It's the most wonderful time of the year
As we reach the end of the year, we just want to reach out and thank our clients for an amazing year. It means the world to us that you trust us with your insurance and we are so proud to be a part of your life.
If you have any questions about your policies, coverage, or want to our favorite Yule tide games - it's white elephant parties - don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for helping us wrap up 2020!
Winter Car Preps
Winter storms can create unexpected, and sometimes dangerous, situations while driving. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while traveling on wintery roads this season:
- Install Winter Tires: not all tires are made for all weather conditions. Be sure to check what type of weather your tire is rated for. If it's not rated for snow, it may be a good idea to invest in snow tires to use during the winter. Snow tires will give you better traction while driving in snowy or icy conditions.
- Make a Winter Car Kit: winter can cause unexpected delays which can sometimes cause motorists to become stranded. Make sure you are prepared for the unexpected by having a winter car kit with you at all times. It's a good idea to include extra warm clothing (i.e. hats, gloves, hand warmers, etc.), extra water and snacks, a flashlight with back up batteries or even flares, and of course a first aid kit. These items will allow you to stay safe and warm until help arrives.
- Don't Let Your Fuel Tank Run on Empty: it's always a good idea to keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times during the winter. You never know what type of emergency you may encounter. It also creates less wear and tear on your vehicle in the colder months to keep more fuel in your tank.
Snow Shoveling Tips
Snow shoveling is inevitable in snowy climates. Some people feel snow shoveling is a chore, while others enjoy the time outdoors. Snow shoveling can lead to a surprising number of injuries during the winter including back pain, muscle pulls, and for some heart attacks. Below are a few tips to help keep you safer as you shovel:
- Warm Up: before heading out to shovel make sure to stretch your legs, back, and arms. Doing some light movements will help decrease your chances of pulling or injuring a muscle while shoveling.
- Push Instead of Lift: pushing the snow as much as possible will help decrease the amount of strain on your body. Lifting snow can increase your likelihood of injury so if you do have to lift the snow, do smaller loads.
- Stay Hydrated: most people associate hydration with hot weather activities. While shoveling is a cold weather activity, it is still a hard exercise for your body. Stay hydrated just as you would for a workout.
- Keep up with the Snowfall: shoveling in multiple trips throughout the day can help you avoid large amounts of snow to shovel. During a heavy storm we suggest shoveling periodically during the day so that the snow is lighter and there is less to shovel, as opposed to waiting until the end of the day when the most snow has accumulated.
Dog/Pet Walking Safety
While many dogs and other pets love to go for their wintery walks, there are some risks that pet owners need to be aware of. Below are some tips to help keep your pet safe and healthy on their cold weather walks:
- Consider Boots: while most pets don't like the idea of wearing boots, they are a great way to protect their paws. It will keep their paws from becoming too cold, protect their paws from jagged ice, and protect their paws from salt and chemicals found on the ground.
- Wear a Winter Coat or Sweater: putting clothing on your pet may look silly, but for many pets it serves an important purpose: protecting your dog from wind chill, and and cold. Some pets have thick coats that allow them to handle cold temperatures well, however, many pets don't have this type of coat. A winter coat or sweater will help your pet keep warmer on their walks and protect them from becoming wet or having cold weather related illness or injury.
- Pay Attention to Body Language: be sure to pay close attention to your pet's behavior while on a walk. If they are picking up their paws, licking paws, shivering, whining or just refusing to walk, it's a sign they need to go home immediately.