Property Preparation

It's important to regularly tackle a few tasks that can help your property be more resilient and able to withstand an emergency. Here are some simple Wilsonville Ready suggestions to add to your to-do list in order to ensure you’re better prepared for home emergencies.

Test Smoke Alarms

Are your smoke alarms getting old? Alarms more than 10 years old need to be replaced, according to our friends at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. A manufacture date should be stamped on the back of the alarm. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they’re working properly.

Make Your Street Address Visible

First responders need to be able to see your address clearly even at night. Trim back shrubs, trees, or bushes that may obscure your address sign. Make sure all numbers posted on curbs, mailboxes and/or homes are easy to spot quickly.

Clean Roofs, Gutters and Yard Clutter

Assess the outside of your home. Have any flammable debris cleared from the roof, gutters, and around your home. Trim back any trees, bushes or shrubs that are very close to your home and roof. In the event of a fire, severe storm, or other emergency, this maintenance can help protect your home and the people in it.

Inventory Valuable Items

Your home and many of your personal belongs have value. Should an emergency or disaster happen, and your property is damaged, proper insurance will fund costs to repair, replace, or rebuild. Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy to make sure you have the proper coverage. To make an insurance claim, you must know what you own, and its approximate value. Now is a great time to inventory and document your property.