Easy New Year’s Resolutions

When it comes to resolutions for the New Year, these should be at the top of your list. They don't require willpower, and they'll make your life easier and safer.

You have probably remembered the big resolutions about losing weight and saving money, but consider some of these less dramatic measures you can take to make your life safer and more convenient in the coming year.

1. Have a locksmith re-key all of your locks to fit a single key. While he’s at it, have him include a couple of padlocks in the batch that you can use on your exterior gates.
2. Place an extra key outdoors in case of emergency. Many people already have keys available for emergency access, but for some of us it’s a chore that never gets to the top of the list.
3. Put a container of baking soda in your refrigerator and freezer, and pour a box down your kitchen drains. Make a note to do this every couple of months to keep these areas smelling fresh.
4. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors, emergency flashlights, and emergency radio.
5. Make sure that there’s a multi-class fire extinguisher in your home and check it monthly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Clean your refrigerator’s condensing coils. This will save energy and extend the life of your refrigerator.
7. Request a copy of your credit report and understand what it means. Even if you know that you pay your bills on time, errors in reporting may lead to problems if you don’t check your report periodically. You have the right to request a report from the three major credit-reporting agencies once a year, so start getting savvy about your credit today.
8. Make or update your will. More than 50% of people in the U.S. have no will in place. Protect your children, and make sure that your wishes are observed by preparing a will.
9. Clean your home’s gutters and downspouts. Standing water can lead to expensive water damage. Regular inspection and cleaning of your gutters will extend the life of your roof and protect your siding or stucco.
10. Make sure your pet’s inoculations are current. Keep your pets safe and healthy by putting them on a regular inoculation schedule.
11. Review what you need to know to be protected from identity theft, and develop safe practices for the disposal of important papers and mail.
12. Make a copy of your credit cards and driver’s license, together with an inventory of your wallet in case it’s stolen.
13. Carry a card in your wallet that has both a daytime and nighttime emergency contact.
14. Trim the shrubs around the entrances to your home. Intruders can conceal themselves in dense shrubbery.
15. Update your computer’s anti-virus and keep it current throughout the year.
16. Check your wireless network for security gaps.
17. Make sure that all of your valuable electronic equipment is protected with adequately rated surge protection.
18. Get a physical examination this year whether you think you need it or not.
19. Check to see if there are recalls relating to your motor vehicles that haven’t yet been complied with. Start by checking the auto recalls website to find listings for your vehicles.
20. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected. Creosote buildup in your chimney can be a deadly fire hazard.
21. Check your garage door's emergency stop feature by testing it with a small block of wood. The door should stop and retract on light contact with the wood. If not, you may need to have the door’s sensors re-aligned or repaired.

Sometimes small things can have a big impact. When you are making your New Year’s resolutions this year, don’t forget some of the small but important measures you can take to keep yourself safe and make life a little easier.

Resolve To Do Those Small But Important Tasks.

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