Buckle Up. Every Trip, Every Time

Wearing your seat belt can save your life and reduce the risk of injuries if you’re in a crash. Always place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck, and place the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach. You should never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. Misuse can have dangerous consequences. If you have passengers, make sure everyone is properly buckled before hitting the road. Remember: Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.

Ensure Children Are in the Right Seat

It’s important to choose the right seat, install it correctly, use it every time your child is in the car, and know when it’s safe to transition to another type of car seat or seat belt. NHTSA can help you through the process with car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size, detailed car seat installation instructions, and finding a car seat inspection station to have a certified technician check your work. NHTSA also offers seat belt safety tips for tweens. Remember that the back seat is the safest place for children under 13.

Drive Sober

Driving while impaired is a dangerous, deadly crime. In every state, it’s illegal to drive impaired by any substance—alcohol or other drugs, whether legal or illegal. Being a responsible driver is simple: if you’re impaired, do not drive. Instead, plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home before the event. You can schedule a rideshare or taxi, call a sober friend, or use public transportation to get home safely. If you’re hosting an event where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver and don’t hesitate to stop someone from getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Pay Attention to the Road

Distracted driving includes talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, adjusting the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting or holding a cell phone to talk is illegal in many states. Remember that driving safely always requires your full attention.

Obey Speed Limits

Speeding puts you, your passengers, and all the people you share the road with in unnecessary danger. Speeding also increases the risk for more severe injuries in a crash. Remember that speed affects your safety even when you’re driving the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as in bad weather, at dawn or dusk, at night, or through a construction zone.

Never Drive Drowsy

Making sure you get enough sleep daily is the best way to protect yourself against the dangers of drowsy driving. If you take medications, make sure to understand how they may affect your ability to drive safely and adjust your schedule or arrange for alternative transportation if necessary. If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight to 6 a.m. and late afternoon), be alert for signs of drowsiness, such as driving over roadway lines or rumble strips.

Share the Road Responsibly

Be mindful that you share the road with not only other motorists, but also motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Learn about the safety challenges motorcyclists face because of their size and visibility and motorcycle riding practices like downshifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them. Make sure to give bicyclists enough room on the road, yield to them as you would other motorists, and don’t underestimate their speed. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions.

Pay Attention to Flashing Lights

If you see a vehicle with flashing lights stopped on a highway, move over into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle. If moving over isn’t safe, slow down. All 50 states have Move Over laws to protect law enforcement officers, emergency responders and other roadside workers. Flashing lights also include watching out for school buses in neighborhoods and communities. If a school bus has its yellow lights flashing, you must slow down and prepare to stop. If the bus’s red lights are flashing and its stop-arm is extended, you must come to a full stop and wait until the bus’s flashing lights turn off and the bus begins moving again. It’s illegal to speed up and pass a bus as it slows to a stop with its yellow lights flashing or is stopped with its red lights flashing. Even when a bus doesn’t have flashing lights, take extra care to look out for children.

Talk to Teen Drivers

If you have a teen driver, remind them to always wear their seat belts, obey speed limits, put away their phone and limit the number of people they allow to ride with them to reduce distractions. Remember that you have more influence on your teen than you may think, so be a good role model and get and stay involved in your teen’s driving habits.

Check for Recalls

You should check for vehicle safety recalls at least twice a year. There are many ways to check for recalls: You can visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your vehicle’s license plate or VIN. You can sign up for email alerts that will notify you if your vehicle is affected by a future safety recall. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCar app, enter and store your vehicle’s information in the virtual garage, and let the app automatically send you a notification if there’s a recall. If a vehicle does have a recall, contact the automaker’s local dealership to schedule a free recall repair. Make sure to also search for recalls related to other vehicle equipment such as car seats and tires.

In 2025, more than 650,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States. Summers prove to be the worst season for vehicle theft. So, to help drivers keep their vehicles safe, NHTSA is continuing its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign during July — National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

If you've taken a look at your homeowner's policy recently you might be wondering - what is dwelling coverage?

Time to learn the ABCs of coverage, starting with Coverage A (Dwelling coverage).

Coverage A

Coverage A is the part of your insurance policy which dictates coverage on the physical structure of your home. It provides coverage on the dwelling on a property for certain perils.

This is important because your homeowner's policy is a mixture of various coverage schedules from A to F, each establishing the rules of coverage for different things.

Your dwelling coverage is the set of rules specific to the main house structure and attachments (such as decks or porches). It also includes plumbing, heating and permanently installed fixtures like cabinets.

It will not dictate the coverage for the items inside your house, like personal belongings. Those are under Coverage C or for other structures on your property like a shed or trees - which are considered

Coverage B.

It's important to read your insurance policy carefully so you understand the rules that dictate your coverage for each aspect of your property.

If you have coverage questions, it's always best to reach out to your insurance agent. And if you don't have an agent, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Ingredients:

1 jar (10 ounces) red jalapeno pepper jelly
1/4 cup lime juice
12 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

In a small saucepan, heat jelly and lime juice over medium heat until melted. Set aside 1/2 cup for serving.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. On a greased grill rack, grill chicken, covered, over medium heat 15-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°-175°, turning occasionally and basting with remaining jelly mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Serve with reserved jelly mixture.

Source: tasteofhome.com

Massachusetts is a great place to own a boat, from inland lakes and reservoirs to Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, and the Islands. But before you head out for the season, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure you have the right boaters insurance in place. While Massachusetts does not generally require boat insurance by state law, many marinas, lenders, and storage facilities do require proof of coverage—and the financial risk of going without it can be significant.

A good boat insurance policy can help protect you if your boat is damaged, stolen, involved in a collision, or responsible for injury or property damage. Common coverages include liability, physical damage, medical payments, uninsured or underinsured boater protection, towing assistance, personal effects, and fuel spill or wreckage removal coverage. If you finance your boat, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage. If you keep your boat at a marina, ask about minimum liability limits before choosing a policy.

When comparing quotes, be ready to share details such as your boat’s make, model, length, horsepower, value, where it will be used, where it will be stored, and your boating experience. In New England, insurers may also ask about winter storage and lay-up periods. Completing a recognized boating safety course, bundling policies, choosing an appropriate deductible, and storing your boat securely may help reduce premiums.

Before launching this season, review your current coverage or speak with a Massachusetts insurance professional who understands local waterways, marina requirements, and seasonal risks. The right boaters insurance can help you enjoy the water with more confidence—and protect your investment when the unexpected happens. Need Help, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

In Massachusetts, hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with the most active period often arriving later in the summer. Even if a storm weakens before reaching New England, tropical systems, nor’easters, wind-driven rain, coastal flooding, and inland flooding can still damage homes and belongings. One of the simplest steps to take before the forecast turns serious is documenting what you own.

Start with a room-by-room walkthrough using your phone. Take wide photos of each room, then capture close-ups of valuable items such as electronics, appliances, jewelry, tools, furniture, artwork, seasonal equipment, and anything stored in basements, garages, sheds, or coastal properties. Video is especially helpful: narrate what you are recording, open drawers and closets, and include model or serial numbers when you can.

Next, create a basic list with item names, brands, purchase dates, estimated values, and receipts or appraisals for higher-value possessions. You do not need a perfect spreadsheet to get started; even a partial inventory is far better than relying on memory after a disaster.

Store your inventory somewhere you can access if you evacuate or lose power. Save a copy in secure cloud storage, email it to yourself, and keep important paper records in a waterproof, fire-resistant container. While you are at it, review your homeowners or renters policy, ask about wind or named-storm deductibles, and remember that flood damage is typically not covered by standard home or renters insurance, even in Massachusetts communities that are not directly on the coast.

Documenting possessions may not feel urgent on a calm New England day, but that is exactly the best time to do it. A few hours now can save days of frustration later—and help you recover with clearer records, stronger proof, and greater peace of mind before Massachusetts storm season ramps up.

Freedom's Eve and Watch Night Services

On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country, awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free.

Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.

Understanding the Significance of June 19, 1865

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later.

Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

A Celebration of Freedom

Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.

The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a community space where this spirit of hope lives on. A place where historical events like Juneteenth are shared and new stories with equal urgency are told.

Source: nmaahc.si.edu

Hurricanes. Just the thought of them can make a person tremble in fear. Whether you've experienced a hurricane yourself or you've just heard about their destructive patterns, these bad boys know how to make their name heard. The technical definition of a hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph. A major hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. To put that into perspective, imagine sticking your head out the window of a car as you travel down the highway - that's the speed of wind you would be up against during a low-scale hurricane. Sound scary? It is. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions to take, you may be able to reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Foremost wants to share some tips to ready your home and family prior to a severe storm, may it hit. It's never too early to:

• Determine safe evacuation routes inland. Don't forget about your pets!
• Learn the different warning signs and alerts to watch for.
• Meet with those you live with to create an emergency and evacuation plan.
• Learn locations of official shelters. Red Cross has a great resource that will help you locate shelter in the event of a disaster.
• Review your insurance policy with your agent. Is your property covered for such an event?

Whether the hurricane threats are immediate or they seem off in the distance, it's important for all residents of hurricane areas to be prepared and think ahead. Foremost offers detailed hurricane preparedness plans, emergency checklists for storms, and what to do after a storm hits your area.

Stay safe through these storm seasons! Your safety is number one to us.

Foremost.com

1. Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover you

Some landlords require their tenants to have renters insurance, but if yours doesn’t, it’s not because they’ve got you covered. Although some people think their landlord’s insurance covers their stuff, this usually isn't true.

Landlord insurance covers the structure of the building but not tenants’ personal belongings. If someone steals your TV or a fire destroys your bedroom furniture, your landlord’s insurance won’t pay to replace them — but a renters policy typically will. A landlord’s policy is also unlikely to help if you accidentally damage a neighboring apartment.

A standard renters insurance policy includes liability coverage starting at $100,000, which can pay damages and legal expenses if you accidentally injure someone else or damage their property.

2. You probably own more than you think

Some people avoid getting renters insurance because they don’t feel they have a lot of valuables.

Take inventory of all of your belongings. Consider if you would be able to replace them if everything was lost in a fire. Once you start tallying up the value of each item — electronics, jackets, shoes and so forth — you’ll probably find that it would cost a lot more than you expected to replace everything.

3. Renters insurance can pay for housing after a disaster

Renters insurance policies can include a "loss of use" benefit, which can reimburse you if your house is uninhabitable and you have to pay to stay somewhere else.

Loss of use coverage can also pay for restaurant meals or other expenses associated with living away from home during repairs.

4. It can protect your finances

Maybe you’re saving for a down payment on a house, or you’ve worked hard to get out of debt. The last thing you need is a lawsuit wiping out everything you have.

“Let’s say you go golfing … [and] you hit someone in the head and they turn around and sue you,” Brandon Okita, vice president at FIA Insurance Services in Torrance, California, says. If a court finds you responsible, your renters liability insurance will typically cover costs up to your policy limit, even if the incident takes place away from home.

This coverage can also come in handy if your dog bites someone at the park, your child breaks a valuable heirloom at a friend’s house or a guest slips and falls inside your apartment.

5. It covers belongings away from home

Many renters policies provide some coverage for your stuff even when it’s not at home. For example, your policy could cover you if your laptop is stolen at a cafe. (Keep in mind that it would make sense to file a claim only if the lost item were worth more than your deductible, the amount subtracted from your claim payout.) You may also have coverage for items in a storage unit, Okita says.

6. The cost may be less than you expect

The average cost of renters insurance is $151 a year, or about $13 a month, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. But if you have a car, you could pay less by bundling your renters policy with your auto insurance, thanks to multipolicy discounts offered by many carriers. But if you have a car, you could pay less by bundling your renters policy with your auto insurance, thanks to multipolicy discounts offered by many carriers.

But if you have a car, you could pay less by bundling your renters policy with your auto insurance, thanks to multipolicy discounts offered by many carriers.

For example, Okita notes, a 5% bundling discount on a $3,000 auto policy would be $150, which would pay for the average renters policy premium.

You may also be eligible for discounts if your apartment has smoke detectors, burglar alarms or other safety and security devices. If the worst happens, you’ll likely be glad you paid for the coverage.

Source: nerdwallet.com