Almost every summer we read of some disasters that occur across Australia
, especially bushfires and floods. We also read about people who find themselves either uninsured or underinsured or who simply haven't kept their home and contents insurance policies up-to-date. It is a tragedy waiting to happen every year and it is surprising to find how many people do not prepare themselves for a safe summer.
History has a habit of repeating itself when it comes to natural disasters, but most people never expect it to happen to them. Unfortunately, many people find out the hard way and although we see reminders of this for ourselves every year in the newspapers it is a tragedy that we do little about it.
As we approach the next summer season why not take some time out now to plan for a safe summer? It doesn't take much effort or expense to protect yourself from mother nature or the fear of burglary.
Here are some tips you can follow to prepare yourself for next summer.
Many Australians plan holidays during the summer months so it's a good idea to make sure you have your home ready for your absence. Make sure you ask a neighbour or family member to keep a nine your house while you are away and pick up your mail. Make sure you keep any bushes or trees trimmed so that your house is easily viewed from the street. Also, use timers to turn your lights, radios and television sets on and off at irregular intervals to simulate normal family activity.
During summer, electricity shortages or blackouts are more common so make sure your refrigerators and freezers are emptied and stored at a neighbours or family member's house during your absence. This way you won't suffer from food spoilage or an otherwise expensive insurance claim.
Cancel newspaper and mail deliveries during periods of your absence if you can't get someone to collect them for you. Overflowing letterboxes are a tell-tale sign for burglars and you could be wide open to an unwanted invasion.
Summer storms are common so make sure any items stored in the yard or on your veranda are stowed away so they don't become missiles during periods of high wind.
Tell your neighbours if you are going away for even a short break so they can keep an eye out for unusual visitors. Many burglary attempts can be stymied this way, said this was a vigilance of friends and neighbours.
Have your house wiring checked by a qualified electrician to make sure there is no possibility of electrical fires being started. This is particularly important during electrical storms, and this simple precautionary measure can save you a lot of heartache.
Although these tips are not meant to be an exhaustive list, they should stimulate your thinking about safety and alert you to some obvious solutions you can implement quite easily.
Of course it is still the most important to make sure your home insurance is up-to-date so you can endure the summer season with peace of mind.