Home Protection
We often rely on our homes to protect us from the perils of the outside world, but what protects our homes? Whether the threat is a natural disaster or burglars, insects, or bacteria, there are a variety of potential dangers facing our homes each day. Take charge of keeping your home (and your family) safe with the help of the excellent Web sites we've included in this guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsIntruder Protection
Mold and Pest Prevention
Unless you’ve made some interesting pet choices, there's a good chance anything in your home ... read more »
Natural Disaster Damage
Natural disasters may be unpredictable but homeowners generally know if the area in which they live ... read more »
Protect Against Other Types of Home Damage
Web sites that provide overviews of many types of damage prevention are useful if you find your home facing a variety of elements. Often, though, your concerns are more specific and a Web site that goes into greater detail about a certain type of damage is necessary.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you're moving, it would be wise to check with other homeowners in your new area to find out the common types of home damage they face. Your realtor or insurance company will also be able to provide information.
- An area's climate can heavily dictate the type of damage common to homes. If you're planning a move and aren't sure of the climate in your new city, use this weather almanac from USA Today as a starting point.
Dulcinea's Picks
To protect your home against fire damage …
The U.S. Fire Administration
explains how a properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can warn you about fires. Read this article to learn about the types of smoke alarms available, how to maintain them, and where to buy alarms. You'll also find information about smoke alarm recalls and advisories.
Fire Extinguisher: 101
teaches about the various types of fire extinguishers and classes of house fires. Learn how to use and maintain a fire extinguisher, where to place extinguishers in your home, and how to eliminate fire hazards where you live.
HowStuffWorks
hosts this video about steps you can take to prevent house fires. Also see a related video about how a fire extinguisher works.
Firewise Communities
teaches you how to prepare for and protect your home from wildfires. Watch videos about "Firewise" home protection and take a virtual tour of a "Firewise" home that illustrates how to create a defensible space between your home and a fire.
To protect your home against water damage …
FloodSafety.com
helps you determine the risk of experiencing a flood on your property, connects you to flood insurance resources, and provides information about cleaning up flood damage.
HomeImprovementSteps.com
explains the common causes of water damage in the home. Browse around this site if you're looking for help improving your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas of your home.
To protect your home from storm damage …
USA Today
has an article titled “Protect your home against a hurricane, without wasting time” that explains what preparations will and won't be useful if a hurricane is coming. The article also teaches you the correct way to protect your windows during a storm.
National Hurricane Center
’s “Hurricane Preparedness Week” section discusses hurricanes, wind, and flood damage to homes and offers tips for securing five critical areas of your home against strong storms. To see if you are "hurricane aware," visit the "Take Action" link in the left sidebar to learn about hurricane hazards, storm surges, and disaster plans.
RealEstateJournal.com
is part of The Wall Street Journal network. For homeowners wondering how they can protect their homes from hurricane damage, this article by June Fletcher offers some helpful advice.
The Board of County Commissioners of Citrus County, Florida
, presents “Storm Warning Awareness,” a site that teaches you how to prepare for storms and provides severe weather watch and warning definitions. You’ll also find links to live satellite images for the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Atlantic. Much of the site's content is local to Citrus County, but the preparation tips and images can be useful to many people along the Atlantic or Gulf coast.
State Farm Insurance
explains the hazards of lightning and how to protect your home from being damaged and yourself from being injured.
To protect your home against earthquake damage …
The Old House Web
has published a list of tips from FEMA about protecting various elements of your home in the event of an earthquake.
Homeowners Insurance
A good homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy brings peace of mind from ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
