Starting off the new year is a wonderful feeling. It's also a great time to evaluate your home to make important safety changes. There are many things that you and your family can do at the beginning of the year to prevent catastrophic fires or serious water damage. These simple tasks can save you thousands of dollars in the long run In our 50 years of experience, Mr.Restore has seen it all. We know the most preventable reasons homes suffer from water and fire damage. Start the year off right with our Annual Home Safety Checklist.

Check the Batteries in Your Smoke Alarms

Ensuring that your smoke alarms are working properly can save your home and possibly your life. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, the risk of dying in a home fire is reduced by half in homes with working smoke alarms. Check the batteries in each of your fire alarms to ensure they are working properly and that you are alerted in the case of a fire emergency. We recommend changing the batteries every six months.

Clean and Check Your Gutters for Debris

Throughout the year, your gutters and drainpipes become clogged with leaves, dirt, sticks, and other debris. Rainstorms, wind, and small animals bring in all kinds of stuff that prevent water from flowing through your gutters properly. If precipitation cannot move evenly through your drainpipes during a storm, water will eventually flood into your home. This can lead to unsightly water stains, water damage, and possible mold growth.

Check That Your Windows and Doors are Properly Sealed

Leaky windows during a storm can be caused by a variety of reasons. Check around each window in your home for water stains or a draft coming through a closed window. This will indicate that you need to caulk and seal your windows to prevent extra water from leaking into your home. Unnoticed leaks can lead to serious water damage over time.

Check All Electrical Wires and Cords

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, faulty wires are a major cause of house fires in the United States. Check each of your cords and wires for all appliances in your home, especially your television, dishwasher, and washer/dryer. Check for tears, frays, and any other abnormalities. Be sure that major appliances are plugged directly into the wall and that cords are not tangled when being used to prevent an electrical fire. Here are a few other things you can do to prevent fire or water damage:

• Have your HVAC Unit Inspected
• Clean the dryer vent in the laundry room (click here for step by step guide)
• Check appliances for leaks (washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher)
• Clean outdoor grills of debris and grease

We know that even the most prepared homes can suffer from a water damage disaster or an unpredictable fire. If you find yourself with fire or water damage this year, immediately contact Mr. Restore. Our experienced technicians will be on their way within 60 minutes to restore your property back to normal…faster!