New jobs, new schools, new activities, new weather seasons…for many households around the globe, this time of year marks beginnings. As a reminder, here are a few basic things you can do now, and should do at least annually:
- Evaluate your insurance coverage. This can include home insurance, health insurance, and supplemental coverage depending upon your locale, assets, and medical history. Is it still adequate? Is your contact information for your insurance provider up to date?
- Scrutinize emergency numbers. Make sure local emergency numbers are posted near landlines and saved as mobile contacts. Especially if you don’t have a landline, make sure to keep a physical copy of your key contact names and telephone numbers in the event of a power outage.
- Inventory supplies. Look through any supplies that you keep in the event of power outages or natural disasters. Are medical and food items still safe to use? Is your water supply adequate? Do batteries need to be replaced? Do additional items, such as a supply of masks or new medications, need to be added?
- Review paperwork. Take a look around for paperwork. Are important documents, such as passports, medical records, and legal documents, stored in their designated places?
- Check online, comprehensively. Are your passwords truly secure? Have you received and personally authorized all credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards? Do you know all the steps to take if you must report identity fraud or theft?
- Double check emergency plan. Review your family emergency plan. Does it need to be adjusted or updated?
- Renew or update registry. If applicable, renew or update your registry with your country’s consulate. This allows the staff to inform and assist you and your family in the event of emergency situations.
Quick and simple review of your plans and provisions can make a real difference, especially when it’s time to master whatever the rest of the year brings!
Written by Erin Fitzgerald, GMS, Content Manager
