Three steps to safety-proof your home

It’s natural to protect what’s important in your life, especially something as valuable as a new home. And once you’ve signed on the dotted line, you’re responsible for repairing any damages that may come your way — whether it’s accidental, from a natural disaster, or even from unwanted criminals. What can you do to keep your home safe?

There are myriad ways to monitor your home’s safety, but we’ll explore some common tactics to consider as you shore up your defenses for keeping your home securely running.

When inspecting your home for safety improvements, start outside and work your way in. Keep your eyes peeled for potential danger sources and common areas that can be easily overlooked as you’re safety-proofing your home:

• Inspect the roof – Roofs are often a source of home damage, whether from a pesky leak from rain or snow melt, or impact damage that can affect your roof’s surface or even your rafters. Have a professional inspect your roof for areas that may be vulnerable to water seepage, such as chimneys, skylights, or cracks on your roof’s surface. Fronting the cost of a preventive check can save money in the long run and serves as a crucial start for your self-inspection.
• Clean the gutters – Ignoring or dismissing a common feature like your gutters can lead to build-up of natural elements, such as leaves, dirt, and other debris. If you live in an area prone to low temperatures, a dip below freezing can create clogs, or ice dams. Be sure to check and clean your gutters regularly or consider engaging a professional if it better suits your needs.
• Survey your home’s surroundings – Being aware of what surrounds your property can help you anticipate any future natural accidents. Evaluate if you have any large trees that may need pruning or removing to help avoid storm damage. Beyond the threat of downed limbs, familiarize yourself with your home’s surroundings, and be aware of how your home could be staked out by a potential burglar — for example, how much can someone see into your windows if you leave the curtains open? Or, how dark is the exterior of your house if you don’t have a light installed? Taking preventive measures, like installing motion-sensor lights or heavy curtains, could be a simple fix.

Once you feel secure about your home’s exterior features, head inside and pay attention to what keeps your home running from within — especially your systems, electronics, and devices.

• Monitor your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems – Regularly use and test your heating and air conditioning systems each year while monitoring for any unusual activity. Conducting routine inspections of your HVAC systems can help prevent issues and keep you feeling comfortable year-round. Especially in colder weather, having a properly running heating system can help freezing pipes and other damage.
• Maintain your appliances – Some appliances can build up waste as you use them. Washers and dryers should be scrutinized and maintained with use. For instance, lint build-up in your dryer can increase the risk of fire. Be sure to regularly clean your kitchen appliances, as well, like ovens and dishwashers, to ensure they’re clean and free of any build-up which could lead to water or fire damage.
• Protect your electronics – If you live in an area prone to storms, consider purchasing a surge protector to keep your electronics secure in the event of a lightning strike. It may be beneficial for you to have a dedicated power source for valuable electronics, like a computer, television, or even your internet router or modem.

Hopefully taking some of these preventive steps can help you feel better prepared if or when you experience home damage. Depending on your needs, you may want to review your options for home security systems as an extra line of defense.

In the event you experience damage to your home or lose any valuables, homeowners insurance may help cover some or all the funds related to your loss. Check out more information about homeowners insurance.