Following some simple guidelines can safeguard your property, keep your family protected and lower your insurance premiums. Here is a useful checklist to help you examine your home room by room.
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Basement or Utility Area
Check the washer hoses for leaks, bulges or cracks.
Empty dryer lint catcher every time you use the machine.
Know how to find the main water shutoff valve and keep it maintained.
Have a professional clean and check the heating system annually.
Know where the gas shutoff valve is located and how to use it.
Check hot water heaters for leaks and corrosion. Keep the drain system clear of clogs.
Drain the hot water tank periodically to remove sediment.
Have a professional clean and service the cooling and ventilating systems annually.
Have the electric panel box inspected by a professional and updated as needed.
Keep a flashlight by the electric panel box in case of outages
Keep replacement fuses next to the fuse box.
Make sure everyone in the house knows where the fuse box is and can turn off power in an emergency.
Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher in a visible place.
Test your sump pump at least once a year and install a battery-operated backup system in case of power outages and flooding.
Attic
Keep the attic well-insulated and vented to prevent ice dams and/or moisture buildup.
Install adequate lighting.
Put in a proper floor to prevent accidents.
Keep pipes well-insulated to prevent freezing.
Garage
Clean up oil and liquid spills on the floor.
Avoid fires by putting rags soaked in oil, gasoline or solvents in a jar of soapy water or a metal can designed to let air flow around rags. Ask your local landfill how to safely discard them.
Keep cleaning supplies, garden chemicals, paints and thinners out of reach of children and away from heat sources or sparks.
Check and maintain safety mechanisms on automatic garage doors to prevent accidental closing.
Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible.
Stow tools and sports equipment to prevent falls.
Insurance and General Protection
Maintain a written, video or photographic inventory of all your possessions. Keep it in a fireproof safe or outside of your home.
Consider purchasing added insurance for jewelry, furs and expensive artwork.
Review your insurance policy and insurable items annually.
Keep insurance premiums current.
Have a first aid kit and emergency telephone numbers handy.
Establish at least one escape route from your home and practice it with your family.
Schedule a regular walkthrough for your home—say, on the first of every month—and do a quick check to ensure that your home is still as safe as possible.
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