Five home security tips to keep you safe from theft

•	Establish a security routine: Make sure that doors and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on. Keep your car alarm key fob by your bed side at night. You can activate your car alarm in an emergency to draw additional to your home and ward off potential burglars.
•	Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers or announcing personal information in want ads or public notices, such as giving your address when advertising items for sale.
•	Notify police if you see suspicious strangers in your area.
•	Handle your keys carefully. Don’t carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot.
•	Don’t hide your keys in a secret place outside your home. Burglars always know where to look.In addition, you can download free home inventory software from Hudson Valley Agents to help you keep track of your belongings. You can also browse through their online safety 1st store to see what kind of products can improve your home safety. These products may also reduce your insurance premiums so don’t forget to let your agent know if you have purchased any.

Winterize Your Vehicle

With an “Insurance Tune Up.” By Tim Dodge

With winter nearly upon us, now is the time to prepare for its harsh and unpredictable weather. A visit to the “car doctor” is essential, as well as updating insurance coverage–both home and auto. Recommendations from AAA Western and Central New York include the following winter driving preparations:

• A thorough inspection of your vehicle may be necessary to determine its winter worthiness. This mechanical check-up should include tires, windshield wiper blades, radiator, belts, and the battery, to name a few.
• Carry a “survival kit” in your car at all times, including a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter); flashlight and extra batteries; small snow shovel, snow brush and ice scraper; windshield washer fluid; cloth or roll of paper towels; booster cables; blanket; protective clothing such as heavy gloves, scarf, warm boots; warning devices (triangles); first aid kit; drinking water and a granola or candy bar.
• Plan long trips carefully, and begin your journey by following weather forecasts. Also, conduct as much of your trip as possible in daylight, and reduce the risk of fatigue and unseen road hazards.
• Observe roadway conditions and laws, such as speed limits and icy pavement zones. New York state requires the use of seatbelts and prohibits hand held operation of cell phones while driving.
• Consider buying comprehensive physical damage coverage for your cars. This will cover damage caused by falling objects such as heavy icicles.

In addition to the many hazards that drivers must endure across New York state, winter can be brutal to homes and other properties. Make sure to update your homeowner’s or renters insurance coverage using these recommendations:

• Having enough insurance to cover the cost of replacing the home is essential. If you built a home for $200,000 three years ago and have since added on without changing your insurance, a loss will catch you short. In addition, by combining auto and homeowners policies, a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent may offer a discount on the price you pay.
• To cover flood losses, talk to your agent about buying flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Be aware that there is a 30-day waiting period from purchase to the start of coverage.
• To assist in proving a claim against the insurance company, it is important to keep an inventory of household possessions, receipts for the purchase of items, and/or a videotape or photographs of your belongings.

You can also visit the safety1st link at Hudson Valley Agents web site www.hvagents.com where you will find several safety products that may reduce the risk of damage to your car or home.