At Frisco Insurance, we hope your family is looking forward to a wonderful fall season. Now’s the time for fun trips to the pumpkin patch and showing off your favorite sweaters once again! Many people start to think about how to safeguard their home against winter weather, and with good reason. When severe winter weather comes, it may be too late to take some easy precautions that keep your home safe and warm.
Here are 10 steps you can take to keep your home protected before winter arrives:
- Smooth “Landing”: If your driveway has visible cracks, now is the time to fix them! It will be much easier in autumn weather than later — when there may be freezing precipitation.
- Perimeter Inspection: Autumn is a great time to walk the perimeter of your home and check for critters, animals and insects that may be making their way into your home. Nip this in the bud before it becomes a larger problem.
- No Escape! Windows and doors let heat escape and increase your energy bills if they are not well attended to. Check all areas where there may be a draft.
- A Happy Fireplace: Inspect the area around your fireplace and chimney. See if there’s soot buildup or any debris trapped in the chimney.
- No Cause for Alarm? It’s a great idea to check your smoke detectors regularly. Replace the batteries (if necessary) to keep your family safe and sound.
- Fire Extinguishers: Did you know that it’s highly recommended to have a properly functioning fire extinguisher on each floor of your home? Additionally, the pressure of each should be checked regularly.
- Warm Welcome: Are your hot water heater, boiler and furnace in proper working order? If you’re not sure how to check these units, you may want to have a professional inspect them.
- A Breath of Fresh Air: Your home should be an oasis of fresh air. You can help ensure that status by checking all ducts, filters and vents. Did you know that your furnace (if you have one) has a filter? Let’s make sure it’s A-OK!
- Hose Health: Let’s take a stroll around the house and make sure hoses and faucets are dry before winter weather can freeze them. You may also want to check your basement for any wet spots.
- Roof Repair? Occasionally, we all need to check our roof for debris, mold and/or broken shingles. This is very important for preventing the spread of mold or rainfall getting into your home. Check for any large, dark spots on the roof!
At Frisco Insurance, we enjoy giving tips that keep our customers’ homes safe and warm. With just a little time spent on checking these items, you’ll be all set for the winter! Click here for more helpful home insurance tips and information.
