A home is one of life’s most important investments. Keeping it properly maintained can help reduce the risk of a loss and help ensure the safety and well-being of friends and family.

Just in time for spring, Long & Foster Insurance, a leading independent insurance agency that represents many of the nation’s top rated insurance companies, and Travelers, a leading provider of auto and homeowners insurance, offer these maintenance tips to prepare your home for warmer weather and keep it safe year-round.

• Test your smoke detectors. Make sure you have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house, and change the batteries at least every six months.
• Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures and confirm they are the recommended wattage. While you’re inspecting your lighting, consider replacing any halogen fixtures with LED or fluorescent bulbs, which operate at cooler temperatures.
• Inspect your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Make sure you haven’t overloaded any electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or other power sources.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for operation.
• Hire a professional to inspect your air-conditioning system and make sure it’s running properly before summer arrives.
• Remove any debris from your gutters and inspect your roof for any damage from the winter weather.
• Examine your water heater for possible leaks and corrosion.
• Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
• Remove all lint, dust and pieces of material or cloth from your clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer.
• Inspect washing machine hoses and replace those that show signs of wear or leakage with stronger reinforced hoses. Turn off the water when not in use to prevent water damage if a hose breaks.
• Get rid of any dead trees in your yard and make sure your landscaping doesn’t encroach on any utility wires. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs from power lines yourself; instead, call your power company to request assistance.
• Make sure you’ve safely stored oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a secure ventilated area.
• Repair any cracks in your driveway and walkways to ensure a level walking surface.

For information and quotes on insurance coverage, visit www.longandfoster.com/insurance.