Try to look at your home through the eyes of an intruder. How vulnerable are you? What improvements can you make to better protect your family and property?
- Check all windows. Do they lock securely? Are there broken or loose panes that should be repaired?
Are basement windows secure? Consider installing a bar across the center of basement windows to prevent intruders from entering. It should be removable from the inside to permit escape in the event of a fire.
- Do all doors have deadbolts or other secure locks? Can you see who’s at the door before opening it?
- Are doors or windows obscured by overgrown shrubs? If so, a thorough trimming is in order- don’t provide intruders with places to hid while they do their dirty work.
- Does your property have appropriate lightning? Motion sensors installed on exterior lightning can be an inexpensive way to defer potential thieves.
- Turn the telephone and answering machine volume down when you go out so burglars can’t hear that no one’s home.
- Don’t leave notes for family or friends outside your home.
- Don’t leave tools or ladders lying around your yard since impulse burglars can use them to gain access to your home.
- If you’re planning to go away, either have your mail picked up by a trusted neighbor or have your local post office stop delivery until you get back. You’ll also want to cancel any other regular deliveries such as newspapers.
- Tell relatives or neighbors when you’ll be back and let them know where you can be reached in an emergency.
Fire Prevention:
In addition to protecting your home against break-ins and intruders, you should also take some simple precautions to help prevent another, and often more devastating threat-fire.
Check Hot Spots - The first step toward better fire prevention is to determine where your home’s potential hot spots are located. Hot spots are hazard areas that can start a fire.
- The most common hot spot can be faulty wiring, to help avoid this danger, have all electrical work done by a qualified technician.
- Circuit Breakers- If your circuits are overloaded this could be a potential hazard. If you need more outlets, have them installed professionally.
- Kitchen- Always make sure your burners are off on the oven when you leave the house or go to sleep at night. Make sure a fire extinguisher is handy in this area, and that all members of the household know how to use it. If you smell gas, you are advised to leave your home immediately. One in a safe location, call the gas company and alert them of the situation
Grilling Safety:
- Keep your grill away from anything flammable- including your home, shrubs and cars.
- Protect yourself with oven mitts and a heavy apron.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by never using a charcoal or gas grill inside your home or in an enclosed area.
- Don’t let small children remove or place food on the grill.
- Don’t leave an uncovered grill unattended.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- Prevent gas leaks by promptly replacing scratched or nicked connectors.
- Keep propane containers upright at all times and keep outdoors.
Smoke Alarms
- Check smoke alarms at least twice a year (suggestion: check at daylight savings time in Spring and Fall.)
- Be sure they’re working and that the batteries are always changed.
- Have an emergency fire plan for your family in case the smoke alarms go off. Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do and how to get out.
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Coverage cannot be initiated or changed by email or leaving a message, you must speak to an agent.
Street address: Klein Insurance Group, 702 N. High Point Rd, Suite 201, Madison, WI 53717-2283
Mailing Address: Klein Insurance Group, PO Box 45470, Madison, WI 53744-5470
Phone: (608) 831-9700 or (800) 643-6133 FAX: (608) 831-4777
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00-4:30 Friday 8:00-3:00
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