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It is impossible to prevent every accident or disaster, but there are some simple steps you can take that will go a long way in protecting your biggest investment.
- Know your shut-off valves. Few know where the emergency shut-off valves are for gas, water and electricity. Take a moment and find them, and make sure everyone in your house knows where to find them. Pro tip: give the water valve a practice twist, as these shut-offs can get stuck after not being used for several years.
- Check your washer and dryer. Worn rubber hoses in your washing machine can crack and spill hundreds or even thousands of liters of water on the floor. If your rubber hoses are more than just a few years old, replace them with steel-belted hoses (and read this to find other ways to prevent water damage in your home.) When it comes to your dryer, lint can build up over time in the dryer vents and teeth Fire. Fortunately, a quick trip to the hardware store and a little extra spring cleaning can reduce the risk of these common causes of fire and water damage.
- Plan ahead and find a friend. If you can not afford a supervised security system, it is next best to give the impression that someone is at home when you are away. Install lampshades, keep a radio on and tuned to a call station, and when you are on vacation, have a friend shovel your walkway or park your car in your driveway. Above all, keep windows and garage doors on the lower level closed and all entrances locked.
- Smoke detection protection. Every home should have at least one smoke detector on each floor and test the batteries twice a year. Make it easy and do it right before adjusting your watches in the fall and spring. Smoke detectors last about 10 years. Each time you get a new one, use a permanent marker to write the month and year on the back. (And don’t forget to test your house annually for other gases like radon.)
- Prepare for severe weather. Whether your part of the country is prone to floods, hurricanes or other natural disasters, take a look and consider upgrades and easy maintenance to minimize damage from wind and water. In tornado-prone areas, a safe room is always a smart addition to protect you and your family from the storm. And if a renovation is not in your budget, consider creating an emergency package to keep your family safe or have access to water.
Wherever you live, make sure your home and family are protected based on your specific needs. Contact us today to find out more about ERIE’s home insurance.
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