WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
Now that summer is ending, Americans are beginning to prepare for autumn. This is a time when most people begin to spend more time indoors, and we are all staying home more these days anyway. As a result, you’ll want to make sure your home is as safe and secure as possible for the coming season. But you might wonder what are some of the steps you can take to make the home more secure as we enter seasonal changes? 
During autumn, changes in weather, like cold fronts, might make your home more susceptible to damage. However, the stronger the property, the more security you might have. Though your homeowners insurance can be a great asset in case of damage, it is still worth it to make home improvements too.
By using your homeowners policy in conjunction with maintenance, you’ll create a better security cushion. Keep these tips in mind when getting the property ready for the changes of autumn:
Review Your Homeowners Insurance
During the previous summer, you might have made quite a few improvements to the home. These might have been small- or large-scale projects. However, any of them might have changed your home’s value. As a result, your homeowners insurance might no longer offer the perfect coverage.
So, pull out your policy and give your agent a call. Tell them about the changes you have made. They can review your policy and tell you if it still offers adequate coverage. New construction, renovations and improvements might all merit policy adjustments, including increased limits. Your agent can help you make updates to your advantage.
Check your Roof
One of the easiest ways that your home could sustain damage from water, debris or wind is through the roof. Not only is the roof an important component of the structure, but it also helps protect the rest of the home. It is one of your primary lines of defense against destruction.
Give the roof a thorough inspection during the fair weather of summer. On the outside, broken shingles, dark spots and sunken areas are signs of the damage. From inside your attic, mold growth, water damage or dry rot might indicate that you need to make repairs.
Clean out the Gutters
The drainage systems around your house must be able to direct water away from the structure. If they cannot do so correctly, then you run the risk of water pooling in the wrong places. These pools might even run the risk of flooding the property or causing foundation damage. To prevent these hazards, clean out debris from all your gutters, and re-line or redirect drainage ditches to control the flow of water.
Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance often does not cover damage from flooding. To get such coverage, you will need to buy a separate flood insurance policy. Most of these policies come from private insurers but are underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Call Pest Control
Pest invasions are annoying. But besides that, they can cause damage to your house and create a sanitation hazard. Bugs can enter your home to nest at any time, and many do so during fall because of the shelter provided by the home. These might include rodents, flies and countless other undesirables.
Pest damage usually occurs slowly and you can keep hazards at bay with a few simple precautions. Therefore, your homeowners insurance is unlikely to cover the damage. Instead, call your exterminator and make an appointment for a prevention treatment. Doing so can save you a lot of money and headaches later.
Have your Gas, Furnace and Fireplaces Serviced
After autumn arrives, you will need to turn on your heater at some point. Whether you get heat from an HVAC system, furnace, fireplace or from gas, safety risks will exist. Your heating systems might cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning in the correct circumstances, particularly if they have existing issues. So, have these items cleaned and repaired before cranking them up for the first time this year.
Inspect Your Lighting
The days are beginning to get shorter now, so soon we will all use more electricity than we did this summer. You want to ensure your home’s electrical system works appropriately. Problems in your wiring or lights could lead not only to fire risks, but also power surges and high power bills.
Take a look at your home’s lighting while you still have the hours of daylight to help you. If you have noticed sparks when plugging items in, or smell electrical odors when using certain appliances, then there might be a problem in the system. Replace light bulbs and repair any damage to a fixture that might allow moisture to get into the wiring. Don't use outlets that have any existing damage, and repair circuits if necessary.
One of the best ways to protect your home is to have homeowners insurance. However, that policy means much less when it covers a neglected home. The more you can do to improve the home in the lead up to fall, the more help you might have if you ever have to make a claim.
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