Throughout this year 2014, we’ll be sharing  a short list of tasks that you can do to help take care of your home, vehicle, and family.  Just think of them as helpful reminders of things to get accomplished to help protect your family and yourself.

Here’s the list for the month of March:

Order A Credit Report - March is Credit Education Month.  Next to paying your bills on time one of the most important things you can do is to closely monitor your credit report.

The credit reporting agencies can and do make mistakes.  That’s why you must be vigilant in reviewing your report each year and requesting corrections.  This is especially true if you’ve been the victim of identity theft.  You can get a free copy of your report from all major credit bureaus each year at www.annualcreditreport.com.  You can also check your credit score for free at www.creditkarma.com. 

Make A Severe Weather Plan - Spring is known for strong storms especially here in Georgia.  That’s why it’s good to have a plan ready before the bad weather arrives.  Choose a place of shelter in your home (preferably with no windows or exterior walls) and gather up a small kit of supplies just in case.  Include water, batteries, and flashlights. Basements if you have one would be the safest and good place to store an emergency kit. If you don’t have a basement, a hallway in the middle of the home would be best.

Change Batteries In Your Smoke Detectors - Such a small task can be a lifesaver if you were to have a home fire.  Plan to switch out batteries at every time change.  This month, time will “spring forward” on March 9th.

Protect Your Kids (And Grandkids) - March is Poison Prevention Month.  Go through your home and look for any hazardous chemicals or cleaning supplies that could be easily accessed by a child. 

Kitchen and bathroom sink areas and garages are especially dangerous.  Lock these items in a cabinet or place in an area out of reach.  Also make sure to have the phone number for the local poison control center in case of an emergency. 

Start Landscaping - Yes, it’s probably a little early for this one...but who isn’t ready to get outside after a long winter? 

Landscaping can add thousands of dollars in value to your home.  Start planning your spring flowers and garden now.

These should keep you busy all March long!  Let us know if we can assist you in any way with your auto, home,  or business insurance.  Call Smiley Insurance at 770-654-1843 or stop by our office at 235 Pearl Nix Pkwy Ste 1B Gainesville, GA 30504.

Myrna, Yvonne, Maria and Mark look forward to serving your insurance needs!