Homeowners insurance policies exist to financially protect policyholders and their homes from losses caused by unforeseen disasters and accidents. Most policies cover destruction of, or damage to, structures on your property, such as a house, garage or tool shed. Coverage also includes objects within the home, such as furniture, appliances, clothing and other personal possessions. A typical homeowners policy covers losses or property damage due to fire, theft, vandalism and windstorm. In the aftermath of any damage to your home, follow the steps below:

• Without endangering yourself, make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage. You will be reimbursed for responsible repairs.
  
  
• Phone your agent or company representative immediately, since an insurance policy may include limits on the length of time you have to file a claim. Have all the information about your loss with you. Ask questions such as:
  
  
  • Am I covered?
  • Does my claim exceed my deductible?
  • How long will it take to process my claim?
  
  
• Prepare duplicate lists of all damaged items. Include a description of each item, the date of purchase and estimated cost. If possible, locate sales receipts for damaged items, and photograph or videotape all damage.
  
  
• Be prepared for an adjuster's inspection of your home and be available at least by telephone. After large disasters many insurance companies will send company personnel or independent adjusters to the scene to speed claims filing and reimbursements.
  
  
• Provide needed information to the insurance representative assigned to handle your claim. Your insurer is there to help you; so cooperate with your insurance company in its investigation, settlement or defense of a claim.
  
  
• If your agent or company requests, follow up your call with a written explanation of what happened.
  
  
• As soon as possible, secure a detailed estimate (two, if possible) for permanent repairs, including specifications for proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.
  
  
• Keep a record of canceled checks, bills and any other documents related to repair work. Save receipts from any additional living expenses you incur if your home is so severely damaged that you must find other accommodations while repairs are being made.
  
  
• Do not attempt to mislead your insurer about your claim. Insurance fraud is a crime punishable by law.
  
  
• Talk things over with your agent and adjuster if you are dissatisfied with the settlement offer. Check your policy to see what settlement steps it outlines.

To reduce the chance of fire or accidents while using supplemental heating devices, the insurance industry advises homeowners to follow these basic safety tips.

Wood-Burning Stoves:

1. Keep clothes, furniture and other combustibles at least 36 inches from the stove.
2. Place the stove on a fireproof base so that sparks cannot land on a flammable floor surface.
3. Have a mason or other certified person inspect the chimney.
4. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in a wood stove. Doing so can result in an explosion.
5. Protect the wall behind the stove with a fire-resistant surface, such as fireproof millboard or a sheet of metal.

Fireplaces:

1. Never burn plastic, styrofoam or charcoal in an indoor fireplace. These products can produce toxic gases.
2. Be sure that the fire is out before retiring to bed or leaving the house.
3. Use a metal container for ash disposal, and do not dispose of ashes around combustible and flammable materials.

Portable Heaters:

1. Move the heater away from flammable materials.
2. Make sure that the equipment is stable and placed where it will not be tipped over.
3. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
4. Don't put heaters in wet or moist places.

Follow these fire prevention tips so that you'll stop a fire before it has a chance to get started:

• Hunt for electrical hazards. Don't plug more than one appliance into an extension cord. Make sure extension cords are out in the open rather than under carpets and furniture, or pinned tightly against a wall by furniture.
  
  
• Use listed appliances. Make sure your electrical appliances bear the seal of an independent testing organization. Unplug them if you are not using them.
  
  
• Install smoke detectors. Install one for every level of your home. Check batteries and test weekly.
  
  
• Heat you home safely. Have your furnace or wood-burning stove and chimney inspected yearly. Improperly installed or maintained equipment is the number one cause of home fires in the United States. Make sure space heaters or portable heaters are turned off before leaving the room. They should be kept 36 inches away from anything.
  
  
• Use flammables outside. Always store combustible or flammable liquids, such as gasoline or kerosene, in labeled metal containers, tightly closed, and away from heat or flame. Keep on hand only the quantity you need to fuel your lawn mower or similar equipment.
  
  
• Don't let rags collect. Don't keep oily, greasy or paint-smeared rags in the house. Guard against spontaneous combustion.
  
  
• Don't smoke in bed. Never smoke when sleepy. Smokers should use large, heavy ashtrays to extinguish smoking materials. Careless smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.
  
  
• Keep important numbers visible. Post your fire department telephone number near your phone.
  
  
• Learn how to use extinguishers. Equip your home with 2 ½-pound all-purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers. Make sure one is in the kitchen.
  
  
• Keep your kitchen fire safe. Never leave your cooking unattended, and always keep pot handles turned in so they can't be pulled or knocked off the stove. Never put water on a grease fire. It spreads the flame.
  
  
• Have family fire drills. Plan in advance what escape route you'll use, and have an alternate route in case flames should block your way.

1. A working smoke detector can save your life.
   
   • Install at least one on each level of your home.
   • The smoke detector should be located close to bedrooms. Since smoke rises, place it high on the wall near the ceiling.
   • Clean and test batteries every month.
   • Replace smoke detector batteries annually.
   
   
2. Plan an escape route now to avoid panic and confusion later.
   
   • Identify two ways outs of every room.
   • Keep exit routes clear.
   • Establish a meeting place outside the home where family members know to gather after an emergency.
   • Hold family fire drills at least twice a year.
   
   
3. Take a home hazard hunt.
   
   • Examine electrical cords. Replace any that are frayed. Never run electrical cords under carpet. Don't overload electrical cords.
   • Check your fuse box to confirm the correct size fuses are installed.
   • Get rid of papers, oily rags, or other materials that could fuel a fire.
   • Store gasoline, paint, and flammable liquids in an outside shed away from heat sources.
   
   
4. Examine your furnace, wood burning stove, fireplace, or space heater before cold weather sets.
   
   • The unit should be U.L. approved.
   • Be certain installation follows manufacturer specifications.
   • Check and professionally clean the unit before the heating season starts each year.
   • Move combustible materials (drapes, furniture, rugs) at least three feet away from the unit.
   • Burn only proper fuels in the heating unit.
   • Never leave a space heater, fireplace, or wood burning stove unattended while in use.
   
   
5. Smokers must be particularly careful.
   
   • Never smoke in bed.
   • Store matches and lighters where children can't reach them.
   • Completely cool ashes before discarding them.
   
   
6. Consider these additional tips.
   
   • Close bedroom doors while sleeping. The closed door creates a temporary barrier, allowing you a few extra moments to escape in an emergency.
   • Keep a charged, multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen within easy reach.
   • Educate everyone in your household to know what to do and where to go if an actual fire occurs in your home.
   
   

1. You're asleep in a bedroom:
   
   
   • Use the "drop and go" technique. Drop to the floor and go to the nearest exit. If you find the doorknob is hot to touch, find another way out.
   • Don't go back inside. Call 911 or the fire department from a neighbor's house.
   
   
2. You're elsewhere in the house:
   
   
   • Leave immediately. In just seconds you can be overcome by toxic smoke fumes. Use the "drop and go" technique if the house is filled with smoke.
   • Don't go back inside. Call 911 or the fire department from a neighbor's home.
   
   
3. You're cooking:
   
   
   • If it's a pan fire, cover the flames with a lid. By cutting off the oxygen source you'll stop the fire.
   • If a fire extinguisher is within reach, use it.
   • Fires can get out of control quickly. Call 911 or the fire department from a neighbor's house if there's any question.
   
   
4. Flames engulf your clothes or body:
   
   
   • Use the "stop, drop, and roll" technique. Stop where you are. Drop down to the ground. Roll to put out the flames. If possible, roll in a carpet or other heavy material. Running only increases the fire's oxygen supply.
   
   

1. Report the loss to your homeowners insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
   
   
2. The company will assign a claim number and adjuster to your loss. Keep this information in an accessible place.
   
   
3. Protect your property from further damage by making temporary repairs. Save the receipts as these costs are covered under most insurance policies.
   
   
4. You'll need to find temporary housing if your home is structurally damaged. The additional living expense section of your policy covers the extra costs associated with temporary relocation. Save your receipts.
   
   
5. The adjuster will request proof of loss. Make a list of items that were damaged or destroyed in the fire. Include pictures, receipts, or other materials that verify the value of these items whenever possible.
   
   
6. In most cases a company adjuster will visit your home to see the damages and complete a repair estimate.
   
   
7. Be selective in choosing a contractor to make repairs. Use only a reputable one that can provide a written estimate with references.

See Also:
Home Security Hints
Hurricane Damage Prevention
Credit Theft
Dog Bite Liability
Reduce Frozen Pipes
Bike Theft Prevention
Mold Tips
Pool Safety
Responsible Party Host
Household Water Damage
Remodeling Your Home