After working hard to save and get into a house, the last thing you want is to see your home burning to the ground or learn its just been burglarized. Purchasing a homeowners insurance policy in Easthampton is a smart way to protect your assets, but there are many methods you can use as a homeowner to protect your property.

Using Fire Safety Protect Property Could Reduce Homeowners Insurance Claims in Easthampton

It’s a chilling thought when you think about how easily a fire could start or that your house could be burglarized. In either case, it only takes a few minutes and everything you’ve worked for may be gone. By taking a proactive stance, learning how to prevent fires and increasing security, you might avoid filling out a claim form on your homeowners insurance in Easthampton, MA.

Fire Safety and Home Upgrades

Fire Extinguishers

You should consider purchasing a couple of fire extinguishers for putting out small fires. The Class K extinguisher is designed for putting out grease fires started by lard, cooking oil, or bacon grease. The Class A extinguisher works well on combustible fires for paper or wood and is recommended for use near fireplaces or wood stoves.

Smoke Detectors

Thousands of lives have been saved thanks to smoke detectors. If you’re living in a multi-story house, make sure detectors are working and installed on each floor and especially in the kitchen where so many fires start.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems can extinguish fires before a fire department even arrives. Many systems are activated in just 30 seconds. Granted, automatic sprinkler systems are a bit of an investment, but they may save a house from burning and could result in savings on homeowner insurance.

Prevention Tips for Reducing Fires in the Home

• Don’t smoke in bed.
• Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
• Leave a minimum of three feet or more between space heaters and beds, furniture, and draperies.
• Check electrical cords periodically for signs of damage.
• Store flammable liquids in an area with ample ventilation, which is away from children.

Methods for Preventing Home Burglaries

Home Services

Take time to research anyone who will be working in or around your house like pool cleaners, chauffeurs, gardeners, maids, babysitters, or contractors. You might check out businesses with the BBB and individuals with a background check.

Securing the Home

The most inexpensive way to increase security is to replace old locks on exterior doors with new dead bolts, install window locks, and make sure garden sheds and garages are secure.

Vacations

Since thieves prefer to steal from vacant homes, don’t advertise that you’re going on vacation. Be especially careful about not mentioning vacation plans on social media sites.

Try to make your house look like it is still occupied while you’re on vacation. Start by installing inside and outside timers on your lights. Talk to a neighbor about parking a car in front of the house and taking a garbage can to the curb for weekly pickup. Putting a hold on mail and newspaper deliveries helps to disguise the fact you are on vacation.

Home Security Systems and Your Homeowners Insurance in Easthampton

You might reduce your chances of being burglarized by installing a monitored home security system. Security packages come in a range of prices, and some systems even include a fire alarm service.

Smart homeowners take proactive steps to reduce fires, thefts and claims on their homeowners insurance in Easthampton.

 This material is for informational purposes only.  All statements herein are subject to the provision, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy.  For an actual description of all coverages, terms and conditions, refer to the insurance policy.