Smoke Alarms are an inexpensive way to protect you and your family. A working smoke alarm doubles your chances of survival in a fire. Test it monthly, keep it free of dust, and replace the batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced after ten years of service.

Basic Burglar alarms are typically wired to a central control panel in the home that will activate when windows or doors are opened while the system is armed.

A Central monitoring station fire and burglar alarm system uses special telephone lines, computers, software, and trained staff to monitor their customers’ security systems and call the appropriate authorities in the event an alarm signal is received. An alarm continuity system will monitor connectivity to the central station and sound an alarm if the connection is lost. A gas leakage detection system can also be installed, which will close the main gas valve and transmit a signal through the central station alarm.

Sprinkler systems have historically been used only in large commercial buildings, but are now available for homes and small buildings at cost-effective prices. If your home happens to have a full or partial sprinkler system or a sprinkler system flow alarm installed, be sure to let your insurance agent know. You’ll receive a discount!

A lightning protection system consisting of lightning rods and lightning surge arresters can protect the electrical wiring and all the electronic devices in the house.

Water back up loss prevention devices can help stop water from backing up into your home when you’ve lost power.

• A whole house permanent generator automatically turns on when the power goes out, provides power to the entire house, and is permanently installed. This type of generator could prevent a water back up situation, as well as power other valuable systems in your home such as your refrigerator and freezer.

• An essential circuit standby generator automatically turns on when the power goes out; however, it only provides power to a selected portion of the home during a power outage. To be used for preventing water backup, the generator must be connect to the sump pump.

• A non-electric backup sump pump is a water pressure backup sump pump. It relies on the water pressure provided by a municipal water system.

• Water/leak sensor systems have moisture detectors under appliances and in areas such as basements and crawl spaces. These systems provide an audible signal to the resident of the home and alert a central clearinghouse, a plumber, or activate the water cutoff valve outside the home.

If you currently have one of these loss prevention devices in your home, check with your independent agent to make sure you are receiving all the discounts you possibly can on your homeowners insurance.

If you don’t currently have any of these prevention devices installed, remember “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”