Being one's own risk manager, at least in terms of personal and household safety, can go a long way towards managing claim-related premium hikes.Although little can be done to avoid them, preventing any further premium hikes during the year is something that can, to a large extent, be managed.The beginning of the year brings with it those dreaded 'annual premium increases'.If you're lost in a foreign city, feign confidence and look as though you know where you're going
* Don't look nervous when asking for directions as this will attract attention, always stay calm
* Don't wear a hip pouch or carry a camera around your neck (place valuables in a bag carried towards the front of your body with the zippers closed)
* Don't keep all your cash/travellers cheques in one place (keep some in a zipped pocked, some in a handbag, etc.We all know they're coming, but are no less effected (or more prepared) when they do finally make their arrival.It makes sense to take even greater care of that which we have during tough economic times, the safety of our selves, loved ones and homes being paramount.Install a burglary alarm sys
tem, coupled with an emergency response service, if possible What to do if your home floods * Call for professional help as water induced damage, such as damp or bacterial growth, can begin within hours
* Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying, mop up as much water as possible and lift furniture, rugs, etc.General in and around the home safety encompasses many seemingly small issues.Meeting one's monthly expenses has become increasingly difficult for many and necessitated a more prudent approach to managing household expenses.
Keep valuable equipment out of sight
* Use time switches for lights, radios and televisions (or have someone you trust come in and switch these on/off every day)
* Make sure that your post box is emptied/post picked up from your doorstep every day Safety whilst travelling
* Never leave your luggage unattended (keep it in clear sight at all times)
* Don't take anything with you that may offend your destination's local residents (controversial books, alcohol, etc.Managing risks, whether they be personal or business, is, ultimately, each individual's responsibility.Check your rear-view mirror to ensure that you are not being followed
* Be on the look out for suspicious vehicles/persons when approaching your driveway
* Turn off your radio when you're about 2km from home so that you're more focussed on your environment
* When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light has been left on or that there is someone there to meet you
* Be aware of 'blind spots' or areas that may conceal an intruder (low walls, large plant boxes, etc.The worldwide economic slowdown, as well as high interest rates and skyrocketing food prices, has resulted in consumers having less and less disposable income available.Personal security awareness, and knowing what to do around the house in the case of an accident, can prevent the insured from having to lodge costly claims and thereby incur additional premium increases.