Winter Readiness Tips, Radon Action, Renters Insurance Newsletter

INSURANCE MATTERSINSURANCE MATTERS How to prepare January 2026 March 2023A Newsletter for Delawareans yourself to be winter ready

In This IssueWhat it Means to be Winter Ready

Being winter ready means taking simple, proactive steps to • How to Prepare Yourself to be protect yourself, your family, and your home during the colder months. As temperatures drop, winter weather can bring Winter ready challenges such as icy roads, snowstorms, power outages, and increased heating costs. Preparation helps reduce risks and • National Radon Action Monthavoid unnecessary stress.

• Ask the CommissionerAt home, being winter ready includes checking your heating system, sealing drafts, and making sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. It's also smart to

have an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries,

blankets, and nonperishable food in case severe weather disrupts power or travel. To find out more about how

to be winter ready continue Winter readiness also means preparing your vehicle. Keeping tires in good condition, maintaining proper antifreeze levels, on to page 2and carrying an emergency car kit can make a big difference if

you're stranded or driving in hazardous conditions.

Trinidad Navarro Insurance Commissioner Delaware Department of Insurance 1351 West North Street, Suite 101 Dover, DE 19904winter ReadyHow to Stay

Stay Safe on the Road

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you travel.

Prepare for Winter Weather Keep your gas tank as full as you can. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.

Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs Prepare to keep the cold out of your home with required in your local area. insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test Every vehicle should have an emergency smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked with battery backups. Gather supplies in case every six months and expired items should be you need to stay home for several days without replaced regularly. power. Have extra batteries for weather radios

and flashlights. When driving, increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer

Be sure to keep each person's specific needs in to slow down and stop on icy roads. mind, including the medications they take. Also, remember the needs of your pets. Tell others your route and anticipated arrival time.

If your heat goes out

• Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting Stay Safe in Your House heat.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, Keep anything that can burn at least three perspiration and subsequent chill. feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters or

Know your winter weather terms and take candles.

appropriate action

Always plug space heaters directly into an

Winter storm warning outlet, and make sure the cord isn't damaged A Winter Storm Warning is issued when heavy or frayed. snow, heavy sleet or heavy freezing rain are imminent or occurring. Never use an oven to heat your home.

Winter storm watch Maintain heating equipment and chimneys A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is by having them cleaned and inspected each the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy year by a professional. freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Have alternate plans for refrigerating

Winter weather advisory medicines or using power-dependent medical A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when devices in case of power outages. accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet are expected to cause If a power outage occurs, disconnect

significant inconveniences and life-threatening appliances and electronics to avoid damage situations if caution is not taken. from electrical surges.NationalRadon

Immediate Short-Term Reduction Tips

Increase ventilation: Open windows and doors to improve airflow. Use fans to circulate Action Monthindoor air and draw in fresh air from the outside.

Use fans strategically: Place fans near

windows or doors to help push radon-rich air What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?out of the home.

Seal cracks and openings: Radon enters your It's important to understand what radon is and how home through cracks in the foundation, walls, it affects your home. Radon is a radioactive gas and floor. Use radon-resistant caulks and that arises from the decay of uranium in soil and sealants to cover these openings.rocks. Foundation cracks and gaps in walls and

floors can let radon into your home. Long-Term Radon Reduction

StrategiesYou can't see, smell or taste radon, but it could be

present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon

Install an active soil depressurization (ASD) is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among

system: ASD systems are among the most nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of effective long-term solutions for radon about 21,000 Americans each year. mitigation. These systems use a fan and vent pipe to continuously draw radon gas from In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge beneath your home and release it outdoors.all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.

Maintain ventilation systems: Once your ASD

system is installed, regular maintenance is Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and essential.testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is

Encapsulate the crawl space: Homes with detected in your home, you can take steps to fix

crawl spaces are particularly susceptible the problem to protect yourself and your family. to radon. Encapsulation, or sealing the crawlspace with a vapor barrier, can help.The DOI Corner

Our Captive Team Heads to the World Captive Forum

The Delaware Captive Insurance Team is heading to the World Captive Forum, taking place February 4-6 at the JW Marriott in Orlando, Florida. We're excited to connect with industry professionals from around the world and share why Delaware continues to be a leader in captive insurance. A P C T IIf you're attending the Forum, we invite you to stop by and visit us at Booth 412. Our team V E E C I Nwill be on hand to answer questions, talk captive insurance, and discuss how Delaware can N S U A Rsupport your captive insurance needs. We look forward to seeing you there!ASK THE COMMISSIONERASK THE COMMISSIONER

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is designed to protect you, not the building you live in. If you rent an apartment, condo, or house in Delaware, your landlord's insurance covers the structure, but it does not cover your personal belongings or protect you if someone is injured in your home. That's where renters insurance comes in. A standard renters insurance policy helps cover your personal property if items like furniture, clothing, or electronics are damaged or stolen due to events such

as fire, theft, or certain weather-related incidents. It also

provides liability protection if someone is injured in your rental home and you're found responsible, or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else's property. In addition, renters insurance may help pay for temporary housing and related living expenses if your rental becomes unlivable because of a covered event. Trinidad Navarro

Delaware Insurance CommissionerRenters insurance is generally affordable and offers important

peace of mind. In a state like Delaware, where unexpected events from severe storms to everyday accidents can happen, having coverage can help you

recover without a major financial setback. I encourage Delaware renters to review their options, ask questions, and choose a policy that fits their needs. Protecting yourself and your belongings is a smart step toward financial security.

Main Office The consumer comes first.1351 W North St Suite 101 Our office is here to help if you have

questions about or problems with Dover, DE 19904 your insurance coverage or insurance company.Georgetown Office Questions about insurance or complaints 28 The Circle, Suite 1about an insurance company or insurance Georgetown, DE 19947agent can be made to the Consumer Our MissionServices Division by phone, by fax, by letter, by email or with an online complaint Wilmington Office Protecting Delawareans form.Rockwood Office Park through regulation and

education while providing 503 Carr Rd.,Phone: 302-674-7300 oversight of the insurance Suite 303Fax: 302-739-6278industry to best serve Wilmington, DE 19809 the public.consumer@delaware.gov