|
Keep an inventory of your belongings
If you make an inventory of
your belongings, we'll be able to handle your claim more quickly after
a loss. For starters, make categories on a sheet of paper. You might want to
include electronics, furniture, appliances, hobby items, fine art,
collectibles, jewelry, tools and clothing. For larger items, record serial
numbers. Whenever you can, save receipts, and take photographs or make a
videotape. Keep all these records away from your house, such as in a safe
deposit box. Review the list with your insurance agent to make sure you know
which items are covered by your insurance and which items might not be covered.
Fire protection
-
Eliminate fire hazards.
-
Install smoke detectors and change their batteries regularly.
-
Plan and practice an escape route.
Nearly everybody understands the essential value of smoke detectors. But many
homeowners and apartment dwellers haven't taken steps one and three. Remember
that to create a complete fire safety plan, you must go beyond installing and
maintaining smoke detectors.
Home security
You can dramatically improve your home security by taking a few simple steps.
-
Remember that burglars are afraid of lights and noise. Add lights to entrances,
and keep landscaping away from windows. Consider an alarm system that makes
lots of noise.
-
Do whatever you can to slow down the burglar. Install high-security doors with
top-quality deadbolt locks. Add security locks to windows.
-
Keep your valuables out of sight. If you have an expensive collection, antiques
or other valuables, don't advertise them to burglars. Keep them positioned so
that you can't see them from outside your house.
-
Don't advertise that you're away. If you're on vacation, have the Post Office
hold your mail, and ask the newspaper company to suspend your paper delivery.
Ask your neighbors to pick up sales circulars and other paper that could tell a
burglar you're away. Make it look like you're home by keeping a car in your
driveway and by using timers to turn lights on and off.
|