Consumer Reports: DIY projects to protect your home against storms, dangerous heat

INDIANAPOLIS (CONSUMER REPORTS) — Summer isn’t all fun in the sun. More and more, it includes dangerous heat and severe storms, but there are ways to protect yourself and your home. Consumer Reports explains that a good defense against Mother Nature’s warm weather wrath starts with DIY projects around the house. 

Climate change brings more frequent and destructive weather from coast to coast. That’s led to a dramatic increase in many homeowner’s insurance policies. But that price hike doesn’t mean you’re getting more coverage. 

Homeowners insurance generally doesn’t cover water from outside your house, so it’s not a bad idea to supplement your insurance with a flood policy. 

Even without a flood, extreme heat can damage water in surprising ways, specifically with your plumbing. Take metal pipes: They can expand and contract and, over time, leak.  

You should inspect your plumbing routinely or have a plumber do it regularly. You could also consider installing a leak detector. They’re a little expensive up front but can save you tons of money in the long run. Consumer Reports recommends the leak detector, Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff System 900-001, which costs $500.<...