• If possible, have someone house-sit your home or check in on the house.
• Take steps to make the house look occupied, such as a light timer. If you can’t do that, consider leaving some lights on. Have the lawn mowed, snow plowed, leaves raked.
• Stop mail and newspapers, or better yet: have a friend or neighbor pick them up each day.
• If possible, forward telephone calls so they will be answered.
• Let local police, fire, close neighbors, and security company know you will be away.
• Do not leave notes or anything around the home that can alert someone to your absence.

If a burglary or other damage to your home does happen, you will have made it easier on yourself if you’ve already recorded what you have and its value. A good way to create such a catalog is to have a friend or family member videotape you as you go about the house. Stop in each room and describe its significant contents, where and when purchased, and value. This will help you communicate with your insurance company should you have to file a claim. (Keep copies of such records somewhere offsite, in case the originals would be destroyed in damage to the home.) For unusually valuable items, such as artwork or a very expensive piece of furniture, make an effort to keep actual proof, such as a statement or appraisal.

Be sure that your insurance coverage is written on a replacement-cost basis. Please keep in mind, however, that if you decide not to replace an item, your insurance company will probably take some depreciation. Also, check to see what internal limits of coverage you have on such items as jewelry and silverware. All good reasons to revisit your policy! For more  information—and your peace of mind—review your homeowners coverage with your agent.

Gordon Wenner is a graduate ofBowling GreenStateUniversitywhere he majored in insurance. He is past president of Summit County Independent Insurance Agents Association, the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce and Fairlawn Country Club.

In business since 1975, Jones & Wenner is a large, diversified independent insurance agency in Fairlawn. Call 330-867-4434 with your insurance questions or visit www.jones-wenner.com.

To be safe, practice these fire-safety tips:

• Remain in the kitchen while frying, grilling or doing any cooking. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
• When using space heaters, give them enough room. Anything that can burn should be kept at least three feet away from the heater.
• Replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords; do not try to repair them.
• Do not use the oven to heat a room or the house. Ovens and stovetops are not designed for this purpose. Besides the danger of fire, there is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of gas stoves.
• Be careful using lighted candles—make sure they are in safe holders and keep them away from flammable materials.

For more about winter fire safety, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/winter and www.nfpa.org/winter.

A homeowner’s insurance policy will usually cover damage due to wind, fire and lightning. In addition, policies typically cover other structures on the premises, such as a garage or tool shed, as well as damage to furniture, clothes, appliances and other personal possessions up to the limits of your policy and its replacement-cost provisions. Check with your insurance agent for the details of your policy.

Above all, practice preventive care. No matter how good your coverage is, a fire can take too many things that can never be replaced.

According to NOAA’s National Weather Service, La Niña has re-emerged in the tropical Pacific Ocean and is forecasted to gradually strengthen into winter.

Be prepared. Once a storm hits it is too late to gather what you need. Many websites list items to include in a basic emergency supply kit. Dominion Energy’s list includes: a gallon of water per person per day, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, battery powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust masks, moist towelettes, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, can opener, local maps, and cell phone with appropriate chargers.

Food safety. Weather and other disasters—including loss of power from wind, snow or ice—can jeopardize the safety of your food. Learn more about food safety from the USDA Consumer’s Guide at www.fsis.usda.gov/fact_sheets.

Review your insurance coverage. Review your current policy carefully to make sure you are covered for severe weather events. Threats include thunderstorms, windstorms, tornadoes, flooding, ice storms, hail and heavy snow. Contact your insurance agent with questions: if you have not updated your coverage, now would be a good time to do so.

File a claim if damage occurs. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to determine if a claim should be filed and what information is required. Do your research on contractors before choosing one to perform any needed repairs: ask neighbors for recommendations or go online to read company reviews. The Ohio Insurance Institute provides information about filing a homeowners’ claim at http://www.ohioinsurance.org.