Protect your home this winter.
While you may be looking forward to a fun and festive holiday season, it’s important to remember that you still face risks as a homeowner. In fact, there are several types of insurance claims that are more common during the month of December than any other month of the year. If you want to avoid the expense and hassle of dealing with your homeowners insurance in Michigan, then take these precautionary measures.
- Check Up on Your Home
Some of the most serious winter property damage occurs when the homeowner is away for the holidays. Oftentimes, the damage starts out at a minor issue that gradually worsens due to inaction. To prevent this from happening to your home, hire a house sitter or ask a trusted friend to check up on your home while you are away for the holidays. When someone is there to look after your home, they can address problems before they become large-scale damage events.
- Decorate Your Home Safely
Many homeowners like to get into the holiday spirit by decorating their homes. However, inadequate planning and carelessness can put your home, your loved ones, and yourself at risk. To avoid decorating dangers, account for the number and location of electrical outlets on your property. This will stop you from overloading your outlets, and help you prevent fire. Additionally, when choosing your decorations, review the manufacturer’s guidelines. Oftentimes, manufacturers will detail the maximum number of strings that can be attached to each other as well as the maximum wattage of replacement bulbs. When putting up decorations, make sure that they are kept at least 10 feet away from powerlines. Any closer and the wind might cause your decorations to hit the power lines, potentially starting a fire or causing a power outage.
- Protect Against Frozen Pipes
Since we live in an area where winter temperatures drop below freezing, you face the potential risk of your pipes freezing over. When this happens, water builds up behind the frozen blockage until the pipes inevitably crack. If you want to avoid filing a home insurance claim for water damage this winter, then make sure you keep your home heated to at least 65° F, even when there is no one present in the home. Keeping your home warm will prevent your indoor plumbing from freezing over. You can also protect your pipes by leaving all the faucets in your home to drip slightly. When the water is circulating through your plumbing, there’s less of a chance of it freezing.
These are some of the things you should do to avoid filing a home insurance claim this winter. Are you looking for further assistance with your homeowners insurance in Michigan? If so, then contact the experts at CIA Insurance and Risk Management today.
Post written by Sam Crudo, Chief Executive Officer
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