Some of us will experience a loss of property this year due to a fire, car theft or burglary. But there are steps you can take to reduce your chance of being the victim of a fire or theft. And equally important, you can also take steps prior to the loss of property to lessen the financial consequences that accompany the emotional stress from being a victim of a fire or theft.

What To Consider

Preventing Loss

Keep your home and loved ones safe from fire. Most fires are preventable. Cooking fires are one of the most dangerous accidents in the home. Consider installing a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Smother grease fires with a lid, not with water, which will only spread the flame. Install smoke and heat alarms. Plan a fire emergency escape route for your family and practice it. Store a collapsible ladder on second stories to aid escape. Do not smoke in bed. Make a photo or video record of all belongings in your home for insurance records.

Keep candles well away from anything that can burn and blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. If you use portable heaters, another major source of home fires, always keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment and shut off a heater before you leave the room or go to bed. Leave lots of space around appliances and television sets as they can overheat and catch fire. Use outdoor gas and charcoal grills with caution and keep them away from your home or apartment walls when in use.

Preventing Car Theft

The longer the amount of time a car thief needs to steal your car, the less likely it will be stolen. That is the key to preventing car theft. Never tempt a thief by leaving out valuables in your car such as your cell phone or purse. Never leave your car unlocked, even if you are only going to be gone for a minute or when it is parked in front of your home or apartment. Since more than half of all auto thefts occur at night, always park in well-lighted areas.

Keeping your home safe from burglary

Burglaries can also be prevented. Again the key is slowing down your would be thief. Sixty-five percent of all burglaries involved forcible entry. The longer a thief has to work to get into your house, the more likely they will move on to an easier target.

You can discourage a thief by investing in dependable solid doors and quality locks for your doors and windows, including sliding glass doors. If you have sliding glass doors, place a wooden rod in the track. Do not leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to break into your home safely locked away in a garage or shed. Make sure your garage door is always secured. Don't hide a spare house key in obvious places, such as under your doormat.

Ensure your financial security

No matter how careful you are, you may become the victim of a fire or theft in the future. That is why reviewing your homeowner & auto insurance coverage today, prior to a loss of property is so crucial.

How Harborstone can help

We hope you never experience a robbery or fire. With that in mind, we recommend that you periodically review your auto & home coverage to ensure you are adequately covered. We can help you review your current insurance coverage and through Harborstone you can access additional insurance you may need to adequately cover your home, auto and assets. To schedule a complimentary appointment with a Harborstone Financial Advisor, call (253) 589-8396 today.

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