Here at Insurance Doctor, we know that homeowner’s insurance is a terrifically valuable thing to have (and something we gladly offer with great service at a great rate), but it’s also the one thing you never really want to use. When you have to make a claim, that means something has happened to damage your most prized possession: your home. So this blog series provides a few tips to help keep your home safe from damage and your home ownership headaches to a minimum.
Cook Safely
The U.S. Fire Administration states that the leading cause of reported home fires is cooking equipment. The good news is that there are lots of simple, preventive measures you can take. First, avoid loose clothing when cooking. Not only will that keep you from dragging your sleeves through the gravy, you’ll reduce the chance of your clothing catching fire (and spreading the fire to your home). Also, be sure to stay near the stove when cooking, especially when frying foods. Keep a pan lid nearby to quickly cover and contain a grease fire. Another good tip is to always check to make sure your oven is empty before pre-heating.
Clean Gutters
Sure, cleaning gutters sometimes just feels like that chore you have to do every fall but there’s a great reason for it. When gutters get clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris (how about that tennis ball your son threw up there?), water flow to the downspouts can be restricted, especially during heavy rains. When that happens, water can only go in two directions – over the front of the gutters, where it can pool around the foundation, or behind the gutter, possibly flowing back under the roof. Neither scenario is good news for your home. So bite the bullet and get those gutters cleaned out regularly, or invest in a leaf-free gutter system.
If you’d like to learn some other ways to help keep your home safe from damage, or to discuss homeowner’s insurance options in North Carolina or Virginia, get in touch with us today.
