It’s Time to Fall Back & Step Up Your Home Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IT’S TIME TO FALL BACK & STEP UP YOUR HOME SAFETY
NYIA Recommends Taking the Opportunity to Make Your House Safer

Albany, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2016—Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 6, 2016, which means the time to turn our clocks back is right around the corner. The New York Insurance Association (NYIA) recommends using this time as a reminder to perform some simple safety checks around your home.

“Now is the perfect time to make your home safer and prepare for winter weather and colder temperatures,” Ellen Melchionni, president of NYIA said. “Completing a few quick chores now—like changing your furnace filter—will protect your family in the future. Seemingly minor tasks can make a big difference.”

NYIA recommends completing the following checklist at this time of the year:

Maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and confirm that they are in working condition. In addition, don’t forget to test your smoke alarms monthly.

Examine your vents, chimneys, roof and furnace. Use this time to assess several important areas of your home. Inspect your exterior dryer and heater vents as well as your chimney to ensure they are clean and clear of blockages. Check your roof for signs of deterioration—cracked or missing shingles, mold and mildew, and peeling paint are all indications that repairs are necessary. Finally, consider your furnace. A clean filter will lower your heating bills and reduce the risk of furnace fires.

Inspect your car for maintenance needs. Check the air pressure and treads on your car’s tires, verify that your headlights and turn signals are in working order, and assess your windshield wiper blades for wear and tear. Now is also a good time to make sure that your car emergency kit is well-stocked or assemble it if you don’t already have one.

Review your insurance policies. Evaluate your home and auto insurance policies for any necessary coverage updates. You may need to increase the amount of protection if you have remodeled your home or recently purchased new high-value items.

The New York Insurance Association (NYIA®) is a state trade association that has represented the property and casualty insurance industry for more than 130 years.

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Contact:
Cassandra Anderson, NYIA
(518) 432-4227 or (518) 312-3315