While renters insurance is suitable for all renters, the benefits are especially relevant for young adults. 80 million Echo Boomers, Americans ages 17-31, are sweeping up rentals across the nation. It’s important for this group to pick up renters insurance along the way. Here’s why:

1)      Echo Boomers comprise a significant demographic of renters. Some young adults prefer apartments and condos, others seek single family properties. Rentals come in all shapes and sizes but each is susceptible to a range of misfortunes. Renters insurance protects all sorts of rentals, offing Echo Boomers the protection that they need to live with peace of mind.

2)      Young adults lead the pack in costly electronics consumption. Many of us outfit our lives with tablets, smartphones, computers, home entertainment systems and more. Insuring these items can ensure their replacement in cases of theft or destruction.

3)      The young crowd is known for social activities. Holiday gatherings, book clubs, gaming parties and other social events pack our calendars. Renters insurance protects guests while they are on your property, so that you can entertain with comfort and assurance.

4)      Ready, set, travel! Echo Boomers are frequent travelers, scooping up online deals and hitting the road. Travel leaves our homes and possessions unguarded. Renters insurance offers retribution for goods that are stolen or damaged by inclement weather when we’re away.

5)      Young adults have recently left the nest and are establishing our place in the world. That means that we may encounter our first fried turkey for Thanksgiving, host our first Super Bowl barbecue, and plenty of other milestones. Without experience to back us up, young adults are more susceptible to accidents. Protect yourself, your guest, and your property from acts of mayhem with the proper insurance.

6)      Many young adults are just starting our careers, meaning that our financial cushioning is thin at best. The funds needed to replace valuables and cover emergency medical expenses may not be on hand when we need it. Renters insurance helps minimize the financial impact of losses and injuries.

7)      When misfortune strikes, everyone needs an advocate. The staff at Resident Shield is on hand 24/7 when you need to report a claim. They can help answer questions and guide you on the path back to normalcy.

For personal property protection and liability coverage in cases of fire, weather damage, robbery and more ResidentShield Renters Insurance has you covered, but more and more we are seeing the importance of protecting yourself against identity theft. Now more than ever, renters must be aware of potential access points to their information in the real world and online.

According to PrivacyRights.org, identity theft affects more than 8 million Americans. While that number is woefully high, fraudulent activities have decreased since their record high of 55.7 billion worldwide in 2006. Much of the decline can be attributed to institutions’ and businesses’ increased security investments to protect clients. The wise actions of residents also contribute to a significant portion of the decline.

There are a few simple things that you can do to protect your identity at home, on the internet and in your neighborhood:

• Shred unwanted financial and personal documents instead of simply placing them in the trash.
• Completely clear cookies, history, and all system caches on public computers after use.
• Never access online banking on public computers. Technology exists to let remote users view your screen and any information that your type into a field whiles you’re online.
• If you do not plan to buy a home, car, or other large investment in the near future, consider freezing your credit. This prevents the unauthorized opening of additional lines of credit in your name.
• While on the web, don’t bother with “You’ve Won…” banners. No one wants to give you anything for free. Best case scenario is that you’re caught filling out a grueling survey. Worst case scenario is that you click the banner and inadvertently download spyware, viruses, and other dangers to your system.
• If you’re filing your taxes at a center, take a thorough look around before accepting service. How are documents stored? Are files easily accessible to anyone passing by?

When it comes to storing personal property and documentation within your rental, keep these points in mind.

• Keep copies of personal documents in a safe place outside of the home, like a safe deposit box.
• Ensure that sensitive documents within the home are in a secure, obscure location.

When the unthinkable happens, it pays to be prepared.

You never imagined a day like this would come. Without warning, the unthinkable happens. A guest or roommate sustains injuries while in your home. In the bustle of the action, it is important to remain composed and take proper measures to document the event. Preparedness and documentation rest at the center of every successfully filed personal liability claim.

To prepare your file, consider the following:

What happened? Take a moment to create an accurate and detailed description of events. This may involve compiling the insights of multiple guests at the scene of the incident. Even the smallest details may be pertinent to your claim so it is better to be too thorough than too vague.

Who was involved? Collect detailed information of those involved in the accident, most importantly the contact information of the injured parties. It may be necessary to contact these individuals throughout the process of your filing.

Where did it occur? Depending on the location of the event, your personal renters insurance may cover damages. In other instances, the coverage may be provided by the landlord’s insurance. To settle any ambiguity, be as specific as possible about the location of the incident.

How was it handled? Some emergencies simply can’t wait. In those cases, it may be necessary to have the problem resolved before you are able to complete a claim. It is important to keep record of how the problem was handled. Did you call a taxi or ambulance? Which hospital was the injured party taken to? Did the incident make the rental uninhabitable for any duration of time, forcing you to stay in a hotel? It is vital to keep all receipts as they will determine your reimbursement. Insist upon receiving receipts when none are offered.

Take photographs. Use photographs as part of your documentation package. Images from a camera phone suffice as well as any. It may be helpful to add captions or descriptions for each of the photos to help processors understand what they are seeing in each image. Do not alter photos.

Your Resident Shield renters insurance representative is here to assist you every step of the way. Simply contact us to have your questions answered.

For personal property protection and liability coverage in cases of fire, weather damage, robbery and more ResidentShield Renters Insurance has you covered, but more and more we are seeing the importance of protecting yourself against identity theft. Now more than ever, renters must be aware of potential access points to their information in the real world and online.

According to PrivacyRights.org, identity theft affects more than 8 million Americans. While that number is woefully high, fraudulent activities have decreased since their record high of 55.7 billion worldwide in 2006. Much of the decline can be attributed to institutions’ and businesses’ increased security investments to protect clients. The wise actions of residents also contribute to a significant portion of the decline.

There are a few simple things that you can do to protect your identity at home, on the internet and in your neighborhood:

• Shred unwanted financial and personal documents instead of simply placing them in the trash.
• Completely clear cookies, history, and all system caches on public computers after use.
• Never access online banking on public computers. Technology exists to let remote users view your screen and any information that your type into a field whiles you’re online.
• If you do not plan to buy a home, car, or other large investment in the near future, consider freezing your credit. This prevents the unauthorized opening of additional lines of credit in your name.
• While on the web, don’t bother with “You’ve Won…” banners. No one wants to give you anything for free. Best case scenario is that you’re caught filling out a grueling survey. Worst case scenario is that you click the banner and inadvertently download spyware, viruses, and other dangers to your system.
• If you’re filing your taxes at a center, take a thorough look around before accepting service. How are documents stored? Are files easily accessible to anyone passing by?

When it comes to storing personal property and documentation within your rental, keep these points in mind.

• Keep copies of personal documents in a safe place outside of the home, like a safe deposit box.
• Ensure that sensitive documents within the home are in a secure, obscure location.

It’s hard to live without electronics. Enjoy them in safety with these simple tips.

Electronic fires and other dangers can cause serious damage to your rental. In many cases, these accidents are preventable with the knowledge and application of a few safety tips.

Appropriate Outlets- All outlets must be properly grounded, accompanied by the correct power ratings. You can often check outlet safety during your property inspection. For added safety, use a surge protector with multiple outlets (sometimes called a sister plug or power strip). These units protect your electronics while providing you with multiple outlets for your computer, printer, speakers, and other devices.

Never overload your power strip. For example, it is not safe to have multiple extension cords—which host multiple devices—connected to a single power strip. Stick to a one-to-one outlet to device ratio for optimal safety.

Common Sense Water Safety- Do not operate electronics while you are wet (such as reaching out of the bathtub or pool to adjust the volume on the radio). Though it’s tempting, avoid drinking beverages while operating your laptop and other electronic devices. Aside from ruining the device, you could also risk electrocution and fire.

Breathing Room- Provide electronics with ample air circulation. Do not place electronics against window curtains or block them into an entertainment system or storage unit without proper ventilation.

Common Sense Repair Safety- Aside from changing a light bulb, leave electrical work to the professionals. If you are experiencing frequent power outages, the sporadic dimming of lights in your rental and other problems contact your landlord or leasing agent with your concerns. He or she should contact the appropriate professional to fix the problem.

Cord Care- Discard and replace damaged cords immediate. Electrical tape is not a reliable solution for damaged cords. Do not run damaged cords under carpets or tuck them into the opening along the baseboards.

Super Bowl Sunday is just about here and whether you are rooting for the Niners or Ravens, we can all agree that safety comes first when throwing festivities. Hosting a party in your rental is a great way to socialize. Make sure that everyone enjoys the gathering with these safety tips.

As a renter, you are liable for any harm that may come to guests on your property. We don’t mean to be a buzz kill—you should still throw that fabulous 30^th birthday party—but taking a few safety precautions will ensure that you and your guests get the most out of the event.

One easy way to check a party for safety is to imagine that you’re throwing a party for children. We often take for granted that an adult can step over an exposed cord or avoid a split board on the deck but that isn’t always the case, especially in a party setting. Guests are distracted, leading to easily avoidable accidents. When alcohol is added into the equation, the probability for injury increases exponentially.

Protect yourself and your guests with these simple tips:

Cords- When fun lighting and sound equipment are brought into a party, cords are inevitably an issue. When possible, tuck cords into the crevice between the carpet and the baseboards. This is safer (and aesthetically more pleasing) option than having cords sprawled across the floor. If this isn’t possible, cover the cables with brightly covered tape (“Hey! Step over me!”) or create a smooth walking surface using area rugs or runners When cords come from overhead, conceal them along doorframes and the ceiling using electrical tape.

Candles, Bonfires, and Pyrotechnics- Fire is a versatile light source that can be soothing or exhilarating. A few candles or a bonfire in the back of your property can be plenty of fun as long as you play it safe. Adhere to state regulations during droughts. Keep flames away from flammable objects such as overhanding tree limbs, curtains, and alcohol.

Be a Vigilant Host- Keep an eye out for spills and clean them up immediately to prevent slipping.  Clear broken glass from surfaces immediately. Provide a welcome mat for guests to wipe and dry their feet on a rainy day and be sure that all floor coverings remain flush to the ground during your event.

You can’t avoid the challenges cold weather brings but you can fight them by being well prepared.

Everyone at work has come down with the cold or flu. The first frost set in sooner than it did last year. Everywhere you turn, there seem to be cold weather threats at bay! Make your home a haven amongst the madness with five easy steps for protecting the health of your family and your home.

Update Insurances - Take a moment to make sure that your family’s health insurance is up to date. Review the policy or speak to your insurance advocate to know copays and out-of-pocket expenses so that there are few surprises when seasonal emergencies and health concerns strike.

Look back at your renters insurance policy. Make any appropriate updates, either to possessions added (especially near the holidays) and possessions removed from the property. Add or update flood and fire insurance policies as well.

Shield Your Home-Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could keep your rental in a bubble to protect it from germs? Indeed it would. The next best thing, though, is to have household members wash their hands upon entering the home. Hand sanitizing gels are a convenient alternative.

Fortify Your Health- With so many bugs and viruses circulating in our social circles, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your diet. Consciously include nutrient rich foods into your diet that will help to strengthen your immune system and give you the energy that you need to fight the winter blues.

Practice Fire Safety- Never leave candles or space heaters unattended. Wire holiday lights to a timer that will shut off after residents head to bed; do no leave lights on overnight. Aside from wasting energy when no one will see them, they can pose a fire hazard.

Be Prepared for Emergencies For renters in multifamily developments, familiarize yourself with the fire evacuations plans for your community. Single family home renters will want to gather household members and create a personalized plan. If you reside in a multi-story home, consider investing in compact emergency ladders that can be easily stored when not in use.

Keep spirits merry and bright with safety tips for the winter holidays.

Christmas lights

• Opt for strands of lights with fused plugs that can prevent sparks in the event of a short circuit.
• Ensure that you are using outdoor appropriate extension cords and lights.
• Check cords for cracks (particularly old lights) exposed wires and other flaws.
• Avoid letting the lights stay on overnight, as unattended lights pose a potential fire hazard. Set your lights on a timer so that they shut off automatically after bedtime and turn on again the next evening.
• Use the correct wattage when replacing bulbs. If you aren’t sure, consider a Christmas light tester and/or repair gun.
• Be careful with ladders. If the surface seems unsteady, don’t risk it—they’re just lights!

Christmas Trees

• If you have a real tree, keep it well watered. Dry trees pose a greater fire hazard. To improve water absorption, cut at least two inches from the truck to expose fresh, more absorbent wood.
• Invest in artificial trees that are fire resistant.
• Ensure that the tree is properly secured on its stand and that the stand itself is in good condition. An unsteady tree can pose dangers to residents, guests, and pets.
• Vacuum frequently around your tree, whether it is real or artificial. All tree and décor are prone to a bit of shedding. Small materials may be hazardous to children and pets.

Bonfires

• Check local drought warnings and comply with all local laws. Do not attempt to start a bonfire in extremely dry conditions.
• While a roaring fire is sure to impress, it can also be dangerous. Create a visual barrier 3-5 feet away from the fire for young children (such as a ring of small rocks or branches).
• When roasting marshmallows and other goodies, be sure to use a tool of correct composition and length. Do not roast marshmallows on wooden sticks. Long metal rods with heat resistant grips work best.
• Keep an extinguisher on hand.

Fireplace

• Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected once annually.
• Always use the protective grating when not directly tending to the fire.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Have fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms tested annually.
• Ensure that the flue is open during use and closed when not in use.

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!