Page 2 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Spring 2022

AAA
TM
SPRING-CLEAN FOR A SAFER HOME
Winter can be tough on your home. There’s no better time than spring to spruce things up – and make it a safer place in the process. Small repairs now can save you time and money down the road, as well as help you avoid unnecessary headaches.
Here’s a checklist to help you during your cleaning spree:
INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Look for damaged shingles or tiles and have them replaced. Don’t miss the base of the chimney. Repair any cracks to prevent water damage from leaks.
TRIM YOUR TREES
Prune tree limbs regularly to
keep them away from your
home, decks and outbuildings,
in case strong winds or precipitation cause them to break. If a tree is too close to your home, consider having it removed.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS
Remove leaves, sticks and other debris so spring showers can flow freely. Make sure gutters are secure and downspouts drain away from your foundation. If possible, extend the bottom of the downspout away
from your home by at least six feet.
TEST WOOD FOR
WATER DAMAGE
Make sure the wood on
your home is not soft
when you press it. It isn't
just exposed wood that is at risk. Even vinyl- or aluminum-sided homes have wooden framing and trim. Repair or replace softwood as needed.
CHECK FOR APPLIANCE LEAKS
Look for signs of leakage around your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater and other appliances that use water. Consider installing
water sensors near appliances and in areas that could leak
or flood. They can alert you, through an alarm or mobile app, when water touches them. Even small leaks can lead to major damage.
CLEAN YOUR
DRYER VENT
Nearly 3,000 home dryer fires happen every year according to the U.S. Fire Administration, causing $35 million in property loss annually. Cleaning dryer
vents could prevent about a third of those fires. Make sure to clean your lint trap after every use.
For more information and to be sure your home has the proper insurance coverage, contact your AAA Insurance agent at 866-222- 0937, visit your local AAA branch office or click AAA.com/Insurance.
2
SPRING 2022
Now!