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For many homeowners, there is no greater satisfaction than the sight of a freshly manicured property. No matter what type of lawn you prefer – a perfectly striped, vibrant green plot or one bursting with trees, shrubs, and flowers – doing a little clean-up here and there is bound to leave you with some yard waste on your hands.  

It’s important to know how to properly dispose of those lawn clippings, leaf piles, and stacks of sticks, as tossing these biodegradable materials in your garbage bin unnecessarily takes up precious landfill space. Disposal costs for state-of-the-art landfills range from $30 to $60 per ton, and landscape refuse accounts for up to 20 percent of the wastes being placed in landfills, according to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. When yard waste decomposes in landfills, it generates methane and acidic leachate, both harmful to humans and the environment. Because of this, municipalities that offer yard waste pick-up often have rules banning the mix of organic waste with your everyday garbage. In some areas, improper disposal of yard waste items may leave homeowners subject to a fine.

However, if disposed of properly, your yard waste can be composted into beneficial mulch, soil, or compost. Follow these tips to ensure your yard’s leftovers land in the right place.  

• Know what is and is not considered yard waste.
  The general rule of thumb is that organic materials generated from regular yard and garden maintenance pass the yard waste test. Specific guidelines vary by area, but the following items are widely accepted as yard waste: grass clippings, leaves, tree trimmings or fallen branches/twigs, weeds, pine needles, and garden remnants. Things that generally do NOT count as yard waste include dirt, rocks, fencing, flower pots, plant tags, empty mulch/soil bags, and pet waste.
   
• Place trimmings and clippings in the proper container.
  If you have curbside yard waste pick up, make sure you are using a pre-approved container. In the long run, re-using a durable, plastic bin with sturdy handles for pick-up crews may be your best bet. (Pro-tip: Be sure to clearly mark the container with “yard waste.”) Another great option is a pack of paper yard waste bags. These large, reinforced bags can be composted and are conveniently available at most hardware or home improvement stores. Stray from the use of plastic bags, which interfere with the composting process and must be manually separated at the facility, a costly and tedious task.
   
• Put nature to work.
  • Fertilize: Are you a chronic bagger? It’s a common misconception that leaving grass clippings in the yard will reduce the health of your lawn. Clippings will not damage your grass. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Grass clippings will quickly decompose and release valuable nutrients back into the soil, reducing the need for supplemental nitrogen fertilization by 25 to 50 percent, according to the EPA.
  • Reallocate: If you’re thinking about raking your leaves into discard piles, why not mulch them with your mower instead? With just a few passes, the leaves will be barely visible, but they’ll work to stabilize soil temperature, prevent weeds, and feed the soil for healthier growth. In addition, a dose of mulched leaves reduces the need for watering your lawn and prevents leaves from clogging up stormwater drains and causing flooding.     
  • Enhance: For those who garden, grass clippings also make a great addition to vegetable plots or flower beds! Sprinkle dried remnants on the surface to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients for your plants, weeds, and feed the soil for healthier plants and grass that require less fertilizer and watering.
  • Repurpose: Composting is a great backyard science experiment that will leave you with a valuable nutrient-rich garden additive. Among gardeners, compost is known as “black gold” because of its many benefits as a soil amendment, including improvement of soil structure, aiding microbial activity, moderating soil temperatures and moisture levels, and providing slow-release, organic nutrients. Any organic material can be composted. However, some items are more desirable and easier to work with than others. Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, and nonwoody plant clippings produce high-quality compost with relative ease. You can also throw in kitchen waste (such as coffee grounds, egg shells, and vegetable scraps), sawdust, and wood ash. Stray from adding pet feces, which can transmit diseases, or meat, bones, whole eggs, or dairy products, which may attract rodents.

Want to learn more? This document from the UK Cooperative Extension Service is full of information for composting beginners.

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Did you know that approximately half of Kentucky is farmland?

That means Kentucky drivers are pretty likely to encounter slow-moving farm equipment on the roadways – especially during planting and harvest seasons. During these times, farmers often need to move equipment from one field to another, but sometimes those transitions require their machinery to travel down or across public roads.

According to Kentucky State Police statistics, there were 208 collisions involving tractors and other farm equipment on Kentucky roadways in 2022, the latest report available. 73 of those accidents were labeled by state police as the result of "inattention" – further proof that increased caution during harvest and planting season is needed to prevent tragedy. Other prevalent causes for collisions included failing to yield right-of-way and improper passing.   

Check out these tips on how to be a polite motorist in the presence of farm equipment:

• Watch for road signs. Many roads next to farms will have a yellow sign with the silhouette of a farmer on a tractor posted to warn drivers that they are entering an area where slow-moving vehicles are likely to be on the road.
• Don't assume the farmer knows you are there. While most farmers check frequently for vehicles approaching from behind them, their focus must remain on the road ahead. Also remember that farm machinery is very loud and may prevent the operator from hearing your vehicle's approach.
• Keep your distance to ensure farmers can see your vehicle in their mirrors.      
• Stay back and don't tailgate. The triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem displayed on the back of farm equipment signifies that the machinery will not be traveling at high speeds and maneuverability is limited. Additionally, if the farm equipment you are following pulls to the right side of the road, it does not necessarily mean it is making room for you to pass. It is quite possible that the farmer is slowing down and drifting right to gain extra room for a wide left turn.      
• Use extreme caution when passing. If you cannot clearly see what lies ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you intend to get ahead of, do not pass. Never pass farm equipment when approaching a hill or curve, and do not attempt to pass when you are within 100 yards of an intersection, bridge, railroad crossing or tunnel.  Additionally, turbulence created by speeding past machinery may cause it to sway and become unstable.   
• Exhibit patience and slow down as soon as you spot a piece of farm equipment. Those tractors don’t want to be on the road any more than you want them to be. You are not the only one eager to get the farm equipment off the road and out of the way. Farmers must move their machinery carefully along roadways and have lower maximum speeds by which they can travel. When traveling behind these slow-moving vehicles, patiently wait for the operator to find an appropriate time to let you pass. Don't assume this can be done at any time. The farmer must survey the shoulder of the road for an area that is not soft, wet or steep and can support the weight of the equipment without causing it to tip.

Farmers are part of what makes Kentucky the great state it is – keep them in mind when traveling our state’s beautiful roads. 

>> In Kentucky, there’s so much to live for. Join us in driving distraction-free. To learn more about distracted driving’s prevalence in the Bluegrass State, click here.

Life insurance: One of those things many people don’t think about… until it’s too late.

We understand – no one wants to think about dying. But do you ever wonder how your loved ones would fare should something ever happen to you? If someone depends on you financially, life insurance is a topic you shouldn’t avoid.   

There are many different types of life insurance, but in every plan, the goal is the same: to provide money from your active policy to your beneficiaries after you die. These proceeds can be used to manage financial obligations in the absence of your income. In more direct terms, life insurance can help keep your family from having to make drastic changes to future plans following your death.        

Life insurance payments can be used to cover a variety of things like:

• End-of-life expenses, such as uncovered medical bills and the cost of your funeral and burial. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of an adult funeral with viewing and burial, according to a recent study, was $8.300.   
• Unpaid debts, like a home mortgage or car loan, credit card debt, taxes, and estate settlement costs. When someone dies owing a debt, the debt usually does not go away. Generally, the deceased person’s estate is responsible for paying any unpaid debts, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• Day-to-day expenses, like groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and clothing. Would your family take a financial hit if you weren’t bringing home a regular paycheck? Life insurance can help cover ongoing expenses for your family.
• Future needs, like your spouse’s retirement or your child’s education. According to the most recent report released by the United States Department of Agriculture, it takes a whopping $233,610 to raise a child. The study has not been updated since 2017, but when adjusted for inflation, the number jumps to $312,202 in 2024 dollars, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Do you want your spouse to have to pay for that alone?       

Yes, we understand that delving into the world of life insurance for the first time can be an overwhelming task. At KFB Insurance, we want to make choosing life insurance for your family's needs as stress-free as possible by giving you the information you need to make educated decisions. KFB Insurance is proud to offer life insurance coverage through Southern Farm Bureau^® Life Insurance Company. Click here to get in touch with a local agent who can help you pick a plan.   
 

The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) has gained significant momentum in just the few short months since its inception, with 22 strategic partners added to its growing network. KFTI was launched by Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) in April to help the Commonwealth’s farm families find ways to keep their acreage in the hands of active farmers as they plan for the future of their land.

The KFTI Network is a partnership of agriculture and agriculture-related organizations, businesses and institutions across Kentucky who are united in recognizing the problem of farmland loss and are committed to finding solutions. Network members share resources, provide feedback, and serve as a valuable sounding board for KFTI stakeholders.

The newly announced network partners are:

• Central Kentucky Ag Credit
• AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky
• Community Farm Alliance
• Farm Credit Mid-America
• Kentucky Association of Meat Processors
• Kentucky Burley and Dark Tobacco Producers Association
• Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association
• Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development
• Kentucky Corn Growers Association
• The Dairy Alliance for Kentucky
• Kentucky Dairy Development Council
• Kentucky Department of Agriculture
• Kentucky Horse Council
• Kentucky Horticulture Council
• Kentucky Pork Producers Association
• Kentucky Poultry Federation
• Kentucky Sheep & Goat Development Office
• Kentucky Small Grain Growers’ Association
• Kentucky Soybean Association
• Kentucky State University
• Kentucky Thoroughbred Association
• Kentucky Woodland Owners Association
• University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

“The farms we know and love as Kentuckians are at risk,” said Renee Carrico, KFB Director, Commodity Division. “In fact, at the current rate of farmland loss, the number of Kentucky farmers will be cut in half in the next 60 years. Kentucky Farm Bureau recognized that if we do not act, subdivisions, industrial parks and highways will continue to consume our farmland. We can’t solve this problem alone, and fortunately we don’t have to. We are thrilled that KFTI has gained the support of so many influential leaders in agriculture, and we believe this is just the beginning. If you are passionate about keeping Kentucky’s farms in production, we invite you to join our network.”

KFTI was developed in response to troubling data recently released in the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, which revealed that Kentucky lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland over the last 20 years. It is designed to help families access resources related to farmland transition, connect providers of transition services to people who need their services, and find solutions to help retain farmland.

To learn more about the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative Network visit kyfarmlandtransition.com/about.

We’re big on entrepreneurs.

We’re currently seeking candidates with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a natural desire to lead. If you are dedicated, enthusiastic, sales-oriented and have a passion for building long-term customer relationships, we invite you to apply for a KFB Insurance Agent career today!

Agents are independent contractors, not employees of Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Your success as an agent depends on your motivation and drive, but you can count on us to provide you with exceptional professional support as you grow your business.

Vehicle thefts continue to be on the rise across the country. Nationwide, more than 1 million vehicles were reported stolen to law enforcement in 2023, a 1% increase over 2022 and an 8% increase over 2021. Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance claims information reflects this national trend. In 2023, 445 vehicles were reported by our insureds as stolen, which is a 2% increase over 2022.

Of all stolen vehicles in Kentucky, the most stolen—by far—are full-size pick-ups. In 2020 (the most recent data available), 497 Ford full-size pickups were reported stolen in the entire state, followed closely by Chevrolet full-size pickups (488 reported stolen). Nationwide, the top three most stolen vehicles in 2023 were Hyundai Elantras, Hyundai Sonatas, and Kia Optimas. 

Did you know that, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), less than 60% of stolen vehicles are recovered? But research has found that nearly half of all vehicle thefts can be prevented. Consider the following precautionary measures to help you from becoming a victim:

• Park in a well-lit area.
• Always take your keys with you, even if you’re just planning to be gone for a few minutes.
• When leaving your vehicle for any amount of time, roll up your windows and lock your doors.
• Keep your doors locked, even when your car is in “drive.” In recent years, carjacking has become a concerning trend—especially in major cities. If someone attempts to steal your car while you are in the driver seat, do not resist. Your life cannot be replaced, but a vehicle can.
• Remove valuables from the vehicle or place them in the trunk. Remember, just because you don’t consider something valuable doesn’t mean it won’t catch a thief’s attention.
• If you don’t have a garage at home, consider installing motion sensor security lights. While lights may not provide complete security, they could scare off a potential thief.
• During winter months—unless you have a remote start—avoid the temptation to warm your car up. In fact, it’s illegal to leave a running car unattended in Kentucky (unless you have a keyless starter system). Cold weather is prime time for “warm-up theft,” leaving tens of thousands of people nationwide the victim of vehicle theft every year.
• Many newer model vehicles come equipped with anti-theft systems. If you have an older model that lacks security features, consider adding a visible or audible anti-theft device to your vehicles, such as an alarm system, steering column lock, or theft deterrent decals. Some vehicle owners even choose to add a tracking system, which can track the location of a car and significantly improve the odds of it being recovered faster and with less damage.
• According to the NICB, vehicles reported in the first 24 hours have a 34% chance of same-day recovery. If your vehicle has been stolen, contact police immediately to increase the chance of recovery. Once you have a police report in hand, provide a copy of that report to your insurance agent as soon as possible. 

According to NICB, the U.S. is seeing the highest vehicle theft numbers since 2008, with no hopes for a downward trend anytime soon. Stay vigilant and you can help prevent this costly theft from occurring!

>> We want you to be safe out there on the road… but accidents still happen. At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’ve got agents in all 120 counties. Click to find one near you.

Winter weather in Kentucky can be unpredictable. It might be in the 50s one day and in the 20s the next. While we can’t control the effects of Mother Nature, we can help you stay safe and warm when chilly weather inevitably blows through. The following tips may help you reduce energy consumption and even reduce your home heating costs.   

1.  Lower the temperature: Grab a blanket and bundle up! Keeping your thermostat just a few degrees cooler during the winter could lower your energy bill. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in fall and winter.
    
2. Consider a smart thermostat: While you don’t need a smart (or programmable) thermostat to make cost-saving changes, having one does help maximize efficiency. With a smart thermostat, you can establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away, control your home’s temperature remotely through your smartphone or tablet, and track and manage your energy usage by logging data.
    
3. Isolate your energy: If you’re primarily hanging out in one room, consider a space heater, which is an effective, efficient way to keep you comfortable without wasting energy on the entire house. That said, be mindful that space heaters can pose a great risk of fire and electrical shock if used improperly. Click here for a Life’s Blueprints blog regarding the safe use of electronic space heaters.      
    
4. Run your ceiling fans clockwise: Set ceiling fans to run clockwise on low speed in the winter to circulate heat more efficiently. This creates an updraft that helps move warm air near the ceiling back out and around the room. 
    
5. Maintain your HVAC: If your HVAC system is not properly maintained, it will have to work harder to heat and cool your home. A simple way to keep your HVAC operating efficiently is to stay on top of filter changes. Depending on the type of filter you buy, you will need to change it at least once every three months (or more often, depending on variables such as pets, family size, and other conditions).
   
   According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, it’s also important to have a certified HVAC or furnace technician service your unit at least once a year. They will ensure that your system is clog-free and geared up for optimal performance.   
    
6. Use curtains and blinds to your advantage: During the day, open curtains and blinds to allow warm sun to infiltrate your home and naturally heat it. On the flipside, make sure to close your curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to prevent cold chills from sneaking in. Consider purchasing insulated curtains to maximize the energy efficiency of your windows. Safety tip: Make sure that blinds or curtains are not blocking any warm air registers!
    
7. Seal, plug, or insulate: ENERGY STAR® estimates that if you added up all the leaks, holes, and gaps in a typical home, it would be the equivalent of having a window open every day of the year! That’s a lot of energy and utility costs going, well… right out the window!
   
   The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing their home. An easy, DIY fix is to inspect windows and doors for any obvious leaks or drafts, and seal those with weather stripping or caulking. The attic is one of the largest opportunities to save energy at home, so a bigger job to tackle might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic. Click here for easy-to-digest information regarding attic air sealing and attic insulation.

These 7 quick and easy tips are not comprehensive, but they may help shoulder the blow of cold winter weather. Happy heating, Kentucky!

At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home sweet home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Have you thought much about chemical elements since studying the periodic table in high school? Well, one that you should be thinking about is radon, a naturally occurring gas that could be present at a dangerous level in your home. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas silently contributes to 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact, it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.   
 

Where does radon come from?
Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils and rocks. Radon can be found all over the United States and world, but some geographical locations have a higher potential of radon contamination. To see Kentucky’s potential of radon contamination broken down by county, click here.*
 

Why is radon harmful?
As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that can alter the cells in the lungs when inhaled, according to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.  These alterations can increase the potential for developing lung cancer. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, the EPA warns that your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Breathing radon does not produce immediate symptoms. It could take years before health problems appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 

How does radon get inside buildings?
Exposure to limited concentrations, like those found outdoors, is impossible to avoid. However, when radon gets trapped indoors, it may exist in dangerous concentrations.

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels, according to the EPA. But how does it get there? According to the National Radon Defense, most radon gas comes through the soil, so a house with a dirt crawl space is at maximum vulnerability. Even houses with sturdy concrete foundations can have high radon levels.   

Radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation floor and walls, basement floor drains, sump openings, and holes made for pipes and other utility lines. Once inside, your home traps the radon where it can build up. Levels may be higher in the winter when your windows and doors remain closed tight.

Though less common, radon can also be present in your home’s water. Radon is not a concern if the source of the water is from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, according to the CDC.  In those cases, the radon is mostly released into the air before it enters your home.  There may be a concern when your home’s water supply is from underground sources, such as a well.
 

How can you prevent radon?
Because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, there is no way to detect its presence unless you test for it. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that all homes be tested for radon.  You can test for radon yourself using an inexpensive at-home testing kit, or you can hire a professional.  To find a radon test kit or professional recommended by the EPA, click here.   

Luckily, radon is a health hazard with a simple solution. If elevated levels are detected in your home, you can install a radon mitigation system, which collects the gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside of your home. These reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent, according to the EPA. Find a certified radon mitigation professional in Kentucky by contacting the Kentucky Radon Program in Frankfort at 502-564-4856.

^{*The EPA warns that “this map is not intended to be used to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested for radon. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three zones. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location.”}
 

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. See a full list of products we insure.

Check out the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Tools and Resources.

It’s a brisk early winter morning as you pull up to the gas pump. You remove the nozzle, click the hold-open clip into position and seek refuge in your warm car as the tank fills.

Did you know that, though rare, re-entering your car at the pump can cause extreme personal and property damage? 

That’s because a person who slides across the seat in their vehicle can build thousands of volts of static charge (think of the same static shock you sometimes get dragging your feet across the carpet). Usually, any charge acquired inside the vehicle is harmlessly discharged through the person’s shoes or by touching a metal object, but sometimes – that static electricity jumps from hand to nozzle, turning harmless vapors into a fiery burst, like the one seen in this video posted by the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI):

PEI studied this phenomenon in the 1990s after a number of mysterious pump fires were reported. Few formal investigations can be found on the issue – though almost 200 people have reported to the PEI being involved in a refueling fire.

In the very chilly winters of Massachusetts, these fires actually sparked the government to get involved. For decades, gas pump nozzles existed without the little clip that locks the trigger into place, forcing residents to manually pump in the freezing cold. In one Boston Globe article, gas station owner John Coyle said he’d seen desperate Bay Staters prop the nozzle open with everything from tennis balls and oranges to squeegees and shoes. In 2015, the state finally gave in and repealed the ban.

To combat the risk of these gas pump fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) simply urges that “if you must get into the vehicle during refueling, discharge any static electricity by touching metal on the outside of the vehicle, away from the filling point, before removing the nozzle from your vehicle.”  

The NFPA offers these additional tips for service station safety:

• Always turn off your vehicle's engine when refueling.
• Keep gasoline and other fuels out of children's sight and reach. Never allow a child to pump gas.
• Don't smoke, light matches, or use lighters while refueling.
• Do not top off or overfill your vehicle, which can cause spills.
• After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.
• If a fire starts while you're refueling, don't remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area and call for help immediately.

When filling a portable container:

• Use only approved portable containers for transporting or storing gasoline.
• Place the container on the ground before filling. Fires caused by static charges have occurred when people filled portable containers in the back of pick-up trucks, particularly those with plastic bed liners.
• Keep the nozzle in direct contact with the container. Fill it only about 95 percent full to leave room for expansion.
   

>> We want you to be safe out there on the road… but accidents still happen. At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’ve got agents in all 120 counties. Click to find one near you.

Historically, the coldest day of the year for the Bluegrass State falls in mid- to late January, so that means the days of icy windshields and frost-covered lawns won't be over for quite some time.     

Remember that harsh winter weather can also take a toll on your home, most infamously in the form of frozen pipes. One of the unique properties of water is that it expands as it freezes. This expansion applies pressure to whatever is containing it – in this case, a home’s pipes – sometimes to the point of rupture.       

Frozen water can wreak havoc on metal or plastic pipes, no matter their strength. Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing are those exposed to severe cold… like outdoor hose hookups, swimming pool supply lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.   

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a 1/8th inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day! Water damage and freezing account for almost 22 percent of all homeowners’ insurance claims, averaging $4,024 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).   

Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure your home stays cozy and dry this winter season.

In exceptionally cold weather, IBHS recommends you take preventative action:   

• Turn the thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees, even if the house is unoccupied. While this preventative measure may rack up a higher heating bill in uninhabited homes, it will greatly reduce the chances of a costly repair job.    
• If the home is going to be vacant for an extended period of time, turn off and drain the water supply prior to leaving.
• Turn the hot and cold water taps to a trickle. Water slowly moving throughout the pipes may help keep them from freezing.
• Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.     
• Ensure exposed pipes in the attic and crawl spaces are protected by insulation. Inexpensive foam sleeves are a great, cost-effective way to insulate exposed pipes and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores.   
• Make sure that garden hoses are disconnected and drained before the first hard freeze of the season. If water in a hose freezes and expands, it can increase pressure throughout the whole plumbing system and, in turn, burst an interior pipe. Additionally, outdoor spigot covers, like foam domes, provide a protective layer from frigid outdoor air.    

If you notice that pipes are frozen, move quickly!

• Turn on both hot and cold taps.
• Find the problem area. A line coated in frost or bulging like a just-fed snake is usually a good indicator.
• Once the frozen segment is identified, shut off the water supply to that area.
• Apply heat to the frozen area using towels soaked in hot water, a blow-dryer or an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe. DO NOT use a kerosene or propane heater or any type of open-flame device!
• If you cannot identify the frozen area or if the area is inaccessible, immediately call a licensed professional.
• To be safe, have a professional inspect the pipes for damage and cracks following a hard freeze.     

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Check out the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Tools and Resources.

While electronic portable space heaters are an affordable and convenient way to melt away the chill of Kentucky’s winter, they also can pose a great risk of fire and electrical shock if used improperly.

Did you know that heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires behind cooking, according to the National Fire Protection Association? Understandably so, winter is peak season for such risk. Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. 

It’s tempting to crank up that space heater for some extra bedroom warmth or to de-ice your cold toes at the office, but take these precautions before turning that dial to the maximum setting.

• When shopping for a space heater, look for the approval of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory on the box or label, such as the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL).
• Choose a space heater with an automatic shut-off that turns the device off if it tips over.
• Read the manual before using. Space heaters aren’t simply “plug and go,” and studying up on your new device could save you from a house fire or electrical shock.   
• If possible, plug the heater straight into an outlet. Extension cords and power strips pose an overheating risk. If an extension cord must be used, consult the owner’s manual on which size and rating is appropriate for your specific heater.
• Place the object on a flat, sturdy surface. Do not place it on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet.       
• Think of the three-feet surrounding the heater as off limits. Keep kids, pets, and anything else that can burn (such as paper, bedding, or furniture) at least three feet away.   
• Supervise children and pets around the heater. Use a sturdy, metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are even more common than open flame burns.
• Always turn heaters off before going to bed or leaving the room.
• Unplug the device when not in use.       
   

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Lucky for Kentuckians, salt helps keep our roadways drivable even when Old Man Winter has other plans. According to Wheeler Nevels, Roadway Preservation Manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Bluegrass state annually spreads about 500 million pounds of salt on 63,000 lane miles of Kentucky roadways. That’s more than 100 pounds per Kentuckian!  

On a national level, The Smithsonian Institution reports that more than 22 million tons of salt are scattered on U.S. roads annually.   

While salt is good for removing ice from the roads, it can be very bad for the cars on those roads. That magical substance used for de-icing can also de-paint your car. Saline streets can wreak havoc on the undercarriage and body of a vehicle, eating away at paint, causing rust and opening the door to more serious issues. Due to their proximity to the undercarriage, two crucial areas especially vulnerable to corrosion and rust are the brake and fuel lines.    

Once the sun comes out and melts the snow, it’s a great time to give your car some attention and wash off all that roadway gunk and grime.   

Here are some tips to show your car the love all season long and ensure its wellbeing come spring:   

• Get regular car washes! Spray your car down at least once a week in snowy conditions, and visit a car wash that targets the undercarriage at least once a month and after winter storms. It may help to view this expense as required vehicle maintenance, as it could save you money on costly damages later.
• If your car exceeds 8 years old, it’s going to need some extra TLC. Several years of exposure to winter road salts can take its toll. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle models made in 2007 and earlier are especially susceptible to brake pipe corrosion due to salt exposure. Have a mechanic regularly inspect for corrosion, and take notice of how your brake pedal feels in cold weather. Any changes could indicate a leak in the brake pipes.    
• Use a synthetic wax to provide a protective barrier from harsh salt.
• Once spring arrives, thoroughly detail the exterior so that salt doesn’t sit on the surface.
• Prep for winter weather early next season, and make sure to pay special attention to any chips or scrapes in the paint, as those areas will be more susceptible to rust.

>> We want you to be safe out there on the road… but accidents still happen. At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’ve got agents in all 120 counties. Click to find one near you.

Whether you’re showing off a brand new engagement ring or proudly adorning your grandmother’s antique necklace, jewelry is often a very cherished possession. Unfortunately, due to its small size, losing a piece of jewelry can easily happen. These valued possessions can disappear due to theft, fire, flood, or even something as simple as an unprotected sink drain. As such, any jewelry item of financial or emotional significance is probably worth insuring.

Many homeowners and renter’s insurance policies only cover theft of jewelry to a fixed dollar amount. Therefore, it is recommended to insure jewelry with an additional policy option, available for special valuables you own that can be added to your existing policy.

The following variables are important to keep in mind when deciding what type of coverage to purchase for your jewelry. We recommend discussing this list of questions with your local KFB Insurance agent:

• Do you have items that are irreplaceable?
• Does your homeowners or renter’s insurance cover your most valuable belongings?
• Do you travel frequently?
• Do you have a busy lifestyle?
• Are you still covered if there is negligence or carelessness involved?
• Are there any geographical limitations to coverage?
• Are there any exclusions?
• What if only part is lost? (e.g. diamond missing from ring)
• Can you insure individual items?
• Will the policy adjust according to inflation?
• What proof of loss or damage will be required?
   

Why do I need to get my jewelry appraised?
Jewelry insurance premiums and coverages are based on the value of your jewelry. It is recommended to get your valuable jewelry appraised every few years as the market price can fluctuate from year to year. The older the appraisal is, the less accurate its true value will be.
 

Keeping your jewelry safe
If you have a sentimental or valuable piece of jewelry, be sure to protect it and keep it in a safe place when you aren’t wearing it. Jewelers may also be able to recreate a lost piece if you keep proper documentation of your items and detailed photographs.

An up-to-date record of valuable items in your house will help simplify the process should you need to file a claim. KFB Insurance has a helpful document for this – My Home Inventory – where you can record all of your household items. While that might seem like a hefty task, it will help make filing a claim much simpler if your jewelry is lost or stolen.

For many Americans, a home is the biggest investment they will make in their lifetime. Protecting that investment means staying on top of maintenance. Tackling a few seasonal chores in the fall may help save you from a costly winter disaster.

Before the weather turns to ice and snow, clear your calendar for an afternoon of seasonal maintenance. Checking items off of the following to-do list before winter weather hits can help preserve your home sweet home and save you a lot of money in the long run. Your home—and your wallet—will thank you!

• Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from gutters so that melting snow and ice can flow freely. Doing so can prevent ice damming, a situation in which a ridge of ice forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from properly draining. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.  
• Inspect the trees on your property. Are there any dead branches that need to be removed? Now is the time! Ice, snow, and wind could cause weak branches to break and injure a passerby or damage your home or car.
• Place garden hoses in storage for the winter. If the water in a hose freezes and expands, it can increase pressure throughout the whole plumbing system and, in turn, burst an interior pipe. Protect the outdoor spigot with an inexpensive foam dome, which can be found at most hardware stores. These can easily be placed on the spigot and left there until spring.
• Brush up on ways to prevent frozen pipes. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time. Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. The quicker you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better shot you have at preventing a costly pipe burst.
• Prepare for slippery surfaces! Pull that snow shovel out of storage and stock up on ice melt from your local hardware store. Ensure that your steps and handrails are in good condition. Broken stairs and banisters can become quite dangerous when covered in snow and ice. 
• Inspect windows and doors for any cracks or areas where a cold draft may seep through. Install or repair weather stripping or caulking in any areas that need attention.
• Hire a professional to perform routine maintenance on your heating system. Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage. If you have ceiling fans, reverse their direction so that they spin in a clockwise direction, which will create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room and lend a helping hand to your heating system.
• In winter, as we shut the doors tight and crank up the heat, the chance of a residential fire increases. Take this time to make sure that smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms are in working order and have ample battery life.   

While you may not be able to completely stop the effects of adverse weather conditions on your property, these suggested steps can help lessen the blow in many circumstances.

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home sweet home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

The holiday season is upon us. As you gear up for the festivities, keep your family’s Santa Paws in mind when decking the halls. After all, nothing can spoil the holiday spirit quite like an unplanned trip to the vet’s office.

1. (Don’t) rock around the Christmas tree.
   An illuminated evergreen is often the seasonal centerpiece in many of our homes. There are several precautions to keep in mind when it comes to bringing the outdoors inside this holiday season. Rover.com recommends securely anchoring the tree so it does not tip. One quick way to do this is to invest in a quality, sturdy tree stand. For added security, Rover.com suggests also affixing the tree to the ceiling or a door frame using a clear piece of fishing line.
   
   Tree stand water may contain fertilizers and can be a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and mold that could harm your pet’s tummy in just a few sips. PetMD recommends covering your stand with the tree skirt or another DIY option, like aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a towel.        
   
   Ingested pine needles (both real and artificial) can get caught in your furry friend’s intestinal track, puncturing the lining or causing an obstruction. Make sure to keep an eye on curious kitties and playful pups any time they are around the tree, or better yet, block access to the entire tree with a baby gate.
    
2. Deck the halls with boughs of…anything but holly.
   Many plants commonly used to spruce up homes around the holidays are unfortunately toxic to our canine and feline companions. Holly isn’t so jolly when it causes gastrointestinal upset and lethargy in your furry friend. Other common winter house plants on the naughty list include mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies, and amaryllis, according to the American Kennel Club.   
    
3. Hang stockings – and ornaments – with care.
   Make sure to hang ornaments out of reach of curious paws. Reserve the upper half of the tree for glass, metal, or fragile ornaments. Steer clear of edible ornaments, such as popcorn strands, candy canes, or gingerbread creations. If you can, avoid using metal hooks to hang trimmings, and do daily tree checks to make sure nothing has fallen off or broken.    
    
4. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle!
   If you’re a pet owner, it may come as no surprise that tinsel may be an especially irresistible item… especially to cats. Tinsel is one of the most dangerous tree decorations you can choose, according to PetMD. When chewed, tinsel can become trapped in your pet’s intestines, potentially requiring a costly surgery. It’s best to skip the hassle and decorate with something a little less enticing.     
    

With a few minor adjustments, your home can be filled with holiday cheer and remain a jolly place for pets to play.
 

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Are you putting lights or other decor on your house for the holidays? More than 86% of Americans decorate their homes as part of their winter holiday celebrations, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, or ESFI. For many, the allure of draping a home in bright, twinkling bulbs and adorning the yard with giant blow-up reindeer is irresistible; but when it comes to holiday decorating, stockings aren’t the only things that should be hung with care. Take extra caution when decorating this season so you can continue to do so for years to come.   

1. Put preparation before pizzazz.
   Take proper steps to ensure your home is ready for the holiday glitz. For instance, clean dried leaves out of gutters before hanging that first string of lights. Hot lights resting on dry leaves can create a fire hazard. Check new and old light strings and decor for things like frayed wires, damaged insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and loose connections. Throw out and replace damaged sets.
    
2. Climb with care.
   41% of holiday decorating injuries involve falls, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, or nuts before using. If hanging lights or other electric decor, make sure the ladder is fiberglass or wooden, as metal ladders conduct electricity! Also check the ladder’s height–if you’re tiptoeing from the top rung to reach your roof, you’re in danger! To be safe, your ladder should extend at least three feet past the edge of your roof.   
    
3. Be bright about lights.
   Across the U.S., holiday lights are to blame for 160 home structure fires each year and $9 million in direct property damage, according to ESFI.              
   
   Did you know that incandescent bulbs generate most of their energy in heat? Newer, more modern LED lights are much cooler to the touch. LED lights are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, and are much more durable. Additionally, they last 25 times longer and use at least 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
   
   To give mother earth and your electricity bill a bigger break, install an outdoor timer to automatically turn your lights on and off. Oh, and if replacing bulbs or fuses, always unplug first!    
    
4. Educate yourself on extension cords.
   3,300 residential fires in the U.S. are caused by faulty extension cords each year, resulting in 50 deaths and 270 injuries, according the CPSC. When decking the halls for the holidays, there are more important things to worry about than hiding gawky extension cords from view. Never plug cords into one another, make sure that cords are rated for their intended use, and keep them clear of snow and standing water. Your decor’s power needs should match the amperage rating on the extension cord packaging or label.    
                
5. Don’t overwhelm outlets.
   Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices, which can spark a fire. Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased at most local hardware stores.

During the holiday season, emergency rooms nationwide are flooded with victims of holiday decor gone wrong. During the months of November and December, U.S. hospitals treat an average of 230 injuries per day due to decor mishaps. Please be safe so this season can stay a jolly one!

>> At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.