Here are the top 5 causes of property damage — and how to protect your home
/ Source: TODAY
By Julie Pennell
While you can only hope that nothing ever goes wrong with
your house, it’s important to be prepared for the worst. When a bad
storm comes through town or a pipe bursts inside your bathroom, for
example, it can create severe and costly damage.
Home insurance is obviously important to have when bad
things happen to your house; it’ll help cover the financial hardship
when you need to fix or replace something. But there are also a few
simple things you can do around the house to help prevent the damage in
the first place. And a new report is telling us exactly where we need to
focus.
Travelers Insurance just released its Top Five Ways Things
Can Go Wrong interactive report, showing the most common and costliest
causes of home damage based on an analysis of eight years of claim data.
Here are the issues to look out for:
1. Wind
“The most common source or cause of damage is wind-related,”
Scott Humphrey, second vice president of risk control at Travelers,
told TODAY Home. Gusts can uproot trees, damage roofs or even send
things like outdoor tables and chairs flying through windows. “Look
around your house and say, ‘What could hit my home?’” he advised. Then
take precautions by keeping trees pruned, strengthening structures and
taking projectile objects indoors during high wind weather.
2. Nonweather-Related Water
“When you think of water damage, you think weather is the
most common, but it’s actually domestic water inside your house,”
Humphrey explained. Things like the dishwasher, washing machine and
toilets can cause leaks.
“Know where the water sources are and perform routine
inspections under sinks,” he said. If your washing machine has a rubber
hose, for example, you should check it every year to make sure it’s not
wearing out (or consider replacing with a stainless steel one). Also,
when you’re away from home for a long period of time, consider turning
off the main water valve for peace of mind, he said.
3. Hail
“Hail affects different areas of the country, and you can’t
do much to avoid it from striking,” Humphrey said. But if you have car,
park it under a carport or garage if possible, and move things
susceptible to hail damage, like patio furniture, indoors or under a
covered area if you can.
“You can’t pick up your home and move it elsewhere, but you
can try to harden it by installing building materials that are more
resistant to that type of hazard,” he added.
4. Weather-Related Water
Heavy rain and flooding can do a number on your house, but
there are a few things you can do to prevent damage. “Make sure the roof
is in good condition and that the shingles aren’t old and worn,”
Humphrey said. “Downspouts should direct water away from home, and
gutters should be clean.”
If you live in an area that gets really cold temperatures,
remove snow accumulation from the roof after every storm and keep
outdoor pipes from freezing.
5. Theft
According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 20 seconds.
“What you put around your house could enable or discourage someone from
seeing you as a vulnerable target,” Humphrey said. Shrubbery and trees
could provide a spot where someone could hide from the street. Also, use
motion sensor lights to deter thieves, and keep your doors and windows
locked at all times.
What about fire?
While fire didn’t make the top five of the most common
things that can go wrong, it’s definitely the most damaging, noted
Humphrey. “It’s most devastating, most costly and most disruptive to an
individual.” Keep your eye out for frayed wires and avoid using
combustible items like oven mitts around open flames. See more fire
safety tips here.
Related articles: https://northdruidhills.wordpress.com/2019/01/11/2018-resolutions-6-tips-on-how-to-protect-your-property/
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