Did you know that you may have a free security system at your home?
Most cars come equipped with a security system that could also provide home protection. Lay your car keys next to your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside or someone breaking in, push the panic button. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. Test it.
If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the bad guy won’t stick around. Remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.
Photocopy the contents of your wallet, including both sides of your license, credit cards, insurance cards, etc. This way you’ll know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep your copy in a safe place.
Also, carry a copy of your passport when traveling either in the U.S. or abroad. In case your luggage is lost, take another copy in your carry-on bag or money belt, especially if you are overseas and need immediate access to important numbers.
More don’t’s and do’s
Security experts also suggest a few other quick tips to keep your personal accounts safer.
- Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’
- When paying credit card bills, do not write your entire account number on the memo line. Write only the last four numbers – the credit card company knows the rest of your number.
- Instead of your home info, put your work phone, PO box (if you have one) or work address on your checks.
- Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
We hope you found these and the other safety tips valuable. Stay well… and secure.