The Red, Whites and Bruises
By: Amy Streifel
Who doesn’t love the Fourth of July. Food, fireworks and beer! I mean family and friends! People usually have annual festivities they like to attend and it’s no different than our family. We usually gather at my siblings home for a huge fireworks show and BBQ. Last summer we all settled in our lawn chairs outside to watch the show. It got a little chilly, so we moved into the garage a bit. The next thing we know people are screaming and fireworks are shooting at us, inside the garage. We could laugh about it after the fact because no one got badly hurt. I received a few minor knicks and small burns from some of the fireworks, but everyone had their limbs intact. It was a freak accident, even after taking all precautions. I also breathed a sigh of relief my families garage didn’t start on fire, which could have been a real possibility. Fireworks are a favorite way to celebrate holidays and special events, but they also come with risks that can lead to costly property damage and injuries. Every year, fireworks cause thousands of residential fires, making safety an important part of any celebration.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage to your home if it’s caused by fireworks, regardless of whether the fireworks were yours or a neighbor’s. However, coverage may vary depending on your policy and local laws. If you accidentally damage someone else’s property or someone is injured because of your fireworks, your personal liability coverage may help pay for covered claims. Intentional acts or illegal fireworks, however, may not be covered. The best way to protect your family and your finances is to enjoy fireworks safely. Follow local laws, keep a safe distance, have water nearby, and consider attending a professional fireworks display instead of setting off fireworks at home. Even the safest of people can’t plan for the unexpected. Nationally, the CPSC estimated about 13,000 fireworks-related injuries and 15 deaths occurred in 2025, illustrating that fireworks continue to pose a significant safety risk. Before your next celebration, take a few minutes to review your insurance policy and understand what is—and isn’t—covered. Knowing your coverage can provide valuable peace of mind while you enjoy the festivities.
“Is Your Grain Bin Ready for Storm Season?”
As July brings warmer temperatures and the start of severe storm season in North Dakota, many farmers are focused on preparing for harvest. Equipment is being serviced, fields are being monitored, and grain bins are being cleaned and inspected. While it’s easy to focus on the physical preparations, it’s also a good time to review your farm insurance coverage. Grain bins are one of the most valuable assets on many farming operations, yet they can be vulnerable to damage from hail, high winds, and lightning. Summer storms can dent steel, damage roofs and vents, affect aeration systems, or even compromise the structural integrity of a bin. What may seem like minor damage today could lead to costly repairs or grain storage issues later in the season. It’s unusual for us to go a summer without a claim for grain bin damage. Last summer for instance, one of our insureds noticed a few dents on one of his grain bins and assumed the damage was cosmetic. A closer inspection revealed that the storm had also damaged roof vents and portions of the aeration system. Water began finding its way into the bin during later rains, leading to additional repairs before harvest. Fortunately, the farmer had reviewed his insurance coverage earlier that year and had adequate protection for the grain bin and its components. The claim helped cover the cost of repairs, allowing the bin to be back in service before harvest began.
It’s also worth considering whether your current coverage reflects today’s replacement costs. The cost of materials, labor, and construction has increased significantly over the past several years. If your grain bins were insured based on values from several years ago, there may be a gap between what they’re insured for and what it would actually cost to repair or replace them after a loss.
Before harvest begins, take a few minutes to review your farm policy with your insurance agent. Confirm that your grain bins, outbuildings, and other farm structures are properly listed and insured for their current value. A quick policy review now can provide peace of mind and help ensure your operation is pro tected when summer storms roll through.
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