(NC) —  Homeowners can go a long way toward protecting themselves against disaster in their homes by understanding the circumstances that cause fire and water damage, and taking steps to avoid them. “It is important for everyone to be mindful of the most common home insurance claims so they can protect against them,” says John Jenner, the vice president of marketing and communications at Western Financial Group. “Taking precautions to prevent fire and water accidents can go a long way and spare homeowners from potential disaster.” Water Damage According to Jenner, water-related damage is one of the top home insurance claims submitted by Canadians. Water damage can be extensive and repairs expensive. Talk to your insurance representative to make sure you understand your coverage. Does it extend to pipes bursting, flooding from outside, sewer backup, water entering by openings caused by wind or hail and living expenses if your home is so badly damaged you are unable to return home? Also, if you are away from home for more than 30 days, your coverage might change. Speak to your home insurance provider to discuss ways to make sure your coverage suits your needs. There are several ways you can protect against water damage: - Inspect your eavestroughs to ensure they are clear and your downspouts extend at least six feet from your basement wall. Make sure the water is draining toward the street, backyard or back lane. - Inspect your pipes and faucets for leaks, if you find any, fix them immediately. - Install a sump pump to prevent outside water from entering your home. - If you're leaving home during the regular heating season, drain your plumbing or arrange for someone to check your home daily to ensure the heat is being maintained and your pipes haven't frozen. - If your basement is prone to flooding, move family heirlooms to a safe place and raise large appliances, hot water heaters and furniture up on blocks. Fire Damage This is another of the top home insurance claims. Not only are fires extremely dangerous, they can quickly destroy a whole home full of possessions, memories and records. “We should get in the habit of checking smoke detectors at least once a month,” says Jenner. “There should be a smoke detector outside every bedroom and on every floor, including the basement. A working smoke detector is your best protection against getting caught in a home fire, though home owners should also take precautions to avoid the fire starting in the first place.” There are several ways you can protect against fire damage: - If you use portable heaters, turn them off before you go to sleep. - Have your chimney cleaned at least once every two years. - Never leave candles unattended, use sturdy holders, and if you leave the room blow them out. - Don't leave your cooking unattended. Even if you have to leave the room for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. - If you have children, hide matches and lighters and make sure they understand the dangers of fire. - If you smoke, be extremely careful. Never smoke in bed, and dampen cigarette butts before disposing them. If you do experience fire or water damage in your home, call your insurance representative immediately to discuss your coverage, assess the damage, and work to get you back on track as quickly as possible.