Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Welcome to the Shield Insurance Agency Blog.

Here you will find a ton of articles on each of these topics: Auto Insurance, Boat/Watercraft Insurance, Business Insurance, Flood Insurance, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance, Life Insurance, Michigan Auto Insurance Reform, Recreational Insurance, Renters Insurance, RV Insurance, Things To Do At Home, Umbrella Insurance, and even a list of the Shield Agency Weekly Gift Card Winners,

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How to Turn Holiday Shoppers into Year-Round Customers

Posted on November 22, 2022November 18, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

ZenBusiness.com | By Elizabeth FelsNovember 1, 2022 | Holiday Shoppers | Auto Insurance

Right now your holiday shoppers are visiting your website, social media pages, and store. In just a few short weeks, though, the holiday shopping will be over, but you can get those holiday shoppers back and turn them into loyal, year-round customers with these tips.

For many retail and specialty shops, the mad shopping scramble that erupts in November shortly before Black Friday and continues throughout the holiday season leaves the business owner little time to focus on anything other than managing employee schedules, keeping the shelves stocked and neat, and helping customers find and buy the things they want. The objective, of course, is to do as much business as possible while customers are in the mood to spend and have a deadline to complete their purchases.

But if your only focus during the holidays is on getting customers to buy now, you’re missing an opportunity to make your business more profitable throughout the entire year. In addition to encouraging people to buy now, your holiday efforts should include strategies to get those shoppers to come back repeatedly after the holidays are over. Here are several tips for accomplishing that goal.

Show holiday shoppers you care

Although the pandemic appears to be waning, it has changed consumer habits, possibly forever. Virus-related health concerns have caused a large number of people to be concerned about shopping indoors at retail establishments and eating indoors — even when stores and restaurants aren’t operating under mandated restrictions.

So, one of the most important ways to show shoppers you care about them is to let them know what precautions you’re taking to ensure their safety. The steps you take now will help them remember you as a safe and worthwhile place to shop after the holidays (and after the pandemic passes). Here are several things you can do:

Follow CDC safety guidelines regarding store capacity and mask-wearing.
Be sure your employees are wearing their masks properly. If they don’t, one or more customers might complain on local social media sites like NextDoor and tell people to stay away from your store or restaurant. (Yes, people really do that. They’ll also post comments if your store or restaurant looks dirty, your employees were rude, and other things they don’t like.)
Reassure customers that you care about their safety by posting signage with the steps you are taking to keep them and your staff safe this year.
Take employees’ temperatures every day and remind them not to come into work if they’re sick or have been in contact recently with someone who’s been sick.
Post masking, capacity, and social distancing notices at the doors. If your store gets a lot of foot traffic, assign employees to keep track of the number of people entering and leaving to prevent going over capacity.
Have hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and extra masks available at the door for customers who want them.
Offer online ordering if possible, with curbside pickup or delivery options for consumers and patrons who don’t want to come into your facility.
Consider hiring extra part-time employees to help with curbside delivery, door checks, and filling in for staff who call in sick.

First impressions are important

Aside from health-related issues, it’s crucial to make sure your business does everything it can to maximize shoppers’ first impressions in other ways, too.

Train employees to greet your customers with a smile and ask if they need help finding anything. If you have an online store or take orders on the phone, be sure the people who answer your phone are pleasant and polite with all callers. It’s always easier to get a shopper back to your store if they’re able to find exactly what they need quickly, particularly if you have friendly, helpful staff ready to assist them.

Work hard to ensure that your business is staffed appropriately at all times and has enough stock to ensure a good experience.

Train your employees to help keep the store looking as neat and clean as possible throughout the day. Hurried (and inconsiderate) shoppers can mess up counters and displays and move merchandise to places other shoppers would never look for it. Be sure merchandise is folded or hanging neatly, and that sizes and colors are where they should be.

Make it easy for new customers to navigate your store or your online storefront. In your physical location, make sure that all of your displays are well-organized and logically grouped together. If you have specific items that you know customers will be looking for during this time of year, make sure they stand out and are easily accessible. If you sell online, feature hot-selling items on the homepage, and have a navigation menu that makes it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for by category and, if possible, by price.

Don’t forget how important it is to follow through with new shoppers. If you tell a customer to expect a product to ship in a few days, do your best to get it to them early or at least on time; if it’s going to be later, make sure to contact them. Following through on your word can lead to repeat business and possibly even a good review. As important as a product may be, remember that your customers can probably find it, or something like it, anywhere. However, a good experience can stand out in their mind for a long time.

Get holiday shoppers’ contact information

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Infrared Thermography

Posted on November 21, 2022November 18, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Liberty Mutual | Published 10/24/2022 | Business Insurance | Infrared Thermography

An often-forgotten utility

Electrical distribution can often go forgotten, leading to lax or inconsistent maintenance and inspection. When electrical equipment fails it often leads to high equipment replacement costs, lengthy downtimes, and interruptions in production or operations. One form of maintenance that can provide a huge benefit, with limited interruption in operation, is infrared thermography.

Infrared thermography

Often referred to as an infrared scan, infrared thermography utilizes special cameras to detect heat that cannot be seen by the human eye. This heat is typically produced through an increase in resistance in electrical equipment. Increased temperatures indicate a potential trouble spot that could lead to failure of the component and/or arcing. This can result in a shutdown in operations and personnel injury.

Because of this consideration, both the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recommend periodic infrared testing of critical equipment.

Benefits of a thermographic predictive maintenance program include:

Minimized failures. Thermographic surveys help minimize maintenance costs and unscheduled outages.
Increased safety. Detection of hot spots could prevent fire or arcing events.
Minimal production interruption. Infrared thermography has to be completed when the equipment is at load; therefore, the maintenance activity will have minimal impact on production.

Infrared thermography can expand beyond electrical inspections to mechanical equipment. This is due to heat being generated when friction exists, or a lack of cooling medium being present. This allows the camera to see misalignment, bearing issues, clogged or obstructed cooling, and several other conditions which result in elevated heat.

What to expect with an Infrared Thermography Scan

Infrared scans do require some preparation and certain expectations should be made regarding a finished product. This will vary depending on the company completing the scan, as well as where the scan is completed.

The following items should be noted in preparation of a scan:

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What Is Financial Leverage?

Posted on November 18, 2022November 14, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Experian.com | August 23, 2022 | By Marianne Hayes | Financial Leverage

Quick Answer

Financial leverage is when you borrow money to make an investment that will hopefully lead to greater returns. It’s built on the idea of spending money to make money. Examples of financial leverage can include: Buying a home, investing in a business and buying an investment property.

We’ve all heard the saying, “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” In finance, leverage is when you borrow money to make an investment that will hopefully lead to greater returns. No investment is ever a 100% guarantee—there’s always risk. Financial leverage leans into the idea that borrowing cash to cover a new investment has the potential to pay off in the long run.

Let’s look more closely at how financial leverage works, along with its potential benefits and drawbacks.

How Financial Leverage Works

What is leverage? It has to do with maximizing your advantage. Leverage in personal investing involves using borrowed funds to buy into an investment. It’s widely used in the corporate world as well. Lots of companies, especially startups, continually seek leverage in the form of investor capital they can use to grow their businesses and meet important milestones.

Individual consumers use financial leverage in a different way. Here the focus is on building personal wealth. If you’re an entrepreneur or business investor, that might involve putting money into growing businesses. Otherwise, financial leverage covers any personal investment that’s made with borrowed funds.

Examples of Financial Leverage

Borrowing Money to Buy an Investment Property

Buying an investment property is a prime example of financial leverage. That may be a rental property that you maintain and lease out to tenants, which can create a steady flow of passive income each month. Alternatively, you may fix and flip properties. In this case, the goal is to turn a profit after buying a property, sprucing it up and putting it back on the market.

Both options require upfront capital. In addition to making the purchase, rental properties require ongoing maintenance and repairs. There are also property taxes, homeowners insurance and other recurring expenses.

Flipping homes has its own financial demands. You’ll need funding to complete the purchase and all the necessary repairs and upgrades, which will determine your asking price when you’re ready to sell. Unless you’ve got cash on hand to cover the purchase, you’ll have to take out a loan to buy an investment property. It’s typically more complicated than buying a primary residence, and may require a larger down payment (usually 20% to 30%). Interest rates and credit score requirements are usually higher too.

Taking Out a Mortgage to Buy a New Home

Everyday folks who take out a mortgage to buy a new home are also flexing their financial leverage. That’s because the money you borrow through your home loan is being used to purchase an asset, which is part of your financial portfolio. Every monthly payment you make reduces your loan balance and increases your home equity. This is the amount of your home’s value you actually own. The more equity you have, the more money you’ll pocket when it comes time to sell.

You can also use home equity to unlock financing. This includes a home equity loan or line of credit, as well as a cash-out refinance. Each option allows you to trade equity for upfront cash. You might use it to cover home renovations, college costs, debt repayment or other major life expenses.

Learn more about Financial Leverage

Getting Student Loans for College

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Native American Heritage

Posted on November 17, 2022June 14, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

November 2022 | National American Heritage | Native American | Special Event Insurance

About National Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

One of the very proponents of American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day. It directed its president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, to call upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.

The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House. There is no record, however, of such a national day being proclaimed.

November is National American Indian Heritage Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.

The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday.

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.

Native American Heritage Month

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How To Winterize Your Car in 8 Easy Steps

Posted on November 16, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Winterize Your Car. You know freezing conditions can be dangerous. Here’s how to be well-prepared if you need to take the car out when snow and ice coat the roads.

Popular Mechanics | BY MANASEE WAGH | NOV 4, 2022 | Winterize Your Car | Shield Auto Insurance

It’s November, which means now is the perfect time to get outside and start prepping your car for the ice and snow ahead. We put together a list of eight easy ways to winterize your car and stay safe. Our first three tips concentrate on your car’s tires, since rubber meeting ice presents the greatest potential hazard. The rest are simply good practices that will help you maintain your vehicle over time and prep for the worst-case-scenario.

Even if you follow all of our instructions to the letter, remember to make smart decisions depending on the current and forecasted weather outside. Make sure you know how to drive in different winter conditions. And finally, if you plan a road trip and wake up to find a blizzard approaching, consider postponing the drive unless you must travel for an emergency.

1. Switch to Winter Tires or New All-Season Tires

Winter tires don’t harden in the cold, so they have better traction on ice, slush, and snow. If you live in an area not normally hit by heavy snow, you may decide to stick with all-season tires—but you should still give those tires a check-up.

Get out a pair of thin rubber gloves and run a hand over each of your tires. “The tires are really going to make a difference in your ability to get around in inclement weather,” EricTheCarGuy explains on his YouTube channel. He recommends checking for abnormal wear, bumps, or spots that “catch your hand,” which are all signs that you should probably check your alignment, too. If a tire is worn out, change it. If you’re not sure if your tread is worn or not, you can use a handy tool called a tire tread depth gauge. Alternatively, you can stick a penny into the treads, with Lincoln’s head facing down into the tire. If you can see the top of his head, get those tires changed right away, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Also remember that tires become harder on their surface from repeated heating and cooling over the seasons and years. Cars with apparently healthy treads can have poorer traction than you think they do. So when in doubt, swap those tires out.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure to Winterize Your Car

Make sure your tire pressure is correct, as stated in your owner’s manual, the tire placard located on the driver’s side door jamb, or in your car’s digital status center. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature drops, you could see a gain or loss of 1 pound per square inch of pressure. That’s because air molecules pack together more closely when the temperature drops. As the air becomes denser, the pressure it exerts on the interior tire walls drops. Make sure you’re refilling your tires whenever they’re a little low to maintain good traction and durability.

3. Put Chains On Your Tires in Extreme Cases

Chains should only be used while driving on snowy or icy roads. Never use chains on bare pavement, or they could cause damage to both your car and the road; Pull over and remove them if that’s the case. Check out this handy how-to video from the Oregon Department of Transportation about installing winter tire chains and how to correctly use them.

4. Install Winter Windshield Wipers to Winterize Your Car

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Vehicle-Deer Collision

Posted on November 15, 2022June 14, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

DIFS Encourages Drivers to Review Auto Insurance Policies to Understand Coverage for a Vehicle-Deer Collision

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov | Vehicle-Deer Collision

Consumer Hotline: 833-ASK-DIFS, AutoInsurance@michigan.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers to review their auto insurance coverage to make sure they understand what coverage may be available in the event of damage caused by a vehicle-deer collision. Though these types of crashes occur all year round, the fall deer hunting season, coupled with shorter daylight periods, often increases the number of these crashes, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Vehicle-Deer Collision

“Auto insurance may not be at the top of your mind as we head into the colder months, but this is a good time of year to review your policy so you are prepared for unexpected mishaps, like hitting a deer with your car,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Understanding your auto coverage can make the difference between an inconvenience and a major financial problem, given that the cost of repairing damage from a vehicle-deer collision can be $5,000 or even more. In most cases, you will need to buy an optional coverage called comprehensive insurance to cover damage caused by something other than a crash with another vehicle, so it is important to consider your family’s insurance needs and budget before a potential loss.”

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, each year there are approximately 50,000 reported vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan. About 80%of these crashes occur on two-lane roads between dusk and dawn, especially during the spring and during fall hunting season. A recent study conducted by AAA reported that Michiganders pay an average of $130 million each year to repair vehicle damage caused by collisions with deer.

To make sure that you are protected against this type of damage, you should discuss your current auto insurance policy with your licensed insurance agent or company. In most cases, you will need to buy an optional comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive pays if your car is stolen, or for repairs if it is damaged by a falling object, fire, flood, vandalism, or collision with an animal.

Here are a few tips on what to do after a vehicle-deer collision

Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, and be cautious of other traffic if you exit your vehicle.
Report the crash to the nearest police agency and your insurance company or agent.
Document the incident. If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained. If witnesses stop, take down their account of what occurred, and ask for their contact information.
Do not approach the deer. Wounded animals can be dangerous, and an animal that appears to be dead may only be stunned.
Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Double-check that your car is drivable after colliding with a deer. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won’t latch, and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow.

If you have questions or concerns with your insurance policy or wish to file a complaint, contact DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, financial literacy, and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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3D Printing and the Construction Industry

Posted on November 15, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Liberty Mutual | 10/24/2022 | 3D Printing | Business Insurance

3D printing and the construction industry: 4 risks to manage

Additive manufacturing (AM) — more commonly known as 3D printing — is the practice of constructing objects using computer-aided drawings (CADs) and 3D printers to create materials that can be used in constructing buildings. The technology for AM is improving every day, with more printing methods and materials being developed for these types of construction. Additionally, load-bearing structures for the civil construction sector may be one of the next innovations in the AM space.

Residential construction has paved the way in 3D printing, but commercial construction, while less common, seems to be gaining ground. For contractors interested in investing in 3D-printing technology, it’s important to understand the risks of this breakthrough innovation — and what you can do to help protect your company.

As technology has improved, so too has demand. The market for 3D homes is expected to increase due to post-COVID-19 pandemic-related supply chain and labor shortages, which have increased timelines and costs for traditional construction. Meanwhile, factors such as increased rental prices and limited inventory have put housing demand on the rise.

Contractors are already starting on residential multistory 3D-printed homes , which could help test use cases for commercial work. One result could be multiuse structures, with retail and office spaces on the ground level and habitational units above. Additionally, the creation of 3D-printed infrastructure, such as this 40-foot steel pedestrian bridge recently unveiled in Amsterdam, could become more common.

However, the increased prevalence of AM in construction also brings increased risk for contractors and builders. In this article, we’ll explain the risks of this breakthrough innovation — and what you can do to help protect your company.

1. Managing contract liability and insurance challenges due to 3D Printing

Projects that leverage 3D printing typically entail partnerships between construction companies, technology firms, and manufacturers specializing in this type of production.

These partnerships are often formalized through a joint venture (JV) agreement. In a joint venture, each party has “joint and several liability,” which means that each member is jointly and severally liable for any damages on the project, regardless of which party causes them.

Projects that leverage 3D printing typically entail partnerships between construction companies, technology firms, and manufacturers. These partnerships are often formalized via a joint venture agreement, which can introduce contractual and insurance challenges.

Joint ventures can introduce contractual and insurance challenges, especially when leveraging a newer technology such as 3D printing, so it is important to understand the risk-management nuances of this type of arrangement.

For example, potential challenges to consider include:

What happens if 3D-printed work products don’t meet aesthetic and engineered expectations of the project owner? If 3D-printed work products cause harm to someone or damage property, how will the JV respond to injuries and claims?
How will the JV cover “rework” costs if the project owner does not approve of the 3D-printed aspects of the build?
As industry standards for 3D-printed building construction are in their infancy, who is responsible for ensuring that the 3D-printed building methods meet the standards outlined by the International Code Council?
What happens if a claim is filed after the JV is terminated?

Ways to manage contract- and insurance-related challenges include:

Developing a formal JV contract that clearly outlines:
- the purpose of the joint venture
- the management structure and legal duties of each partner
- the financial arrangements such as capital expenditures and profit distributions
- the anticipated time frame and how and when the contract will terminate

Establishing how to insure the joint venture. There are different options to consider, which can vary based on cost and impact to each member’s individual policies.
Working with your legal department and insurance carrier and broker partners to review all contracts and insurance needs

2. Reducing the risk of occupational diseases and workers compensation claims

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The 11 Best Remote Control Cars for Kids – And Some for Adults, Too!

Posted on November 14, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Satisfy your need for speed and off-road adventures with these top picks for Remote Control Cars

Popular Machanics | BY RACHEL KLEIN | NOV 7, 2022 | Remote Control Cars | Auto Insurance

Updated Nov. 1, 2022: This piece was updated to reflect current pricing, including sales, and details specific to each of the remote control cars.

From monster trucks to speed demons that can clock 70 miles per hour, remote control cars deliver hours of fun, whether you’re an experienced hobbyist looking to upgrade and splurge on a higher-end model or a parent searching for an activity to get your kid off the iPad.

If you’re new to the RC world — that’s remote control, in pro lingo — shopping for a car (or RC airplane or truck, for that matter) can feel somewhat daunting at the start, as there a lot of technical details to wade through while you’re comparing models, even for kids’ toys. And, with so many car types and features, it can be tough to figure out which options meet your criteria for style and price. The good news is that while there may be a bit of a learning curve, you can get a taste of the action no matter your budget.

With that in mind, read on for our top recommendations, plus an RC car primer and essential advice to consider before you shop.

What to Consider when shopping for Remote Control Cars

While shopping, you may see the initials “RTR” in product descriptions, which stands for “ready to race.” This means you can start playing with it right out of the box or after charging, with no extra parts required to get it up and running. Keep in mind that some cars are labeled RTR even though batteries are sold separately.

There are hobby-grade RC cars and toy cars designed for kids, with the latter typically being less expensive, though there are toy cars that offer impressive performance and a low price point. The types of vehicles to choose from include off-road 4x4s and buggies, rock crawlers, and racing drift cars, so you’ll need to decide which you or your child will most enjoy. You’ll also often see the RC car’s scale listed, which represents its size in relation to the real deal.

Speed varies depending on what the car is built to do. For example, rock climbers don’t have to be incredibly fast to tackle boulders, but do need powerful high-torque motors, whereas you’ll want a race car that can hit at least 35 miles per hour. Less expensive RC cars generally have a two-button remote control, and those on the higher end have 2.4GHz pistol-grip style remotes with more advanced steering and throttle. Finally, if you do go for a high-end model, make sure that replacement parts and upgrades are easily available.

How We Selected

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How to Cut Home Heating Costs This Winter

Posted on November 11, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Consumer Reports | By Janet Siroto | November 3, 2022 | Home Heating | Home Insurance

These smart moves will keep your house toasty without blowing your home heating budget

For the typical American household, utility bills are about $2,000 a year, according to the most recent Department of Energy figures. Heating an average home accounts for about $900 of that. So you want to keep the warm air you pay for inside instead of flying out through drafty windows, wonky doors that don’t fit their frames, and under-insulated attics and basements. Weatherizing your home is job No. 1 and may whittle down heating and cooling costs by 20 percent annually (or about $220), the DOE says. Keeping your heat and hot water systems running smoothly and taking advantage of available rebates and tax credits may save you even more.

Schedule a Checkup

Professional servicing of your heating system (typically $150 to $500 for an entire heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system) will include everything from replacing dirty filters to checking for safety issues like potential carbon monoxide leaks. A heating system that’s running efficiently may save you money. For instance, the DOE says a well-maintained heat pump can use up to 25 percent less fuel than a neglected one. “Ideally, have this done in what’s known as the swing season, before the real cold kicks in,” says Larry Zarker, CEO of the Building Performance Institute, a nonprofit credentialing and standards-setting organization for the industry. Also check air filters from time to time for dust and dirt, and change them if they’re dirty.

Decide Whether to Have an Energy Audit on Your Home Heating System

Think you’d benefit from details on your home’s energy performance? A trained energy assessor can evaluate it for issues like insufficient insulation or a heating system that might warrant replacement—and help develop a plan to improve efficiency and lower your energy bills. This can cost $210 to $670 but may uncover ways to lower your monthly energy bills by up to 30 percent, according to the DOE.

The Home Performance with Energy Star program, a collaboration between the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency, matches consumers in 20 states with reputable home performance contractors for assessments.

Other options that you might want to consider include the Home Energy Score program, an auditor registered with the Residential Energy Services Network, and a local certified inspector from the Building Performance Institute, which sets standards for energy audits and certifies analysts. Utilities may offer free audits, but they’re not always thorough, Zarker says.

Insulate Your Hot-Water System

Slipping foam “sleeves” (about $11 each) around water pipes in or near exterior walls may save up to $80 per year and reduce the risk of pipes freezing if temperatures dip below zero. Wrap a heat jacket (about $30 to $45) around your hot-water heater (if your utility company allows it) and it won’t have to work as hard.

Sleuth Out Leaky Doors, Windows, and More

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The Consumers Energy Foundation announced today $500,000 in grant funding

Consumers Energy Foundation gives $500,000 in grant money

Posted on November 10, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Consumers Energy Foundation Announces $500,000 in Grants for Basic Needs Assistance to Food Bank Council of Michigan, Michigan Association of United Ways

NewsJournal.com | By Consumers Energy Foundation | Nov 2, 2022 | Contractors Insurance

JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Consumers Energy Foundation announced today $500,000 in grant funding to help two statewide organizations — the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) and the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) — to provide direct assistance and necessities to Michiganders. The grant funding is part of the Consumers Energy Foundation’s commitment to investing in Michigan’s people and addressing critical and emergent needs in a meaningful way.

“As costs continue to rise in nearly every facet of our lives, we know many in our state are facing significant challenges to accessing basics like food and safe housing,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Consumers Energy Foundation is committed to eliminating whatever barriers possible to those basics, and these grants will allow two organizations that are out in our communities every day to continue and expand the work they’re doing to connect people and families with the resources they need to thrive.”

The two $250,000 grants will allow both organizations to distribute the funding throughout the state where the need is greatest, with a focus on addressing immediate needs for residents within the Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population. Specifically, the funding will provide:

$250,000 for FBCM to distribute to food banks for the purchase of food, which has become increasingly difficult due to increasing food prices and supply chain shortages; every $1 will support six meals, resulting in 1.5 million meals.
$250,000 for MAUW to distribute to local United Ways to provide direct assistance with basic needs, including housing repairs, gas and transportation assistance, rental assistance and other necessities.

Those in the ALICE population do not qualify for federal assistance yet are often one major expense — a car repair, broken water heater or unplanned medical expense — away from financial disaster.

“The Food Bank Council of Michigan is grateful, and very appreciative, for the support of the Consumers Energy Foundation to help fund the work of our food bank network to address food insecurity in Michigan,” said Food Bank Council of Michigan executive director Dr. Phil Knight. “For so many people in our state a daily meal has become an impossible choice between food and other crucial needs, such as electricity, childcare, or medicine. Food banks across the state are seeing an uptick in the number of food insecure individuals due to inflation. This generous donation from the Consumers Energy Foundation is very timely and impactful and will go a long way toward increasing food access for Michigan residents.”

“The Michigan Association of United Ways works together with Local United Ways across the state every day to help ALICE families thrive,” said Teresa Kmetz, Board Chair of the Michigan Association of United Ways. “With the generous and continued support of the Consumers Energy Foundation, the Michigan United Way Network is able to advance our work to help Michigan’s 1.5 million ALICE families meet their most basic needs – housing, child care, food, technology, health care, and transportation. We are grateful to have steadfast partners, like Consumers Energy Foundation, alongside us in this work.”

The Consumers Energy Foundation