Goodville Mutual Casualty Company has been recognized as one of the top 50 insurers in the country for 2025, according to the Ward's 50® list. This achievement highlights the hard work of Goodville's exceptional team, marking the 16th consecutive year the company has earned this honor. It reflects a strong commitment to helping valued members and working alongside a dedicated group of independent agents in the industry.

David Gautsche, the President and CEO of Goodville Mutual, expressed his pride in this accomplishment, stating, “Being recognized again on the Ward's 50® Property and Casualty Companies list shows the dedication and effort of our entire team at Goodville Mutual. I’m incredibly proud of the commitment our team and partner agencies have to serve our members. A big thank you to the Wards Group for recognizing our hard work once more!”

Ward Benchmarking, a part of Aon, is known for evaluating and recognizing the best practices within the insurance industry. Every year, they analyze the financial performance of nearly 3,000 property and casualty insurance companies in the U.S. to determine which ones are the top performers.

Tips to Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipes

January 21, 2025

As winter sets in and temperatures across many regions of the U.S. plummet to extreme lows, homeowners face a dual-edged sword. While the snowy landscape invites enjoyable outdoor activities such as sledding, it simultaneously raises the risk of plumbing issues, particularly frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.

To help you protect your home from this potential disaster, here are some comprehensive strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and safely thawing frozen pipes:

Prevention

Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation sleeves to wrap pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. This additional layer of protection helps maintain a consistent temperature.
Seal Off the Garage: Keep garage doors closed, especially if you have water supply lines in this area.
Maintain Indoor Temperatures: Keep your home’s temperature consistent, especially during cold snaps. It's advisable to set your thermostat no lower than 55°F, even when you are away.
Allow Faucets to Drip: When temperatures plummet, let a small stream of water drip from faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces. This can prevent pressure build-up and reduce the likelihood of freezing.
Seal Cracks and Openings: Inspect your home for any small openings or cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulking or spray foam to seal these gaps and prevent cold air from entering.

Diagnosis

Monitor Water Flow: If you notice a decrease in water pressure or a complete stop in flow, it could be an early sign of a frozen pipe. Act promptly to investigate the issue.
Check for Frost or Ice: Examine exposed pipes for frost accumulation or any visible signs of ice. Pipes located along exterior walls or in unheated spaces are particularly susceptible.
Listen for Unusual Sounds: Pay attention to any strange noises in your plumbing system. Gurgling sounds or unusual vibrations can indicate that a pipe may be frozen.

Thawing

Use a Hair Dryer: If you identify a frozen pipe, start by applying gentle heat to the affected area using a hair dryer. Keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating any single spot and causing damage.
Warm Towels: Soaking towels in hot water and wrapping them around the frozen pipe can similarly help to gradually thaw the ice blockage.
Avoid Open Flames: Never use a blowtorch or any open flame to thaw pipes, as this can damage the pipe or even create a fire hazard.
Call a Professional: If the frozen pipe is not easily accessible or has burst, it may be best to call in a licensed plumber to ensure proper thawing and repair.

By using these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes during the harsh winter months, keeping your home safe and your plumbing system intact. Stay proactive and enjoy the beauty of winter without the worry of frozen pipes!

This blog entry is created for informational purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

Thanksgiving Turkey Frying Safety

November 26, 2024

For many, Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday marked by gatherings around the dinner table and a delicious assortment of foods prepared to share with our loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that safety should always be a top priority.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day holds the unfortunate title of being the peak day for home cooking fires. The combination of busy kitchens, cooking with multiple appliances, and the hustle and bustle of family and guests can create an environment where accidents are more likely to occur. But one of the biggest dangers this time of year is turkey fryers. NFPA estimates that over $15 million in property damages, 60 injuries, and 5 deaths annually are the result of deep-frying accidents. While NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers, if you choose to use one, we would like you to take a moment to review potential risks and implement recommended safety precautions carefully.

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Keeping safety in mind can help ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is memorable and safe for everyone involved.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Goodville Mutual Casualty Company. This post was created for informational purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.