Summer’s here, and with it comes sunshine, vacations, and hopefully, plenty of relaxation. At Conrade Insurance Group, we want to help you enjoy the season worry-free without any stressful calls with your home insurance agent. Here are some tips to keep your home safe while you enjoy summer fun.
Weatherproofing Your Home:
- Beat the heat (and potential AC woes): Schedule air conditioner maintenance before the summer rush hits. A well-maintained system is less likely to break down, leaving your home vulnerable to heat damage.
- Prepare for summer storms: Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent water overflow and potential roof damage. Trim tree branches overhanging your roof to minimize the risk of falling limbs during storms.
- Sun Safety: Close curtains and blinds on the sunniest side of your house during peak heat hours to keep the interior cooler.
Vacation Planning:
- Light it up: Motion-sensor lights around your entryways and patio deter nighttime break-ins. Consider timers for interior lights to create the illusion of someone being home, even when you’re away.
- Be mindful of social media: Avoid posting about vacations or extended absences on social media. Wait until you return to share those sunny updates!
- Upgrade your security system: If you haven’t already, consider a home security system with professional monitoring.
- Preventative measures for water damage: If you’re leaving for an extended period, shut off your main water supply to prevent potential leaks while you’re away.
Additional tips:
- Appliance safety: Unplug electronics and appliances you won’t be using to avoid power surges during storms.
- Fire prevention: Clean outdoor grills after each use and store them away from flammable materials. July is the peak month for grill fires. Keep a fire extinguisher readily available in case of emergencies.
- Review your coverage: Double-check your homeowner’s policy to ensure it covers potential summer-related damages like storm damage or burst pipes.