March Newsletter from Bearingstar Insurance

Spring is here…

… and with it, comes necessary spring cleaning and maintenance in and around your home. Maybe you don’t quite know where to start. Or, maybe your “to do” list seems long and daunting. Either way, we hope that the below tips will help you prioritize, get things done, and check tasks off your list so you can get outside and enjoy the nice weather with your family and friends.

Outside your home:

• Fill low areas in your yard and around your foundation with compacted soil to help prevent damage from spring rains. Filling low areas in your yard will help prevent standing water which could lead to breeding areas for mosquitoes and other insects
• Clean gutters and downspouts making sure they drain away from your home
• Check your roof for signs of missing, loose or damaged shingles. Go into your attic and check for water damage. If you see visible moisture or staining, your roof might be leaking
• Examine the exterior of your chimney for signs of damage. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep
• Check walkways and driveway for cracks and gaps
• Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs away from the house
• Check your deck for wear. Use a screwdriver or ice pick to test areas exposed to water. Make repairs now before spring rains cause more damage. Replace flashing if needed
• Make sure house numbers are visible to emergency personnel
• Check your outdoor power equipment to make sure it’s ready for use

Inside your home:

• Check all home detectors. Press the button on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Change the batteries at the same time.
• Replace the filters on your air conditioner and dehumidifier
• Have your air-conditioning system inspected by a professional before the summer heat arrives
• Pull out your dryer and clean out all lint from the exhaust hose and vent. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the build-up of lint is a common cause of house fires
• Check the appliance hoses in your home. Please see our December newsletter for helpful tips
• Check your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly. If the water in the pit is moving slowly, it may be blocked. Be sure to clean it often

These are just a few tips for spring home maintenance. For more suggestions, please review the “Healthy Homes Maintenance Checklist” developed for the Healthy Homes Training Center from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Sources:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/library/hhi/Healthy_Housing_CheckList.pdf
http://www.arbella.com/arbella-insurance/why-arbella/infographics/spring-tips-infographic
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/seasonal-maintenance/spring-summer-seasonal-maintenance-guide-northeast/
http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring-pictures

Thank you for Reading!

We hope that this newsletter provides you with helpful information about the insurance industry and how it affects your livelihood. It is our goal to ensure that you stay educated about ever-changing industry trends, remain financially protected, and avoid life-changing losses. Should you have any questions, or wish to suggest a topic for a future edition of this newsletter, please feel free to email us.