You purchase homeowners insurance to protect yourself from the financial hardship that a total loss could bring. Yet
losses that occur are less than total losses that could have easily been prevented through a program of regular preventive
maintenance.

Below are some tips to help get you started on your own home preventive maintenance program t
a many losses occurring:

Everyday Loss Prevention

• Remove lint from clothes dryer after each use.
• Store hair dryer only after it has cooled down.
• Do not leave candles unattended. Make sure they’re in a safe location while in use.
• Do not leave space heaters unattended. Ensure they’re p
• Do not leave an in-use fireplace unattended.
• Never leave coffeemakers, irons, toasters, or other s
• Properly extinguish smoking materials. NEVER smoke in bed!
• Purchase surge protectors for electronic equipment such as computers, home thea

Monthly/Quarterly

• Check air conditioning/heating system air filt
• Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they’re fully charged
• Inspect main circuit breaker or electrical panel
• Check for cracks or separations in caulking around ba
of homeowner’s insurance losses
• Check batteries in smoke detectors
• Look at the hoses connecting toilets and sinks
hoses- a very inexpensive loss prevention tool
• Clean or replace dirty range hood filter
• Check refrigerator and icemaker wa
• Look for water leakage around water
• Inspect hot water heater’s exterior seams, drip pan, and water co
• Check dishwasher and washing machine hose
braided hoses- a very inexpensive loss prevention tool
• Check dryer vent for lint blockage
making your dryer operate more efficiently.
Property Loss Prevention Tips
You purchase homeowners insurance to protect yourself from the financial hardship that a total loss could bring. Yet
losses that could have easily been prevented through a program of regular preventive
started on your own home preventive maintenance program that will reduce the chance of
y Loss Prevention
Remove lint from clothes dryer after each use.
Store hair dryer only after it has cooled down.
Do not leave candles unattended. Make sure they’re in a safe location while in use.
Do not leave space heaters unattended. Ensure they’re powered off after use.
use fireplace unattended.
Never leave coffeemakers, irons, toasters, or other small appliances that are in use unattended.
Properly extinguish smoking materials. NEVER smoke in bed!
electronic equipment such as computers, home theater systems, fish tanks etc
Check air conditioning/heating system air filters and replace as necessary.
ensure they’re fully charged.
breaker or electrical panel.
Check for cracks or separations in caulking around bathtubs, toilets, faucets and sinks (water damage is a major cause
s insurance losses).
smoke detectors.
Look at the hoses connecting toilets and sinks to ensure no cracks or leaks (replace rubber hoses with steel braided
a very inexpensive loss prevention tool).
lace dirty range hood filter.
icemaker water lines to ensure no leaks or signs of cracking.
Look for water leakage around water filter tanks and connections.
Inspect hot water heater’s exterior seams, drip pan, and water connections to ensure no leaks.
Check dishwasher and washing machine hoses to ensure no cracks, splitting or leaks (replace rubber hoses with steel
a very inexpensive loss prevention tool).
dryer vent for lint blockage. This can help prevent fire damage and it could help reduce energy consumption by
operate more efficiently.
You purchase homeowners insurance to protect yourself from the financial hardship that a total loss could bring. Yet most
losses that could have easily been prevented through a program of regular preventive
hat will reduce the chance of
unattended.
tems, fish tanks etc.
mage is a major cause
ace rubber hoses with steel braided
rubber hoses with steel
This can help prevent fire damage and it could help reduce energy consumption by

Semi-annually/Annually
• Inspect the roof and replace damaged shingles.
• Ensure that the flashing around chimney systems is sealed.
• Have chimney professionally cleaned.
• Check siding for signs of deterioration caused by rot, mold, or insects.
• Check and clean all gutters and downspouts, if necessary.
• Recaulk windows and doors.
• Check and repair or replace weather stripping on exterior doors.
• Check exterior painted or stained surfaces and refinish as needed.
• Inspect grout around any tile floor and touch up.
• Trim all trees surrounding the property to avoid branches from falling and damaging the residence and to also reduce
potential fire hazards to the structure.
• Properly plant and maintain any fire resistant ground cover and maintain proper brush clearance to reduce fire
hazards.

Be prepared before a loss

Insurance is something you purchase hoping you never have to use it. However, if you do have a loss, here are a few
points to keep in mind: “In case of an emergency call 911”

• Before something happens – be prepared.
• Keep a list of all the contents in your home, and put it somewhere safe other than your home.
• Take pictures and update the list annually. Many people videotape each room and the contents. Keep receipts for all
“big ticket” items.
• Because the cost of replacing your house rises each year, review your policy annually to insure adequate coverage.
• Immediately after a potential loss occurs, take all necessary steps to protect the property from further damage.
• In case of robbery or vandalism, call the police.
• Call your agent at Schmidt Brothers Insurance. We will explain your policy and options as well as advise you about any
further action you should take. Call us 858-513-7780 or [email protected]