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Checklist for a Safe and Insurable Home

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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Checklist for a Safe and Insurable Home
Use a checklist to ensure your home is as safe as possible.
Bedrooms
  • Keep candles away from bedding and curtains.
  • Limit or eliminate extension cords and never run them under carpets.
  • Keep cords against the wall to protect against trips and falls.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change their batteries once every six months and replace after five years.
  • Install window locks to keep out intruders and window guards keep children from falling.
  • Keep a flashlight next to the bed in case of an emergency or power outage.
  • Keep bedroom and bathroom pathways uncluttered to avoid falls in the dark.
Living Spaces
  • Limit or eliminate extension cords and never run them under rugs.
  • Maintain a fireproof screen in front of your fireplace.
  • Keep paper, fabrics, furniture and other flammable items away from the fireplace or stove.
  • Install surge protectors to protect electronics.
  • Use non-skid backing or adhesives under rugs to prevent slipping.
Stairs and Hallways
  • Keep walkways free of obstacles to prevent trips or spills.
  • Install sturdy handrails.
  • Install adequate lighting and avoid overhead shadows on stairs.
  • Make sure stairs meet code requirements for how steep and deep they are.
Kitchen
  • Check the dishwasher hoses for loose connections, clogs or leaks and replace if needed.
  • Keep the dishwasher drain clear and free of clogs.
  • Check the water line feeding the icemaker in your refrigerator to be sure it is free of leaks or kinks.
  • Clean the range exhaust filter with soap and water to prevent grease and dirt from caking and to keep air flowing freely.
  • Test ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets regularly.
  • Unplug electric appliances when not in use.
  • Check hoses and pipes under the kitchen sink for leakage. Repair leaky faucets.
  • Seal around countertops and sinks to prevent water from seeping behind cabinets and walls, creating mold.
  • Have an up-to-date, working fire extinguisher that is right for all types of kitchen fires. Keep it in a visible place.
Bathroom
  • Maintain sink, tub and shower tiles, caulking and seals to prevent water infiltration and mold growth.
  • Check toilet water lines and seals for leaks.
  • Look for damp or discolored spots on walls and floors than can signal plumbing leaks.
  • Test all GFCI outlets regularly.
  • Keep electrical appliances like hairdryers and shavers away from water.
  • Keep all household cleaners, hair dyes, mouthwashes and poisonous products on high shelves, out of reach of children.
  • Put a slip-proof mat or adhesives in the tub to prevent falls.
  • Hang up mats when not in use to prevent mold growth.
  • Keep exhaust fan clean and properly vented to the exterior.

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