To everything, there is a season—and this season is almost over. The first day of spring is right around the corner. Many of us are looking forward to the better weather and pleasantries of this time of year.

Still, you have a lot of commitments, and among these is the dreaded spring cleaning. To most of us, that means opening up our homes and wiping away the dust and grime that might have accumulated.

But, spring cleaning should mean a lot more than just breaking out the mop and scrub brushes. It’s also a time of year to brush up on your home’s security and maintenance. You should use spring cleaning to make your home a safer, more secure environment. It might save you a lot of headaches down the road.

1. Review Your Mortgage and Homeowners Insurance

Spring cleaning isn’t just about manual labor. It’s also about clerical oversight. Make sure all legal documentation about your home-ownership is up to date. If you have a mortgage, review your financing with your lender or financial adviser. You might be able to make changes to your benefit.

Also pull out your homeowners insurance policy. This vital piece of protection can help you afford repairs to your home and possessions, as well as liability costs you owe third parties. Therefore, it’s important to make sure it reflects your current needs. Have you made changes in your home in the last year? Has this increased the home’s value? Has your family gown? If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to adjust your coverage.

By working with your insurance agent, you can review your policy to make the right changes. Remember, mortgage lenders often require homeowners to carry insurance. So, ensure that you always keep your coverage active.

2. Test the Home’s Safety Systems

The most secure home is one that can alert its residents to hazards. Today, home security systems have become smarter and more connected. Still, it’s your best interest to use them to your advantage. Technology only helps if it works properly.

Make sure your fire, carbon monoxide and radon alarms function appropriately. Change batteries and replace the systems as needed. Also test your burglar alarms, lighting and locks to ensure they still function as theft deterrents. If you’re considering upgrading your home’s security to a smart home system, talk to your insurer. Discounts might be available.

3. Clean Up Outside

Don’t just focus on the interior maintenance during spring cleaning. Exterior durability can help protect the home from structural damage.

· Cut back dead shrubbery, particularly trees and bushes that overhang the roof, gutters and eaves

· Reinforce any structural items, like retaining walls that help shore up the property

· Fix damage to sidewalks and driveways

· Clean out gutters and ensure that drainage systems transport water away from the home. This can help reduce flood risks.

The more commitment you make to the outside, the safer you will feel inside.

4. Maintain the Roof and Foundations

The roof and foundation are two of the most important structures of the home. Existing damage to either item might cause damage to extend to the rest of the home. Check around the roof for loose shingles, damaged woodwork, or signs of pest or water damage. Look for cracks around the foundation. Damaged foundations can lead to flooding, pest infestations and other damage. Call a contractor immediately to repair any problems.

5. Clean for Mold and Pests

Some of the most damaging home invaders are creepy-crawlies and mold. Pests like termites, ants and bed bugs can often come from many sources. However, a sanitary environment often reduces the chances of an invasion. Regular pest control can go a long way towards preventing invaders. You should enlist a licensed pest-control expert to spray the home at regular intervals.

Mold can develop in any area where there is moisture and warm air. It might develop near plumbing, under eaves, or where leaks develop. Therefore, homeowners should check moisture-prone areas of the home often for mold development. Should you suspect mold, immediately contact a removal team.

6. Test your Electrical Systems

You likely stayed inside this winter and used your electricity a lot more. You also probably used your heating and air system in a different manner than at other times of the year. Therefore, it’s a good idea to see that you keep your electrical system in good working order. Failing to do so might result in wasted energy use, as well as the potential for damage or fires.

Have an electrician check your home this spring. They can help you check for bad circuits, damaged wiring or faulty outlets. It’s better to have repairs made than to run the risk of a catastrophic failure. If you used your furnace, fireplace or heater this year, clean them and shut them down according to proper directions. Professionally service these items at intervals.

With the correct care, you can make your home safer this spring. Your insurance can serve as a protective element when you experience unavoidable problems. Talk to one of our agents to learn more about this important coverage.