subject: How To Protect Your Home From Damage [print this page] Our homes are important to us for many reasons. Our homes provide shelter, protect us from danger, and contain our belongings. They are also where many of our memories are made. For many of us, our homes also represent a huge investment that would be devastating to lose. As such, most of us have some kind of home owner"s insurance. However, no one wants to go down the road of filing an insurance claim and somehow starting all over again. Taking some preventative measures to protecting our home can go a long way in preventing a huge hassle and heartache in the future.
1.Check the Wiring
Old or worn out wiring is a sure way to have an electrical fire. Have your wiring checked by an electrician to make sure it is functioning properly and that it was installed correctly in the first place. If you do your own wiring, make sure to follow the correct steps and to have it inspected when you are finished.
2.Guard against the Cold
If you leave on vacation in the winter, prevent a water pipe from bursting by leaving the heat on to 55 degrees or higher. Installing proper insulation and weather pane glass can also help keep the house heated. If you are expecting extra cold weather, allowing faucets to drip can also help prevent a broken pipe.
3.Avoid Fire Hazards
Don"t place candles near curtains or other flammables. If you have a fireplace, douse the fire before leaving the house and have a metal guard to protect from sparks. Keep the area around wiring and heaters clear and have a fire extinguisher readily available. Teach your kids about fire safety, and keep items like matches out of the kids" reach.
4.Eliminate External Hazards
A dead tree too close to the house or trees that are close to phone lines or electric lines should immediately be removed before they can cause any damage to your house or a neighbor"s house.
5.Avoid Clutter
Having a house full of clutter can exasperate any dangers that present themselves. A fire can quickly spread through a room full of items that quickly catch fire.
6.Prevent Burglary
Simple steps, such as getting to know your neighbors, locking your doors, installing an alarm system and keeping valuables out of sight can all go a long way to prevent theft or burglary.
