Ottawa County Agency

How to avoid auto theft and carjacking

noreply@blogger.com (wildcatsthree) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:18:41 PST

In the United States, a vehicle is stolen nearly every 27 seconds. It used to be that car thieves were usually kids, but today are most often professionals who steal them for the sale of parts which nets them more than the car would be worth if sold intact. The cars most often stolen are approximately 8 or more years old that have a low book value, and newer SUVs, mini vans and trucks. People living in coastal communities or near the U.S. borders are also at higher risk because thieves like to ship the stolen vehicles overseas or across the borders to Mexico or Canada. Here are some tips to lessen your chances of someone stealing your car:

Keep your house keys and car keys on separate rings, and don't have anything that identifies what the keys are for.

Don't keep your car's title in the vehicle; instead keep it somewhere in your home and carry the registration in your wallet.

Make sure your emergency road service is a reliable company.

Close windows and lock doors when parking the vehicle (most cars stolen are left unlocked)

Turn the wheels into the curb and apply the emergency brake so your car can't be towed.

Don't leave a running vehicle unattended, even for just a minute.

Avoid using unattended parking lots.

In an attended parking lot, park as close as possible to the attendant's booth, and if you need to leave the key, give them only the key to the ignition.

Choose a parking spot that is well lit, and away from vans, trucks or dumpster's that would give a thief secluded access to your vehicle.
Consider protection devices such as audible alarms, window etching and identification markers on the vehicle, wheel, brake and steering wheel locks, decals that show your vehicle is equipped with anti-theft devices, and vehicle tracking devices

Incidences of carjacking are also on the rise, with most of the thieves being armed. And you may be putting yourself and your family at risk without even knowing it. Most carjackings happen in larger cities, at night and on the weekends. How can you avoid being carjacked?

Park in an open garage on the ground level because it has better visibility and you won't put yourself at risk in an elevator or stairwell.

Put any packages or purses under the seat out of sight.

Walk with purpose and know where you're going.
Have your key out and ready to insert in the lock - avoid fumbling for your keys once you get to your car.

Check the car's interior before getting in, especially the back seat area.

Always lock all doors, with windows up while driving.

Leave space between you and the car in front of you at a stop sign or light in case you need to escape.

Carjackers are known for faking an accident, a bump and run scenario. When you get out of your car to inspect the damage, a second thief will steal it. It's best to stay in your car and drive to the nearest police station.

Stay aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when stopped at a light.

Avoid eating, reading or sleeping in your parked car.

If a stranger approaches , don't roll down your window or get out; drive off and sound your horn to bring attention to the situation.

When coming into your driveway, make sure no one follows you. The same is true when pulling into your garage, especially at night.

If you find yourself a victim of a carjacking, immediately try to get away. Don't take the time to try to get your purse or other belongings.

Much of this advice is common sense and you've probably heard it before, but it helps to be reminded from time to time.

Importance of a Houshold Inventory Record

noreply@blogger.com (wildcatsthree) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:52:00 PST

If your home or possessions were damaged or destroyed by a tornado or fire, would you be able to provide an accurate list of your belongings to your claim adjuster? If you rely on your memory alone, many items will be overlooked at a difficult and stressful time.

The adjuster will ask you if you have any of the following:

value of the articles lost
serial numbers wherever possible
photos or video of the items

A household inventory record can be invaluable at a time of catastrophic loss. Inventory records are available free from insurance agents, and provide you with a place to record room by room each of your items, it's original price and year of purchase. There's usually a separate section with a place to record serial numbers for items that have them. Even though you have this record completed, it's a good idea to take photos or a video of items to support the inventory record.

When you're finished, keep the record and photos in a safe place other than your home if possible. It's also a good idea to review it from time to time, adding new items and removing items you no longer have in your home. You'll probably never need it, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for whatever may come along.

The many uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

noreply@blogger.com (wildcatsthree) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:24:43 PST

Hydrogen peroxide is often used as an antiseptic on cuts and scrapes, as mouthwash, and to whiten teeth. But there are many other uses for this inexpensive germ killer around your home and outside as well. Here are some suggestions:

Personal hygiene: good for acne, as a gargle, and to soak your toothbrush.

Bathroom: to disinfect cleaning sponges, countertops and to clean jewelry. Also spray the shower to kill viruses, mold and mildew.

Kitchen: to disinfect countertops, cleaning sponges, and cutting boards. Also mix 1/4 peroxide with some salt in a sink full of cold water to kill salmonella and viruses on fruits and vegetables.

Laundry: removes blood, wine, mildew, and grass stains, and is a good alternative to bleach. Just remember it may lighten a colored fabric.

Pet accessories: good for cleaning litterboxes, small animal cages, fish tanks, bird baths, and bird feeders.

Colds and Flu: the next time you feel a cold or flu coming on, try putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. It's been found to be effective about 4 times out of 5 if done when symptoms first appear. Results usually occur within 12 to 14 hours. The following is an excerpt from an article on the use of peroxide:

In 1928, Dr. Richard Simmons hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter our bodies through the ear canal. It was Dr. Simmons' hypothesis that, contrary to what we have been taught, we usually can catch the two via the ear canal and not through the eyes or nose or mouth as most of us believe. Dr. Simmons' findings were dismissed by the medical community.

According to Dr. Simmons, keeping your fingers out of our ears will greatly reduce our chances of catching colds and the flu, but we need to keep in mind that these 2 are microscopic and can be air-born and may land on/in our ears. Once these microscopic bodies have entered the inner-ear, they then begin to breed, and from there they have access to every avenue throughout our bodies to travel, and infect and make us sick.

To read the entire article, click here.

When using hydrogen peroxide, never swallow it, don't use it on metal surfaces, and keep it in it's original dark container until you use it, as it will lose it's strength if exposed to light.