Whether it’s a boat, a house trailer or your trash to the dump, safely towing a trailer requires attention to...

Safety tips for towing a trailer

Here are nine key points for safe trailer towing and long vehicle life

1) Know your weight limits

Make sure your trailer and whatever you’re hauling fall within the towing or hauling capacities of your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum weight it can pull. Use the right trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly.

2) Distribute weight evenly

If your trailer fishtails, back off the gas and see if it stops. If it continues when you accelerate again, check to see how the weight is distributed on the trailer. It may not be distributed evenly from side to side, or else it’s too far back to place sufficient load on the hitch ball.

Pro Tip: Try to carry 5-10% of the trailer load on the hitch. Redistribute the load as necessary before continuing.

3) Ensure the trailer lights work

Connect the brake and signal lights. Double check to make sure the trailer’s brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with the tow vehicle.

4) Properly inflate the tires

In addition to staying within weight limits for your rig, be sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Be sure to check your wheel bearings, too. An overheated bearing will sideline your rig as fast as a flat tire. Check out this video on bearing maintenance.

5) Know that your vehicle will handle differently

When towing, you’re operating a vehicle combination that’s longer and heavier than normal. Be sure to adjust your driving practices accordingly.

Backing up is tricky, but it’s a skill you can learn. Until you’re experienced, have someone direct you from outside in those tight spots or places where you have limited visibility.

Avoid sudden turns.

When it comes to towing accidents, don’t say, “It can’t happen to me.” Say instead, “It must not happen to me.”

6) Buckle your seat belt

In case your tow vehicle ends up upside down.

7) Trailer towing requires increased stopping distance

It’s a simple matter of physics. When towing, you have more momentum than you would without a trailer. Remember that stopping requires more time and distance. Avoid tailgating and pay attention to what’s happening a little farther down the road than you normally would.

8) Keep your head on a swivel

Maybe you forgot to fasten a chain, secure the hitch or tie down your payload properly. If you’re in a hurry to get home after a long trip, things like that can happen.

Once you’re on the road, frequently check your mirrors to make sure everything looks good back there.

9) Upgrade your transmission protection

Towing places enormous stress on a transmission. In fact, because of the intense heat, towing is probably the number-one killer of transmissions.

For this reason, the “towing package” on many trucks includes a transmission-oil cooler. It also helps to use a high-end synthetic lubricant. Synthetics reduce friction and provide better resistance to high heat, helping the tranny run cooler, shift confidently and last longer.

Source: amsoil.com

Being water competent in the ocean requires stronger and different skills than in a pool. Whenever you are at the beach, ocean or other open water environment, watch and prepare for:

• Changing tides.
• Fast-moving currents and waves, even in shallow water.
• Drop-offs that unexpectedly change water depth.
• Unexpected changes in air or water temperature.
• Hazards, such as underwater obstacles, rocks and debris.
• Vegetation, marine animals and fish.
• Other people’s activities in the same waters, such as boating.
• Thunder & Lightning.
  • Leave the water immediately, if swimming off shore.
  • If you’re out in a boat, head back to shore as quickly as possible.
  • If you’re unable to get to shore, lie down in the bottom of the boat or shelter in the cabin if available.

Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors

• Enter the water feet first for your safety!
  • Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously.
• Only dive in water clearly marked as safe for diving, at least 9 feet deep with no underwater obstacles. Never dive head first into surf!
• Do not enter the water from a height, such as a bridge or boat.
• Be careful when standing to prevent being knocked over by currents or waves.
• Swim sober.
• Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
• Swim with a buddy even in lifeguarded areas.

Take These Water Safety Steps

• Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
• Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
• Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

Source: redcross.org

Ever wonder why your car never looks quite as good as some others after a car wash? It’s all in the details. DIY car detailing starts with a car wash but doesn’t stop there. Its purpose is to get your car looking showroom-new on the inside and out — or as close to it as possible.

1. GET YOUR CAR READY

Before you start, roll down all the windows, remove all loose stuff (change, trash, phone cables, mounts, etc.), remove the floor mats and empty the trunk.

2. VACUUM THE INSIDE

Tire detailing (courtesy Jeff Swain)

Put the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, and go over the upper and lower parts of the dashboard, the center console and the fabric or leather parts of the doors. Next, vacuum your seats from the headrests down. Use the wand attachment to clean in between and under the seats. Don’t forget to vacuum out cup holders, change trays, door pockets and the glove compartment. Do the trunk next, and save the carpets and floor mats for last.

3. CLEAN YOUR UPHOLSTERY AND CARPETS

Now that all the loose dirt, leaves and random bits and pieces have been vacuumed up, look at what’s left behind. You’ll probably need to do some upholstery and carpet cleaning. Use a fabric cleaner or a leather-specific cleaner to avoid damaging your seats and mats.

4. CLEAN ANY HARD SURFACES

Use an all-purpose cleaner to wash any hard plastic surfaces, such as the dash, the cup holders and the seat belts. Be careful around any electronics — use more precise tools like cotton swabs to avoid damage.

5. ELIMINATE LINGERING ODORS

If you have leftover odors from mildew, food, sweat or anything else, don’t cover it up with a hanging air freshener. Find the source, and use an odor eliminator. This could be as simple as using a spray or even leaving an open box of baking soda in the car (while parked). For tough odors, some pro detailers use industrial-strength ozone generators.

6. WASH THE BODY OF YOUR CAR

Find a shady spot and get the car wet before you get it soapy using the two-bucket method: Use one bucket for clean, soapy water and one for rinsing, dipping a microfiber cloth in the first bucket and cleaning it in the second bucket. Wash your car a section at a time, starting at the top and working downward, so dirty water doesn’t run over an area you just cleaned. Use a soft chamois cloth to dry the car.

7. CLEAN ANY GLASS AND TIRES

After you’ve cleaned every crack and crevice of your car’s body, move on to washing the windows, windshields and mirrors with a glass cleaner. Finally, scrub the tires and possibly apply some tire blacking as well.

8. POLISH AND WAX YOUR CAR

Before you apply wax, see if the finish looks dull after you’ve washed and dried it. This could be oxidization, especially if it’s an older car with a paint job from before the advent of clear coat. This is where a polisher pad would come in. Once you’ve got that perfect shine, protect it with a good wax.

Make DIY car detailing part of your seasonal routine to keep your car looking great between washes. You’ll appreciate the time it took when you see your everyday vehicle looking like it just rolled off the lot.

Source: napaonline.com

Make sure you and everyone else in and around the pool are safe with these tips!

Many electrical fires can be prevented by following some simple electricity safety tips. In this home electrical safety checklist below, there are 10 precautions every homeowner should know and follow. Always remember to ask a professional if you’re uncertain about the safety of an electrical outlet or appliance.

1. Always follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety.

"Read the instructions" should top the list of electrical safety tips at home. Understanding home appliance safety improves both the performance of your device and your personal safety. Should any appliance give you even a slight electrical shock, stop using it until a qualified electrician checks it for problems.

2. Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home.

Overloading an electrical outlet is a common cause of electrical problems. Check all outlets to ensure they are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates and are in proper working order. According to ESFI, you can follow these electrical outlet safety tips:

• Do not use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.
• Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Hot outlets should be checked by qualified electricians.
• Remember that power strips only add outlets—they do not change the amount of power the outlet receives.
• Smart plugs can be used to monitor outlet power loads and even shut off appliances should an outlet begin to overheat.

3. Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to keep your home safe.

Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.

The use of extension cords on a regular basis may mean that you don’t have enough outlets to fit your needs. Have a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety rules install additional outlets in rooms where you often use extension cords. When purchasing a power cord, consider the electrical load it will carry. A cord with a load of 16 AWG can handle up to 1,375 watts. For heavier loads, use a 14 or 12 AWG cord.

4. Keep your used and unused cords tidy and secure to prevent damage.

Electrical safety tips don’t just apply to power cords when they’re in use—cords also need to be stored safely to prevent damage. Keep stored cords away from children and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords). Try to avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects; this can stretch the cord or cause overheating. Never rest a cord on a hot surface in order to prevent damage to the cord’s insulation and wires.

5. Unplug all your unused appliances to reduce potential risks.

One of the simplest electrical safety tips is also one of the easiest to forget: when an appliance is not in use, unplug it. Not only does this save you power by reducing any phantom drain (the amount of energy the device consumes even when not actively in use), but unplugging unused appliances also protects them from overheating or power surges.

It’s often difficult to remember to unplug unused appliances, but the new generation of smart plugs offers a solution, allowing you to set power schedules for each outlet.

6. Keep electrical devices and outlets away from water to prevent shock.

Water and electricity don’t mix well. To follow electrical safety rules, keep electrical equipment dry and away from water prevents damage to appliances and can protect against personal injury and electrocution. When working with electrical appliances, it’s important to have dry hands. Keeping electrical equipment away from plant pots, aquariums, sinks, showers and bathtubs lowers the risk of water and electricity coming into contact.

7. Give your appliances proper space for air circulation to avoid overheating.

Without proper air circulation, electrical equipment can overheat and short out, and can become an electrical fire hazard. Make sure your appliances have proper air circulation, and avoid running electrical equipment in enclosed cabinets. For best electrical safety, it’s also important to store flammable objects well away from all appliances and electronics. Pay especially close attention to your gas or electric dryer, as these need to be situated at least a foot from the wall to function safely.

8. Ensure that all your exhaust fans are clean to prevent fire hazards.

Some appliances have exhaust fans, which can get dirty or clogged with debris and make the appliance work harder. This can shorten the life of the appliance and can cause a risk to the home due to overheating, or even cause a buildup of dangerous gasses that can lead to an electrical fire hazard. Cleaning exhaust fans regularly helps prevent such hazards.

9. Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.

Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.

10. Be aware of heaters and water heaters to prevent potential accidents.

Combustible items should be kept away from portable heaters and built-in furnaces. For furnace safety, store combustibles far away from any heating appliances. Portable heaters should not be operated close to drapes, and to prevent tipping, they should only ever be placed on a stable surface.

Source: constellation.com

Support Anthony, and Lallis & Higgins Insurance’s mission to raise $50,000 to help support families battling blood Cancers by donating here. Anthony Lallis of Lallis & Higgins Insurance has accepted the nomination of running as Boston’s 2023 Leukemia and Lymphoma All-Star Visionary of the year to raise funds to help with patient support. Anthony is the 2017 LLS New England Chapter Man of the Year winner, and raised over $50,000 thanks to his hard work, support from friends, family, and business partners. This year Anthony’s mission as an All-Star is to raise another $50,000 to help with patient support.

Safeco Insurance/Liberty Mutual helped kickstart Anthony’s mission by donating $10,000 through their Make More Happen Award. Anthony, and Lallis and Higgins Insurance were recognized for their work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and presented with the $10,000 check in May.

LLS provided $241 million in financial assistance to over 42,000 patients in 2021 alone. The challenge to keep funds available to those in need has become greater with LLS seeing a 30% increase in requests for assistance last year.

Families need to adjust their life – most times it means a parent will need to stop working so they can be available for their child that is going through treatment while the other Parent works (often times picking up a second job). LLS not only provides funding towards medical studies helping cure cancer, they also help assist with co-pays, deductibles, transportation, parking, food, and hotel stays while a child is going through treatment.

Anthony was two years old, and the youngest of three when his Parents found out he had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). “My Parents had no idea how much their lives would change. My mother stayed with me in my hospital room while my Dad worked long shifts to make up for the lost income. We didn’t have much money before my diagnosis, so expenses for food, parking, gas and transportation were limited. Our family received assistance through programs like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and it is my mission to continuing to help families like mine that have their lives flipped upside down.”

Follow this link to learn more about the LLS Co-Pay program.

Please consider supporting this organization by contributing to Anthony’s campaign, and by sharing the link to Anthony’s page with your network. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. For more information on LLS, please visit www.LLS.org.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!

Owning a pet is a fabulous and rewarding experience. But every animal and their needs are different, so how can you make sure you’re ready for a new addition to your family and your home and that you choose the right one for you? Our tips on how to choose the right pet are here to help…

Say goodbye to preconceived ideas

You may like the look of a particular pet but that doesn’t mean they’re right for you. Every pet has its own personality and certain breeds of dogs often have strong traits – for example Jack Russell terriers can need a lot of exercise and play to stop boredom setting in and shih tzus require lots of grooming. If you have children look for a friendly, confident dog rather than focussing on a particular breed.

Most people think that all small pets are great for children but it isn’t always the case. Some pets, including hamsters and chinchillas, are nocturnal which means that when the kids want to play, their pets are snoozing happily and won’t appreciate being disturbed.

Pets like gerbils and mice are quick and agile so it’s difficult for children to handle them without squeezing too hard. And rabbits are prey animals and don’t always enjoy being picked up and cuddled.

On the other hand, less popular pets like rats can actually make great pets and love social interaction with people. So think about what you want from your small pet and do some research before you take one on.

Think about your lifestyle

You may have an idea of what kind of pet you want, whether that’s a dog or degu, but think about what would be best suited to your home and lifestyle.

For example, if you work full time and you want a dog, who would take care of them during the day? Are there any local dog day care or dog walking services you can use and have you looked into the cost of this?

If you want a cat, will they have access to outside space while you’re out and about during the day and how will you feel if you come home to a clawed sofa?

Do some research on the size, temperament, exercise requirements, lifespan and health predispositions of different pets and breeds to make sure they’re the right choice for you.

Don’t impulse buy

It might be tempting if you see a gorgeous pet looking longingly at you but think about whether you’re really ready for the long term commitment. Your new pet could live for anything from two years to 20 or more and that impulse purchase might not seem like a good idea further down the line.

Plus if you haven’t done your research, you won’t know anything about the pet’s history and any health or behavioural problems that they come with. Choosing the right pet requires both planning time so don’t rush in to anything.

Do your sums

From everyday things like insurance, food and toys to unexpected vet bills, having a pet is a financial commitment.

Some pets may cost a few hundred pounds a year while others can cost thousands so make sure you factor in how much your new pet will cost before you choose them.

Think about a rescue pet

Thousands of stray, abandoned and unwanted pets are desperate for a good home. Charities like Blue Cross can offer support and advice about individual pets and help you find the right one for you and your family.

They’ll discuss your lifestyle and what you want from a pet and suggest suitable animals from the many in their care.

An adult rescue pet is a great choice because their personalities are already established so you can be more confident about whether they’ll fit in well to your lifestyle. They will be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated so they offer great value compared to the outlay involved in buying from a breeder.

If you want a particular breed of dog but still want to help a rescue pet, you can contact specific breed rescue organisations via The Kennel Club.

Use a reputable breeder

If you do want to buy a pedigree dog or cat, ask your vet or breed club to recommend a responsible breeder. Ask the breeder for all the relevant paperwork, like pedigree registration papers, health screening certificates and a written medical history, including vaccinations and worming.

Ask to meet the pet’s parents, relatives and siblings to observe their temperament and general health and welfare and find out if the parents or any of their other litters have developed inherited diseases or problems.

Ask about how the youngsters have been socialised and avoid those that have been reared in kennels, as they may have missed out on important aspects of growing up.

You can also ask to contact the breeder’s vet and other people who have bought youngsters from them to verify this – if they refuse, go elsewhere.

Don’t purchase online or from dealers who offer multiple breeds or types of pets – these may well turn out to be puppy farmers or commercial dealers who have little interest in the welfare of the pets they sell.

Find your perfect match

There aren't any fixed rules about what makes the perfect home because every pet and their needs are different. If you’re looking for a pet, do everything you can to find one that’s the right match for you and your lifestyle.

Source: bluecross.org

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Scroll down to learn about each step.

1. Conduct market research

Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area. Use that information to find a competitive advantage for your business.

2. Write your business plan

Your business plan is the foundation of your business. It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You’ll use it to convince people that working with you — or investing in your company — is a smart choice.

3. Fund your business

Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to start your business. If you don’t have that amount on hand, you’ll need to either raise or borrow the capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the capital you need.

4. Pick your business location

Your business location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue.

5. Choose a business structure

The legal structure you choose for your business will impact your business registration requirements, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability.

6. Choose your business name

It’s not easy to pick the perfect name. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You’ll also want to make sure your business name isn’t already being used by someone else.

7. Register your business

Once you’ve picked the perfect business name, it’s time to make it legal and protect your brand. If you’re doing business under a name different than your own, you’ll need to register with the federal government, and maybe your state government, too.

8. Get federal and state tax IDs

You’ll use your employer identification number (EIN) for important steps to start and grow your business, like opening a bank account and paying taxes. It’s like a social security number for your business. Some — but not all — states require you to get a tax ID as well.

9. Apply for licenses and permits

Keep your business running smoothly by staying legally compliant. The licenses and permits you need for your business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.

10. Open a business bank account

A small business checking account can help you handle legal, tax, and day-to-day issues. The good news is it’s easy to set one up if you have the right registrations and paperwork ready.

Source: sba.gov

Why should I purchase flood insurance if:

Q. I already have a home insurance policy?

A: Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood.

Q. My community has never flooded?

A: Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Poor drainage systems, summer storms, melting snow, neighborhood construction, and broken water mains can all result in flooding.

In high-risk areas, there is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

Q. I live outside the high-risk flood area?

A: Even though flood insurance isn’t required for your property, flooding can happen to anyone.

In fact, from 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40 percent of all NFIP flood insurance claims and required one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding.

Q. My home flood damage could be covered by federal disaster assistance?

A: Federal disaster assistance is only made available when there is a Presidential disaster declaration, and most flood events do not result in a declaration. Disaster assistance typically comes in the form of loans that must be repaid – with interest!

Disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is designed to kick-start recovery, but is not enough to restore your home to its pre-disaster condition or to replace your treasured household items.

Flood insurance does not have to be paid back, and it is designed to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition. There is no better way to protect the life you’ve built than with NFIP flood insurance.

Q. I'm renting a property?

A: It’s likely your landlord has flood insurance that covers the building, but not its contents.

Affordable, contents-only flood insurance will help you protect the items inside of your unit in the event of a flood.

For more information on flood insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: floodsmart

One of the unpleasant and unhealthy effects of water damage is mold development. Aside from the smell, allowing mold to grow in your home risks your health.

You can prevent mold from growing, but time is essential. If your home is not completely dry within roughly 24 hours, mold will develop.

If you hire a water damage technician, they will do everything possible to prevent mold growth. Many homeowners choose the DIY route to water damage restoration. If that’s what you decide to do, then you’ll need to move quickly.

If you have a wet/dry shop vac, it will be a great tool to start the drying-out process. The job will go faster if you can rent an industrial-grade wet/dry vacuum.

You’ll want to start drying out the water-logged area immediately, which means using fans. You can begin with box fans, but you should consider renting an industrial fan since they can move five times as much air.

While you can use a consumer-grade dehumidifier, an industrial-quality dehumidifier will dry things out faster. Using a rental dehumidifier, you should be able to pull 18-20 gallons of water from the air every 24 hours. Most consumer-grade dehumidifiers have small tanks that only absorb 5 gallons of water daily.

Source: ibuyer.com