Weather

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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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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Pets often become more like family members, and in the case of dogs (and the occasional cat), we tend to take them wherever we go. But before you pack up Fido for a summer road trip, it's important to think about how to keep your beloved pet safe when temperatures are extreme.
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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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Tips for Surviving the Polar Vortex this Winter

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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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In 1991, video footage went viral (as viral as video could be in 1991) of people taking shelter from a tornado by leaving their cars and climbing up underneath an underpass. The tornado passed over, and the people emerged a little freaked out but otherwise unscathed. It was quite dramatic.

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Hail storms can strike without much warning, leaving you with little time to react. Being prepared in advance — and knowing what to do — can help you stay safe and keep damage to a minimum. Consider signing up for local weather alerts, which deliver warnings when hail storms are approaching your area.

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The wind and rain from spring and summer storms can cause all kinds of damage. But what often packs the biggest punch are the hailstones! These little ice balls, formed as raindrops are blown back into the upper atmosphere by strong winds, can cause serious damage to a vehicle. The National Storm Damage Center estimates damages caused annually in the United States to home, buildings, cars, businesses and crops to be around $1 billion!

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Fact or myth: Your rubber tires will stop lightning from striking your car.

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Every season presents its own challenges on the roads, but Fall is one season that often gets overlooked. With weather conditions that are typically not as harsh as those in Winter, Spring, and Summer, it's easy to assume (incorrectly) that Fall driving isn't tricky. While the weather may not be harsh, it's more unpredictable than other seasons. Any morning it may be warm, cold, foggy, raining, sleeting, or even snowing. This season also sees the first frost, which can cause roads to be slippery, especially on bridges where ice can form even if it isn't on the main road. According to the Minnesota Safety Council, fallen leaves can even cause slippery conditions because they contain a large amount of water. It's best to slow down if there are large patches of leaves on the road.

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We may all long for spring after a long winter, but the season also is known for tornadoes, flooding and other storm events! If you have had wind damage to your home or auto before, then you know this is a real threat and you must have proper insurance coverage to protect yourself and your property from wind damage. Coverage for wind damage typically is part of your homeowner's and your automobile insurance policies.

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When winter weather strikes, drivers face out-of-the-ordinary challenges when they get behind the wheel. Snow, slush or icy roads are involved in nearly one in four weather-related vehicle crashes.¹ These conditions can make it harder for drivers to see, slow down and stop - all factors that can increase the chances of an accident.

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Is there a winter storm on the horizon? Take some time now to gather the supplies you will need to ride out the storm at home, or to safely venture outside if you must. Once you have taken the appropriate precautions, you can focus on enjoying the winter wonderland outside your window.

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What is an 'ice dam'? It's a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. When water backs up behind the dam, it can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

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Regrettably, fall's stunning display is often accompanied by some unwelcome weather hazards in Minnesota - namely, wind - that can cause considerable damage to the very trees that produce those beautiful fall leaves.

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At some point, every driver in Minnesota has to deal with rainy weather. But, many don't know what to do, so they just drive as they normally would.

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5 Tips to Combat Ice Dams

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Getting ready for winter weather

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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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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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Download Hurricane/Flood Disaster Supply Kit (Excel)(PDF)
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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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