Spring Maintenance Checklist

Kansans recognize the eerie green sky that appears before a tornado. But can you forecast potential issues with your home?

Use this seasonal maintenance checklist to help keep your property safe and potentially claim free.

Around the home:

• Check for loose roof shingles.
• Cut down overhanging tree branches that could fall on your home or other valuable structures.
• Is the siding and trim in place and secure? Is there any water damage?
• Is the soil near the foundation graded away from the home, so water flows away from the foundation? Do downspouts release water away from the foundation?
• Are gutters and downspouts in place, secure, clean, and clear of debris?
• Test outdoor faucets. Turn them on for a few seconds, then go inside and look and listen for water. Pipes often freeze and break, and you may not know it until it’s too late.
• Make sure your outdoor lighting works properly.
• Make sure fences are in good repair.
• Service your yard equipment.

In the home:

• Sign up for weather alerts and warnings.
• Have your air conditioner unit serviced.
• Clean out your dryer vent to prevent potential fires.
• Have your hot water heater serviced and flushed.
• Check smoke detector batteries.
• Make sure fire extinguishers work and can easily be accessed.
• If you have a sump pump, is it working properly? Do you have a backup power source for it?
• Are surge protectors in place for high value electronics?