NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Summer isn’t all fun in the sun. More and more, it includes dangerous heat and severe storms, but there are ways to protect yourself and your home.
Climate change brings more frequent and destructive weather from coast to coast. That’s led to a dramatic increase in many homeowner’s insurance policies. But that price hike doesn’t mean you’re getting more coverage.
“Homeowners insurance generally doesn’t cover water from outside your house, so it’s not a bad idea to supplement your coverage with a flood policy,” said Consumer Reports' Paul Hope.
Even without a flood, extreme heat can damage water in surprising ways, specifically with your plumbing.
Take metal pipes: They can expand and contract -- and, over time, leak.
“You want to inspect your plumbing routinely or have a plumber do it on a reoccurring basis," Hope said. "You could also consider installing a leak detector that let you know immediately if there’s a leak. They’re a little bit expensive up front but can save you thousands in the long run.”
Consumer Reports recommends this leak detector from Moen.
Extreme heat can wreak havoc on your roofing even when the weather is dry. It’s essential to inspect it – look for damaged shingles or tiles and replace them before they leak and cause more damage.
The heat could overtax your air conditioning system. Regularly replacing the air filters and scheduling routine professional maintenance will help avoid pricey repairs later on.
High heat and humidity can also create the ideal conditions for mold and mildew.
“You want to keep the humidity inside your home between thirty and fifty percent," Hope said. "Anything higher and mold and dust mites can thrive.”
Consumer Reports tests dozens of dehumidifiers and found that this Midea—for larger rooms—does a great job of removing water from the air, which helps maintain the ideal humidity in your home.
And if you’re concerned about power outages, a portable generator can help power the essentials in your home. You’ll want to store a generator in a clean, dry, and ventilated spot that you can access easily, but is not attached to the house.
You’ll want to have at least 10 gallons of fresh gasoline on hand in a safety container, adding fuel stabilizer to help it last as long as possible.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
