If you are a homeowner, chances are you have property insurance to pay for any incurred damage your home or land may sustain. While having insurance will cover damage costs, most people would rather not have to go through the steps in making repairs and waiting for insurance checks to pay for them. Taking time to safeguard your home from some of the main disasters that could happen can alleviate these steps as well as reduce your insurance premiums. Here are some steps you can take around your home to keep your property safe from impending disasters.

Add Security Measures

Many homeowners have standard theft insurance included in their insurance policy. If you have expensive jewelry, antiques, or electronics, additional theft insurance can help cover costs if someone breaks into your home and steals these items. To help ward off potential thefts, install an alarm system in your home. Replace your existing locks with high-quality deadbolts. Placing motion detection lighting outdoors and automatic lighting indoors will help thwart theft as it will appear someone is at home even if there is not. Automatic locking gates and security cameras can also be helpful in keeping undesired guests from making their way inside. 

Protect Against Fire

When selecting your security alarm system, opt for a model that also monitors the home for fire. If smoke is detected, the alarm system will alert authorities, possibly saving your home and belongings from unfortunate demise. Make sure you have smoke detectors located on each floor. Do a check of the batteries every few months to make sure they are still energized and replace if necessary.

Fire extinguishers should be placed near fireplaces and stoves in case of straying flames. Some homeowners will install sprinkler systems if their home has large rooms where an extinguisher may not be enough to cease a fire. Consider replacing your roof with fire resistant shingles and your siding with fire resistant panels. Move any plants several feet away from the perimeter of your home and cut back any tree limbs to a safe distance. This will help alleviate spreading flames if something outdoors catches on fire.

Waterproof To Protect

Make sure your gutters are free of debris so standing water doesn't make its way down to foundation level during heavy rain. Grade your land so the pitch will divert water away from the home. Take time to waterproof your basement interior to help keep moisture on the exterior of your home during flood situations. A sump pump can also be helpful. While homeowner's insurance protects your home from much of the damage it may sustain, flood insurance would have to be purchased separately.

Contact an insurance agent, like those at Harris Insurance Services and other firms, to learn more.