Posts Tagged ‘carbon monoxide detectors’

The Top Four Things you must have to Protect your Family and your Home

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

For most people, one of the most important things they can do is ensure that their family and their home and its contents are protected.  In order to accomplish this, there are a few essentials that you should always have to protect your family and your home:

  1. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor - Make it a point to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Most smoke detectors are sealed now, meaning that there are no batteries to change, so consider purchasing one of these newer detectors. If your smoke detectors do take batteries, then follow the general rule of replacing them twice a year. A good way to remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors is to do it when the clocks are changed. Most carbon monoxide detectors are plugged into an electrical outlet, but you may also want to consider one that operates on batteries in case you lose your electrical power.

  2. Fire extinguishers on every floor - Fire extinguishers are essential for your home, as well, especially near the kitchen. Replace them every few years or when the manufacturer recommends, and teach all members of your family (as well as yourself) how and when to use them. If you need guidance on the proper way to use a fire extinguisher, contact a member of your local fire department for a quick tutorial.

  3. Home security devices - Home security device can be anything from deadbolts to alarm systems. Only you can decide what is best for your family; however, you may also benefit from speaking to a security specialist who can recommend ways in which you can secure your home.

  4. A comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy - One of the most important things you can have is a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy. Review it annually to make sure it still covers your home and its replacement value, and consider purchasing insurance riders if you want to insure costly antiques or jewelry. If you are looking to save money, resist the urge to lower your benefits; instead, consider raising your deductible to save on monthly premiums.

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Increase your Home’s Security and Save

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

How secure is your home? If you don’t have an answer to this question, then it probably isn’t secure enough!

Many times, your homeowner’s insurance premiums can be lowered if you increase your home’s security. Therefore, it only makes sense to increase your home’s security so that you can protect your family and your belongings and, at the same time, lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

From deadbolts to security systems, increasing your home’s security is the smart thing to do. Although the exact amount will differ, the fact of the matter is that most - if not all - homeowner’s insurance companies will offer discounts if you increase your home’s security.

Ideas for Increasing your Home’s Security and Safety:

  • Deadbolts - Easy to install and generally inexpensive to purchase, deadbolts are your home’s first line of defense against intruders. It is best to install deadbolts on all of your home’s exterior doors.

  • Motion-Sensing Outdoor Lighting - Motion-sensing outdoor lighting is incredibly practical and can add another layer of security and safety to your home. Consider installing motion-sensing lighting near dark spots around your home and at each point of entry.

  • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors - Both carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are inexpensive and easy to mount throughout your home, but both could easily save your life. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector on each floor of your home.

  • Home Security Systems - Having a home security system installed is one great way to add safety and security to your home. It is also a great way to cut your homeowner’s insurance premiums by as much as 20 percent. An installed security system with monitoring service can save you even more.

As you can see, it is not hard to increase your home’s security and safety. Plus, the savings on your homeowner’s insurance premiums often offset the cost of installing security and safety items! Home security should be one of the first things you think about when moving into a new home, and should be revisited at least every year to determine if you, your family and your home is adequately protected.

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