How to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance – P.J. Miller Discusses Strategies With TheStreet

P.J. Miller

Insurance for a home protects homeowners and their personal items in case of damage caused from a storm or theft to more major issues such as a fire. Partner P.J. Miller spoke to TheStreet to share ways homeowners can save money on their insurance premium. 

1.     Increase Your Deductible 

“While a $500 deductible sounds more affordable, increasing it to $1,000 will trigger a rate reduction,” said P.J. “Be aware that you'll need to cover more of the cost in the instance of a claim, so be sure to set aside money, just in case.”

2.     Combine Your Coverage

Check with your insurance provider if bundling your auto coverage with your home or renters' insurance policy can yield additional savings. “Showing your loyalty to one insurer could help you land a discount, especially if you have multiple policies,” P.J. said. “Renew your plan early and you could get a discount as well.”

3. Maintain a Good Credit Score

Most insurance carriers use credit as a portion of the rate-setting process in states where it is permitted. “While it is supposed to be a ‘portion’ of the rate calculation, most believe it plays a significant role in determining price,” P.J. commented.

4. Reduce Your Exposure to Perils by Upgrading Your Home

Install a security system, replace outdated plumbing and electrical systems, or install a new roof or energy efficient windows. “Speak with your insurer to confirm the upgrades make financial sense in comparison to the discount you'll be receiving,” P.J. said. 

5. Speak With an Independent Insurance Agent 

“Independent insurance agencies work with a range of carriers and can ‘shop around’ for homeowners to find a variety of insurance options,” P.J. commented. “There are often discounts and credits available within certain coverages and an agent could help you take advantage of these savings.”

Continue reading the full article to learn additional ways to save on your home insurance.

Questions about homeowners insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Dayton Business Journal Ranks Wallace & Turner Among Top Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies

Wallace & Turner was once again recognized on Dayton Business Journal’s annual list of top Dayton-area Property & Casualty insurance agencies for 2020. Operating locally in Springfield, Ohio since 1870, Wallace & Turner is one of the oldest independent insurance agencies in the state. We provide personal insurance, commercial insurance and life & health coverage. 

View the full list (requires subscription).

Dayton-area Insurance Agencies Become Key Resource in Pandemic – Wallace & Turner Featured in Dayton Business Journal

P.J. Miller

Dayton Business Journal (DBJ) spoke to top local executives at insurance agencies to learn more about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their industry. DBJ noted that Wallace & Turner has been busy with car purchases and refinances due to low interest rates and good deals on vehicles.

Lisa Miller

Lisa Miller, property and casualty agency operations manager and commercial and personal lines account manager, said Wallace & Turner has “also received many calls about the auto credits that most insurance companies are offering due to people not driving as much.”

The firm has adapted quickly to virtual business operations, due to its already established virtual services. It also hasn't experienced any furloughs and budget cuts.

"Our outlook looks good," Lisa said. "We are just as busy as we were pre-COVID-19, and more so in some ways. We realize that everything has changed and some of these changes may have led to new ways of working that we never truly considered."

Wallace & Turner Inc. ranks No. 7 on DBJ’s 2020 property and casualty insurance agencies list with 16 agents. View the list (requires subscription).

View the full story (requires subscription). 

Questions about the impact of COVID-19 on your insurance coverage? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Lyft Insurance Explained – Ben Galbreath Talks With Insurance.com About Obtaining the Right Kind of Coverage

Ben Galbreath

There are at least 1.4 million Lyft drivers in North America, according to the most recent estimates. If you're planning to become one of them and hit the road for Lyft, you need to have the right insurance coverage. Insurance.com interviewed producer Ben Galbreath to discuss what you need to know about Lyft's insurance and how to make sure you're completely covered as a driver.

Your personal auto insurance only covers your vehicle’s personal use—not commercial activities that earn you money.

"Your personal auto policy is not written to handle the exposure of commercial operations in regards to driving an individual for pay. Not to mention the amount of liability limits are limited," commented Galbreath.

Galbreath says if you're driving for a rideshare company, you should have enough coverage to protect your assets. This includes not only your car, but your home, investments and anything else of value that could be at risk if you were involved in an accident and were found liable.

He recommends "at least $1 million of liability coverage, higher medical payment options and third-party liability coverage," which will take the pressure off your personal auto policy.

Continue reading the full article.

Questions about Lyft, rideshare or auto insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Ways to Reduce Your Car Insurance Premium During COVID-19 – P.J. Miller Interviewed by The Penny Hoarder

P.J. Miller

Millions of Americans rely on a car to get to work or school and run errands every day, but the coronavirus pandemic has curtailed our daily commutes. If you’re struggling to pay the bills, you may have considered canceling your car insurance since you’re not driving as frequently — but don’t do that just yet.

Canceling your car insurance outright is not the only solution to reducing your monthly insurance premium during COVID-19. “Increasing your deductible (for example, from $500 to $1,000) is another way to reduce your monthly bill — by upward of 40%,” commented partner P.J. Miller.

Additionally, car insurance companies are aware Americans are driving less during this pandemic. In fact, more than 82% of insurers are issuing partial refunds and credits to drivers because of reduced driving during stay-at-home orders. 

Keep in mind, canceling your car insurance could cost you more in the long run.

Continue reading the full article to learn additional ways to save on your auto insurance.

Questions about car insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

What You Need to Know About Uber Insurance – Ben Galbreath Interviewed by Insurance.com

Ben Galbreath

There are millions of Uber drivers across the U.S. who use the service to generate full-time or part-time income, and drivers are essentially operating their own small business. This means they need insurance to protect their business and reduce their financial liability. If you're a rideshare driver, you should know that your personal auto policy only covers your vehicle’s personal use. If you're driving your car for business, you'll need a commercial policy.

"Traditional car insurance is not set up for the liability and medical payments exposure, and the liability a driver exposes himself or herself to while getting paid to transport individuals," commented producer Ben Galbreath.

Galbreath says rideshare drivers should consider their personal assets, such as home, car, bank accounts and investments when thinking about coverage. 

"Auto claims have high bodily injury payouts, so medical bills and liability payment could bankrupt individuals if the right type of coverage isn't purchased," he adds.

Galbreath says if you're looking for coverage, you should take the time to compare policies and that you shouldn't base your decision on price alone.

"My advice would be to look into coverage options and pay for what you need to be protected based on your personal liability," he says. "The cost of insurance would not come close to the potential loss a driver could risk personally or professionally." 

Continue reading the full article.

Questions about Uber, rideshare or auto insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Is Home Insurance Worth It? – P.J. Miller Discusses Reasons You Should Have a Homeowners Policy with ChatterSource

P.J. Miller

Buying a home is a huge step for many people and there are numerous expenses that go along with the purchase. It can be difficult for homeowners to know what to buy or not. Is a home warranty worth it? Should you get home insurance and what amount? ChatterSource spoke with partner P.J. Miller to discuss reasons you should get homeowners insurance.

“There are also situations you may not have thought of when your homeowners insurance will kick in. For example, if you have a child that is a student living in a campus dorm room, if they experience a burglary or similar type of loss, most homeowner policies will extend liability and personal property protection – this is considered ‘off premise’ coverage.”  

He added: “The type of coverage you need will depend on the value of your home, personal property, unique or expensive items, and personal liability to determine the right homeowners policy. An insurance agent can customize a policy, so be prepared to provide extensive information so they can quote the best rate for a policy.”  

While home insurance can seem like an additional expense, there are many ways that you can save money by having a homeowner’s policy. Bundling with your car insurance will often allow you to get a discount, either on your home or car insurance.  

Continue reading the full article. 

Questions about homeowners insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Don’t Overspend on Health Insurance!

Many employees may be concerned about their employment moving forward and want to understand health insurance outside of the plan offered by their employer.  These individuals may want to compare COBRA coverage to the other health insurance options available.  Wallace & Turner can help your team with coverage comparison and answer questions about health plan options available to them if they leave employment. 

Our education, comparison and assistance are all at no-cost to your employees.  If these are the types of discussions you are facing with your employees, please feel free to have them contact our office by calling or emailing Colleen Corrigan at 937-324-8492 / ccorrigan@wtins.com

Read Colleen’s interview with ValuePenguin “The Coronavirus Is Showing How Little Americans Know About Their Health Insurance.”

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage & Leaks?

Spring is here and it's time to see how your roof weathered the winter. After sustaining months of low temperatures, snow, ice and harsh winds, it’s important to check your roof to prevent maintenance and liability issues down the road. Because spring is not without its own inclement weather, what started off as a minor issue could turn into major damage. Wind and hail are the most common causes of roof damage, affecting roughly 1 in 50 homeowners, with more than $10 billion in annual property loss, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements, but if it’s not properly cared for, your homeowners insurance may not cover a loss.

Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for Roof Damage?

The dwelling coverage section of your homeowners insurance policy protects the structure of your home, including the roof, from perils such as wind, fire and hail damage. If your roof is damaged due to a hailstorm or heavy winds cause a tree to fall on your home, your dwelling coverage would cover the cost if you file a claim. If the damage occurs to an unattached structure on your property, such as a shed or detached garage, you may be covered by the “other structures protection.” Similarly, if the contents of your home or garage are damaged, “personal property coverage” would help to replace or repair them. 

Keep in mind that you will need to pay your deductible before your homeowners insurance kicks in to pay for repairs and loss. It’s also important to note that some homeowners policies have windstorm and hail exclusions, meaning damage from either would not be covered. You may consider a separate deductible applied to your homeowners policy to cover wind and hail damage. Wind and hail deductibles are typically anywhere from 1-10% of your dwelling coverage amount. Understand what your coverage limits are and talk to your insurance agent to develop a policy that fits your needs. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Homeowners insurance will pay for a roof leak if it is caused by a covered peril. Examples of common insured risks include falling trees and limbs, windstorm, hail, issues caused by snow, ice or sleet as well as vandalism.

A leak and resulting damage will not be covered due to lack of maintenance, or wear and tear. A home insurance policy isn’t meant to be a maintenance policy and an insurer will expect the homeowner to be responsible with upkeep and repairs. Homeowners insurance policy are designed to cover damage that is sudden and accidental, rather than damage that accumulated over a number of years, such as an aging roof or unresolved maintenance issues. For example, if you experience a severe thunderstorm and your roof begins leaking, if it’s determined that the roof had been rotting for some time without being repaired, your insurer could conclude the damage was gradual and deny your claim.

Common policy exclusions that could cause a roof leak include:

• Neglect

• Mold, fungus, or wet rot

• Wear and tear, and deterioration

• Settling, shrinking, bulging or expanding

• Birds, vermin, rodents and insects 

Coverage is also limited for roofs older than 20 years old. They are typically insured at their actual cash value, meaning you’re only reimbursed for the roof’s value after 20+ years of depreciation.

Your insurer may deny a homeowners claim for the above reasons, which is why it’s important to conduct regular roof inspections. If you’re planning to buy a home, be sure to learn the roof’s age and condition, and address any issues before the sale is complete.

Protecting Your Roof and Home

As your roof ages and is impacted by severe weather, its ability to protect lessens. Manufacturers provide an estimated lifetime rating for roof shingles, but that’s under ideal circumstances, not actual conditions that typically occur in Ohio, like snow, hail and thunderstorms.

Aside from weather, there are other factors that can affect the lifetime of a roof shingle:

• improper installation

• improper ventilation

• slope of the roof

Here are six ways you can make sure your roof is in good shape and will protect your home:

• Inspect your roof regularly so you can be on the lookout for early signs of failure. Check for loose, missing or curling shingles; growing moss or algae; waves or ridges in the roof line that can indicate problems with the roof decking or framing.

• Clear any fallen branches or other debris, and don’t forget about gutters – built-up leaves and even animal nests should be removed.

• Keep trees trimmed to avoid leaves, branches, pods from falling on the roof and clogging up gutters.

• Check transition points in the roof for wear and tear. For example, where the roof meets the chimney or a skylight. This can easily create opportunities for water to enter the home.

• If you notice any area of concern, contact a roofing contractor to inspect and make necessary repairs. It’s best to leave roof repairs to professionals to prevent a more serious issue that could result in an entire roof replacement.

• Replace your roof when age or conditions indicate that it won’t be able to adequately protect your home. Replacing a roof can be expensive but it may be your only option if you want to avoid larger, and potentially even costlier repairs. Let your insurance agent know when you replace the roof so you can insure your home for the proper value.

Filing a Roof Replacement Claim

If your roof is damaged after a storm or other covered peril, here are steps to file a claim:

• Take photos of the roof and damage.

• Hire a contractor to make immediate repairs to prevent further damage to your roof and the inside of your home.

• Contact your insurance company to determine if the roof damage is covered.

• File an insurance claim with your insurer.

• Schedule an appointment with for your insurance company to inspect the damage. 

Questions about roof damage or filing a homeowners claim? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Cyber Fraud & Identity Theft: Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 Scams

The cyber fraud and identify theft landscape continues to evolve as criminals and hackers find new, aggressive ways to scam consumers and businesses. From robocalls and stolen credentials, to phishing and malware, vital information is increasingly being accessed online and through technology by the wrong people. The COVID-19 outbreak is creating the perfect storm for these type of attacks to flourish, and scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic to steal information.

Consumer Identity Theft and Fraud 

In the coming weeks, taxpayers will be on the lookout for an economic impact payment from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. This sets the stage for fraudsters to pose as government officials contacting individuals via email, texts and social media in an attempt to gain access to personal information and steal their identity. Individuals could be misled into providing bank account numbers, passwords or even installing malware on their computers for fraudsters to illegally access this information. Consumers need to be vigilant for scams related to COVID-19.

Below are tips to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.

• Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using robocalls to illegally obtain social security numbers, bank account information and offer bogus coronavirus treatments. Don’t press any numbers or say anything; simply hang up.

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. Instead of clicking a link, you can have it scanned for virus code using the VirusTotal URL scanner. Copy the link and paste it into the scanner to have dozens of malware detection engines review the contents of the link to see if any are harmful. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.

• Only use trusted sources. Look legitimate sites such as government websites for information about COVID-19. Many sites will appear to offer helpful information, but you can often spot fakes by poor grammar, misspellings or missing contact information. Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam” to confirm legitimacy.

• Do not reveal personal or financial information in email. Call the organization to speak with someone directly. Research the company on Google and the Better Business Bureau if you are unsure.

• Be cautious about installing applications. Avoid downloading anything via email if you don’t know the source. For mobile devices, only install apps via the official app stores; avoid clicking from social media.

• Choose secure passwords. Don’t repeat the same password across multiple accounts. This makes it easier for scammers to access all of your information if they are able to gain entry into one account.

• Install security software that updates automatically. Make sure the security software, operating system, browsers and apps on your computer and smartphone are up to date. This may help protect your devices against potential identity thieves who try to take advantage of bugs or security holes in outdated software, systems or browsers.

• Talk to your agent about identity theft insurance. Having coverage will help you recover costs for obtaining credit reports from bureaus, notarizing affidavits, attorney fees, replacing documents, including driver’s license, passport and Social Security card, among other critical actions.

You can sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. If you spot a scam, report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and put an end to this type of fraud.

Business Cyber and Data Liability

The majority of employees are working from home, and they may not have the same level of internet and computer security, leaving businesses susceptible to cyber and data breaches. Companies must be prepared and have a plan in place to respond to incidents of fraud. This is true whether you are a small business or a large corporation.

Talk with your employees:

• Awareness: Make sure your employees have knowledge of the type of malicious calls, emails and websites they may experience.

• Educate: Train your staff on what to do if they receive a suspicious call or email with questionable links and attachments. Preach caution. If employees are unsure, they should speak with management or your IT team before responding to any communications. 

• Preparation: Work with employees to create a secure home office environment. Implement security measures to strengthen passwords, create multi-factor authentication for programs and applications, and set up strong VPN connections.

Planning and reacting to a data breach:

• Create a written security policy. Identify various types of security incidents that could occur; prepare a communications plan; designate roles and responsibilities among staff. Train staff on the plan.

• Use security tools: Implement software and other tracking methods to detect suspicious communications.

• Contain breached data. Isolate the affected information from the rest of your network to prevent the spread of unauthorized access/malware within your organization. Assess the impact and determine if additional information is at risk.

• Identify the cause of the incident. Correct broken security measures that allowed scammers in. Take steps to protect against identity theft and account takeover such as updating passwords and installing new malware.

• Gradually bring systems back up. Test systems to confirm they are working properly before giving employees access again.

• Contact your insurance agent. If you have cyber liability insurance, your insurer can assist with your response capabilities and start the claim process.

• Communicate with clients and consider regulatory obligations. Clients need to be made aware if their information may be compromised, and how you’re handling the situation. Clearly explain measures that are being taken to prevent this from happening again. Ensure you’re complying with all state and federal laws.

• Review the incident with your staff. Make sure they understand how the breach occurred and how it could be prevented in the future. Update your response plan accordingly.

A tremendous amount of time and money can be wasted trying to restore your credit, finances and reputation. While there’s no fool-proof method to prevent identity theft or data breaches, there are tools that can make the recovery process faster, and save you money with less aggravation should you become a victim.

Want to learn more about Cyber Crime and Data Breach Insurance? Download our free e-book.

Questions about identity theft or cyber and data liability? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Personal Auto Insurance Premium Relief

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View this email in your browser April 2020 To our Personal Auto Policyholder Clients: We understand many of you have questions and concerns related to the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on your personal auto coverage. Our carriers recognize that this is a difficult time, and in response, are offering a credit, refund, premium adjustment or premium reduction, for a current and specified time period. Additionally, many carriers are providing flexibility for payments, and have suspended cancellations and late fees.  Below, we've outlined the terms from each carrier, pending regulatory approval, which are being expedited for review. No action is required on your part to receive these discounts or policy adjustments. If you have any questions, please contact us at 937-324-8492. Wallace & Turner, Inc. Cincinnati Insurance and Cincinnati Casualty personal lines auto policyholders will receive a 15% credit per policy on your April and May premiums. Credits are expected to be issued in June. Learn more. Nationwide is offering a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31, 2020. The refund will arrive in the next 30 days.  Learn more. If you have an active personal auto policy at the end of April or May, you will be receiving a 20% premium credit. Progressive will calculate your credit for you at the end of that month, and you’ll see it in your Progressive account a few weeks after that.  Learn more. Ohio Mutual is offering a 25% policy premium credit for all personal auto policyholders with an in-force policy as of May 31, 2020. Premium credit will be applied beginning the first week of June.  Learn more. WRG is adjusting discounts and reducing rates for personal lines auto policyholders. By reducing rates, WRG is lowering premiums by more than $3.7 million for personal auto policyholders, in addition to the almost $2 million in rate reductions offered to policyholders effective March of this year.  Learn more. Westfield Personal Auto customers will receive a 15% credit of their eligible monthly auto premium for the months of April, May, and June 2020. Customers with an active Personal Auto policy as of April 30, 2020, will receive the full credit to their bill in the month of May 2020. Learn more. Springfield Office Kissell Center 30 Warder Street, Suite 200 Springfield, OH 45504 Phone: (937) 324-8492 Urbana Office 113 Scioto St. Urbana, Ohio 43078 Phone: (937) 652-8492 Email: info@wtins.com www.WTins.com Copyright © *2020* *Wallace & Turner, Inc., All rights reserved.   Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Damage Caused by Fallen Trees: Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Fallen trees or branches on a home are often the unfortunate result of severe storms and high winds. Whether a tree fell on your home or onto your neighbor’s, you’re probably left wondering, who is responsible for the damage? Let’s examine a few scenarios.

My Tree Damages My Property 

If a tree on your property falls and damages your home or related structure such as a detached garage, typically your homeowner’s insurance policy will kick in to cover the cost of repairs and cleanup of the property, after you pay your deductible. Covered perils generally include damage caused by wind, lightning or hail, i.e. acts of nature. 

The coverage limit you’ve selected for your homeowners insurance policy determines how much your insurance company will pay for the damage. You may have separate coverage limits for dwelling and other structures coverage. Dwelling coverage helps pay for repairs of your home if the damaged is caused by a covered peril. Other structures coverage helps pay for repairs or to replace structures on your property such as a fence, shed, gazebo or swimming pool.  

What Homeowners Insurance Won’t Cover 

Your homeowners insurance will not cover damage if a tree falls on your car; however, you may be able to file a claim if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs or replace your car if it’s damaged or totaled by falling objects, like a tree. This is optional coverage on your car insurance policy, unless you lease or finance your vehicle. In that case, your lender may have required you to purchase comprehensive coverage which would ensure you have insurance for this type of damage. If you file an insurance claim on your comprehensive coverage, be aware that your deductible and coverage limit will affect what you pay out of pocket.

If a tree falls and you don’t need any repairs, typically your homeowners insurance policy will not cover tree or debris removal, unless it creates a dangerous obstacle like blocking a driveway or road.

Your Neighbor’s Tree Damages Your Property

If your neighbor’s tree falls and damages your house or other structure due to a covered peril, this would be covered by your homeowners insurance policy (not your neighbor’s).

It’s important to note that there are instances where a tree falls and causes damage unrelated to Mother Nature, and insurance coverage may be handled differently. If the tree fell due to negligent upkeep – it was dead or diseased – you may have a case that your neighbor is responsible for the damage, and therefore, their insurance policy would pay. This can be difficult to prove unless you have documentation that you asked the neighbor to remove the dead/dying tree before it fell.

Another scenario is that your neighbor attempts to cut down a tree or large branches, and in the process, those fall on your house. If it can be proven your neighbor was negligent and didn’t take proper precautions, they could be held liable and forced to pay for damages.

My Tree Damaged My Neighbor’s Property

If your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, their insurance policy would cover the loss. So the general rule of thumb is, the owner of the damaged property will file the insurance claim. Your neighbor could decide to sue you to cover their deductible, in which case, your insurer would be required to defend you and investigate the claim. And similar to the above, if you were found negligent of caring for the tree, your insurance policy would have to cover the damage. 

Avoiding a Homeowners Insurance Claim 

The best way to minimize damage from your own trees is to properly care for them and prepare before extreme weather. If the tree appears to be diseased or dying, have it inspected by an arborist to determine if it needs to be removed. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you money in the long run. Poor maintenance will not be covered by homeowners insurance.

Of course, it’s also good to have a relationship with your neighbor and discuss any concerns before accidents and damage occur. 

Questions about homeowners insurance coverage or claims related to fallen trees? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Ben Galbreath Completes Leadership Clark County’s 2019/2020 Academy Program

Ben Galbreath

Congratulations to Producer Ben Galbreath on completing Leadership Clark County’s 2019/2020 Academy program! Participants completed eight sessions with a focus on leadership development, sensitivity to community needs and the history of Clark County. Each participant will receive a graduation certificate from Leadership Clark County and letters of commendation from Governor Mike DeWine, Senator Bob Hackett, Ohio Treasurer of State, Robert Sprague and Representative Kyle Koehler.

Leadership Clark County selects up to 35 participants for the Community Leadership Academy held September through March of each year. A volunteer selection committee bases its decisions upon the criteria of an applicant’s leadership potential, and its desire to assemble a class that reflects the diversity of Clark County. After graduation, participants are expected to actively apply the leadership training in the Clark County area through community service volunteer work or by memberships on Clark County area organization boards and committees.

Don’t Wait for a Tornado to Strike – Protect Your Family & Home With These Severe Weather Planning & Insurance Steps

Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio falls in March each year, but it’s important to stay alert throughout the spring into summer when tornados are most likely to occur.

Don’t wait for severe weather to strike – have a household plan in place now so you’re not caught off guard in the instance of a tornado or other disastrous storm. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing potential loss. Below are steps to take before, during and after a tornado.

Planning Before a Tornado Strikes

• Ensure your family knows the signs of a tornado. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes appear to be a funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar approaching. The sky often appears dark and greenish, and storms produce heavy rains, flash floods and hail.

• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Meteorologists can often forecast when conditions are right for a tornado to develop. A WATCH means a tornado is possible; a WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon and you should take cover immediately. Don’t assume a watch won’t turn into a warning; take precautions and don’t risk your safety.

• Identify a safe place to gather in your home. Ideally an underground shelter with no windows – a basement, cellar or even an interior room at the lowest level of the house. Make sure everyone in your household understands to go to this designated area during a tornado. If you’re in a mobile home, find an alternative location you can go to such as a local emergency shelter.

• Learn about your workplace and children’s school emergency plans. Every building has a different plan of action. Talk to your child’s school or daycare and understand their emergency plan. You’ll feel much better if you know exactly where your child is during a storm.

• Create an emergency kit. Essential items to include: first aid kit, water and nonperishable food, manual can opener, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries and a whistle. If you have a baby or pets, keep in mind you’ll want to have diapers, formula and extra food on hand. If you require medications, try to keep extra prescriptions in your kit. Also consider keeping important documents here such as birth certificates, insurance policies, a household inventory and ownership certificates (cars, boat, etc.)

• Prepare your home. If a tornado is approaching and you have time, turn off utility switches and valves. Secure or bring inside anything that could be picked up by the wind. Close curtains and blinds to prevent shattered glass from flying.

• Practice your plan. Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home. Conduct a family tornado drill to ensure everyone understands the plan.

• Confirm your insurance coverage. Tornado losses will typically be covered under “windstorm peril” in your homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure you have adequate coverage and alert your insurance agent to any improvements, home inventory additions, etc.

What to Do During a Tornado

• Take immediate cover. Go to your designated safe room in your home or other shelter – remember to avoid areas with large glass windows or large open areas. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Listen to weather reports for storm updates.

• Further shield your body. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Put other materials around you such as blankets and large pieces of furniture.

• Don’t leave shelter until it’s safe to do so. The tornado may pass but can still produce high winds, flying debris and weak tree branches that can fall and cause injury. Tune in to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

Steps to Take After a Tornado

• If you are injured or trapped, don’t move. Cover your mouth with cloth to avoid breathing dust. If you have access to a phone, call or send a text. Otherwise, make noise by banging on a pipe or using a whistle.

• Continue listening to authorities for updated information. As previously mentioned, there can be continued severe weather following a tornado. Don’t go outside or move about until it has been cleared.

• Use extreme caution when assessing damage. Wear thick-soled shoes, pants, long sleeves and work gloves. Watch out for downed power lines and do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself.

• Take photographs/video of property damage. This will assist in filing an insurance claim and you should notify your insurance company of any storm-related losses as possible. Prevent further damage by covering up windows, putting a tarp over holes in your roof, etc.

Additional tornado safety resources:

American Red Cross Tornado Safety

Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Tornado Facts & Safety Tips

National Weather Service Tornado Safety

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Be Prepared for a Tornado

Questions about homeowner’s insurance coverage for tornadoes, flooding or other severe weather? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Creating a Home Inventory for Homeowner’s Insurance - Why You Should Do One Today

If your home and possessions were destroyed in a tornado, fire or other disaster, would you be able to remember everything you owned to file an insurance claim, or track down receipts for everything? For most of us, the answer is no. Spring is around the corner in Ohio, and unfortunately this brings tornado season and other severe weather that could be devastating in the worst-case scenario. It’s also the time of year for spring cleaning which means getting organized and ideally, creating a home inventory for insurance purposes.

A home inventory can be your best friend when you need to file a home insurance claim. Having an up-to-date list of your possessions with details such as the age and estimated value of each item will help settle your insurance claim faster, verify losses for your tax return and ensure you purchase the correct amount of homeowner’s insurance from the outset. The task of itemizing your personal property may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

What Your Home Inventory Should Include

• Start with big and valuable: Jewelry, major appliances, electronics, rugs and collectibles. If you have any items that are particularly valuable such as artwork or a fur coat, itemize those separately and check with your insurance agent to see if you need separate insurance coverage. Then you can move on to smaller items like clothing and books – no need to identify items individually, just the total number in each category, for example: 25 pairs of shoes and 10 pairs of pants. Tip: Start in a small room and work your way around the house so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

• Detailed descriptions: Describe each of the major items you’re recording with details such as where and when you bought it, what you paid, what condition it’s in, make and model, and any other details that would be important for a claim.

• Proof of value: Copies of sales receipts, estimated or appraisal value and purchase contracts will help settle the personal property portion of a loss. This is particularly important for valuable items. While there’s no physical value attached, you should also keep copies of financial and legal records with your home inventory to ensure these are replaced if there is ever a disaster.

• Don’t forget off-site or stored possessions: Items in a self-storage facility will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance and should be included in your inventory. Never put out the good China and have it stashed away in your basement? That should be documented as well.

How to Create a Home Inventory

There are a few methods to consider: pen and paper, spreadsheet, photos/videos saved to an external source (e.g. the cloud) or a home inventory app. There’s no right or wrong, but you should choose the one that will get you moving on this today, and you’ll keep organized and up to date.

• Pen and Paper: This is an inexpensive way to track your items and something you already have access to in your home. You can easily move from room to room documenting everything. However, this requires you to keep a hard copy on file and may not be the most effective list to hand over in the instance of a claim (how legible is your handwriting?).

• Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Docs will keep you organized and makes it easy to add or delete items as needed. The main drawback is that spreadsheets aren’t very user friendly on phones or tablets, so you’ll need to carry your laptop with you as you record, or go back to your desktop computer. You can start with pen and paper, and then record it in a spreadsheet, but this creates a two-step process and reduces the chance you’ll take the time to start.

• Photos and Videos: Most of us rely on our mobile phones for just about everything and one more use can be your home inventory. You can quickly walk into each room and take photos and/or videos, but you’ll need to make sure you’re saving everything where it can’t be lost such as iCloud or a thumbdrive stashed in a fireproof safe—just don’t save it to your home computer hard drive. Too, you’ll still need to record all purchase/value details requiring a separate document or print the photos and write information on the back (another extra step).

• Inventory App: There are several advantages to using an app: easily add photos of the items and receipts, data is safely stored, and you can access from anywhere. You’ll have to type in details which can be a bit tedious but no more than writing down information or entering into a spreadsheet.

Once you’ve compiled your initial list, send it to your insurance agent to determine if you’ll need additional home insurance or renter’s coverage. However, creating a home inventory doesn’t stop there—be sure you’re regularly updating with new purchases and keeping your appraisals current. Make a habit to add items as soon as you get them, so receipts are handy.

Additional Home Disaster Tips

Now that you’re on your way to getting an inventory in place, it’s important to go beyond this and have a family action plan ready if a disaster strikes. Below are a few more things to think about:

• Have an emergency bag ready to go with essentials. If you wake up in the middle of the night to a house fire, you may be forced to run out the door with only the clothes on your back. If you have a bag close by (under your bed or in a nearby closet), you can hopefully grab that and have a few things that are important to you. It’s helpful to include insurance and other key contacts here if you don’t have them readily available otherwise.

• Plan for animal care. An insurance company will typically cover $5,000 for necessities and put you up in a hotel or apartment, but if the housing doesn’t take animals, you’ll need to board your furry friends or have other arrangements.

• Once you’re in a safe place, contact your insurer. Let them know what happened and where you can be reached. Do not return to your home until it’s safe to do so.

Questions about homeowner’s insurance or recovering from a disaster? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

St. Vincent’s de Paul’s Casey Rollins Recognized as a “Remarkable Woman” of Dayton

Casey Rollins, Executive Director and Board President of St. Vincent de Paul, was recently named a finalist for Nexstar Media Group’s “Remarkable Women” contest. Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and the quality of life. 

Casey and St. Vincent de Paul are longtime clients of Wallace & Turner, and we applaud their tireless efforts in Springfield and surrounding areas to feed, clothe and find shelter for people in need. We’ve seen first-hand, the impact Casey’s work has had in the community helping the impoverished, as well as through her position as a Visual Arts teacher at Catholic Central and Shawnee High School for more than three decades. 

View Casey’s Remarkable Women feature on WDTN.

One local winner of Nexstar’s nationwide 2020 Woman of the Year Award will be selected to earn a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to attend a taping of The Mel Robbins Show. The national winner will be named in mid-March. 

About St. Vincent de Paul

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

Wallace & Turner Sponsors Catholic Central’s Emerald Evening 2020

For more than 25 years, Catholic Central has hosted the Emerald Evening as an avenue for family, friends and alumni of Catholic Central to act as stewards and provide a fun way to contribute back to the heritage that has helped to make its students who and what they are today. The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, raffles, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go to scholarships and to improvements that advance student learning and development.

Wallace & Turner is a sponsor of Emerald Evening 2020, being held Saturday, March 28, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM in the Pavlatos Grand Hall of the Hollenbeck Bayley Conference Center at 275 South Limestone Street in Springfield, Ohio.

Tickets are $100 per person and $50 for graduates from the class of 2006 or later. Purchase tickets here.

Be sure to check the site starting on March 13th to preview auction items and March 20th to bid on auction items.

Myles Trempe Fundraises for Champaign County Arts Council "Bad Art by Good People"

Congratulations to the top three winners of the Champaign County Arts Council "Bad Art by Good People" competition: Josh Jacobs, Bev Titus and Myles Trempe! The Bad Art by Good People fundraiser features non-artist celebrities competing to create a work of art and campaigning for the public's votes for their artwork. Wallace & Turner was a sponsor of the ninth annual event, held on February 28, 2020 at the BrownRidge Hall VFW in Urbana, Ohio. 

Thank you to everyone who voted and came out to support. View additional event photos here.

About the Champaign County Arts Council

The Champaign County Arts Council brings to the county professionals in every arts discipline, including but not limited to, the visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, architecture, and specialties in folk, ethnic and minority arts. It arranges concerts, performances, workshops, classes and exhibits for the public including seniors, persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. It develops special school and summer programming for our children, a major focus since its founding.

The Arts Council encourages local artists in all fields, underwrites arts events for community festivals and celebrations, and provides incentives and recognition for arts achievement. Additionally, it offers arts management, research and technical help and serves as a clearinghouse for arts information and as a meeting place for community arts planning.

Eliminating Food Insecurity – Wallace & Turner Sponsors Second Harvest Food Bank Champaign County Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Wallace & Turner was a proud sponsor of the Second Harvest Food Bank Champaign County Empty Bowls event on February 27, 2020 hosted at Urbana University. More than 350 people in attendance helped raise over $16,500 in support of the organization’s mission to eliminate food insecurities in Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties, Ohio.

About Empty Bowls

The Second Harvest Food Bank Empty Bowl events raise money locally to address food insecurity locally. Local artisans (Scott Dooley, Matt Johnson, Sandy Winter, Bruce Grimes, Thelma Matthews and The Cracked Pot Studio potters) donate handmade bowls, local school art departments (Wittenberg, Springfield High School, Graham Local Middle School, and Bellefontaine High School) have their students create and donate bowls. Local restaurants and bakeries donate gallons of soups and hundreds of loaves of bread to these. Hundreds of people volunteer on event nights and hundreds of people show up to enjoy great food and fellowship. 

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties

Second Harvest Food Bank collects, stores, and distributes consumable surplus food. The organization operates out of a 62,000 square foot warehouse, serving well over 75 non-profit member agencies in Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties. These agencies feed over 79,000 hungry families yearly. In 2012, over 2.8 million meals were served to over 370,000 men, women and children across the three-county service area. Approximately 1,200 seniors were served monthly. Second Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, who provides its members a national, recognizable branding, training, sustainability, and additional national product opportunities.

Myles Trempe Serves as Celebrity Bartender for Springfield Arts Council Fundraiser

Producer Myles Trempe served as a “celebrity bartender” to raise funds in support of the Summer Arts Festival, Arts in Education and other programs of the Springfield Arts Council. The fundraiser was held on February 18, 2020 at O’Conners Irish Pub. Myles is currently a board member for the Springfield Arts Council.

The Springfield Arts Council is recognized for leading the citizens of Springfield, Clark County and the region to an enhanced appreciation of the performing arts. The youth, young adults, diverse, and underserved populations of the community are also active participants and supporters of the performing arts and regularly attend events. Since 1967, The Springfield Arts Council has presented the annual "Summer Arts Festival," providing admission-free concerts, theater, and entertainment experiences at the Turner Pavilion in Veterans Park Amphitheater in downtown Springfield, Ohio. “Always Fun, Always Free!,” the Summer Arts Festival is a treasured tradition in the community, helping to fulfill the Springfield Arts Council’s mission “...to build a better community by sharing the performing arts with all citizens of Springfield, Clark County, and the region.”