How to protect your home in winter

Ecuador is in the rainy season. According to INAMHI, we are in the rainy season of the Andean region and the rains could continue with some intervals of short dry periods in the remainder of April and during the month of May, so you must be alert to any risk that may arise.

In this winter wave all kinds of problems occur at home, water-related damage (taps, leaks, humidity, drainage systems), atmospheric damage (roofs, gardens, antennas and channels) and electrical damage (problems with light and electrical appliances ), or valuables that could be damaged.

Liberty Insurance gives the following recommendations to be calm during the rest of rainy days.

· Confirm that the roofs are in good condition to avoid possible flooding, as well as the channels clear to prevent clogging that causes leaks.

· Check pipes and water leaks that result in a higher cost in drinking water service.

· Ensure that the drains and sewers of the home are clean. It is important to keep them free of leaves and that there is no debris obstructing them to prevent stagnation and overflows of water.

· Take care of the presence of cracks, leaks or stains on ceilings, floors and walls, since treating them in time will help prevent internal deterioration of the house caused by humidity.

· There may be failures in the home’s electrical network due to heavy rains, so it is essential that you disconnect all household appliances to prevent damage to them due to voltage changes.

· Check the electrical cables that are outdoors to prevent short circuits when in contact with water.

· If you use candles due to lack of electricity, always be aware so as not to start a fire anywhere in the house.

· Avoid at all costs using chemical products to clean drains, as they are toxic liquids that can cause lethal reactions. This should always be done by a plumbing professional. · Confirm that roofs are in good condition to prevent potential flooding, as well as gutters clear to prevent clogging and leaking.

· Check pipes and water leaks that result in a higher cost in drinking water service.

· Ensure that the drains and sewers of the home are clean. It is important to keep them free of leaves and that there is no debris obstructing them to prevent stagnation and overflows of water.

· Take care of the presence of cracks, leaks or stains on ceilings, floors and walls, since treating them in time will help prevent internal deterioration of the house caused by humidity.

· There may be failures in the home’s electrical network due to heavy rains, so it is essential that you disconnect all household appliances to prevent damage to them due to voltage changes.

· Check the electrical cables that are outdoors to prevent short circuits when in contact with water.

· If you use candles due to lack of electricity, always be aware so as not to start a fire anywhere in the house.

· Avoid at all costs using chemical products to clean drains, as they are toxic liquids that can cause lethal reactions. This should always be done by a plumbing professional.

“Insuring a home will help protect assets and have prompt assistance against possible damage. For this reason, it is essential to be clear about these measures in order to have quick and effective attention in the event of damage to both the building and its assets”, comments Esteban Sánchez Valdivieso, Country Manager of Liberty Seguros Ecuador. (YO)