Fall Home Inspection and Protection

Autumn is an excellent time to switch out your wardrobe and transition to the changing weather with home safety in mind.

Inspect furnace

• Prepare early by cleaning or replacing the air filters

• Schedule an annual inspection by an HVAC professional to examine the unit’s interior, exterior, and burner and check for leaks and blockages

Check fireplace

• Make sure the damper easily opens and closes

• Clean the flue of soot and look for creosote and for bird or squirrel nests, which are fire risks and can restrict airflow

• Keep the area around the fireplace free of newspapers, magazines, and other flammable objects

• Look for any visible cracks or damage to the brick and mortar outside, which could indicate structural issues

• Contact a chimney expert to address any concerns

Install or test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Smoke alarms should be installed on every level, especially outside bedrooms

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your detectors (monthly, if you aren’t already doing it)

• Replace any dead batteries

Develop or review a home evacuation plan

• Determine two exit options for each room in the house

• Instruct family members never to open a door hot to the touch

• Consider small children and pets when planning

• Select a safe meeting place, such as a neighbor’s house, where the family can gather after leaving your home

• Conduct evacuation drills every six months

Practice ladder safety

• More than 164,000 people in the U.S. visit emergency rooms annually due to ladder falls

• Inspect the ladder for visible defects (cracked, bent, or loose locks, steps, rungs, hinges, and screws)

• Be sure to have someone with you to help secure the ladder’s base

• Always maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) on the ladder and ascend/descend cautiously

Declutter garage and basement

• Discard or recycle old newspapers, magazines, and clothing that could fuel a fire

• Consider replacing cardboard storage boxes with plastic containers

• Keep storage items 3-to-4 feet away from the furnace and water heater

• Do not block doorways or windows

• Keep the stairwell clear of clutter to prevent trips and falls

• Safely discard flammable chemical products

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.