Personal Perspective

Whether you live near a body of water or not, flood insurance might be a good investment. It’s usually not included in your regular homeowners or renters insurance policy, though. Consider five factors as you decide if you need this type of insurance coverage.

1. Do you live in an area with a high flood risk? If so, you definitely want flood insurance coverage. That’s because your home, located near a river, stream, lake or flash-flood zone, faces a high threat of flooding. Protect your home and its contents when you buy a flood insurance policy.
2. Do you live in a low flood risk zone? Consider that the local sewer system or nearby storm drain could overflow and cause extensive damage. Because a flood insurance policy typically costs less for customers who live in low-risk areas, purchasing a policy makes sense even if you don’t live near a major body of water or in a flood zone.
3. Do you rent your home? Most landlord insurance policies cover the buildings only. They do not insure your home’s contents. Consider flood insurance that replaces any possessions that are damaged by flooding.
4. Do you have a mortgage? Check with your lender about flood insurance requirements. If you live in a flood zone, you will probably need to carry this coverage and prove that you’ve purchased a policy before you can sign the loan documents.
5. Do you own any possessions? In just a few inches of water, your appliances, furniture and other belongings can be damaged beyond repair. So, if you own any possessions, consider flood insurance that provides financial reimbursement and allows you to replace items that are damaged by excessive water.

Before discounting flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. He or she will answer your questions and help you decide if coverage is a wise investment for you. In many cases, the coverage is invaluable.

As you navigate the Internet, you find yourself juggling numerous passwords. You could choose one password for all your accounts, but that’s easy for someone to steal. Try six tips that assist you in choosing passwords that can’t be hacked.

1. Review all your passwords. This protective action will take some time, but it serves as a password audit. You’ll see what types of passwords you use, find out if any are repeated between sites and determine which ones need to be changed.
2. Don’t use duplicates. All your online sites need unique passwords. If your audit reveals duplicates, change them.
3. Stop using common passwords. You probably don’t use the word “password” to access any of your accounts, but using the name of your child, street or pet is just as insecure. Anyone who knows you can now access your bank statement, email or other personal accounts.
4. Delete password notification emails. When you change a password or request a new one, the site will typically send you an automated email with your new password. Delete those emails immediately. Hackers can access them and use your passwords to get into your accounts.
5. Use long strings of characters. Simple passwords like “fancynancy” or “bigbob5” are easy to remember, but they are also easy to steal. Give an online thief a run for his or her money and use a combination of lower and upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Remember, too, that longer passwords are also stronger.
6. Use a password manager. It stores all your passwords and assists you creating strong passwords in the future. Plus, it encrypts all your passwords so that hackers can’t decipher them.

These six tips assist you in keeping your passwords safe and your online presence secure. Talk to your insurance agent about identity protection coverage, too. It’s a second layer of security that keeps you safe online.

Driving your car to college increases your independence. You need to keep it safe from thieves and vandals, though. Use eight tips as you protect your car at college.

1. Drive a beater car. Even though it doesn’t look cool, few thieves will try to steal an older model car or one with dents and dings.
2. Remove electronics. If your GPS or camera sit in the open, a thief is more likely to target your car. Don’t just stuff your GPS or camera under the seat or toss it into the glove box, though. Completely remove all electronics and cords from your car before you leave it unattended. Erase any white marks caused by suction cups attached to the dash or window, too.
3. Close the windows, lock the car and take the keys. Yes, you’re distracted by a cute co-ed or busy chatting with friends, but these three precautions go a long way toward keeping your car safe.
4. Invest in OnStar or Lojack. They assist police in finding your vehicle if it is stolen.
5. Etch your driver’s license into stereo equipment and speakers. This way, the police have an easier time tracking down stolen electronics.
6. Replace the fancy wheels. They attract thieves, and wheel locks won’t deter a determined thief.
7. Layer your vehicle’s security. The more safety measures you take, the better protected your car will be because no thief will steal a car that’s difficult to move. So, park in a well-lit lot, preferably one that’s monitored 24/7. Then, utilize an anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock, and disconnect the car’s battery.
8. Purchase adequate auto insurance. Despite your best efforts, your car might be stolen or vandalized. Full coverage auto insurance reduces your liability. The coverage could also pay to replace any stolen contents.

Before you drive your car to college, follow these eight tips. They protect your car and ensure you retain your independence.

Anyone with a pet understands how expensive medical treatment can be. However, you would do anything to help your pet remain healthy and enjoy a high quality of life. Pet insurance can assist you with paying for your pet’s medical care, but learn more about it so you can decide when to purchase this type of insurance coverage.

1. Do you have money to pay for your pet’s medical care?

Because pet insurance reimburses you for the medical treatment your pet needs, you must be able to pay your bill and the deductible upfront. Being able to choose the veterinarian of your choice is an upside of this condition to pet insurance.

2. How old is your pet?

Remember that your pet’s needs today will differ from what it needs in five or ten years, so consider a policy that covers care into the future.

3. Do you have time to research plans?

Pet insurance plans offer varied coverage and don’t all cost the same amount. You’ll want to research plans before deciding if you should buy a policy and which one is best for your needs.

4. Is your pet covered?

Some pet insurance policies cover only certain dog breeds. Others might not cover your pet bird, hamster or snake. Read the fine print to ensure your specific pet is covered under your insurance policy.

Likewise, check to see if your policy covers pre-existing conditions. Some plans don’t, and that means you’ll need to purchase coverage while your pet is healthy. If you wait until it’s showing signs of aging or has a medical issue, you won’t qualify for a policy until your pet is symptom-free for a period of time.

Your pet deserves exceptional medical care. Decide if a pet insurance policy is right for you, and then discuss your needs with your insurance agent as you care for your pet’s health and well-being.

With summer storms in full force, your valuable electronics are at risk for lightning damage. That’s because lightning can strike anywhere during a storm. It especially likes conductors, such as your TV antenna, satellite dish and telephone and electrical wires. These conductors allow lightning to splash through your home and destroy everything, including your valuable electronics, in its wake. Learn how to protect your electronics this season.

Perform Manual Lightning Protection

To protect your electronics, you could unplug all your electronics as storm approaches. This method is thorough and cheap, but it’s also impractical is you are not home or if a predicted storm doesn’t materialize.

Install Surge Suppressor Protection

Available in three forms, surge suppressors absorb current before it destroys your electronics. Each of the three forms requires no ongoing maintenance after they’re installed. They include:

• A power block placed over the electrical outlet,
• A power bar electronics plug into and
• A stand-alone suppressor in the wall outlet or directly on the breaker panel.

When choosing surge suppressor protection, look for ones with a lifetime warranty because you will have to replace this type of protection immediately if it’s struck by lightning. Likewise, a connected equipment warranty pays for repairs to any electronics that are damaged despite being plugged into the surge suppressor.

Make sure the surge suppressor fully protects all your electronics, too. For example, plug your computer’s power cord into a surge suppressor and make sure the DSL modem is attached to a surge suppressor, as well. The same goes for TVs and gaming systems that require power and an Internet or phone line connection.

Even with your best efforts, lightning strikes may still damage your electronics. Be sure they’re insured under your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Record current photos and the serial numbers, model numbers and original cost, too. Then, use your coverage to pay for repairs or buy a new device.

Any time you get online, including while you take online classes, you run the risk of having your identity stolen. Be vigilant and protect yourself with seven tips.

1. Use multiple email addresses. Separate your school, business and personal email addresses to limit a thief’s access to your information. Change your passwords at least once a month, too.

2. Don’t share information with third parties. Entering a scholarship contest or signing up for a newsletter about careers can be helpful, but will the site sell your name, phone number, or email and home addresses to a third party? Always read the fine print and uncheck the “permission to share your information” box.

3. Use a secure browser as you surf the Internet and make purchases. Start by setting high security options on your browser. Then, shop only at encrypted and secure sites with “https” and a lock symbol on the address bar.

4. Clear the cookies and cache. They store pages you’ve viewed recently and give valuable personal information to anyone with access to your computer.

5. Install spyware protection. Numerous products, including Norton and Kaspersky, protect your computer from keyloggers and other online hijackers. In addition to stopping potential threats, use these software tools to scan your computer for dangers.

6. Avoid spam. Not only does it clutter your inbox, but it can deliver dangerous viruses to your computer. Stop spam by not opening email attachments from people you don’t know or trust. Then, block email addresses from known spam offenders.

7. Share wisely. If you decide to share personal information with a classmate or school-related business, do so wisely. Use your common sense and protect your identity as much as possible by using a pseudonym and concealing your birthday, hometown and other identifiable information.

Online classes advance your career and can be fun. You’ll want to use these seven tips to protect your identity, however. Additionally, consider Identity Protection insurance as an extra layer of security.

Only one to two percent of drownings are classified as secondary or dry drownings. However, you definitely want to understand this risk and take steps to protect your kids.

What is Secondary Drowning?

When someone struggles underwater and breathes in even a small amount of water, it can trigger spasms in the airway muscles. That water can also cause pulmonary embolism, or fluid build-up in the lungs.

A victim of secondary drowning may walk away after struggling underwater and look or act fine. He or she could drown in his or her own fluids and suffer from brain injury or die within one to 24 hours later, though.

What are the Symptoms of Secondary Drowning?

A victim might show several signs of secondary drowning, including bubbling fluid around the lips, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, cough or extreme fatigue. Young children may not be able to verbally express to you if they experience these symptoms, however, and you may not notice them if your child is fussy or tired after a long day. That’s why you need to be vigilant in looking out for signs of secondary drowning after your child experiences a struggle in the water.

What is the Treatment for Secondary Drowning?

Hospital staff will provide oxygen treatment or ventilation for a victim of secondary drowning. Prevention is the best treatment, though, as you:

• Teach your kids how to swim with confidence and how to be safe in the water.
• Supervise kids in the pool or bathtub every second.
• Ensure all adults who supervise kids know CPR techniques for all age groups.
• Make sure the pool is fenced in with childproof locks.
• Seek medical treatment immediately for someone who experiences a struggle in the water, even if he or she shows no signs of secondary drowning.

Additionally, verify that your homeowners insurance is up to date. It can cover medical treatments required to save a child from secondary drowning.

Bicycling can be a fun activity your entire family enjoys. Plus, it’s heart-healthy and reduces stress. Before heading out for a ride, be sure everyone in your family owns and wears a correctly sized bicycle helmet.

1. Verify Safety

Helmets manufactured since March 1999 must meet Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) standards. Look for the CPSC label or sticker inside the helmet and know that this safety equipment will reduce the effects of any impacts.

2. Select the Right Size

Helmet size varies between brands, so take head circumference measurements before you buy helmets. To find your circumference, wrap a ribbon around your head. It should sit on your forehead, just above your ears and extend to the bottom of your hairline on your neck. Then, stretch the tape on a ruler.

Small: 52-58 centimeters
Medium: 56-62 centimeters
Large: 60-66 centimeters

Ideally, helmets should fit snugly but comfortably. They also should fit level on your head with the “Y” of the strap falling at your ear lobe’s bottom. Helmets should also rest low on your forehead and sit about one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows. With it on, you should be able to hear and see clearly.

3. Look for Padded Inserts

Sometimes, extra padding helps a helmet fit better, especially for kids. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when inserting the padding properly.

4. Choose a Color

Whether you want a helmet in your favorite color or one that matches your bike, the color isn’t as important as the fit. However, you may need to prioritize the helmet’s color as a way to encourage your reluctant children to wear and enjoy their bicycle helmets.

Your family can bicycle together and stay healthy as you bond. Just be sure to wear bicycle helmets. They prevent head injuries and are a must each time you step onto your bike. Choose the right helmet and stay safe.

Your backyard oasis may include beautiful landscaping, a spacious storage shed and a comfortable patio. You want to protect it from unwanted neighbors and stray animals or wildlife that may wander into it. Plus, you need to keep your children and pets safely within your property boundaries. What type of protective fencing is the most affordable?

Wood

A white picket fence gives your property a quintessential appearance. You can also paint, stain or decorate it to match your personal preferences. To save money, transform pallets, barn materials and other salvaged wood into a reliable fence.

Wire

With an abundance of chicken wire, you can create a fence that keeps your children and pets inside and unwanted invaders outside. Secure the wire to sturdy posts at regular intervals to ensure the fence remains upright.

Bamboo

Strong and mature bamboo gives your backyard an organic appearance. Be sure to keep it trimmed if your homeowners association has rules for plant height.

Hedges or Evergreens

Like bamboo, thick hedges or evergreens can protect your property. Choose plants that will thrive in your soil type, and plant them at an interval that ensures they grow healthy and strong.

Stone

In mountainous areas, you may be able to harvest enough stones to create a decent privacy fence. It will need to be high and sturdy, though, to ensure safety.

Combine More Than One Type

The best type of protective fencing depends largely on your preference, needs and budget. The best choice might actually be a combination of two or more types of fencing. For example, you may plant bamboo on one side of your property but install wood fencing on the other three sides. Contact a local landscaping company for advice and pricing.

To keep your property safe from unwanted invaders and escaping children and pets, erect a secure fence that fits your budget. Be sure to discuss your fence with your insurance agent to take advantage of any homeowners insurance discounts available, too.