Your home is probably your most valuable asset. It is also a huge risk for you financially. So you need to protect your home from many hazards.
Recently I learned from a friend that the home of one of their family members was totally destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire was spontaneous combustion when oily rags were left in an attached garage. Fortunately, everyone was safe but the fire continues to be a traumatic experience for their entire family. A few years ago my cousin also lost his home to a fire with the same cause. These events sparked me to dedicate this week’s blog on home safety.
Here are a few tips:
- Store all rags, paints, paint thinners, gas, lawn mowers and other potentially flammable materials in a detached shed or detached garage away from your house.
- Throw out faulty appliances such as toasters, toaster oven and waffle irons that no longer work.
- Clean all vents and chimneys in your house on a regular basis including dryer vents. Make sure these vents are not clogged by animal or bird nests.
- Have an evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your home knows about the plan. Discuss a place to meet outside your home in the event of a fire.
- Be careful not to overload an outlet or extension cord. Make sure you are using the proper type of extension cord for the use.
- Check your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly and the battery is still working. Check your fire extinguisher to make sure the pressure is still good. Replace old ones.
- Change all your locks when you move into a new home and upgrade to dead bolts if necessary. You don’t know with whom the former resident shared a key.
- Take pictures or video of the inside and outside of your home and keep it at the office or at a friend’s home. Call us at 215-885-2200 for a Free Brochure on how to inventory your house.
- Make sure you have provided your agent with at least one emergency contact. Spencer Insurance has an Emergency Contact Program for our clients so we can get in touch with you if you are on vacation or not at home. Call us for details.
Protect your home and family from these hazards today! Feel free to share this article with your friends and family. If you need a copy or have any questions call our office at 215-885-2200
Visit our Newly Design Website for more great tips!! www.spencerinsurance.com
