Your home is probably your biggest investment and you need to protect it. In addition to having homeowners insurance, there are smart steps you can take to protect your home, your family and your belongings. A safe and secure home gives you peace of mind and makes the most of your investment. Some actions may even lower your homeowner insurance rates.

Kitchen Safety Tips

The kitchen is the room where many families spend a lot of time so it needs to be kept as safe as possible. It is important to note that 50% of all house fires start in the kitchen so this is a good place to start.

• Keep papers, plastics, and other flammable objects away from the oven, stove and other heat sources.
• Keep dangerous cleaning supplies out of reach of children and pets, and use them only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not drape electrical cords across the counter, stovetop or other appliances.
• Assure proper venting of appliances by keeping a reasonable space around them.
• Store and maintain fire extinguishers in an easily-accessible location in this room.

Laundry Room Safety Tips

In many homes, the laundry room is near the furnace, water heater, and other significant appliances. It is also one that is often overlooked for safety issues because it is used less frequently than other rooms. Don’t make this mistake. Instead, take specific precautions.

• Clean laundry vents and filters on a regular basis. Lint-clogged vents and filters are the primary cause of laundry room fires.
• Check your washing machine hoses for leaks and replace if needed to avoid flooding.
• Only run the washer and dryer when someone is home and available to act if there is a problem.
• Be sure that the washer and dryer are plugged into grounded outlets.
• Do not store combustible fluids, such as window cleaner, furniture polish or gasoline, near the dryer, hot water heater or furnace.
• Do not hang clothes or drop dryer lint near the furnace.

Living Room Safety Tips

Most families spend a lot of time in the living room and there are several ways to keep everyone safe.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Never leave a heater unattended.
• If you have a fireplace, have the chimney serviced on a regular basis.
• Check your electronics to assure that they have not overheated and keep flammable materials away from warm components.

Bathroom Safety Tips

 Bathrooms are a common location for slips and falls, as well as other injuries. Put safety first by taking these steps.

• Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower, and on the floor.
• Keep electrical appliances, such as toothbrushes, hair dryers, and razors wrapped and away from water.
• Keep the room as clean and dry as possible.

Home-Wide Security 

There are so many ways that you can keep everyone safe in the event of a fire, or reduce the risk of becoming a burglary victim. Some of these steps can reduce your homeowners insurance.

• Install smoke detectors and replace the batteries once a year.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries once a year.
• Keep fire extinguishers in key places throughout the home and know how to use them.
• Replace softwood exterior doors with ones that have a hard core or are metal.
• If there are windows in your door or near the door, reinforce them invisible security film that makes them more difficult to break.
• Install a home security system that will alert you if there is an intruder or an attempt at unauthorized entry into the home. There are many options on the market, and several include alerts for carbon monoxide and water damage.

Home safety is often something we don’t think about until there is a problem. Instead, be proactive by taking these steps to assure that your home is safe and your family is protected. Contact Alliance to learn if one or more of these safety actions can reduce your existing homeowner insurance premiums or help you find a company that offers these discounts. We represent the best companies in Florida and can find one that best fits your needs.