In its most basic form, a house is simply a building that provides shelter and a place to live. But a family’s home is much more than that. It’s where the heart lies and where the residents bond. It’s a base where a family can enjoy life and grow and learn. It’s where a thousand pictures are snapped, the smell of freshly baked cookies lingers and children blossom into adults. It’s where grandchildren enjoy visiting to make their own memories. A home, too, is a source of pride in the work it takes to obtain, keep and maintain it.
A home is one of the most significant investments a family will ever make, both financially and emotionally. It’s important that your members maintain and protect their homes from hazards. Here are some things they can do to keep their homes and themselves safe:
- Fire and security. Install smoke detectors in the residence. These alarms are critical to alerting occupants in a house of fire. They should be placed near the kitchen, bedrooms and furnace. Change the batteries in them every six months and replace the detectors after 10 years. Install cameras on the property to keep it secure, and consider contacting an alarm company to install fire and security alarms that are monitored continuously;
- Maintenance. Routine maintenance can help keep a home’s systems and appliances in good operation. Change filters in the HVAC system and refrigerator regularly. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer through their self-cleaning cycle monthly. Clean out the gutters in the spring and fall, and check shingles for damage at least once a year. Clear vegetation from the foundation and around the air conditioning unit outside;
- Leaks. Water can do serious damage to a home in a very short ordeal. Check ceilings for water stains or moisture, especially in areas where plumbing fixtures are located such as below bathrooms and laundry rooms. Fix running toilets or faucets as they are a prime source of wasting water and driving up water and sewer bills. Also, turn off outdoor faucets in cold months to keep them from freezing;
- Clean up. Clutter can be a fall hazard, especially for older residents. A clean house provides an emotional benefit, as we.
Maintaining adequate homeowners’ insurance is one of the best things your members and customers can do to safeguard the investment in their homes. It will cover the repair or replacement cost of damage such as fire, natural disasters or flooding. It can also cover lost or stolen items. We’re ready to work with you to design a comprehensive home policy for your members today so they can sleep better tonight.