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Devastating House Fires in Maryland

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Centre

The Sykesville Online Community Facebook page is a closed group with thousands of members. It's a mixed bag of some helpful information posted at times, sometimes people just whining and compalining about stupid stuff, and sometimes up to the minute alerts if residents want to warn others of any suspicious occurrences.

Devastating House Fires in Maryland

One recent alert was about a house fire in Sykesville/Eldersburg area and when the location was described, it was a house I had listed in the past and had currently sold with another Broker. The fire totally destroyed the home and there was no one at home at the time. This Facebook community pulled together with gofundme.com for donations to help the family out. I can't even imagine just having the clothes on your back, so that is a nice idea on how to throw out a lifeline to a family in need. It's a long process with insurance and re-building and you still have to make your mortgage payments even if you cannot live in the house. 

A few weeks later there was a report of a multi-million dollar waterfront property that was also destroyed by fire. It was later confirmed that there were no survivors. Sadly the grandparent had four of their grandchildren spending the night. 

Can you disaster-proof your home?

You bear the ultimate responsibility for maintaining your property and insuring your home for the proper amount. Certain steps may save on homeowners insurance premiums as well.

  • Make sure you tell your insurance company to add smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as listed in your policy
  • Have a security system installed that notifies the fire department
  • Switch to shatter proof glass on windows
  • Trim heavy branches around you home
  • Upgrade heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to prevent fires or water damage
  • Notify your insurance company if someone is retired or is always home to see if your insurer offers a discount because your home is less likely to be broken into or suffer from a big leak.

Important questions to ask about your homeowners insurance policy:

  • Does your policy adjust the replacement value annually due to inflation or other factors?
  • Do you need an additional policy because your property is in a flood zone?
  • Does your policy include liability coverage for accidental injuries that might occur on your property?
  • Do you need supplemental coverage for valuable items for which replacement costs would not be covered under a standard policy?
  • Do you own a breed of animal that might require a special addendum to insure liability for attacks on your property?

If you remodel, be sure to update your policy. This is one of the most common ways people end up under-insured.

PLease be safe everyone.

 

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sykesville/EldersburgCarroll County or the surrounding area? We can help!

 

I’m just a phone call away!

Jeri Herl

The Herl Home Dream Team

Keller Williams Realty Centre 

800-710-0815 

Comments (1)

Michael Dagner
Brokers Guild Classic - Denver, CO
Your Denver Homes Realty Expert

Hi Jeri, did not know that entire communities were on facebook these days.  Great way to keep everyone informed.

Jan 26, 2015 12:30 PM