Becoming a new homeowner can be one of the most exciting moments in your life, especially if it’s your first time owning a home! To protect your new home you not only have to think about protecting your investment, but also your loved ones living inside of it. Thankfully, with a little bit of preparation, most threats to your property can be avoided.
Fire Protection
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. Be sure to test and replace batteries in alarms each year.
- Buy an “ABC” multipurpose fire extinguisher for the kitchen, where half of all fires in the home occur, and check its pressure annually. Additionally, learn about the different types of fire extinguishers.
- Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets and not extension cords. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when under greater electrical loads than they are rated to carry.
- Create a home fire escape plan for all rooms in your house and place escape ladders in all bedrooms above the ground floor. When creating your plan, make sure that each room has at least two ways out.
Burglary Protection
- Change locks on exterior doors after moving in and confirm that all doors and windows lock securely.
- Add security bars to sliding glass doors.
- Trim shrubs near your home to reduce spots where burglars might hide.
- Install motion-detector lighting to illuminate dark areas around your home.
- Consider adding a home alarm system to alert you and the appropriate authorities.
Flood Protection
- Place wireless water alarms under washing machines and sinks to catch water leaks before they become a problem.
- Install flood-safe hoses on the washing machine.
- When leaving on trips, turn off your home’s water at the main valve to prevent unattended floods.
- Confirm that your homeowners’ insurance covers water and mold damage due to leaks and sewer backups. Some policies don’t.
Storm Protection
- Trim trees and shrubs around your property so that weakened branches won’t fall on your home or be propelled into windows by high winds.
- Install downspout extensions to carry heavy rains away from the foundation of your home.
- If you evacuate when a dangerous storm hits, turn off utilities to deter flooding and fires.
Read More: Hurricane Preparedness
Wear-and-Tear Protection
- Inspect the inside and outside of your home monthly for signs of damage.
- Avoid costly home repairs by fixing and replace broke items before small problems become serious ones
Have Any Other Questions On How To Protect Your Home?
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