Our homes keep us safe, but do you keep your home safe? Here’s a list of simple fixes for your home that if ignored could end up causing you a lot of grief.
1. Power Surges – While you can’t prevent external power surges, you can take steps to lower the risk of an internal power surge. The simplest way to do this is by just unplugging electronics that aren’t in use. If your lights flicker or become dimmer when large appliances kick on there’s a big chance you’ll need to update your wiring. It’s important to do this before it becomes a fire hazard.
2. Clutter – Allowing clutter to build up in your home can be dangerous for a couple of reasons. First, clutter can cause a trip & fall hazard leaving you liable if a visitor is injured. Second, with all the clutter you may not realize that common household chemicals are not being stored properly thus increasing the risk of starting a fire.
3. Clogged Lint Traps – Thousands of fires start each year in of all places the dryer. To help prevent this clean your lint trap regularly.
4. Carbon Monoxide Leaks – It can be hard to determine if you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home. A carbon monoxide detector is a must. Of course, to ensure your family’s safety have a trained professional assess your home. In addition, by maintaining your fuel burning appliances regularly you can help prevent a carbon monoxide leak.
5. Unlocked Doors and Windows – Just by locking your doors and windows at night you can make your home much safer. Did you know that 30 percent of burglaries occur in homes that were left unlocked? Most insurance companies will give you an additional discount on your home owners insurance for installing a security system. So, don’t let your home fall victim to robbery lock your doors and windows and install a security system.
Of course the best way to protect your home and all that it holds is by being properly insured. Contact an insurance agent at Doyle & Ogden to get the right coverage for your home and family.
