Personal Lines Insights | July 2023
Enjoying Safe and Healthy Use of Social Media
Social media has become a significant part of many people’s daily lives. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Snapchat provide users with opportunities to keep up with their friends, share life experiences and interact with people from around the world. However, social media can also have detrimental effects.
As you enjoy these apps and websites, you should also be diligent in protecting yourself. Failure to do so could negatively affect your relationships, mental health and even finances. Consider the following tips to ensure the safe use of social media:
Use strong passwords. Your social media accounts can be hacked, allowing perpetrators to access personal information and even impersonate you. Make sure you protect your passwords and refrain from using the same one for multiple accounts.
Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA). Even the most robust passwords may eventually be cracked. By enabling MFA, you can better protect your social media profiles by requiring additional proof of your identity, such as a fingerprint or verification code.
Avoid oversharing. Part of the fun of social media is sharing your experiences with others; however, providing too much information may expose you to cyber criminals.
Check privacy settings. To better protect your privacy and data while using social media, consider adjusting your settings to limit who can see what you post or share.
Beware of fake accounts. Scammers may attempt to connect with you using fraudulent profiles. Limit your interactions to people and accounts that you trust.
Contact us today for additional information about social media and cyber safety.
Using Fireworks Safely
The bright lights and crackling explosions of fireworks are commonplace throughout much of the U.S. summer. However, given that these explosives are readily available and often used at home by nonprofessionals, they also contribute to many injuries, fires and other accidents.
Without taking proper precautions, a fun evening full of festivities and fireworks can quickly become dangerous and disastrous. Keep yourself, your family and your neighborhood safe by following these safety tips:
Use fireworks only while outside and in a large, open area and keep any guests or spectators at a safe distance.
Avoid attempting to make your own fireworks or modifying store-bought ones.
Do not allow children to handle fireworks and supervise closely if they are playing with sparklers.
Immerse used or malfunctioning fireworks and any debris in water before disposal. Never attempt to reignite a defective firework.
Keep water nearby while using fireworks in case you need to extinguish a fuse or put out a fire.
Avoid placing lit fireworks in plastic or glass containers.
Wear safety goggles when handling or lighting fireworks.
Maintain sobriety while using fireworks.
Do not hold a firework that has already been lit in your hand or position your body directly over one.
Read all manufacturers’ guidelines and adhere to any instructions.
Follow local and state laws regarding the use of fireworks.
For additional home safety guidance, contact us today.
Protect Your Vehicle From Theft
Every July, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. This annual campaign focuses on informing the general public about motor vehicle theft, including ways you can protect your property.
Recognize this year’s National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and secure your own automobile by taking the following steps:
Lock doors and fully close windows after parking your vehicle.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended while it’s running.
Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle in plain sight.
Keep your keys with you and never leave them in your vehicle.
Park in well-lit areas.
Visit the NHTSA’s website or contact us today to learn more about protecting your vehicle from theft and other risks.
This newsletter is intended for informational use only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.