Make Your Own Risk Assessment
September 15, 2009 – 11:52 pm
What is a risk assessment? This is an evaluation of your home, neighborhood and yourself, and it looks at how safe your lifestyle is. When you perform a risk assessment, it’s important to be open minded as well as objective, because it can be difficult to criticize yourself and your neighborhood, especially when you think everything is fine and dandy. These evaluations can be a learning experience, and they can also serve as a preventative measure against crime.
How do you do a risk assessment? Basically, the goal is to determine what types of crimes or accidents are most likely to occur in your home or neighborhood. For example, if you keep hand towels or paper products near the stove, this could be a potential fire hazard. You need to look at small and larger picture, so you don’t miss anything in the process. If you have family, friends and experts help you, the evaluation will be more comprehensive. Below are some steps that you can follow to create your own risk assessment.
First, gather the facts from experts such as the local police, fire and insurers. You can get more detailed information from these individuals such as statistics and even tips on how to take preventative measures. Find out about the neighborhood by asking how and what types of burglaries occur and if vandalism is a problem. Don’t forget to put your thoughts and observations into the assessment too.
Second, rank the facts you gathered on how likely you think these things will happen to you. Maybe you need to put burglaries at the top of your list. Creating priorities will help you with the next step.
Third, identify the areas that you and your home are weak in. Maybe you have too much of a predictable schedule. Or maybe you don’t have enough outdoor lighting and communication with your neighbors. In this step, you will determine where your problems are as well as find solutions for them.
A well thought out risk assessment is beneficial for you and your family. However, you should also share this information with your home insurance carrier. They might lower your rate if you have made your home more secure. Plus, you will be perceived as a serious homeowner who cares and is active about making your home more secure. Doing an evaluation like this may be time consuming, but it can be worth it in more ways than one in the end.
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