Owning a Home 101: Keeping It Safe

Buying a home is a rewarding endeavor. With each payment, you are one step closer to owning a large asset, free and clear. Fifteen or thirty years is a significant investment of your time to be paying off a debt, so it’s important that homeowners do everything they can to keep their homes safe and avoid claims against their home insurance. 

Keeping Thieves Out 
Especially during the summer months, theft is at an all-time high. Thieves often search for homes that are left unattended while homeowners are on vacation. Some burglars don’t bother waiting until your family is away. They may creep into your home while you are asleep, which jeopardizes your family’s well-being. Keeping your family and home safe from robberies involves: 

• Locking windows and doors
• Enhancing security alarms with video cameras
• Inconspicuously throwing away boxes for expensive items
• Installing light timers to make your home look lived in while you’re away 

The goal is to make your home a tougher target. Thieves generally choose homes that look vacant in an area that they get quickly and quietly get in and out of. 

Prevent Home Fires 
Reduced precipitation during the summer months contributes to many home fires. Ready.org estimates that property loss resulting from home fires is about $7.3 billion dollars annually. Home fires are often preventable. As a homeowner, protect your largest asset by taking extra precautions to prevent home fires this summer. The following are a few tips homeowners can use to keep their summer safe and prevent fires. 

• Don’t leave food unattended when cooking and grilling.
• Smoke outdoors and put cigarettes out completely before walking away.
• Have your electrical system checked to ensure it is in tip-top shape.
• Teach your children about the dangers of playing with fire. 

With a concerted effort, your entire family can work together to prevent home fires. 

Avoid Flooding 
Flooding from appliances and leaky pipes are a major source of loss for homeowners. In-home flooding is a costly situation since water can jeopardize your home’s structure. To prevent your home from flooding, it’s important to take preventive measures to secure your home. For instance, you can prevent flooding by maintaining your gutters and home appliances. When you know the condition of appliances and other components of your home, you can prevent some of the damages that could result if a budding problem went unattended. 

Every step you take to protect your home and family from the unknown is a step towards making your home life safe. Before you begin anything festive, make sure your house is ready and safe for everyone. 

We’ll help protect you and your family. Call Amco Auto Insurance at 713-771-2626 for more information on Katy home insurance.