Autumn is a great time to check on several areas of your home, both inside and out!
The Kansas Department of Insurance shared a good checklist to identify and address seasonal hazards to minimize insurance claims. These include:
· Clean and inspect gutters, drainage, and the roof. Clean gutters before leaves accumulate, make sure downspouts are securely attached and direct water away from foundations. Look for damage around skylights and chimneys, loose vents and ponding-water issues.
· Remove hazardous limbs and secure exterior property. Address branches that may touch roofs or siding, trees with visible cracks and dead or dying limbs ahead of autumn storms that often produce damaging wind and hail.
· Check for water intrusion and foundation drainage. Don’t forget to check for moisture in basements and crawlspaces, or by windows, door seals, sump pumps and backup systems.
· Prepare plumbing for freezing temperatures. Disconnect exterior hoses, insulate vulnerable pipes, and know where your home’s main water shutoff is.
· Service heating equipment and inspect fire hazards. Proactively examine chimneys and flues, test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and make sure your fire extinguisher is in good condition and easily accessible.
I really appreciate these practical tips and the note from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, “Taking a few simple steps to prepare your home as the seasons change can help prevent insurance claims. By addressing potential hazards now, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage to their property throughout the fall and winter.”
In addition to checking things outdoors, autumn is a great time to review financial records. In the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?
Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.
K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/our-valuable-records_MF685 or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.
This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.
Taking a little time to review inside and outside can save you time and headaches in the long run.
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.
All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.