| Usually homeowner insurance claims are something | | | | Outdated electrical systems can sometimes cause |
| that can't be prevented; however, below are some | | | | fire problems in a home. Every few months do a |
| tips that can help you minimize some of the claims | | | | thorough check of your home. If you notice any |
| that are avoidable. | | | | faulty electrical outlets or wiring get it repaired right |
| 1- Inspect Your Roof: The weather in FL can take its | | | | away. One small fix could save you a lot of grief in |
| toll on your roof so it is always a good idea to | | | | the future. |
| inspect your roof for possible warn areas. One of the | | | | 4- Inspect Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Alarms: Fire |
| biggest areas where leaks occur tends to be around | | | | Extinguishers are something we all buy with good |
| skylights, and vents. As a result it is a good idea to | | | | intentions but then store it in some cupboard that we |
| place additional roof tar and caulking around these | | | | would have to search for when we really need it. |
| areas to prevent future leaking. | | | | Regarding inspecting your fire extinguisher, who does |
| After a major storm is also a good time to inspect | | | | that? How do you even inspect it to make sure it |
| your roof to make sure no damage has occurred. If | | | | works? My suggestion is that you own several that |
| you are near trees, make sure no branches have | | | | are kept in strategic locations throughout the house. |
| fallen and pierced the roofing membrane. It is always | | | | Hopefully they will work when you need them most. |
| best before a storm to make sure any branches are | | | | Smoke alarms should be inspected 2-4 times per |
| cut back to avoid this problem. Also make sure the | | | | year to make sure the batteries are still good and |
| wind hasn't lifted up or separated any of your | | | | the actual alarm still works. Some ideas for keeping |
| shingles. | | | | track of these inspections are the first day of each |
| 2- Motion Sensor Outdoor Lighting: The last thing a | | | | new season for 4 times a year or when daylight |
| prowler wants when sneaking up to you home to | | | | savings time occurs if you want to check them twice |
| break in is to have your outdoor flood lights turn on | | | | a year. Having smoke alarms and fire extinguishers |
| to expose his intentions. This lighting is very | | | | that are working and are in an accessible location |
| inexpensive and can be obtained at your local home | | | | could make the difference between life and death. |
| improvement store. Make sure when adding motion | | | | 5- Monitored Fire and Theft Alarms- If someone gets |
| sensors that you address all sides of your home, | | | | past your lighted motion detectors a monitored alarm |
| entry ways and drives. | | | | system is your next level of protection to deter the |
| Because a good percentage of criminals case a | | | | intruder. Not only does the alarm go off when they |
| potential home before they break in, adding this | | | | break in but the authorities are called so intruders |
| simple motion lighting may be cause enough to avoid | | | | know they have to get out quickly. Also keep in mind |
| braking into your home. | | | | that not all burglary claims occur at night. A lot of |
| 3- Plumbing and Electrical Updates: As homes age, | | | | criminals will break in during the day while you are at |
| plumbing and electrical issues become more prevalent. | | | | work. Motion detectors won't help in this situation. |
| For instance, older homes with copper plumbing will | | | | The same holds true for the monitored smoke alarm. |
| tend to develop pin- hole leaks that usually keep | | | | If you can't locate your fire extinguisher and the fire |
| forming until you eventually have to replace your | | | | gets out of control, the smoke alarm will |
| piping. In addition, toilets, showers, and refrigerator | | | | automatically call the authorities to hopefully minimize |
| hoses also have a high tendency to wear out over | | | | the damage. |
| time. If you notice any changes a thorough inspection | | | | Hopefully these tips have been helpful in your |
| should be made to make sure there isn't a further | | | | understanding how to minimize your claim activity. |
| issue. | | | | |