Every year homeowners should take the time to inspect their homes and address possible safety risks on their property. Browsing over seemingly minor issues can lead to a disaster in the future. Conducting an annual home safety audit ensures the safety of your home and family. Here are tips on what to look for when doing your routine checks.
Check Alarms and Detectors
If you don’t already have smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, properly install these outside of each bedroom and on every level of your home. Make sure to test these alarms each month and replace batteries when needed. Keep in mind, alarms should be replaced every 8-10 years.
Have Fire Safety Measures
Along with smoke detectors, homeowners should have portable fire extinguishers in areas of their home with possible fire risk, like kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. Consider installing a fire escape or having an escape ladder in two-story homes. Go over a fire evacuation plan with your family and train everyone on the proper use of the fire extinguishers and escape ladders. Remember to unplug irons, blow out candles before bed, and monitor stovetops when cooking to avoid unwanted accidents.
Manage Electrical Systems
Review your electrical outlets and all devices plugged into them. Don't overload your home’s system and follow the manufacturers' directions about maximum wattage of lamp bulbs and outlet requirements for plugs. Check extension cords and wires for frayed or burnt ends, and discard or replace these wires.
Burglar-proof Your Home
Installing proper locks on all windows and doors can help deter burglars. Exterior doors should have a sturdy deadbolt lock, including the door from the house to the garage. Consider additional home security measures like security cameras, motion-sensing lights outdoors, or timed interior lights.
Review Your Insurance Policy
In the case of an accident, it’s important to have a home emergency kit with everything you might need like a first-aid kit, important medications, clothes, flashlights, and especially important documents (e.g., insurance policies, passports bank account numbers etc.) Having this kit prepared prior to an accident can reduce stress and worry in those situations.
We recommend reviewing your insurance policy ahead of time. With the costs of building materials continuing to rise speaking to your agent about your coverage is more important than ever. Should the unthinkable happen, and your home be destroyed in a fire, Florida Peninsula wants to make sure you have enough coverage in place to allow you to rebuild your home to the way it was before the loss. Keeping your family and home safe is Florida Peninsula Insurance Company’s top priority. For more information on your policy, contact your agent. Easily get a quote, or please call 877-229-2244 for more information on our policies and coverage options.
