Our homes are our sanctuaries, and for many of us, there’s nothing worse than the thought of losing our safe space. Damage caused by disasters is not always preventable or avoidable, but there are some protective measures you can employ to minimize the impact of storms, fires and adverse weather conditions. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some simple and effective steps you can take to shield your home.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/sigonella-sicily-landscape-houses-81772/
Investing in insurance
Many of us live in areas where there is a genuine risk of flooding, storms and hurricanes and wildfires. Investing in insurance is beneficial for every homeowner, but if you know your home is at greater risk caused by natural disasters, it’s particularly important to ensure you have comprehensive cover. Compare policies and providers and make sure you have a robust policy in place. If you have insurance, this will ease financial pressure and help you bounce back if your home does sustain significant damage. If you are making a claim, and it’s not straightforward, it’s worth looking for a claim adjuster to increase the chances of your claim being approved. If you already have a policy, check the terms and conditions and consider upgrading if there are several exceptions, or you only have basic cover. It’s also wise to explore your options if your policy is due for renewal. Often, insurance companies save their best offers for new customers, and you could save money and gain access to additional benefits by switching providers.
Keeping up to date with maintenance and routine home checks
Home maintenance jobs aren’t everyone’s idea of fun, but it is essential to understand the importance of taking good care of your home. Spending time and money on maintenance will prolong your home’s lifespan, maximize its value and save on repairs in the long-term. Check your roof and gutters on a regular basis, make sure your heating system is serviced and checked frequently and seek professional advice if you notice signs of damp, such as darker patches on the walls or ceilings or a musty smell when you enter the room.
Weatherproofing
As the seasons change, the weather poses new challenges. If you’re used to hot summers, stormy fall months or cold winters, it’s crucial to ensure your home is ready. If ice, snow and strong winds are on their way, clear gutters, paths and driveways, put down some salt or grit to prevent slipping, check your roof is in good condition and plug holes and gaps in walls and window and door frames. It’s beneficial to think about investing in double glazing if you have old windows and doors. If you live in an area that is susceptible to storm or hurricane damage, look into preventative measures, such as enforced windows and doors, put all your garden furniture away at the end of the summer, repair worn or damaged siding and check for any loose fence posts or panels. For wildfire protection, proof your roof using non-flammable materials, keep entry points closed to prevent embers getting into the house and remove anything that could cause sparks to ignite, for example, wood stacks.
Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/dramatic-view-of-village-houses-damaged-by-thunderstorm-4170461/
We all want our homes to last as long as possible. While we can’t always avert disaster, there are ways to lower risks and minimize damage.
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