Keep Your Home Protected While You’re Away, Tips from Insurance Agents (because we’ve seen it all)
Thieves, fire, water leaks, flooding and high winds are all concerns when we’re away from our homes, especially when it’s for longer periods time. Statistics show there’s a burglary approximately every 15 seconds and recent studies indicate that a home without a working home security system is 300% more likely to experience a theft. Although we may not be able to control mother nature, we can take some precautions to deter thieves and can help prevent losses to our home and property from the elements with these hints:
- Hold your mail or ask a friend to collect it and any papers or flyers left at your home
- Make it seem as if someone is home by putting lights on a timer and a car in the driveway
- Keep your lawn and yard maintained while you’re away
- Don’t post your trip on social networks until you’re back home
- Show you have security with signs and alert your security company you’ll be gone
- Unplug electrical appliances to prevent fires and protect from power surges
- Lock jewelry and important documents in a fire and water-proof safe or safe deposit box
- Make sure doors and windows are all locked and alarms are set
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home and leave a contact number
- Don’t say you’re away on voice or email messages
- Move expensive items like computers away from the windows and hide them from plain sight
- Don’t leave a spare key outside, as it’s likely to be easily found
- Secure sliding doors with a metal or wood rod placed in the track
- Unplug automatic garage door openers to prevent opening with a universal remote
- Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit
- Ask someone to put out your trash containers on pickup days and return them afterward
- Shut off the water to prevent water damage, but make sure your sprinklers will stay on
- Ensure smoke detectors are in working condition and have fresh batteries
- Evaluate trees and limbs for safety in case of high winds or heavy rain in your absence
- Replace old or hollow doors with solid ones and good locks to deter break-ins
Of course, it’s possible despite all your precautions that something could happen while you’re away, and it’s important to be prepared if it does. Make an inventory of everything in your home and take pictures of it all before you leave. Arrange to review your homeowners insurance policy with a trusted agent to ensure you have adequate coverage. Even if you rent, your agent can help you with a renters insurance policy to help protect you from losses.
For additional help with your homeowner insurance policy or renters insurance policy needs, contact Pettineo Insurance Agency today at (954) 493-9424 or visit www.pettineo.com for a free quote.
Pettineo Insurance Agency Inc. provides homeowners and renters insurance coverage in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, Lighthouse Point and all of Florida. As an independent agent we represent many top rated companies in both the personal and commercial lines. We place your policy with the company offering the best coverage at a reasonable price. We offer a complete line of personal, commercial, life and health insurance products, designed exclusively for your insurance needs. Serving South Florida for almost 30 years, Pettineo Insurance offers the highly personalized service and stability that you should expect from your insurance agent.
