|
Friends, As the days get shorter and the weather colder, please remember to take the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe. It’s important to dress appropriately for the weather, be safe when driving in the dark, and take time to rest and recuperate when you’re feeling sick. Keeping these things in mind will hopefully make the winter months ahead easier for everyone! Featured in this newsletter:
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance.
Working for you, |
|
Sylvia Santana
REMINDER TO CHECK CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS As temperatures get colder and the nights longer, Michigan residents are urged to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by checking to ensure furnaces and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are properly working. Known as the “silent killer,” CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poisonous gas. Most CO poisonings take place at home and are caused by items that are not properly cared for or vented, such as furnaces, water heaters, generators, gas grills, dryers, lanterns, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, and gas stoves. To protect yourself and your family from CO, follow these safety tips:
Visit Michigan.gov/MiTracking for more information about CO poisoning.
$50 MILLION IN GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDCARE FACILITIES On Thursday, Nov. 3, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that applications for the Caring for MI Future: Child Care Facilities Improvement Fund are now open. Childcare entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or expanding a facility can apply for a grant to reduce the cost of converting space that meets childcare facility guidelines. The $50 million to open and grow new childcare facilities as part of the state’s Caring for MI Future initiative. Caring for MI Future is a $100 million investment to help Michigan families find quality, affordable childcare in their community by opening 1,000 new or expanded childcare programs by the end of 2024. The grants, which range in size from $50,000 for home-based childcare and $150,000 for center-based programs, will help providers to complete minor renovations and improvements to meet licensing and quality standards. Eligible applicants include licensed childcare providers located in the State of Michigan who are newly licensed providers or existing providers expanding their licensed capacity. For a full breakdown of eligibility requirements and information on the application process visit Michigan.gov/caringformifuture.
NOVEMBER RECOGNIZED AS VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November 2022 as Veterans and Military Families Month to honor veterans and military families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes. Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800MICH-VET or visit Michigan.gov/MVAA. For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar at Michigan.gov/MVAA/Events.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SAVINGS ON NEW HEALTH PLAN CHOICES DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are reminding Michiganders that the annual Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. With savings still in effect making health insurance more affordable for more Michiganders, new grants for free local help, and more plan options than last year, shopping for health insurance has never been easier. While shopping for a health plan during Open Enrollment, Michigan consumers can choose from 233 health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is available at HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596. In total, including off-Marketplace plans available directly from insurers, Michiganders can choose from 308 plans, 52 more options than last year. For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
WINTER WEATHER INSURANCE TIPS It is Winter Hazards Awareness Week in Michigan, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders to review their insurance documents while taking steps to prevent winter-related damage. Winter storms and freezing temperatures can damage your home or vehicle, so it’s important to have insurance coverage that financially protects you if severe winter weather strikes. Understanding how your insurance policies work and what they cover is key to a quick recovery. Here are a few tips that can help give you peace of mind this winter: Tips for Homeowners Homeowners insurance policies usually cover damages resulting from things like burst pipes, ice dams, wind, or a building collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow but will often exclude coverage for damages resulting from power outages unless the outage was caused by a covered peril such as wind, ice, or snow. Homeowners should review their insurance policy and take the following steps to help prevent winter damage:
Tips for Auto Owners Driving in winter weather can be hazardous even if you are driving carefully. Coverages you may consider purchasing, or confirming you currently have, include:
For more tips on preparing your family for winter, visit the Michigan State Police’s Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division preparedness website at Michigan.gov/MIReady. For questions or concerns about your insurance, contact DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442, or file a complaint by visiting Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. |
