Spring maintenance checklist

Spring is a time for transition – to warmer temperatures, reemerging plants and for homeowners to breathe new life into their homes. Home maintenance is crucial this time of year. Taking the time to address any issues now can help save you from potentially larger and more expensive problems later in the year.

But with so many home projects to consider, where do you start?

Use our checklist before and during this spring season to help keep you organized, reduce potential issues inside and outside your house and keep it safe for you and anyone visiting your home, sweet home.

Roof
If access to your roof presents a hazard, consider hiring a professional to help you complete the rest of this section.

  • Examine shingles for damage or missing pieces
  • Check gutters for any cracks or structural damage
  • Ensure downspouts are aimed away from your home’s foundation
  • If you have a chimney, inspect for damage and consider having a professional clean it
  • Trim back any trees with branches that hang over your home
  • Repair any loose or missing flashing

Basement

  • Inspect the foundation for any signs of cracks and consult a professional if simple caulking will not fix the issue
  • Check for any signs of dampness or mold and remediate
  • Consider installing a water shutoff device that can turn off the water to your home in the event you are away
  • Place water sensors near existing pipes to alert you in the event of a leak
  • If you have had signs of water damage, consider having a sump pump installed
  • If your basement has a window, recaulk annually and fix any signs of damage

Yard

  • Rake away any excess leaves, branches and other debris
  • Use compacted soil near your foundation to prevent water from pooling
  • Check outdoor faucets for freeze damage by running them for a short time
  • Inspect lawn equipment, such as your lawnmower, to make sure it is ready for the summer
  • Stain or reseal any wooden structures such as fences, railings and trellises
  • Wash any outdoor furniture with water and a mild detergent
  • Check your grill for any signs of damage, including burner jets, hoses and connections
  • Look for any cracks in concrete walkways and fill with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk

Exterior walls

  • Look for signs of termite damage, as they are more active in the summer, and call a professional if you see any potential problem spots
  • Examine trouble spots and repair
  • If you have wood siding, check for knots or pieces that have popped out of place
  • If you have brick or stucco, look for any chipping or water penetration and use a sealant to prevent further moisture
  • Replace any pieces of siding or trim if they are damaged or show signs of rotting

Windows

  • Recaulk windows to prevent humidity from getting into your home during the summer and drafts during the next winter
  • Repair or replace any ripped or broken screens
  • Examine any weather stripping and replace if yours is damaged
  • Clean the windows with a cleaning solution and soft cloth

Indoors

  • Inspect your attic for signs of colonizing ants or other insects
  • Address any signs of mold or mildew
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Have a professional service your A/C unit
  • Clean out dryer vents
  • Replace any damaged or missing insulation and make sure your attic is well ventilated
  • Vacuum upholstered furniture and dust everywhere

Helpful Tips To Help your home stand up to winter

Make your home more resilient to winter weather.

Prepare your home for winter weather so your family stays warm and comfortable. Consider these suggestions for your comfort and safety.

INSPECT THE HEATING SYSTEM

Performing routine maintenance every year – every other year at least – may help extend the life of your furnace and can promote your family’s comfort and safety. Save time, money, and frustration by avoiding the late-night or weekend call to a heating contractor because your furnace isn’t working. Spending about $90-$110 for a scheduled service call when it is convenient for you may help avoid the high cost of repairs in an emergency or the risk of having to leave your home until those repairs can be completed.

PREVENT PIPE FREEZES

Exposed pipes in unheated areas can freeze and result in burst pipes that cause water damage. Use insulating pipe sleeves on the entire length of any exposed pipe, including bends and joints, then seal with duct tape. Letting water drip from faucets may not prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold weather and can be more expensive.

To prevent damage, take out outdoor hoses. Turn off the water to outdoor connections. Open outdoor faucets to let any remaining water drain. Additionally, open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

If a pipe freezes, don’t attempt to thaw it using any type of exposed flame, such as a propane torch. Try a hairdryer, or call a reputable plumbing contractor for assistance.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Check exterior window and door frames to ensure no gaps could allow outside air into your home. Any gaps greater than about 1/16 to 1/8 inch should be sealed with a silicone caulk, which is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can handle the elements.

Don’t forget to inspect the window pane glazing and replace any areas that have deteriorated.

You’ll also want to check your door seals and weather stripping. Can you see daylight from inside your home? If so, add new seals and weather stripping to further reduce air leaks.

CHECK THE ROOF

Inspect the roof system to make sure there aren’t any loose, damaged or missing shingles that can lead to water leaks. Not comfortable climbing the ladder? You can try using binoculars to get a closer look, but you can’t see the entire roof system.

You may want to hire a reputable roof contractor – with proof of insurance coverage – to conduct the inspection. Ask the contractor to look at all roof penetrations, not just the shingles.

Clean your gutters now to prevent water backup if they get clogged with leaves or debris. Clogged gutters that hold water can cause damage to the roof, wood trim and siding and may be a source of leaks and ice dams. Consider installing a gutter guard that keeps gutters free of leaf or other debris and allows the free flow of water.

Do you generally see plenty of icicles during the winter months? If so, you may want to hire a home energy contractor to assess your home’s insulation, especially in attic areas.

Hot air escaping can cause ice dams. Ice dams can damage the roof, wood trim, and siding. Ice dams can also lead to water leaks in your home. Consider installing a rooftop ice melt system to prevent ice dams from forming.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Have a wood-burning fireplace or wood-burning stove? Call a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before using it. If you have a direct vent gas fireplace, it’s important to get a full maintenance inspection. This ensures that the unit and your home properly vent all vents and unburned fuel.

SERVICE THE SUMP PUMP

If you have a sump pump in your home, it definitely works hard during the rainy season and maybe even the snowy season. To check if the pump is working, pour water slowly into an empty or low-water sump. Ensure that you push the water out through the drain pipe to the outside. If you don’t usually do this, remember to turn on your pump once a month, even when it’s not raining.

Do you have a backup plan? If you don’t have one already, consider installing a backup sump pump. This pump should be able to run on either batteries or water. Handling any water that accumulates in your sump pit during a power outage will be helpful.

PROVIDE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

If you don’t do anything else, make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Many people die in fires because they didn’t have detectors or they weren’t working correctly.

70% of U.S. fire deaths occur in homes without functioning smoke alarms, says the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA further estimates that having operating smoke detection in your home can reduce the potential of death by 50%.

Over 20,000 people go to the emergency room in the US every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning, says the CDC. Non-fire-related cases result in more than 400 deaths each year.

Smoke Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. All sleeping rooms
  2. Outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms.
  3. On each level of the home, including the basement

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. Outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  2. On each level of the home, including basement

Buy smoke/monoxide detectors that connect to your home’s electricity and have a battery backup. If your detectors are battery-operated, be sure to test regularly.

Help your home stand up to Winter

Make your home more resilient to winter weather.

You can take steps to ensure your home is well prepared for winter weather – and that your family doesn’t get any colder than they want to. Consider these suggestions for your comfort and safety.

INSPECT THE HEATING SYSTEM

Save time, money, and frustration by avoiding the late-night or weekend call to a heating contractor because your furnace isn’t working. Spending about $90-$110 for a scheduled service call when it is convenient for you may help avoid the high cost of repairs in an emergency or the risk of having to leave your home until those repairs can be completed. Performing routine maintenance every year – every other year at least – may help extend the life of your furnace and can promote your family’s comfort and safety.

PREVENT PIPE FREEZES

Exposed pipes in unheated areas can freeze and result in burst pipes that cause water damage. Use insulating pipe sleeves on the entire length of any exposed pipe, including bends and joints, then seal with duct tape. You could opt to let water drip from faucets, but this practice will increase your water usage costs and may not work effectively to prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. It is important to remove exterior hoses, shut off the water leading to those exterior connections, and open exterior faucets to allow any remaining water to drain from the line. Additionally, open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

If a pipe freezes, don’t attempt to thaw it using any type of exposed flame, such as a propane torch. Try a hairdryer, or call a reputable plumbing contractor for assistance.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Check exterior window and door frames to ensure no gaps could allow outside air into your home. Any gaps greater than about 1/16 to 1/8 inch should be sealed with a silicone caulk, which is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can handle the elements. Don’t forget to inspect the window pane glazing and replace any areas that have deteriorated. You’ll also want to check your door seals and weather stripping. Can you see daylight from inside your home? If so, add new seals and weather stripping to further reduce air leaks.

CHECK THE ROOF

Inspect the roof system to make sure there aren’t any loose, damaged or missing shingles that can lead to water leaks. Not comfortable climbing the ladder? You can try using binoculars to get a closer look, but you can’t see the entire roof system. You may want to hire a reputable roof contractor – with proof of insurance coverage – to conduct the inspection. Ask the contractor to look at all roof penetrations, not just the shingles.

If your gutters typically fill with leaves or other debris, this is a great time to clean or have them cleaned to avoid water backup. Clogged gutters that hold water can cause damage to the roof, wood trim, and siding and may be a source of leaks and ice dams. Consider installing a gutter guard that keeps gutters free of leaves or other debris and allows the free flow of water.

Do you generally see plenty of icicles during the winter months? If so, you may want to hire a home-energy contractor to assess your home’s insulation, especially in attic areas. Warm air escaping will increase the likelihood of ice dams that can potentially damage the roof, wood trim, and siding and cause water backups that will leak into your home. Consider installing a rooftop ice melt system to prevent ice dams from forming.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Have a wood-burning fireplace or wood-burning stove? Contact a certified chimney sweep contractor to conduct a full inspection of your systems and thoroughly clean the entire system before use. Check the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website at www.csia.org to find a certified chimney technician in your area. You should also have a full maintenance inspection if you have a direct vent gas fireplace; it is essential that all vents are clean and that unburned fuel is properly venting from the unit – and your home!

SERVICE THE SUMP PUMP

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, it surely gets a workout during the rainy season and possibly a snowy season. If your sump is currently dry or has very little water, pour water (slowly) into the pit to make sure the pump operates and is actively pushing water out the drain pipe to the exterior drainage area. If you don’t normally perform this task, make a point of activating (with enough water in the sump pit) your pump on a monthly basis, even during the dry season. Do you have a backup plan? If not, consider installing a battery- or water-operated backup sump pump that can manage your sump pit water level if you experience a power outage.

PROVIDE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

If you follow none of the above suggestions or preparations, this is ONE IS A MUST! Too many lives are lost in home fires where smoke and carbon monoxide detection was not installed, or the installed units were not operating properly. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 70% of home fire deaths in the U.S. occur in homes that don’t have working smoke detection. NFPA further estimates that having operating smoke detection in your home can reduce the potential of death by 50%. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 emergency department visits occur each year in the United States as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Non-fire-related cases result in more than 400 deaths each year. The following suggestions are offered to help protect you and your family, as noted in the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code:

Smoke Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. All sleeping rooms
  2. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  3. On each level of the home, including the basement

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  2. On each level of the home, including the basement

You can purchase combination smoke/monoxide detection units that connect to your home’s electrical system and offer a battery backup. These units would be best installed following guidelines for the installation of the smoke detector as outlined by the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. If your detectors are battery-operated, be sure to test them on a regular basis.

Emergency planning

Disasters can happen anytime
anywhere
to anyone: Be prepared.

The past decade brought an ever-increasing number of natural disasters and other catastrophic events, affecting people and property. Make sure you are ready for the next one by having an emergency plan in place.

You’ll also want to prepare supplies to sustain your household for at least three days, maybe longer. In a major disaster, it might take several days to restore vital services and get help from first responders and local authorities.

EMERGENCY PLANNING TIPS
  • Stay informed about the different emergencies that could occur in your community and identify appropriate responses
  • Make a family emergency plan and practice it regularly
  • Consider becoming certified in CPR and first aid
  • Build an emergency supply kit
  • Get involved in your community’s emergency planning
  • Recognize that emergency planning is a continuing process
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KITS

Building an emergency supply kit is crucial to ensure you are prepared to meet the needs of your household. Plan to store items in an easy-to-carry bag, and consider preparing two kits:

  • One should include everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own until help arrives.
  • The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if evacuation is required. These are typically referred to as “Go Bags”, “72-hour bags” or “bug-out bags.”

Customize your kit to reflect your family’s unique needs – consider family members’ ages, existing medical needs or physical limitations and even your pets. The American Red Cross lists additional items to consider. As your family grows and changes, your needs may also change. Be sure to update your kit annually to make sure it still addresses your family’s circumstances.

Store your kits in a location that’s easily accessible to all members of your household. Practice locating your supply kit when you practice your emergency procedures.

ON THE GO

In addition, it is crucial to keep a kit in your vehicle or workplace in case you are stranded during an emergency. When preparing your emergency plan, think about the places where your family spends time such as school, work, and other places you frequent.

Preparing for an emergency in advance ensures you can handle a crisis more safely and comfortably. Although being prepared may not prevent a disaster, it will give you the confidence to meet the difficult challenges that may arise.

MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about how to become personally prepared during an emergency from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov.

Additional emergency preparedness resources can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.

The Red Cross also offers specific information to help you take precautions against COVID-19 while preparing for a natural disaster.

Entrust storm repairs to honest contractors

When businesses and homeowners are desperate for help to repair and rebuild after a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or wildfire, they seek assistance from anyone who will offer help. Unfortunately, there are scammers who prey on those emotions and take advantage of good people in their darkest hour.

I have spent my entire career in both construction and insurance, and it is disheartening to me to see scams occur. It reminds me of a lesson that my father taught me long ago that shapes me to this day.

My father owned his own construction company, and when a weather event occurred in my small Wisconsin town, he would receive calls from those who needed his help and expertise to repair their home or business. He was contacted by an elderly couple who had windstorm damage to their roof that blew a small tree onto their home. We arrived, and the damage was bad but nothing that would take him and me more than half a day to fix.

We got to work and removed the tree, fixed the roof, and repaired the damage to their home. My father asked me to clear all the debris in their yard while he went inside to speak with them. When he came back out, the woman was teary and begging my father to accept payment for the work. He refused to take the money, politely thanked the couple for calling him for help, and we left.

As we drove home, I asked my dad why he didn’t charge them and he said simply, “When people are in need, you must always ‘be of service’ to others. They needed our help and a safe place to call home. Others would take advantage of them; that’s not us.” Later I found out that the husband was a disabled World War II veteran, and my father, a Vietnam veteran, felt he had already paid his debt to us with his military service.

In the wake of a hurricane, tornado, flood, fire, earthquake or any other unexpected catastrophe, fraudulent unlicensed and unethical contractors can be quick to surface. Often, however, they carry warning signs to alert you. You can distinguish between a scammer and a legitimate contractor by being aware of the following things before you contract for work:

  • Fake FEMA Endorsements. If a contractor claims to be endorsed or certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) they are lying. FEMA does not certify or approve contractors.
  • Get it in writing. I cannot stress enough the importance of a written contract. Get everything in writing before work begins, and get multiple bids. Don’t assume the lowest bid is the best bid.
  • No full payments upfront. No honest contractor will demand full payment upfront. Make sure you’ve agreed to a payment schedule that requires the work to be completed BEFORE the contractor receives the full balance. Using a credit card can offer some protection against scams.
  • License to repair. Most contractors are required to be licensed in their respective states. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Review the Secretary of State website for your state to verify professional licenses; Find Your Secretary of State using the search tool on the National Association of Secretaries of State website.
  • Get a copy of their insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you proof of insurance. If not, move on. Once you review or receive a copy of their insurance, call the contractor’s insurance company or their insurance agent to verify they have the appropriate coverage.

In times of crisis, it’s important to remain vigilant of unscrupulous people preying on those in need. I remain hopeful that the many legitimate and honorable contractors follow my father’s advice to always be of service.

Contact your Ayres Group agent for more information.

Tips to protect taxpayers from identity theft during and after the pandemic

Taxpayers, beware of fraudsters out to trick you for your information.

Tax return identity theft has reached such epidemic proportions that it tops the list of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams. Here are tips the IRS wants you to know about identity theft so you can avoid becoming a victim.

  • Phishing: Taxpayers should be alert to potential fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information or other financial scams related to COVID-19. The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email about a bill, tax refund or Economic Impact Payments. Don’t click on one claiming to be from the IRS. Be wary of emails and websites that may be nothing more than scams to steal personal information.
  • Phone Scams: Phone calls or vishing (voice phishing) from criminals impersonating IRS agents remain an ongoing threat to taxpayers. The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams in recent years as con artists threaten taxpayers with police arrest, deportation and license revocation, among other things.
  • Social Media Scams: Scammers use COVID-19 events and social media messaging to convince victims that they are dealing with someone’s family, friends, or co-workers. Instead, the email includes malware used to commit additional crimes.
  • Return Preparer Fraud: Be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers. The vast majority of tax professionals provide honest, high-quality service. There are some dishonest preparers who operate each filing season to scam clients, perpetuating refund fraud, identity theft, and other scams that hurt taxpayers. Check out the IRS’ special page for tips on choosing a preparer.
  • Fake Charities: Groups masquerading as charitable organizations solicit donations from unsuspecting contributors. Be wary of charities with names similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Contributors should take a few extra minutes to ensure their hard-earned money goes to legitimate charities. IRS.gov has a search tool taxpayers can use to check out the status of charitable organizations.
  • Ransomware: Taxpayers should be alert to this growing cybercrime where malware targets human and technical weaknesses to infect a victim’s computer, network, or server. Once the system is infected with malware, ransomware looks for and locks critical or sensitive data with its own encryption. Victims receive an anonymous ransom request usually demanding payment in virtual currency such as Bitcoin. The IRS and its Security Summit partners advise tax professionals and taxpayers to use tax preparation software products’ free, multi-factor authentication feature to protect against data thefts.

Identity theft is scary and expensive for both individuals and businesses, but there are ways to protect yourself. Refer to the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft or the IRS Identity Theft Protection page on the IRS website, and then ask your independent insurance agent for more information about data compromise and identity theft coverage.

cinfin.com

Home’s value, replacement cost not interchangeable

When shopping for homeowner insurance, you may hear the terms “market value” and “replacement cost” multiple times. It’s important to have a grasp of the difference. They are not interchangeable.

Market value is the selling price on the open market — how much someone will pay for the property. This value can increase when an area is trendy and decrease as people migrate elsewhere. If a home is in an area where the “sale pending” sign goes up as soon or sooner than the property is listed, the market value may be on the higher end. But if a home has been on the market for months or longer, the seller may decrease the asking price in order to be able to sell it, and the purchaser may get the home for a huge discount.

Replacement cost is the price to rebuild the house in the event of a total loss. A home’s market value and its replacement cost may differ significantly, and that can be where things get confusing. When you buy home insurance, the amount of coverage you purchase should be the amount that it would cost to rebuild the home, so that you have enough coverage to get back to normalcy as soon as possible.

These factors play into replacement costs:

  • Materials and labor. The actual construction cost of the home may increase from year to year and from area to area. If a home is being reconstructed in an area often hit hard by storms, the need for specific contractors or materials may make reconstruction of that home more costly.
  • Contractor’s overhead and profit. Contractors will charge to keep their business running and make a profit on the reconstruction of the home. It is important to keep this in mind: In the reconstruction of your home, the insurance company can be asking a builder to stop all other construction projects and focus on the reconstruction of your home specifically in a timely manner. This comes at a cost to the contractor – and you need to consider that cost in the amount of insurance you purchase.
  • Inability to maximize savings as compared with first-time builds. When a home is first built, material and labor costs may be lower because the contractor is purchasing material in bulk and may be paying multiple crews to construct several homes in the area at the same time. Because reconstruction is a one-time event, the builder will not receive the same savings on material purchases or labor because of needing to pay one crew to focus on the rebuild of one
  • Older home reconstruction guidelines. If the home being replaced is older, re-creating it using “like kind and quality” materials may add costs. Homes built before 1940 likely used “true dimensional lumber” that is not commonly used today.
  • Historic home registry restrictions. Houses on a local or national historic home registry often have strict guidelines for the reconstruction, including cosmetic and structural changes to the home.
  • Area building code conditions. Local building codes may restrict contractor access. For example, homes built in resort areas often can be accessed only during non-peak season. Some communities limit construction work to specific days of the week or times of day,

The next time you are shopping for homeowner insurance, avoid the temptation to obtain coverage for the purchase price of the home. When you assess the replacement cost, you may think, “My house isn’t worth that much.” Just remember your insurance purchase should not be a matter of how much your home is worth, but what it would take to rebuild. In the event of a total loss, you want to be back in your home – the way it was – as soon as possible.

For more information, contact your Ayres Group representative.

Help your home stand up to winter

You can take steps to ensure your home is well prepared for winter weather – and that your family doesn’t get any colder than they want to be. Consider these suggestions for your comfort and safety.

INSPECT THE HEATING SYSTEM

Save time, money and frustration by avoiding the late-night or weekend call to a heating contractor because your furnace isn’t working. Spending about $90-$110 for a scheduled service call when it is convenient for you may help avoid the high cost of repairs in an emergency or the risk of having to leave your home until those repairs can be completed. Performing routine maintenance every year – every other year at least – may help extend the life of your furnace and can promote your family’s comfort and safety.

PREVENT PIPE FREEZES

Exposed pipes in unheated areas can freeze and result in burst pipes that cause water damage. Use insulating pipe sleeves on the entire length of any exposed pipe, including bends and joints, then seal with duct tape. You could opt to let water drip from faucets, but this practice will increase your water usage costs and may not work effectively to prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. It is important to remove exterior hoses, shut off water leading to those exterior connections and open exterior faucets to allow any remaining water to drain from the line. Additionally, open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

If a pipe freezes, don’t attempt to thaw it using any type of exposed flame, such as a propane torch. Try a hairdryer, or call a reputable plumbing contractor for assistance.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Check exterior window and door frames to ensure no gaps could allow outside air into your home. Any gaps greater than about 1/16 to 1/8 inch should be sealed with a silicone caulk, which is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can handle the elements. Don’t forget to inspect the window pane glazing and replace any areas that have deteriorated. You’ll also want to check your door seals and weather stripping. Can you see daylight from inside your home? If so, add new seals and weather stripping to further reduce air leaks.

CHECK THE ROOF

Inspect the roof system to make sure there aren’t any loose, damaged or missing shingles that can lead to water leaks. Not comfortable climbing the ladder? You can try using binoculars to get a closer look, but you can’t see the entire roof system. You may want to hire a reputable roof contractor – with proof of insurance coverage – to conduct the inspection. Ask the contractor to look at all roof penetrations, not just the shingles.

If your gutters typically fill with leaves or other debris, this is a great time to clean or have them cleaned to avoid water backup. Clogged gutters that hold water can cause damage to the roof, wood trim and siding and may be a source of leaks and ice dams. Consider installing a gutter guard that keeps gutters free of leaf or other debris and allows the free flow of water.

Do you generally see plenty of icicles during winter months? If so, you may want to hire a home-energy contractor to assess your home’s insulation, especially in attic areas. Warm air escaping will increase the likelihood of ice dams that can potentially damage the roof, wood trim and siding and cause water backups that will leak into your home. Consider installing a rooftop ice melt system to prevent ice dams from forming.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Have a wood-burning fireplace or wood-burning stove? Contact a certified chimney sweep contractor to conduct a full inspection of your systems and thoroughly clean the entire system before use. Check the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website at www.csia.org to find a certified chimney technician in your area. You should also have a full maintenance inspection if you have a direct vent gas fireplace; it is essential that all vents are clean and that unburned fuel is properly venting from the unit – and your home!

SERVICE THE SUMP PUMP

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, it surely gets a workout during the rainy season and possibly a snowy season. If your sump is currently dry or has very little water, pour water (slowly) into the pit to make sure the pump operates and is actively pushing water out the drain pipe to exterior drainage area. If you don’t normally perform this task, make a point of activating (with enough water in sump pit) your pump on a monthly basis, even during the dry season. Do you have a backup plan? If not, consider installing a battery- or water-operated backup sump pump that can manage your sump pit water level if you experience a power outage.

PROVIDE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

If you follow none of the above suggestions or preparations, this is ONE IS A MUST! Too many lives are lost in home fires where smoke and carbon monoxide detection was not installed, or the installed units were not operating properly. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 70% of home fire deaths in the U.S. occur in homes that don’t have working smoke detection. NFPA further estimates that having operating smoke detection in your home can reduce potential of death by 50%. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 emergency department visits occur each year in the United States as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Non-fire-related cases result in more than 400 deaths each year. The following suggestions are offered to help protect you and your family, as noted in the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code:

Smoke Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. All sleeping rooms
  2. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  3. On each level of the home, including the basement

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  2. On each level of the home, including basement

You can purchase combination smoke/monoxide detection units that connect to your home’s electrical system and offer a battery backup. These units would be best installed following guidelines for installation of smoke detector as outlined by the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. If your detectors are battery operated, be sure to test on a regular basis.

Season for Thieving: 6 Tricks to Protect Your Home During the Holidays

Some of us wait eagerly all year for the holidays and the jolly merriment that accompanies these few crazy weeks: the festive shindigs, the bottomless eggnog bowls, and the no-longer-so-ironic ugly sweaters. All of it might have you feeling like nothing can go wrong.

But as much as you’re looking forward to the holidays, so are the bad guys.

(Warning: Buzzkill ahead.)

Yes, that dizzying schedule of end-of-the-year fĂȘtes and last-minute holiday shopping means you’re out of your home more often than in it, providing would-be burglars ample opportunity to case your place. And whether you’re checking in at a winter ski getaway or Instagramming that sweet Black Friday deal you just nabbed, your social media profile is also alerting the world that nobody’s home.

Don’t give the bad guys a holiday bonus! You can outsmart them and protect your home, as long as you know where you’re most vulnerable. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting to gather security experts’ top tips to keep your home—and everything in it—safe during the busy holiday season.

1. Lock it down

Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it bears repeating: If you’re going to be out of town, program your outdoor lights to switch on at dusk and off at dawn, keep your doors and windows locked, and set your alarm system, if you have one.

If you’re going on vacation, some experts recommend keeping a car parked in the driveway so it looks like someone’s home. To prevent your mailbox from overflowing while you’re away, have your mail held until you return.

In other words: Don’t make yourself a target.

2. Outsmart package thieves

“Packages sitting outside your door are like a billboard that screams ‘no one is home,'” says Justin Lavelle, chief communications director for BeenVerified, an online background check platform.

His recommendation? If you live in a city or high–foot traffic area, consider using an Amazon Locker, where you can pick up packages at your own convenience. (You can also have packages sent to your office address or, for U.S. Postal Service deliveries, held for pickup at a post office location.)

If you’re purchasing from a retailer with brick-and-mortar locations in your area, consider having your items shipped to the local store for pickup.

If that sounds like a lot of work, most shipping providers (including UPS and FedEx) allow you to postpone delivery until you know someone is home. UPS and FedEx also allow consumers to leave directions for where to drop off packages.

“Follow their shipping details so you know what date the delivery is anticipated, and leave a note attached to your door with where you want the delivery to be left,” he says. “Just make sure you write ‘For UPS’ or ‘For FedEx’ on the outside and fold the note over or put it in an envelope.”

Also, make sure the path to your door is open, clear, and visible to neighbors and the street.

“If thieves can shield themselves behind large bushes and decor such as large blowups and Christmas trees, it’s that much easier for them to go unnoticed,” Lavelle says.

3. Take a break from social media

Yes, we realize this is a tall order in today’s like-happy society. But trust us here: Smart thieves are watching not only your house, but also your social media channels. Be aware that when you trumpet that two-week holiday trip to Bali all over Facebook, you’re telling the world that your pad will be unattended.

The same logic applies to sharing photos of your home and your stuff: They tell would-be burglars what else you have in your home and if there’s something worth stealing.

And while you’re taking stock of your online profile, take a minute to adjust your privacy settings for event RSVPs as well.

“Anytime you publicly RSVP to parties, school events, concerts, or any other event, you’re giving an intruder an invitation to target your home,” Lavelle says. “Social media may not give away your home address, but with the internet it’s not hard to find out.”

4. Get smart

If you’ve been wavering on outfitting your home with the latest smart home technology, the holidays could be the perfect time to finally get on board. You’ll have the fun of a new gadget to play with, and the peace of mind that your home has some extra safeguards—even when you can’t be there.

The options are virtually endless: Consider a smart doorbell (like Ring’s video doorbell), which detects motion and provides a view of your front door from your smartphone. Or try the Maximus Smart Security Light, which sends real-time push alerts to your phone so you can see and speak to who’s lurking on your porch—or sound an alarm directly from an app, if necessary.

Want to control your lights with the swipe of a finger? Check out innovations like the Philips Hue smart lightbulbs, which allow you to operate your lighting from anywhere.

And if you’re looking for an all-in-one smart security solution, consider a system like Nest Secure, which combines a variety of self-installable cameras, motion sensors, and alarms and poses a serious threat to traditional, clunkier alarm companies.

5. Consider a home upgrade

Wood or glass can break easily under pressure from an intruder, says home security expert Sadie Cornelius of SafeSmartLiving.com. Consider upgrading your door to stainless steel.

If that doesn’t jibe with your aesthetic, make sure your deadbolt requires a key on both sides. Smart locks (like those from Schlage and Kwikset) are easy to install and provide an additional layer of security from would-be burglars.

And to better illuminate wannabe burglars, consider installing motion-detecting lights, which use little energy and are usually affordable.

6. Beef up your online security

“While it might not seem obvious, security goes beyond the physical,” Cornelius says. “Cyber Monday and online shopping are an opportunity for hackers to steal your credit data and identity.”

She recommends using a virtual private network, or VPN, when using public Wi-Fi to protect your online data from hackers. If you’re shopping online, be sure the sites are secure and have a valid encryption certificate (which you can usually spot with the green locked indicator in front of the site address).

Ensure your system is running the latest security updates and antivirus software, and consider signing up for identity theft protection so you’re immediately alerted to suspicious activity on any of your accounts. Many banks will allow you to set up mobile push alerts for certain types of transactions or spending thresholds.

Home Safety Tips for When You are Away

5 ways to protect your home while you’re gone

If you are heading out on the road for a long weekend, use these home safety tips to help protect your home.

1. Spread the word, but not on social media: Tell your friends and neighbors you will be away. Tell them who should or should not be at your home during that time. Ask them to check in occasionally. However, it’s best not to advertise your whereabouts on social media, as you never know who will see your status update. Wait to share good times and photos after you return.

2. Lock up: Be sure to lock what can be locked while you’re away, including both doors and windows. If there’s a door to your house inside an attached garage, don’t for get to lock that one, too! Reinforce sliding doors with metal rods, and remove spare keys that may be hidden outside. Instead, provide one spare key to a trusted neighbor. As an additional measure of safety, consider investing in an alarm system if you don’t already have one.

3. Put it on hold: Have your mail and newspapers held while you are gone, or ask a reliable neighbor or friend to collect those items daily.

4. Turn them on: An outdoor lighting system is a good way to keep the periphery of your house lit – a feature that may keep would-be burglars away. Or, save money on installation and electricity by installing motion-sensor lights near entrances. Televisions, lights or radios triggered by a timer may also give the illusion there’s someone at home.

5. Safeguard your valuables: Don’t leave money, important documents or family valuables out in the open. Put them away. Or, better yet, lock them in a safe while you’re gone. And, take photos of your possessions before you leave so you have an accurate inventory.

Taking a few steps before you travel may help safeguard your home from the unexpected.