<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title><![CDATA[CMS - News, Tips, and Information]]></title> <atom:link href="https://www.cms-insurance.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/</link> <description><![CDATA[]]></description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:26:49 -0400</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod>weekly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://www.confluencysolutions.com</generator> <atom:link rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com"/> <atom:link rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.superfeedr.com"/><item><title><![CDATA[Employee Theft and Fraud: Risks Small Businesses Shouldn't Ignore]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/employee-theft-and-fraud-risks-small-businesses</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/employee-theft-and-fraud-risks-small-businesses</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:39:11 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Employee theft and fraud can happen in businesses of any size, often going unnoticed until significant damage has been done. Learn about common types of workplace fraud, warning signs, prevention strategies, and how business insurance may help address certain financial losses.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-employee-theft-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />Employee theft and fraud can happen in businesses of any size, often going unnoticed until significant damage has been done. Learn about common types of workplace fraud, warning signs, prevention strategies, and how business insurance may help address certain financial losses.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[business insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[crime insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[employee theft]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fraud]]></category> <category><![CDATA[small business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[small business insurance]]></category> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Fall Hazards: Risks and Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/fall-hazards-risks-safety-tips-2026</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/fall-hazards-risks-safety-tips-2026</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:13:13 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Fall weather can create new hazards around homes and businesses, from wet leaves and slippery walkways to ladders, poor lighting, and early frost. Learn practical ways to reduce seasonal risks and prepare your property for the changing conditions ahead.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-fall-safety-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />Fall weather can create new hazards around homes and businesses, from wet leaves and slippery walkways to ladders, poor lighting, and early frost. Learn practical ways to reduce seasonal risks and prepare your property for the changing conditions ahead.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[backyard safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[condo insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fall safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[home safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeowners insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[liability insurance]]></category> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Fire Prevention Month: Ways to Reduce Fire Risks at Home]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/fire-prevention-month-home-fire-safety</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/fire-prevention-month-home-fire-safety</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:34:01 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[October is Fire Prevention Month, making it a good time to look around your home for potential fire hazards. Simple steps involving smoke alarms, cooking, heating equipment, electrical systems, and everyday habits can help reduce the risk of a house fire.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-fire-prevention-month-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />October is Fire Prevention Month, making it a good time to look around your home for potential fire hazards. Simple steps involving smoke alarms, cooking, heating equipment, electrical systems, and everyday habits can help reduce the risk of a house fire.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[condo insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fire extinguishers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fire prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fire safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeowners insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[renters insurance]]></category> </item><item><title><![CDATA[End-of-Summer Home Maintenance Checklist]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/end-of-summer-home-maintenance-checklist</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/end-of-summer-home-maintenance-checklist</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:40:55 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[As summer winds down, a little preventative maintenance can help prepare your home for the changing seasons. This end-of-summer checklist covers exterior upkeep, heating systems, plumbing, safety equipment, and other areas homeowners should review before cooler weather arrives in North Carolina.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-early-fall-cleaning-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />As summer winds down, a little preventative maintenance can help prepare your home for the changing seasons. This end-of-summer checklist covers exterior upkeep, heating systems, plumbing, safety equipment, and other areas homeowners should review before cooler weather arrives in North Carolina.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[fall maintenance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fall safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[home insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[home maintenance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeowner prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeowners insurance]]></category> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Preparing Your Business for a Power Outage]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/preparing-your-business-for-a-power-outage</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/preparing-your-business-for-a-power-outage</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:26:00 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[A power outage can interrupt operations, affect equipment, and create unexpected expenses for businesses in North Carolina. Taking a few precautions before the lights go out can help reduce disruptions and make it easier to keep employees, customers, and property safe.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-power-outage-business-09-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />A power outage can interrupt operations, affect equipment, and create unexpected expenses for businesses in North Carolina. Taking a few precautions before the lights go out can help reduce disruptions and make it easier to keep employees, customers, and property safe.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business continuity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[commercial insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[commercial property insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[power outage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category> </item><item><title><![CDATA[Insurance Considerations When Adding a Detached Garage, Shed, or Workshop]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/insurance-considerations-detached-garage-shed-workshop</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/insurance-considerations-detached-garage-shed-workshop</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:59:47 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Adding a detached garage, shed, or workshop can change more than your property's usable space. Learn about insurance considerations involving the structure itself, what you store inside, liability risks, business use, and when it may be time to review your homeowners insurance.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-outbuildings-garrages-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />Adding a detached garage, shed, or workshop can change more than your property's usable space. Learn about insurance considerations involving the structure itself, what you store inside, liability risks, business use, and when it may be time to review your homeowners insurance.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[detached garage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[home improvements]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homeowners insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[other structures coverage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[personal liability]]></category> <category><![CDATA[personal umbrella insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shed insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[workshop insurance]]></category> </item><item><title><![CDATA[September is National Preparedness Month]]></title> <link>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/september-is-national-preparedness-month-2026</link> <guid>https://www.cms-insurance.com/blog/september-is-national-preparedness-month-2026</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:32:42 EST</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[September is National Preparedness Month, making it a good time to think about how prepared you would be for an unexpected emergency. A few simple steps can help your household respond to severe weather, fires, power outages, evacuations, and other disruptions.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-emergency-checklist-2026.jpg" style="float:right;" />September is National Preparedness Month, making it a good time to think about how prepared you would be for an unexpected emergency. A few simple steps can help your household respond to severe weather, fires, power outages, evacuations, and other disruptions.Continue Reading...]]></content:encoded><category><![CDATA[being prepared for disasters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[disaster preparedness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[emergency kit]]></category> <category><![CDATA[emergency planning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[emergency preparedness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category> </item> </channel></rss>