Technology has made home alarms of all kinds — from security to smoke, radon to radiation — more accessible than ever. Many of them can be configured to work together, and some even alert you to trouble through your phone or other mobile device so you can feel confident even when you’re out of the […]
December 1, 2016
It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or, is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this time of year, when the days keep getting shorter and shorter? Those answers can differ […]
November 17, 2016
So, you’re not a year-round RV-er, or, at least not yet. (One can dream!) Which means another RV season is coming to a close. With cool fall and winter weather on the way, now is the time to make sure your rig will be ready when spring returns and you can hit the road again. […]
November 4, 2016
It seems everyone these days has a smartphone. Or, a smart TV, a tablet, or an ebook reader. Or, all of the above – and more. When you add it all up, you may find you have thousands and thousands of dollars tied up in technology. It’s a significant investment, and one your homeowners insurance […]
October 14, 2016
Have you ever noticed that, with roadway anger, it’s always the other guy’s fault? And, it very well could be. The thing is, you can’t control how other people drive. But, you can control how you respond to situations on the road that come across as inconsiderate or even hostile – yes, even when someone […]
September 7, 2016
What to Do If Your Car Overheats
Maybe you skipped a scheduled maintenance check. Or, maybe you’re just having some bad luck. But, when you notice the temperature heading higher than the halfway point on your dashboard indicator, it’s time to start thinking about what to do. These tactics may help:
Turn off your AC and turn on your heat. Doing both can help take some stress off your engine.
Pull over if it’s safe. If your temperature dial shoots up, or you start seeing water or steam coming from under the hood, call a tow truck. If you see smoke coming from the car, get out and move away if you’re able to do so safely.
Be careful when examining the engine. Take care when popping the hood, and don’t open the radiator cap when your car is overheating.
Add coolant or water only when the car is cool. You’ll have to wait a while, but adding coolant or water to a hot engine can do significant damage.
August 25, 2016
When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people drown every day — and two of those […]
August 2, 2016
Travelers and tourists are a dream for thieves. They’re typically carrying plenty of cash and valuables. They often have smartphones full of personal information. And, they can easily get caught up in the sights and forget to be aware of their surroundings. While the threat of losing money, jewelry or a camera is bad enough, […]
July 29, 2016
The topic of guns can be very sensitive, but there’s one thing virtually everyone can agree on: Storing them safely is incredibly important, particularly in homes with children or even those where children occasionally visit. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help ensure firearm safety at home – whether you […]
July 25, 2016
Thousands of boats and personal watercraft are stolen each year in the U.S., according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. But, even if your boat remains exactly where you left it, expensive items on board can present an inviting target for thieves as well. Luckily, protecting your valuables – along with your watercraft – isn’t […]
July 18, 2016