PROTECT WHAT MATTERS

For most of us, the home is undoubtedly the largest single financial investment. Accordingly, priority should be given to ensure that adequate measures are taken to protect this costly asset!

There are a number of ways of doing this.

Before any other considerations, it is of utmost importance that one takes due precautions. There are the obvious safety measures, like making sure the door is locked when one leaves the house or shutting off the water mains when the house is likely to be unoccupied for an extended period. But there are other less obvious things that one would do well to keep in mind, as they would help to decrease or even prevent losses:

• Ensure that all ground and basement windows are fitted with locks and that these are used.
• Ensure your garage door is secure, especially if there is an adjoining door to your house.
• Keep a list of your valuable items with their serial numbers, a short description and photos of each. Keep it updated regularly and keep a copy of this at a separate location.
• Invest in a home security system; this is a very effective deterrent, and you may well benefit from a reduction in your insurance premium.
• Don’t overload sockets. If too many appliances draw power from one socket it can start overheating.
• Don’t run wires under carpets or rugs.
• Turn off appliances when they are not in use, especially in stormy weather.
• When someone calls at your home always check who it is before opening the door. It may be worth considering a door chain and door viewer.
• Never leave lit candles unattended and never smoke in bed.
• As most fires start in the kitchen it may be worth investing in a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket.

In spite of the best intentions and although one might have taken all reasonable precautions, unfortunately accidents can still happen… risk never sleeps and your financial situation can change quickly!  We have all heard of, or maybe even unluckily experienced, loss or damage caused by flooding, theft or fire.