trimmed and bushes pruned. They should also make sure their roofs and gutters are cleared of leaves and debris." Theft can be costly Theft doesn't necessarily pose a threat to the physical structure of a home, but it too can be costly and it often leaves homeowners feeling scared and violated. The FBI's Universal Crime Report estimates 1.5 million burglaries occurred in 2016 - with residential properties accounting for 69.5 percent of these offenses. Homeowners can help safeguard against theft by taking simple, but often overlooked precautions like ensuring doors and windows are locked, and not leaving spare keys in easy-to-find locations. Several smart home devices can also aid in deterring potential thieves by allowing homeowners to adjust lights, monitor security cameras and activate security systems from their smartphones even when they're away from home. "Our claims team strives to get our customers back on their feet after a loss. Our hope is that people never experience such an event in the first place, but if they do we want them to know that it is our goal to help them get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible," adds O'Rourke. Mercury Insurance provides homeowners with additional tips to protect against common insurance claims. V i s i t h t t p s : / / b l o g . mercuryinsurance.com to learn more. Financial News The most common causes of homeowners insurance claims (BPT) *Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Insurance offered through Reis Financial Services, LLC which is not affiliated with Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Neither Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. or it's representatives or employees provide legal or tax advice. ❖ Pay too much in taxes ❖ Need to invest money ❖ Wish to discuss your 401k rollover ❖ Need to plan your estate ❖ Are near retirement ❖ Desire a Roth IRA ❖ Need a Business Plan CONSULT US IF YOU: 258725003 Timothy M. Reis*, LUTCF Financial Advisor 4524 Dollar Drive, West Bend, WI (262) 338-0018 www.reisfs.com KLUMB BROTHERS EDWARD & HARVEY KLUMB 4632 COUNTY HWY D – WEST BEND, WI 53090 PHONE: 262-629-5029 –OR- HARVEY'S CELL: 262-355-5859 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 – 11:00 A.M. (VERY FEW SMALL ITEMS) AUCTION SPECIALISTS STOUGHTON, LLC LET OUR ADVANCED SALE PREPARATION AND OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE PUT A PLUS IN YOUR AUCTION 1320 ROBY RD., STOUGHTON, WI 53589 - PHONE (608) 873-7791 260198002 LOCATION: North of West Bend, on Hwy 45, to Cty Hwy D (Exit 73-W-B- Elevator) west on Cty D, 4 miles. Or 3 miles north of Allenton, 20 miles south of Fond du Lac, on Hwy 41, to Cty Hwy D (Exit 76) east on Cty D (2-1/2 miles east of Kohlsville). Watch for auction signs. LUNCH BY: Primetime Towne Fryer NOTE: The Klumb family has owned this farm for 170 years. The farm is a showplace. The Klumb's had one of the top Registered Holstein herds in the country. They have now rented their farm and are selling the following equipment. This equipment has always been shedded and is in very good condition. TRACTORS-COMBINE-S.P. HAYBINE: CIH MX120 Maxxum tractor, cab, 2WD, 20.8x38 tires, 2211 hours, 12 IH suitcase weights (sell separate); JD 6410 D. tractor, cab, MFWD, 18.4R38 tires, dual bank hyd, 2055 hours; JD 6115M tractor, cab, MFWD, front fenders, dual bank hyd, only 229 hours; INT 574 D. utility tractor, 3pt, 540 PTO, 6133 hours; Set of 20.8x38 clamp-on duals; CIH 1620 Axial Flow S.P. combine, 2125 hours, SN 32101; CIH 1063 6 row narrow corn head, SN 70897; CIH 1020, 15' grain platform, SN 221332; 2-head transports (1-EZ Trail 672); CIH 8830 S.P. diesel mower conditioner w/12' head, 1319 hours. TILLAGE & PLANTING EQUIPMENT: JD 1750 Max Emerge Plus 6 row narrow corn planter, dry fertilizer w/Unverferth fill auger, monitor; CIH 5100, 12' grain drill "Soybean Special", grass seed attach, rubber press wheels; Wilrich 3400, 26' field cultivator/finisher; Brillion X fold 3 sec cultipacker, Model 108, large rolls; CIH 415, 15' cultimulcher; Landoll "Soilmaster II, 7 shank soil saver; INT 720 5-18" semi mtd auto reset plow; CIH 475, 20' wing disk. GRAIN HANDLING ITEMS: EZ Trail 510 grain cart w/unload auger; Parker (Unverferth) 505 large gravity box on heavy-duty wagon, side view windows, brakes, road lights, rolling tarp (like new); 3-Kory 185 gravity boxes w/metal ext sides on wagons (Kory 6072, Gehl & Kasten); Gravity box on wagon w/Unverferth fertilizer auger. OTHER EQUIPMENT: CIH 8530 inline baler w/thrower; Kuhn GA4121GTH Master Drive whirl-A-rake; Grimm 9' hay tedder; Brillion "FSB 1806", 15' stalk chopper, 4 rear wheels; Gehl 860 forage harvester w/hay head, elec controls; 2-forage blowers (Kools KB57 & IH 56); Farmrite 300 gal trailer-type sprayer w/boom; 3-wagons w/wood flat racks; Katolight 50 KW portable generator on transport (single ph); Walsh 500 gal trailer-type sprayer w/45' boom, Richway foam markers, elec controls. TRUCK & CATTLE TRAILER: 1998 Chev 2500, 3/4 ton pickup truck, 4x4, only 37,450 miles; Derco single axle 9' enclosed livestock trailer. DAIRY & BARN ITEMS & MISCELLANEOUS: Mueller 900 gal cylinder bulk milk cooler w/auto washer, SN 64781; DeLaVal 76 milker pump w/elec motor; 19' Jamesway chain conveyor; 8' Schoessow slant bar fence-line feeder; Gruett 12' hay feeder; portable barn fan; Schuld 6 ton bulk feed bin w/auger; 16' bale conveyor; Cement mixer w/elec motor; Steel & wood fence posts; Usual farm misc. SEE PHOTOS ON WEBSITE: www.auctionspecialistsstoughton.com TERMS: Cash or Good Check Day of Sale. Out of state checks require current bank letter of guarantee. Photo ID Required to Register to Bid/Buy. Announcements made at sale take precedence over advertised material. AUCTIONEER: Daniel R. Ritger (RWA #645) Kewaskum, WI, 414-333-8625 SALE MANAGER: James M. Seamonson (Registered Wisconsin License #132) Auction Specialists Stoughton, LLC, Stoughton, WI 608-873-7791 Auctions Haven't you been in the dark long enough? It's time to shed some light on your business with an ad in The Washington County Post. Delivered every Weekend, we'll help get your business out of the dark and into over 46,000 homes in Washington County. When business is slow, do something about it. Get noticed with an ad in The Washington County Post. 100 S. Sixth Avenue West Bend, WI 262-306-5000 Haven't you been in the dark long enough?

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