Your Villa Magazine - Foothill Cities - November-December - 2023

BrandPointContent.com edited by YourVilla Sta Five ways to protect your home According to a recent COUNTRY Financial Security Index, one in four homeowners has experienced property damage due to severe weather or natural disasters, an increase from one in five last year. Check out these five ways you can prepare your home: 1. Create an inventory In the event of a disaster, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to remember all your possessions, making it difficult to accurately assess the damage and loss to your home. An up-to-date home inventory can help you settle insurance claims faster and restore your home. While it may seem daunting to inventory all your possessions, it is a relatively simple process. Start by picking an easy spot - like your kitchen - and record your kitchen appliances. As you purchase new household items, get into the habit of recording them as you go and make sure to save your receipts. 2. Save for emergencies Severe weather and natural disasters can happen at any time and can be costly, so it’s critical to have enough savings in your emergency funds. More than three in four homeowners (77%) say they have enough money to cover their home insurance deductible if they experience major home damage. However, many homeowners are not prepared for the cost of weather- related home damages. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, you should keep a small amount of cash in small bills at home in a safe place, such as a fire- and weather-proof safe. This will allow you to buy supplies, fuel and food in case a disaster makes using ATMs and credit cards impossible. 3. Prioritize home maintenance Regular home maintenance can help prevent damage to your home and potential home insurance claims. For example, by removing loose siding, broken shingles and dead tree limbs from your yard, you can reduce the chance of damage to your home from flying debris. 4. Review your home insurance policy When reviewing your policy, check to see what it covers. It’s important to understand the type of coverage you have. For example, Actual Cash Value protection subtracts depreciation from the value of your home or belongings. However, Replacement Cost does not subtract for depreciation, so it’s based on today’s costs. This is also a time to inform your insurance agent of upgrades you have made to your home to make sure you’re covered. 5. Upgrade your home Home improvement projects not only increase your home’s curb appeal, but they can also keep you safe in cases of severe weather. For example, you can replace your current windows with impact- resistant ones. During a storm, your roof is vulnerable to water and debris damage. If you are replacing your roof, consider upgrading to a metal roofing system, which is known to be more durable and can sustain higher winds. D E S I G N + B U I L D yourvillamagazine.com | 43