During Medicare’s busy annual election period (AEP), many agents meet with clients in their homes. Most home visits are routine, but unfamiliar environments can present unexpected risks, from aggressive pets and unsafe walkways to personal security concerns.
A little preparation can help you stay focused on your clients while protecting your safety and belongings. These home visit safety tips can help you reduce unnecessary risks during AEP.
1. Let someone know your schedule.
In case something goes wrong, it’s always smart to make sure someone knows where you are. Give a coworker, family member or close friend access to your schedule. You can also share your location with someone you trust using your iPhone or Google Maps.
2. Keep your personal property secure.
When conducting home visits, don’t take any valuables that you don’t absolutely need. Leave your extra cash and nice jewelry at home, and only take the electronic devices that are necessary for your meetings. Avoid leaving belongings in your car, but if you have to, keep them out of sight and make sure your vehicle is locked.
3. Be aware of your surroundings.
Consider safety when choosing a parking spot. If you have a choice between street parking and alley parking, for example, it’s probably safer to park on the street. Try to park as close to the house as possible in a visible location that allows you to leave quickly if necessary.
Pay attention to your surroundings as you walk to the house, and continue to scan for potential hazards once you’re inside. You’re looking for anything that could be dangerous, from uneven sidewalks to suspicious individuals.
4. Plan for daylight when possible.
As the days become shorter, you’ll have less sunlight to work with. Whenever possible, try to schedule your appointments for daylight hours so you’re not driving in unfamiliar areas or walking down unknown sidewalks after dark. If you think you might still be out after dark, consider bringing a flashlight with you. Yes, your phone has a flashlight, but it may be dim, and using it drains the battery, so a spare flashlight can come in handy.
5. Bring your own beverage.
Accepting food or beverages from people you don’t know well can be an unnecessary risk. Bringing your own water or coffee can help you avoid concerns about hygiene and foodborne illness while also making it easier to politely decline an offer.
6. Trust your instincts.
Speak up if you feel uncomfortable, and leave if you feel unsafe. For example, if your client has a dog that seems aggressive, ask your client to put the dog in another room. If the client tries to assure you the dog is friendly, be polite but firm and insist the dog be put in another room. If you ever feel unsafe and the issue cannot be easily addressed, leave. Your safety should always take priority over completing an appointment.
A successful AEP starts with preparation. Here at PTT Financial, we want to help you prepare for a safe and successful AEP. See how PTT Financial supports agents.