Protecting Your Property: New Year’s Resolutions for Damage Prevention and Safety

As we welcome 2024 with hopeful optimism, now is the perfect time to set New Year’s resolutions that will better protect your most valuable assets — your home and possessions. 

Whether you own residential or commercial property in the Chicago area, implementing proactive damage-prevention practices and safety measures will give you greater peace of mind and control, as well as possibly save you a great deal of money.

From bitter winters to unpredictable weather patterns, the Windy City region poses some unique challenges that require specific moves to protect your home or business. Let’s explore some practical resolutions you can put into play today. 

Get and Stay Organized

Clutter can quickly accumulate and make it difficult to properly clean and maintain your property. An organized home not only looks more inviting but also makes it easier to spot potential issues like leaks and the signs of mold and mildew. It also reduces trip, fall, and fire hazards and discourages pests.

Create designated storage areas for your essentials, donate things you no longer need, and discard broken or unusable items. An organized space sets the foundation for a proactive approach to property care.

This also includes developing awareness of the condition of your entire property. Conduct a comprehensive review of the interior and exterior, identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to problems, such as outdated electrical systems, structural issues, or aging appliances. By recognizing these threats, you can take necessary steps to address them and mitigate future risks.

The weather might not be ideal for such projects at the moment, but resolve to embrace the spirit of spring cleaning and aim to get the exterior and outdoor areas as clean as possible. A vital part of this maintenance is ensuring your gutters are clear of debris and functioning properly. 

During your walkabout, you can also take pictures of the structures, landscaping, and interior rooms, as well as build an inventory of your belongings, which will serve as a valuable resource for insurance and disaster recovery purposes.

Prepare for Emergencies

It’s wise to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan for your home or place of business. Include important contacts, evacuation routes, and a designated meeting point for family members, employees, or residents. Having a well-thought-out plan in place ensures you’re ready for any unforeseen circumstances and provides a sense of security.

Having adequate insurance coverage is a critical element of preparing for disaster. Did you know that many communities in Cook County are facing regular flooding events? More than 200,000 properties “are at major or severe risk of flooding in the next 30 years,” and 94% of those are uninsured. 

Resolve to reassess your existing insurance coverage this year and confirm that it aligns with your current needs and adequately protects your property from damage due to floods. 

Commit to taking proactive measures like installing fire and smoke alarms, flood sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, or other smart home technology. Consider replacing old appliances with energy-star-rated alternatives, updating insulation, and sealing any drafts. This is also an opportunity to research making your home more energy efficient, which helps you save money and live more sustainably.

Cultivate a Can-Do Attitude

Everyone has heard the expression “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” but it’s the little things that can add up to property damage and costly repair bills. Addressing minor problems when you see them can prevent having to pay much more later. 

Break down tasks into manageable monthly or seasonal checklists. Handling routine maintenance issues as they arise also helps you stay vigilant and budget correctly. Many home and business owners are concerned about finances, but having a dedicated budget and allocating funds to upkeep and repairs enables you to be better financially prepared.

If you’ve got outdoor space that’s going to waste, this could be the year to turn it into a usable and enjoyable area for your family. Develop a habit of trimming tree branches, removing dead vegetation, and reinforcing small structures like sheds to prevent them from causing damage during storms and high winds.

Pledge to incorporate water-saving practices into your daily life, such as fixing leaky faucets, installing low-flow fixtures, and adjusting watering schedules for your plants or landscaping. By reducing water wastage, you not only save resources but also minimize the risk of moisture-related damage to your property.

Trust the Experts

If you encounter serious problems, it’s best to consult with professionals such as electricians, plumbers, or the Paramedics of Property Damage™ at PuroClean of Evanston. Our expertise can help identify issues or hazards you may have overlooked.

While it’s important to make and stick with a regular maintenance plan, in the case of a house fire or severe flood, it could be dangerous to go it on your own. If you discover mold, our trained technicians can help you stop the spread, remove contaminated material, and keep it from returning.

The new year brings new opportunities to make improvements in every aspect of your life. Get peace of mind with PuroClean on your side — we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!