4 ways to protect your loved ones (on a cruise and at home)

No matter how diligently you plan to keep yourself safe, the world is full of unpredictable events that can put you in harm’s way.

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We all go out into the world each day to work, run errands, socialize and just live our lives. Many times, we don’t consider the negative consequences.

However, sometimes we need to sit down and assess the underlying risks out in the world—whether at the grocery store or on a cruise ship—as well as those close to home.

While you cannot predict or prevent every possible danger, here are four ideas that can help you add a layer of protection for yourself and your loved ones.

1. Get a Home Security System

It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Everyone wants to protect their home. These days, it is a question of how to do so effectively and affordably in a sea of technological possibilities. Just as cruise ships have used cameras to improve safety and security (Allure of the Seas alone has more than 300), so should you to secure your home.

A multifaceted security system is an important resource to consider since many of today’s providers offer a wealth of protective resources for various risks that include:

• Intrusions
• Fires
• Floods
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Sudden and significant room temperature changes that could negatively impact senior citizens

The best companies offer you high-quality installation, the latest technology, monitoring services, and 24/7 customer assistance. For a more DIY approach, consider a system that alerts you (instead of a professional) if there’s a problem at home. Consumer Reports recently reviewed several self-monitored home security systems including products from Adobe, Google Nest and Ring.

2. Remove Clutter and Add Special Features

Each year, three million seniors visit an emergency room due to an injury caused by a fall, reports the Centers for Disease Control. Home accidents are dangerous to people of all ages, so it is important to keep all pathways in your home clear, add hand rails and other assistive devices and resources, and check in on loved ones who live alone. Here are a few additional ways to help friends and family stay safe when living alone:

• Make doors and windows easier to open and close
• Improve lighting at entryways, in hallways and en route to the bathroom
• Install grip bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom

3. Invest in Life Insurance to Stay Covered at Home and Abroad

Life insurance offers peace of mind for the times when you cannot predict or prevent certain events, no matter where you are. When you invest in a life insurance policy like those available from companies such as USAA, you will know that you have protected your family from issues such as covering large burial expenses, paying off debts, and replacing your income.

4. Stay Safe While on a River or Ocean Cruise

The call of salty air, blue skies and sunshine bring out the adventurous travelers in all of us. Deciding to take a cruise offers the best of all holiday options. Long stretches cruising through the open water with brief stops in ports to shop, sight see, snorkel and more. Most people understand that cruises are as fraught with risk as they are flowing with pleasures.

Here are some tips for staying safe while on a cruise:

• Drink alcohol responsibly
• Use your in-room safe and don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Practice good hygiene
• Pay attention during the muster call

PROTECTING YOUR LOVED ONES

You love your friends and family, and you know they are worth every effort to keep them protected. These tips are a good start to focusing on security in key environments and with a variety of strategies. Pay attention to the risks in every medium and situation, such home technologies to prevent break-ins, life insurance to create a safety net for family, and understanding the dangers of ocean and sea travel. Considering risk on these levels and taking action can help you and your loved ones rest easier daily.