Now that summer is in full swing, it’s likely that you and your kids are spending a lot of time cooling off by the pool. Here are some pool safety tips to help keep your backyard oasis secure and safe.
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Tag Archives: smart devices
7 smart devices that protect your home
Keeping your home safe these days goes way beyond guard dogs, spotlights and deadbolts. Smart devices help you control access and keep an eye on things from anywhere on your mobile device. And they never take doggie naps (sorry, Coco).
Below are just some of the ways smart devices can protect your home, plus some product options to consider. Of course, new applications are being invented all the time. So get reading and get smart.
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14 hidden trouble spots for water damage in your home
How do you scare even the bravest homeowner? Mention water damage. Plumbing problems, bad drainage, and any number of cracks, leaks and broken pipes are the stuff of nightmares.
Given the chance, water will find a way.
The good news? You can often avoid the stress and mess by stopping water damage at its source. Below, our Claims team shares easy steps you can take right away.
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Detect home emergencies with these 5 devices
You work hard to protect your house, but you can’t be expected to detect every danger that threatens it. What if you’re out of the house when a fire starts or asleep? What about an invisible or undetectable threat like carbon monoxide? These home safety detectors can help protect you in these situations and more.
- Smoke Alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed in and outside of every bedroom with at least one alarm per floor. Be sure to replace the batteries twice a year, even if your alarm is attached to the home’s electrical system. Run a quick test once a month to make sure those batteries and all the alarms are working properly.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector. Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and deadly. Install CO detectors in the same locations as smoke alarms or look into alarms that detect both. If your CO detectors ever go off, quickly evacuate the home and call 911 or your local fire department, even if nothing seems amiss. Wait outside for emergency personnel to access the situation.
- Radon Detector. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. It’s a colorless and odorless gas that can only be detected with home radon tests and detectors. Properly maintained radon detectors will continuously monitor radon gas levels in your home and alert you if it reaches unsafe levels. Depending on the level, your home may need radon mitigation.
- Gas Leak Detector. Gas leaks can quickly turn from a smelly nuisance to an explosive situation. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a distinctive scent to it. If you smell it or your natural gas leak detector alerts you, you should avoid turning anything on that might cause a spark or flame. Immediately evacuate the home and call 911 or your local fire department. You can choose from hand-held devices or plug-in devices which offer continuous monitoring.
- Water Sensors. Get notified of water leaks before the damage is done with smart water sensors. Place the sensors in areas where unwanted water is most likely to leak such as a by your toilet, hot water tank, or washing machine. When properly set up, most are designed to alert you if water touches the sensor, such as through an app on your smartphone or computer. Consider adding an automatic water shut-off valve to your main line which is designed to automatically turn the water off when a leak is detected.
For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.