The start of the year provides you with an opportunity to start over and plan for what you want to accomplish in the months ahead. Whether you plan to start a new career, hobby, or make improvements to your health or home, you should leave some space in those resolutions to update your everyday habits. Your daily habits influence your safety more than you think and making minor changes to them can ensure your wellbeing in the long run.

While it may be tempting to go big when trying new habits, it's best to start small and incorporate them into an already established habit. Consider including these small changes to your everyday routine for a safer 2022.

Safeguard Your Home

At home, designate a specific place for your car keys and get in the habit of hanging them right after you walk through your door, so you never leave your keys inside your car.

Put electronics and other high-ticket items away after you've used them, so your home isn't made a target by burglars if spotted through your windows.

Take 5 minutes each night to make sure your car, doors, garage, and gates are locked, your exterior lights are turned on, and your security system is working properly.

Disconnect from Your Phone

During work hours, you might have your phone on Do Not Disturb. Instead of turning that off right after you clock out, leave it on while you drive so you're not distracted while driving.

When in public, it might be tempting to scroll on your phone but not paying attention to your surroundings can put you in a vulnerable position. So, make it a habit to put your phone away anytime you're in public.

Be Alert Online

Passwords and two-factor authentication may seem like a nuisance, but they are the only thing that stands between your information and someone looking to take advantage. Get in the habit of updating your passwords and setting up two-factor authentication when promoted. Never use the same password, instead choose a longer password, such as a phrase, which will be easier to remember.

Few of us can keep up with the plethora of emails we receive each day but keeping a clean inbox is a great way to avoid phishing attempts. Take 5 minutes out of your day to go through your inbox and delete any emails you don't need or that look suspicious. This will prevent you from being caught off guard in the future.

Building better habits is easier said than done, but the more you practice them consistently more you'll improve your baseline safety. For more everyday habits to include in your routine, visit our Keeping Families Safe page.