This can probably be termed the year of “Risk Mitigation” across all facets of Loudoun and Northern Virginia family life – or any other metropolitan area for that matter. Everything seems a bit fragile, teetering on the brink of either further disaster, or noticeable and persistent improvement. Sort of a two steps ahead, one and three-quarters back existence, week-to-week, for most busy Northern Virginia families. There are many opportunities for self-improvement and success peering through the cracks and pushing through the rubble of the past several years’ economy, though seemingly at the easy peril of destructive national or community events and the incessant, overbearing new media resonance that follows.

It’s a good time to focus on family risk mitigation, protecting status quo and the small achievements that lay the groundwork for longer-term success.

In the IT industry, especially in the Government (as stewards of public investment), risk mitigation is part and parcel of every large implementation. IT project managers, engineers and investors make most plans and decisions first with an eye towards avoiding problems or breaches in security, and second with actual delivery of results in mind. Following standard methods, it’s safe, careful and ensures some level of success – though at some expense in speed, cost, creativity, experimentation and other factors entrepreneurs tend to find exciting.

Our own family risk mitigation plans for this year got a good kick-start, with the shift of one full-time employement location from downtown D.C. out to Tysons Corner. While still a longish commute from Loudoun (right at the DC area’s average commute time around 35 minutes), this location change alone resulted in a long list of actual risk reductions; less chances for involvment in accidents, being away from the center of global illwill towards US policies, avoidance of mass transit incidents, fewer opportunities for auto failure or running out of gas, less sedentary time with accompanying bladder strain and mental exasperation…the list is long. I’ll categorize this risk mitigation step in “transportation” – with others as follows (with preferred examples of where to find help) in categories including safety, health and material assets.

All sorts of safety measures are appropriate to review this year, especially if attention has lapsed…from personal and family safety at home, to safety in public and on the Internet. Review the state of of your home security systems and sensors (like smoke detectors), and check out interesting products like window alarm screens. Internet safety is a huge issue, especially for the targeted (i.e. children and the elderly); take a close look at products and services like McGruff SafeGuard, Mobile-Spy and Sprint’s Mobile Phone GPS Family Locater.

Risk mitigation practices for your family’s health are easy to understand, if hard to actually implement – but following up on the basics like dental services, new weight loss programs and exercise routines (even while doing the housework) are essential. More significant attention is necessary to mental health therapy and aging issues – firstSTREET in particular offers some unique healthy living products for the aging baby boomer set. Consistent awareness and attention to your student’s tutoring and educational coaching needs can also fall in the category of health and self-improvement.

Your assets, whether “hard” (like your house) or “soft” (like your finances and relationships) deserve renewed attention in terms of risk mitigation – things like investigating a new roof, cleaning your home or business air ducts, fixing the crack in your car’s windshield glass or simply using some local handyman or home repair services around the house can go a long way towards prevention of future unreasonable costs and aggravation. Obviously long-term upkeep for your car is in order, or perhaps the inner mechanic in you is ready for a turn at the local do it yourself auto maintenance shop.

These are just a few examples within broad categories that deserve renewed, focused attention this year for you and your family – to mitigate and possibly dramatically reduce risks that may stall the long-awaited recovery of your household’s collective worth, stability and productivity.

Many years ago, when we first moved to a new apartment in Northern Virginia, I regularly lamented the absence of a garage and workbench for meddling with wood projects or tinkering with personal auto repair. Not that I’d typically do more than fix a headlight, swap the wipers or change the oil, but there certainly were times that I would’ve rather provided my own labor to replace a muffler or perform some more challenging diagnostic and repair activities on a rainy Sunday afternoon listening to the ‘Skins – vs. pay someone else, especially the dealer, some budget-busting labor rates. These days, our home garage still lacks for room, proper tools or expert advice with which to successfully explore the car’s innards, stuffed as it is with a menagerie of children’s toys, bikes and other suburban refuse. I can now, however, take my car to someone else’s garage nearby – a total do-it-yourself oasis complete with modern equipment, tools, online manuals, onsite expertise and all the other trappings needed to cut auto and motorcycle repair expenses in half.

Do It Yourself Mechanics is an absolutely complete Do-It-Yourself vehicle repair center located in Sterling, VA (near Claude Moore Park and Dulles Town Crossing). The safe, fully-licensed ultra-modern facility offers a professional, clean work environment with professional bays, lifts, tools, automotive supplies and shop equipment for rent for the hour, day, week or month. Each rental bay comes with a 210 piece tool set. This very unique, one-of-a-kind concept of auto repair helps save up to 50% or more on auto repair expenses – in addition to offering the regular or weekend auto mechanics enthusiasts a fantastic venue to learn and practice the craft.

The do-it-yourself option is supplemented as needed by onsite, certified mechanics and staff to assist with more complex or challenging projects. All kinds of training classes are in the works, as are special deals including long-term rentals for independent mechanics, late-night fleet vehicle services, and wholesale pricing on tires and remanufactured engines or transmissions.

This kind of service is perfectly suited to our recovering economy, providing self-sustainment options to save money or earn some extra, while taking advantage of Internet-accessible information and wholesale purchasing power. The concept also delivers a great outlet for budding auto mechanics and hobbyists who otherwise might be stymied by lack of the right tools, unsafe or inaccessible working conditions. “We love cars, and want to make a passion for cars affordable” says Rick Poage, VP of Marketing & Sales for the shop. “Everyone that walks in here says the same thing – first, I’ve always thought of doing this myself, and second, this place is so clean!”

Special Event – On Wednesday- September 29, Do It Yourself Mechanics will host the Pit Crew from 1067 THE FAN as they record their show from the shop! Sign up for an invitation entitling you to a hors d’oeuvre-style buffet dinner provided by Mimi’s Cafe (served at the shop from 5:00 to 6:00 PM). Also included is a special photo session with the Pit Crew as they record and stream their radio show for CBS SPORTS- 1067 THE FAN.

Advance Auto Parts, BG Products, Cornwell Tools and Auto Magic Cleaning Supplies will be there for consultation and/or advice on all car and tool needs. Staff from the nearby Allsports Grand Prix (Indoor Karting!) will also be in attendance – “helmet not required”. There will also be special drawings and exclusive prizes for guests – RSVP soon (via the Do It Yourself Mechanics Facebook Page or through the website) as space is limited and is sure to fill up fast.

Find Do It Yourself Mechanics online, and at 21606 Cedar Lane Ste 100 in Sterling VA – or call them at 703-421-8855 to schedule rental times from 9AM-8PM M-W, 9AM-9PM Th-Sat, and 9AM-6PM on Sundays.