Home Office Tips

Did you know that it’s National Home Office Safety & Security Week?

While the standard office is a usual workers norm, there are still many adults who work from home and this number is slowly growing. If you do work from home or even just have a larger home office set-up, we want you to be safe. Keep reading for tips on best standards when it comes to safety and security.

Home Office Safety & Security Tips

• Clearance – Make sure you keep your office organized and free from stacks of paper and other objects. Not only can these cause issues such as tripping, but they also pose as a fire hazard.
• Fire Readiness – Make sure your home office has a fire extinguisher and functioning smoke detectors.
• Children on the Job – If you work from home but also have children you must watch, you might want to reconsider your options. Trying to watch children and successfully work will become draining and some area of your life may be neglected. You should also make sure your home office is childproofed.
• Insurance – If you are running a home office business, you need seperate coverage. Homeowners Insurance doesn’t cover all of the mishaps that may occur.
• Personal Security – If you work at home alone, don’t make it a priority to meet with customers in your home. Offer to meet at an off-location near your home. It’s important as you never know who a new or even old client truly is. You can also set up a seperate mail box at the post office to keep your home address off of printed materials, business cards, etc.
• Cord Organization – Unorganized cords can cause many issues including a fire hazard. Look into purchasing a functional and stylish cord organizer.
• Electronic Devices – If something is not in use, turn it off. It can help you save money and prevent from power surges.
• Theft Prevention – Most homes aren’t equipped with high-end windows or doors to prevent easy access to homes. Try to properly secure your home at all times and identify weak spots.
• File Security – If your business requires you to keep sensitive information, try to use a locking file cabinet. You also need to make sure any electronic documents are properly secured. Look into a secured network and cyber liability insurance.

We hope this list will help you acknowledge some of the potential dangers associated with home offices and ways you can solve some. If you need a quote for cyber liability, American Heritage Insurance Group has several companies who offer low rates for this product. Call us today at 513.984.5255.

Sources: SF Gate, Fargo Insurance Group, Consultative Insurance Group, Dalessandro Agency Inc., Susan Solovic, All About Insurance