| Your home is most likely the largest investment of your lifetime. You certainly want to prevent it from being damaged in any way. Following are some tips that may help to prevent or minimize damage. |
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| Plumbing/Water Damage |
- Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn the water off.
- Shut off, drain and disconnect outside water lines/garden hoses before winter to prevent freezing of those water lines.
- Inspect the washing machine and dishwasher rubber hoses on a regular basis. Replace them when there are signs of deterioration.
- Never leave your home while the washing machine or dishwasher is in operation.
- Take precautions to protect pipes in unheated areas or seldom used areas from freezing.
- If your home is going to be unoccupied for any length of time or even just overnight, consider turning off the main water supply valve. Remember then to also shut off the water heater.
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| Roof |
- Repair damaged and loose gutters and downspouts. Downspouts should be of adequate length to take water away from the dwelling foundation.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean.
- Remove excessive snow or ice build-up from roofs.
- Repair minor damage immediately, such as loose or lifting shingles.
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| Electrical |
- Check exposed wiring for wear or damage. Be careful!
- Label each circuit breaker for the location it serves.
- Plug major appliances into appropriate outlets.
- Do not place floor coverings over extension cords or electrical cords.
- Is your power strip solving a problem or creating one?
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| Heating |
- Have the furnace cleaned and serviced annually.
- Fireplace/solid fuel burning stoves should be inspected and cleaned to prevent creosote build-up in the chimney which can cause a fire.
- If you must use a supplemental heating device, keep flammable materials away from the device.
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| General Security |
- All exterior doors should have functioning locks. For extra security, consider deadbolt locks.
- Do not leave personal property unsecured outdoors.
- Install smoke detectors on every floor, and remember to check the battery every 3 months.
- Install fire extinguishers near the kitchen and near the furnace. DO NOT
endanger yourself or others in attempting to put a fire out.
- Do not hide spare keys outside your home.
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