Home Claim Prevention Checklist

I hope everyone is starting the new year off feeling refreshed and ready for whatever 2024 brings!

As I sat down with my marketing person, Maria, to write this month’s blog, we realized she had quite a few items on this checklist that weren’t even on her radar as a homeowner. The following checklist is meant to be a list of high priority maintenance tasks to check off throughout the year. While there are more items that could be added, this list contains what I consider to be the high impact items that can really make a difference in preventing damage to your home.

I hope you find this checklist helpful! There is a printable PDF version, or browse the list below. If there’s any important tasks you feel are missing, I’d love to hear from you!

HOME SAFETY & CLAIM PREVENTION CHECKLIST

Multiple Times A Year

Replace batteries in smoke detectors during time changes (every 6 months).
Clean dryer vents (can DIY with a vacuum cleaner) (1-2 times per year).
Change furnace filters (monthly to 2 times per year depending on furnace/filter type).

Every Year

Check your fire extinguisher (should be located close to the kitchen).
Review and discuss family emergency evacuation plan regarding fire/tornadoes/earthquakes/etc.
Make sure everyone in the home knows where the main water shutoff valve is located, and how to turn it off.
Ensure CO2 detector is working.
Check flashing around fire place.
Clean gutters (if open).
Check all cords accessible to pets for damage from chewing.

As Needed/Other

Change washer hoses (every 7 years).
Have a home inventory done and stored off site (video and/or pictures) and keep it updated.
Leave a spare key with a neighbor, relatives, or friends who can check on your home while you are out of town.
Purchase a fire proof safe or safety deposit box at a bank or credit union to store valuable papers and items (life insurance, titles, deeds, passports, social security cards, birth certificates, wedding photos, etc.).
Create a list of emergency contacts. This can be on your phone or computer but a printed version can come in handy, especially if someone is watching your kids or your house while you’re away (poison control, doctors, pharmacy, school info, neighbors, relatives, babysitters).
Place a TIKE sticker (Toddler Info Kept for Emergencies) on your child’s car seat. Contact us and we will send you one!