How can we prepare our homes for the season?
Always make sure to check all the supply lines in the home. These are the most common sources of home flooding problems across the country. All water supply lines in our homes are set to the “on” position, much like a garden hose. Water is ready to flow when you turn the handle of a sink faucet, flush your toilet, or start your washing machine. Since the pressure is always on, pressure tends to build up if outlets are not being used. Plus, if a line did break while you were home, you would probably hear it, turn off the water and minimize your damage.
What are the most common sources of flooding?
The most common sources of flooding are frozen water pipes, faulty appliances, clogged toilet, clogged rain gutters, and external forces.
What are the most common sources of a fire?
The most common sources are: cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical, dryers, smoking, candles, chimneys, external forces, etc. the U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 366,600 home structure fires per year.
According to a 2012 survey more than half of Americans don't have a home inventory of their possessions, putting them at risk for inadequate home insurance coverage, should any disaster strike. Make a home inventory - lists, pictures or a videotape of the contents of your home.
Directions for creating an inventory of your home:
- Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals.
- For clothing, count the items you own by category pants, coats, shoes, for example - making notes about those that are especially valuable.
- For major appliances and electronic equipment, record their serial numbers usually found on the back or bottom.
- Don't be overwhelmed! Start with a smart-phone video of the items in your home.
- Take a picture: Besides the list, you can take pictures of rooms and important individual items. on the back of the photos note what is shown, where you bought each item, and the make. don't forget things that are in closets or drawers.
- Videotape it: walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents. or, do the same thing using a tape recorder.
- Use a computer: Make your inventory list. Personal finance software packages often include a homeowners room-by-room inventory program.
- Storing the list, photos and tapes: Regardless of how you do it (written list, computer file, photos, videotape or audio tape), keep your inventory along with receipts in your safe deposit box or at a friend's or relative's home. that way you'll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. when you make a significant purchase, add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind.
Download free home inventory software
Download a sample home inventory form
Follow lifestyle design expert Paige Hemmis on Twitter @paigehemmis and check out her site www.paigehemmis.com.
Get more great recipes and crafts by visiting us on Pinterest at pinterest.com/homeandfamilytv and follow "Home & Family" on Twitter @homeandfamilytv and Facebook. Plus, check out our YouTube channel for backstage videos.
