Fire Hazards, Cold Snaps & Cyber Scares: Fall Insurance Tips Every Arkansan Should Know

Fall in Arkansas is… complicated. One day we’re sweating through 80-degree afternoons, and the next morning we’re scraping frost off windshields and wondering how the weather pulled a fast one on us again. Add in bonfires, space heaters, tailgates, family holidays, and—because life loves irony—an uptick in online scams, and the season suddenly feels a little less pumpkin-spiced-cozy and a little more “maybe I should double-check my insurance.”

If it’s been a minute since you looked at your policies, fall is a great time to slow down and knock out a few practical to-dos before winter settles in. Here’s a guide to help Arkansas homeowners, renters, and business owners stay ahead of seasonal risks (without losing the joy of fall in the process).

1. Cozy Fire Season? Check Your Fire Coverage First

Fireplaces crackling, backyard fire pits, candles burning—fall ambiance is undefeated. But even the best intentions sometimes go sideways.

Biggest fire risks in fall:

• Candles left unattended

• Space heaters too close to furniture (or, let’s be honest, laundry piles)

• Chimneys not cleaned before lighting that first log

• Fall décor near cooking surfaces

• Holiday cooking accidents—deep-fried turkey mishaps included

What to check in your insurance policy

• Are you covered for accidental home fires?

• Do you know your deductible for fire damage?

• Have you added any valuable electronics/appliances recently?

Quick tip: If you’ve upgraded kitchen appliances or installed a wood stove, make sure your policy reflects it. Some updates may even qualify you for discounts.

2. Arkansas Weather Loves a Plot Twist: Prep for Sudden Cold Snaps

Even if winter isn’t here yet, early freezes happen. Pipes don’t care that it’s just November—they’ll burst anyway.

Preventative steps to take now:

• Insulate exposed pipes (garage, attic, crawl spaces)

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

• Let faucets drip during freeze warnings

• Have your HVAC serviced (that first cold-blast burnout is real)

Insurance to review:

• Home or renters insurance coverage for water damage

• Additional coverage if you own a second home or vacation cabin

• Equipment breakdown coverage for furnace/HVAC repairs

If your pipes burst in a freeze, insurance can cover it—but only if proper care was taken. Prevent now, relax later.

3. Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for Tech Folks—Holiday Scammers Are Active

Fall means Black Friday deals, holiday shopping, online orders, and unfortunately… fraud season. Cyber threats spike as consumer spending rises. Business owners? Even more risk.

Protect your household:

• Use unique passwords (not “Razorbacks2024!” on every account)

• Enable two-factor authentication

• Beware of fake delivery texts and charity scams

Protect your business:

• Cyber liability insurance (yes, it’s a thing—and a good one)

• Employee training to avoid phishing emails

• Secure payment systems and stored customer data

A single phishing click can lead to thousands in losses. Annoying? Sure. Worth protecting against? 100%.

4. Bonus Round: Porch Pirates & Holiday Guests

Fall brings package deliveries and family gatherings.

A couple quick reminders:

• Doorbell cameras deter theft—and may help with insurance claims.

• Make sure your liability coverage is enough if guests get injured on your property.

• If you’re doing home improvements before winter, tell your agent—renovations may need updated coverage.

Your Friendly Arkansas Insurance Check-In

Insurance isn’t exactly fun to talk about (unless you’re us, in which case it’s kind of our thing). But taking a few minutes this season to check your coverage can save you a whole lot of headache later.

Whether you’re:

• Lighting the first fire of the season,

• Prepping for a surprise frost,

• Clicking “add to cart” on holiday deals,

• Or running a small business gearing up for holiday traffic—

A little insurance tune-up goes a long way toward peace of mind.

Need help reviewing your policies? Let’s chat.

Boone Ritter Insurance is a local Arkansas agency, which means we understand the weather whiplash, the small-town hustle, and how fast things can change.

If you’d like a quick, no-pressure review (or just want someone to walk you through what you really need), our team would love to help.

Give Boone Ritter Insurance a call — Your neighbors. Your advocates. Your insurance people.

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