Develop a Home Protection Plan
It is important to follow a regular maintenance program for your home. This checklist will help you examine your home, both internally and externally for signs of wear, age and distress. It is often easier to make repairs or upgrades if a problem is caught early. Use this checklist annually as a way to ensure your home stays in tip-top shape.
Residential Protection
Inspect your home on a regular basis and follow good maintenance practices.
Are your roof shingles over 10 years old? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If yes, be sure to evaluate wear and tear on an annual basis.
Are your eaves troughs clear of debris? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: Clogged eaves troughs can lead to ice damming in the winter.
Do your downspouts have extensions that drain away from your house? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If no, install an extension that is at least three feet long to drain water away from your foundation.
Can you locate your water shut-off valve? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Where is it located? _____________________________
Do other members of your household know where the valve is located? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: Make sure all members of the household know the location of the water shut-off valve.
Have you checked your exterior drains for debris in the past six months? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: Check your exterior drains twice per year (spring and fall),and remove debris. Water can accumulate quickly and cause damage.
Do you have a backwater valve installed? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If no, consider installing one to prevent storm sewer water from backing up into your basement.
Does your sump pump have a battery pack? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: A back-up battery is great protection in the case of a power failure.
Is your sump pump over five years old? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If yes, consider replacing it for a newer, more efficient model. Pumps over five years old need to be checked regularly.
Is your hot water heater over seven years old? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If yes, consider replacing it with a tankless water heater, which are less likely to cause water damage if they fail.
Have you replaced your washing machine hoses in the past five years? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If no, replace old rubber hoses with new braided hoses.
Have you checked the condition of your foundation walls? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: Consider sealing any cracks you may find.
Do you have plumbing pipes located in unheated areas of your house? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: If yes, shut off interior valve, drain exterior pipe and open outside tap prior to first frost.
Are the items in your basement stored off the floor? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Protection Point: Relocating items on shelving will protect them in case of flooding.
In consideration of overland flooding points, be sure to inspect for the following:
❏ Gaps around doors, windows, pipes, telephone lines, electrical wiring or other services entering your home.
❏ Unsealed openings in basement walls.
Did you know that you should reduce home water use during heavy rainfall events to minimize the amount of water in the system? This includes the use of dishwashers, washing machines, bath and showers.
Burglary and Theft Protection
It could happen to you. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of theft in your home.
❏ Install blinds/curtains on your basement windows to prevent burglars from peering in.
❏ Jewelery and cash should not be stored in your master bedroom. Pick a less obvious location and/or consider a home safe.
❏ Don’t broadcast new purchases. Be careful to dispose of packaging (especially large purchase items such as T.V.’s etc.) discretely in your garbage/recycle collection.
Fire Protection
Be prepared. Prevention is key to protecting you, your family and your property against fire damage.
How many fire extinguishers are in your home? _________
Protection Point: Place extinguishers in key locations including the kitchen and garage.
❏ Avoid cooking with oil in a pot on the stove.
❏ Use proper gauge extension cords and power bars for your electronic equipment.
❏ Candles should be located away from all combustibles and never left unattended.
❏ Consider the location of electrical wires before hanging pictures and shelving on walls.