As the vibrant summer days give way to the crisp air and colourful foliage of fall, homeowners in Calgary must take proactive steps to prepare their properties for the changing season and consider approaching a Calgary insurance company, like MMI Insurance. Fall brings a spate of challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns to potential home maintenance issues, thus making it essential to be ready.
Being a step ahead in preparations not only ensures the safety and comfort of your home, but also helps avoid repairs and insurance claims down the line.
In this detailed blog, we will discuss the most functional tips that positively impact the health of your home and how investments in insurance with a Calgary insurance company protect against potential risks of the fall season.
1. Trim trees and remove dead branches
Trimming trees and removing dead branches is the first step to protect your property during fall storms. Overgrown or weakened branches can break off in strong winds, which may damage roofs, windows, cars, power lines, etc.
In addition, it is important to review your policy for coverage of tree damage. Understanding this coverage can help you take precautions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
If you are new to home insurance or unsure about policy structures, as a leading insurance broker in Calgary, MMI Insurance can provide a detailed breakdown of adequate protection measures and how they work.
2. Inspect your roof and clear the gutters
The roof serves as your home’s primary defence against elements such as rain, snow, harsh sunlight, and wind, shielding the interior from weather-related damages.
Keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles and signs of wear and tear. Addressing these issues can prevent water damage, mould growth, and costly repairs during the wetter months.
It is important to routinely inspect the roof to remove leaves, tree branches, and debris, which often drop on gutters and cause clogs, leading to rainwater overflow and damaging your home’s foundational walls. Blocked gutters can also cause ice dams in winter, which often escalate to even more severe complications.
Ensure the gutters and downspouts are clear and securely attached to direct water away from your home. Regular inspection of your roof and gutters is a simple yet effective way to protect your home and avoid unnecessary insurance claims.
3. Check your home’s insulation
As the temperature drops in the fall, proper insulation becomes essential for maintaining an energy-efficient home. A good insulation helps retain heat, keeping your home warm and protecting pipes from freezing to avoid bursts. It also reduces the costs of energy bills dedicated to heating.
Regularly check and upgrade the insulation in key home areas such as the attic, walls, and basement for the best protection against damage during the fall and winter.
4. Upgrade your home inventory
A home inventory is a detailed list of all the personal belongings in your home, including clothes, furniture, electronics, and other valuable items.
An inventory plays an important role in filing claims as it provides a clear, evidence-based report of possession in the event of theft, damage, or loss. This ensures you can report these circumstances to your Calgary insurance company in a bid to receive fair compensation.
To create a detailed home inventory list, do the following:
- Take pictures or videos of each room to capture all items and their conditions.
- Record serial numbers, purchase dates, and appropriate cost value of your personal belongings.
- Use inventory-based applications to organize and store this data securely.
- Create a copy of your inventory list in a safe place, such as a cloud storage service or a physical safe.
- Update your list regularly to reflect new purchases or changes in household items.
5. Secure outdoor furniture and equipment
Storing furniture outside can be a storage alternative that acts as a playground for kids, but this may not be feasible during the fall season due to strong winds and stormy weather.
To protect furniture and equipment stored outside, do the following:
- Move smaller items such as garden tools, cushions, and decorative pieces indoors.
- For larger items like tables and chairs, use a heavy-duty strap to secure them or move them to sheltered areas such as the car garage or shed.
Additionally, it is important to protect outdoor property covered by a Calgary insurance company. Ensure that you take pictures or videos of such items, and leave a short note on their condition as part of your home inventory.
6. Prepare an emergency kit
An emergency kit is essential for unexpected weather events such as stormy weather and power outages. The essential items for your kit should include the following:
- Two bottles of water
- Non-perishable food
- Personal medications
- First aid kit
- Fully charged flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Portable phone charger
- Important documents
- Warm blankets
An emergency kit serves as an immediate resource that reduces the stress and potential dangers associated with sudden weather changes. Regularly check and update your kit to ensure all items are in working order and the supplies are fresh.
7. Review your insurance policy
As the season changes, so do the risks in your home. This is why ensuring the insurance coverage is up-to-date is essential. You must understand policy details to help you fill in the gaps in coverage that may leave you vulnerable during unexpected weather events or accidents.
Start by reading through your documents thoroughly to understand the type of coverage you have, such as protection against storms, flooding, and liability for accidents.
Verify the coverage limit and deductibles to be certain they align with your current needs and financial situation. If you have recently renovated your home or acquired more valuable possessions, make sure they are adequately covered.
To avoid mistakes, join thousands of homeowners to reach out to MMI Insurance, the best Calgary insurance company for your needs. Our expert insurance brokers in Calgary can help you understand the specifics of your coverage and recommend any necessary adjustments.
A policy review can also clarify what is excluded from your coverage, allowing you to take proactive measures to mitigate those risks. For instance, if flood damage is not covered, you might consider additional flood insurance.
Taking the time to review and understand your insurance policy not only provides peace of mind, but also prepares you for the unexpected challenges that fall can bring.
Keep Your Calgary Property Safe Year-Round
Following these tips is important for ensuring your home and any other properties in the vibrant city of Calgary are safe and ready for the changing season.
By trimming trees, inspecting your roof, checking insulation, updating your home inventory, and preparing an emergency kit, you can protect your property and minimize potential risks. Additionally, reviewing your Calgary insurance company’s policy will ensure that you have adequate coverage for any unforeseen events.
For more information, call MMI Insurance at 866‑222‑6996 or contact us online for expert assistance. Our advisors are ready to ensure your home is protected, no matter the season.
