Your July ACCI Advisor has arrived

By Manuel Z. Rios
Senior Vice President, Underwriting, USAA

You change your car's oil every few months. You visit the dentist twice a year. You back up your hard drive religiously. You do these things because you know that ignoring them is asking for trouble.

But when was the last time you tested your smoke detectors? Or changed your dishwasher hose? If you're like most people, you overlook warning signs around the house that could lead to something far more disastrous than a few cavities. Fires, flooded floors, severe weather damage - fiascos like these can not only drain your bank account, but put your family's safety at risk and, at the very least, be a major pain in the neck.

Like routine check-ups for your self and your car, check your policy to make sure it's up to date and contains any additional coverage you may need such as those listed above. Additional riders may be needed above and beyond the typical homeowner's policy and additional coverage can add additional costs.

The good news is you can make a difference without much effort. To a large degree, most home damages can be reduced or avoided altogether with some routine preventive maintenance. Start with this list of potential trouble spots. These simple check-ups may cost you a few hours per year, but could save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches. They might even save your life.

Plumbing
Neglecting your pipes and hoses can get you into hot water - literally. The equipment that breaks is one problem, but worse are the soaked carpets and waterlogged walls that result. That's why it's essential to do a walk-through of your home at least once a year to look for signs of trouble.

Pull out your washing machine, refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher and other appliances to inspect hoses for bulges, cracks and leaks. Replacing the rubber or plastic hoses with more durable steel hoses is a worthwhile investment of $10-$20.

Check your hot water heater for rust or leaks, and have it repaired or replaced if necessary. If you suspect that the unit may be damaged, contact a licensed professional. Don't try and fix a water heater yourself.

Also look for discoloration on the walls and ceilings that could indicate a leaky pipe. Call a plumber for help before the pipe bursts completely or mold starts to grow.

Heating and Air Conditioning
A good heater may keep you toasty through the winter, but starting a fire in the attic is going too far. Preventive maintenance can keep your HVAC unit from breaking down, or worse, becoming a hazard. You'll get lower utility bills to boot.

Every three months, change your AC or furnace filter to prevent excess dust and air pollutants from circulating through the house. Fresh air filters may keep the system from getting clogged and overheating.

It's also a good idea to have a professional check your system once a year. For a service fee, a technician will clean the furnace, check for fluid leaks and other more complicated tasks, any of which could prevent fires or major damage to your unit.

Electrical
You'd be shocked at how many fires and injuries result from utter disregard for the basic rules of home electricity. Just keeping an eye on these areas and correcting problems quickly can greatly reduce your risks.

Check electrical cords and replace any that are frayed. And make sure you're not overloading an outlet or power strip that is connected to too many appliances. House fires are especially common during the winter holidays, when circuits become overwhelmed with lights and other electric décor.

Also check that all ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are working. GFCIs protect people from injuries by cutting off power to a circuit when there's a change in current. The devices are usually attached to electrical outlets that are outdoors, in bathrooms and kitchens and other areas where appliances come in contact with water. Tripping breakers are a sign that professional attention may be required.

Flickering lights, outlets that don't work, circuit breakers that trip frequently, and wall switches that are warm to the touch - any of these symptoms could point to a wiring problem. Best to call a licensed electrician to investigate.

Security
Sometimes preventing disasters is about having the right tools in place and keeping them maintained.

Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the kitchen, where most house fires start. Check for any damage to the fire extinguisher that may impair its use, including a cracked nozzle or dented canister. As a general rule, if a residential fire extinguisher is 12 years old or more, it should be discarded and replaced with a new extinguisher.

Change the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months or so. And test to make sure they're working.

Consider getting a monitored security system that alerts authorities to possible intrusions or fires. Typically, a security system will earn you a discount on homeowners insurance.

Outside
When the weather turns nasty, your home is put to the test from the outside in. As with indoor hazards, poor exterior maintenance can create dangerous situations and lead to major property damage. It may be time to get your hands dirty with these outdoor chores.

Cut tree limbs so they're not touching the house or hanging over the roof. This prevents damage from falling limbs and also keeps fires from spreading.

Check once a year to see that roof vents, shingles, metal flashing, and other roof materials are in good condition. Even small leaks or loose materials could become big problems in a heavy storm.

Clean your gutters of dirt and debris at least once per year. Proper drainage of rainwater prevents foundation problems and water damage to exterior wood and walls.

While it takes a little time and elbow grease, the benefits of home maintenance far outweigh the work and costs involved. Not only can you prevent major repair costs down the road, you make your home a more enjoyable place to live, and protect its resale value should you decide to move. Most importantly, you can sleep better at night knowing you've taken precautions to help keep your family safe.

For more information about how to keep your home and family safe, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes at flash.org and the Institute for Business & Home Safety at disastersafety.org.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for insurance coverage or professional insurance coverage advice. Please contact your insurer regarding any specific policy converge and any restrictions regarding your current policy.

Manuel Rios oversees a team of professionals who develop insurance policies and coverages to meet the unique needs of USAA membership. Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Rios earned his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Benedictine College and served in the Army National Guard and ROTC.

For more tips, information, and resources on budgeting, saving strategies, ways to combat debt and use credit responsibly, call an ACCI Certified Credit Counselor toll-free at 1-877-969-3328.