MCF

Spring is not as meaningful here in Florida as it is up north. The two things that we associate with spring are that the hot months of summer are around the corner and on the bright side of things traffic on the roads will lighten as the snowbirds prepare to migrate north. Many families, especially those with young children, utilize this opportunity to take a much needed vacation. According to U.S. News, popular travel destinations include some of the US’ warmer states, European countries and Caribbean countries. Florida is actually ranked among the top 10 most popular US states to visit. That said, if you live in Florida you may opt to travel to another part of the state or out of state/ country to get away.

If you’re considering travelling for spring vacation, we encourage you to keep your home safe by taking some simple safety precautions and considering the items listed below:

• Avoid posting the details of your vacation on social media as there are often cyber lurkers looking to make you a target.

• Unsecured, empty homes are often a pretty target for burglars. It can be quite stressful to return home after a vacation to find your home broken into and valuable items missing. Homeowners’ insurance will cover some of the replacement costs, but the stress you’re forced to endure cannot be compensated for.

• Additionally, most homeowners insurance policies do no make adequate provisions for items such as jewellery, coin collections etc. We advise clients who have valuable personal assets to get a Valuable Items type of policy.

• Another option is to invest in a safe. In most cases, the first place a burglar checks for jewellery and other personal valuables is the bedroom dresser. Keeping your valuable assets locked away in an uncrackable safe is an action you’ll benefit from for years, possibly decades.  

• In this day and age, technological advancements have created the opportunity to access and control your home security at the tips of your fingers. Most homes have basic alarm systems. Upgrading your home alarm to a smart system accessible through your smartphone, could be the perfect tool for keeping predators away while you’re on vacation. Smart home security systems offer you the opportunity to remotely lock and unlock doors as well adjust internal temperature and switch on/off lights and more.

Speaking earlier of college students...here are some things for your older kids to consider this spring break:

• The CDC warns against the dangers of binge drinking and also reminds us that someone is killed every 31 minutes in a drunk driving accident during normal times; during spring break, those numbers increase by as much as 23%. Massey, Clark, Fischer encourages you to not drink and drive, so if you become inebriated, have a designated driver accompany you or call an Uber/ taxi.

• If you have a child or children in college who will be going on spring break vacation, ensure that they have their health insurance card on them,  a photo ID and a small index card/ note with emergency contact information, allergy information, blood type, etc.

• Also, have them set up an emergency contact on their phone so that if anything unfortunate happens, the right person(s) can be contacted immediately.

For information about choosing the right insurances to cover the above mentioned scenarios, contact us at Massey, Clark, Fischer, Inc.  

Disclaimer: The above description provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy for full details about coverages. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract. If there is any conflict between these definitions and the provisions of the applicable insurance policy, the terms of the policy control.