A New Years Resolution
I hope your holidays and New Years was a perfect one! While some of us write off declaring a new year’s resolution, many still try to use the fresh start of a new year as also a fresh start for better health, better finances, or better relationships. While all of those are fine things to improve on, the one that will literally save your life is being fire safe in your home.
Do you have working smoke detectors in *every* room of your home? Remember, today’s homes have an average allowance of only 3-5 minutes to get out. Have you practiced your fire escape plan, especially with your children and grandchildren?
This is serious. I’m going to share what we do at our home. During the day, we have our son get all snuggled in bed (he knows what’s coming), leave him for a few minutes…and then set off the smoke detectors! He has practiced knowing that if the bedroom door is open, shut it; get out the window, and meet at our spot. We do it repeatedly. If your kids’ bedroom window is second floor, even more reason to practice this over and over.
Everyone must have TWO ways out, with the quickest way being the primary. And every now and again, we practice in the dark when they are asleep; as that is when most house fires affect families.
Now, for your property. Have you taken record of everything you own? Close your eyes and picture your kitchen. Can you name *every* pot, pan, stemware, flatware, utensil, and gadget you have? Even in the far back corner of your cabinets where pans go to hide? Right, me neither.
If you ever have a total fire loss, your insurance company will need you to account for every single item in your home. You’ll also need to account for when and where you bought it.
Most insurance agents will advise, pictures are great, but pictures with receipts are the best. So, with all this rainy weather we’ve been having and your stuck inside; spend the day cataloging your home. And if you don’t have rental coverage, get it!!
At the very least, go through your home and take pictures of every room from multiple angles. Open the closets, the fridge, the freezer, the safe, the attic, the basement…and take pictures. Upload them on a picture server or just email them to yourself so you’ll always have them. If you have receipts (especially for jewelry, guns, collectibles, art, electronics, and major appliances), store them in a bank vault or fireproof safe. Better yet, also take pictures of the receipts.
I have friends who it took them months to account for their possessions before being able to submit to the insurance company. A terrible additional burden considering the complete loss of their home. Realize that the coverage you have for contents is an “up to” amount. They don’t just write a blank check for that amount.
Life happens, and sometimes it seems more than we can handle. But being prepared for what life has to throw at us can mean the difference between dusting the dirt off and being covered in it. Please take the time to prepare yourself, your family, and your homes.
Wishing you a wonderful, safe, and prosperous new year!!
