Two of the most common claims made to insurance companies by home owners are due to a fire or water flood in the house. Even when home owners the most recommended precautions to prevent these events from occurring, they can still happen and usually it is suddenly and unexpected for certain. Almost all home owners make sure they have smoke alarms installed and will call a plumber when necessary, but these are not the answers to all problems concerning floods or fire.

Home inspections are always necessary to better prevent fire and floods. Now when we speak of flooding, we are talking about flooding resulting from plumbing issues. Flooding that is caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes and waterways are rarely preventable at all, but flooding from plumbing breaks can almost always be prevented. There are simple inspections that can be made by the homeowner that will stop most floods from ever taking place.

Take a tour of your home with new eyes and write down every where that water comes into or goes out of the home, even water sources on the outside of the house should be included. Once you have made this list you can keep it for future inspections and the chore will go even faster. When you start the inspection, make a note of any repairs that need to be made. Getting these repairs done immediately is what will prevent unexpected flooding or even leaking that can cause water damage and mold.

If you have a basement in the home, check for water issues and mold. Basements are sometimes an easy place for mold to grow if there is any moisture present at all. If you find mold, see if you can locate the source of water or moisture. If you can not, you need to call in a professional to find and fix it for you.

To better prevent fires you should learn to never do certain things like allowing anything flammable near heaters of any kind. This starts more house fires in the wintertime than almost anything else. Smoke alarms are a necessity, but they only alert you after a fire is started. Try to place space heaters somewhere where children can not touch them and somewhere that they are not in danger of being turned over. It is best to purchase space heaters that automatically shut off when turned over.

When you make your fire inspection list, make sure that all appliances are on it as well as lamps. The cords should be checked occasionally for these items and always make sure electrical cords are never mashed or obstructed in any way to prevent shorting out. Checking light switches and electrical receptacles for shorts is a must. If you have any that no longer work, have them repaired so no one will try to use them. If you notice any shorts in ceiling lights, have them checked out by a qualified electrician.