Protecting Your Assets at Home

Your property. 
Your belongings. 
Your money. 

Your assets are yours to protect. 

Insurance claims are filed because something happened that wasn’t in the plan. 

It could be something that happens TO you, like a storm, a fire, maybe a tree falling on your house or car. It could also be something that happens to someone else, like a slip-and-fall on your property, or a neighborhood kid falling off your trampoline and breaking an arm (see note below).

There are things you can do to help protect yourself and your assets.

Outdoor Safety First

These tips may help keep your family safe and help reduce the chances that a guest or a passerby would be injured on your property.

• Keep your steps and walkways clear of debris, including pebbles and dirt, leaves (which, when wet, get super slippery), and of course snow and ice.
• Make sure handrails are sturdy and in good repair.
• Keep doorways, porches, steps, and walkways well-lit.
• Ensure your yard is even and any holes filled (reduce tripping hazards).
• Don’t store flammable materials under your deck (e.g. the gas can for your mower).
• Promptly remove any broken limbs or large limbs from overhead trees, specifically if they are over common walkways, parking spots, or hanging over your home.
• Don’t let the kids drop their toys and bikes in public walkways for people to fall over.
• NOTE: If you have a trampoline, be sure you have shared that information with your insurance agent. Trampolines may require special coverage.

To help protect your home from damage, consider these additional outdoor tips:

• Inspect your roof regularly, particularly after storms. Have repairs done promptly by a licensed professional, so you don’t experience additional issues like water damage.
• Keep your gutters clear from leaves and other debris. Particularly in Minnesota, a spring thaw followed by a refreeze can cause damage to gutters and to your roof, potentially resulting in water damage inside.
• Keep your trees trimmed, removing any weak branches that could damage your home, other buildings on your property, or your vehicles.

Indoor Safety is Important, Too

Review these suggestions to help protect yourself and the inside of your home.

• Check your windows and doors annually for air and water leaks and repair if needed.
• Change the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when the time changes – twice a year.
• Speaking of which, be sure you have smoke detectors installed and that they are operational. Many fire departments will consult with you about proper placement; some may even provide smoke detectors to you if you need them.
• Also make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in a place where it will detect an issue AND where it will wake you if you are sleeping.
• Clean the lint trap in your dryer between every load. Lint buildup is one of the most common causes of home fires.
• Don’t leave burning candles unattended, even if they are jar candles and seem like they should be perfectly safe. They’re not. When you’re out of the room, candles should be out, too.
• Do you have a wood-burning fireplace? Have your chimney inspected and regularly cleaned. Chimney fires are also a common cause of home fires.
• Have fire extinguishers in various locations throughout the house. Make sure that all family members know how and when to use them. Important: a grease fire will not respond to water; be sure to have a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen in particular.

Plan Ahead for Power Outages - Safely

If you have a power outage, whether in darkness or daylight, the cold of winter or the heat of summer, your home could get uncomfortable quickly. Have a plan in place.

• Know where your flashlights are, and keep a supply of batteries that fit them on hand. 
• Plan ahead for an alternate heat source. A multi-day power outage might find you huddled around your fireplace or woodstove. Be sure to keep combustible materials at least 36 inches away, and, if a fireplace, be sure your screen is always in place, particularly when you’re sleeping.
• In a worst-case winter scenario, you might need to know how to drain your water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. It might never happen, but having the knowledge is a good idea.

If Something Terrible Happens

You can follow every safety tip there is, and still have something occur that requires emergency assistance or other aid. Here are a few last tips to help keep you safe.

• Have an exit plan. Plan how to get out of the house in the event of a fire or similar situation. This includes where to meet. Be sure to consider how you’ll evacuate pets. Practice the plan once a year; be sure to alter it as needed to accommodate growing children or changes to your home.
• Have a shelter plan. If a tornado or a severe storm with damaging winds and hail is on the way, where will you shelter? Consider purchasing a weather radio – and change those batteries when you change the batteries in the smoke and CO detectors.
• Keep your critical family documents together in a fireproof safe or strongbox. 

The Bottom Line

Help protecting your property and your home by considering these tips.  They may help reduce your chances of a damage claim or a liability claim. Being prepared, keeping up with home maintenance, and planning ahead may help you avoid or more easily overcome many different types of situations.

Start a Quote Online or Contact Us. We look forward to hearing from you.

This article is for general information only and should not be considered an offer of insurance or legal or other expert advice.  The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss.  Claims illustrations herein are hypothetical and for discussion purposes only.  Coverage will be determined based on the facts of the claim and the terms of your policy, if approved for issue.  Policy limits, deductibles, conditions, and exclusions may apply.  Your eligibility and premium will depend on the application of Federated’s underwriting guidelines to your unique circumstances including, but not limited to, your personal information, loss history, location, and coverage.  The information herein is current as of September 2022 and is subject to change.  Coverage not available in all states.  Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances.   Policies are underwritten by Federated Mutual Insurance which is licensed in Minnesota.