Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly. Here's what to have in a car emergency kit:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
• Compass
• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
• Drinking water
• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Rain poncho
• Snow brush
• Shovel
• Windshield washer fluid
• Warm clothing
• Cat litter for traction
• Blankets

It's also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone.

Source: nsc.org

Since Boston’s fireworks kick off on Thursday, we consider that the start of the weekend! Here are some exciting activities to enjoy each day, ensuring five days of endless fun in Boston:

1. Labor Day Fireworks – Thursday, August 29

Pop-off into the weekend, literally, with the Boston Harbor Labor Day Weekend Fireworks show! The annual event is the last Boston fireworks display until First Night, so you don’t want to miss them! Enjoy live music from Berklee students followed by a fireworks show over the Harbor!

2. Captain Your Own Charter with Boston Electric Boats – Friday, August 30

Boating, a quintessential Labor Day excursion, can be done right in the city. You don’t even need a boating license to captain your own charter! Boats accommodate up to 12 guests, breaking the cost down to just $42 per person for a private 2-hour boat ride!

3. Boston Jazz Festival– Saturday, August 31

The two-day 14th annual Boston Jazz Festival runs from Friday, August 30 through Saturday, August 31! The FREE festival features jazz artists including Grammy-Winner Jon Samsom and takes place at Maritime Park in Boston’s Seaport District.

4. Mingle and Meet at SoWa Open Market – Sunday, September 1

SoWa Sundays continue even during the holiday weekend. The outdoor market brings together dozens of vendors, food trucks, artisans, and artists to explore.

5. Enjoy Free Admission to the ICA Boston Seaport – Monday, September 2

On Labor Day itself, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission from 10 AM- 5 PM. Five exhibits are on view on Labor Day: Tau Lewis, Wordplay, and Igshaan Adams plus last chances to see Firelei Báez and Hew Locke: The Procession!

Make the most of your Labor Day Weekend in Boston with these activities and more!

Source: bostonuncovered.com

Creating a 360 virtual tour is a simple yet powerful step towards enhancing your business or selling a home.

In this guide, we will explore the benefits of 360 virtual tours, discuss the importance of staging, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create impressive virtual tours. Whether you are a real estate agency or an entrepreneur looking for a lucrative business opportunity, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to leverage the potential of 360 virtual tours.

To further enhance your understanding and expertise in the world of creating 360 virtual tours, it is highly recommended to delve into a wealth of knowledge available on this subject. By exploring these topics below, you can gain valuable insights and acquire the skills necessary to take your virtual tours to the next level.

Benefits of 360 Virtual Tours

Let's explore the key advantages:

Enhanced Visual Experience:

360 virtual tours provide an immersive and interactive visual experience, allowing potential buyers or clients to explore properties or businesses from the comfort of their homes.

Broadened Reach:

With virtual tours, you can attract long-distance buyers or clients who may find it challenging to visit properties in person. This expands your reach and saves time by narrowing down potential leads to those genuinely interested.

Time and Cost Savings:

Virtual tours eliminate the need for numerous in-person property visits, saving both real estate agents and potential buyers valuable time and resources. It streamlines the process and allows you to focus on more qualified leads.

Staging Homes for Success:

What is the role of staging in creating a compelling virtual tour? Staging plays a crucial role in making properties look visually appealing and inviting to potential buyers.

Source: cloudpano.com

Massachusetts residents love their ice cream. And now the state has unveiled an "ice cream trail" map that directs people to more than 100 shops and stands that use local ingredients for their sweet treats.

Gov. Maura Healey said the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail "highlights the incredible diversity of our dairy farms and ice cream shops."

"This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops, and local farm stands," she said in a statement.

Below are all the ice cream spots on the map - and we've bolded the businesses that were also favorites of our viewers in the 2021 WBZ Ice Cream Social tournament.

If you don't see your favorite ice cream shop on the list, keep in mind that this map made by the Dairy Promotion Board, Department of Agricultural Resources and tourism office shows places that use locally produced milk from the state's 95 dairy farms for their ice cream.

View the ice cream shops across MA here!

What are the Dates?

In 2024, the sales tax holiday will be on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11.

What qualifies?

The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by individuals.

What is taxed on this holiday?

Purchases by corporations or other businesses.

Purchases by individuals for business use.

What retail items do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Meals
Motor vehicles
Motorboats
Telecommunications services
Steam
Electricity
Tobacco products
Marijuana or marijuana products
Alcoholic beverages, and
Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

What about internet sales? Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Yes. An item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet:

On the sales tax holiday and During Eastern Daylight Time.

No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend.

Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?

Yes. All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday

Is there a limit to the retail value to which the sales tax holiday exemption applies?

Yes. The sales tax holiday exemption is limited to eligible sales of items costing $2,500 or less.

What if I spend more than $2,500 on an item?

If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold.

What if I purchase multiple items that each cost $2,500 or less, but the total price is more than $2,500? Are all items eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption?

If the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500.

Source: Mass.gov

It's hot! With close to 200 miles of coastline, Massachusetts boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the USA. The wide variety of beach landscapes makes the Bay State unique. Granite boulders on the North Shore are in stark contrast to the miles of wide, sandy dunes along Cape Cod. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket add award-winning beaches that regularly appear on "Best of" lists.

Tidal pools, seafood shacks, historic lighthouses, and impressive surf add further interest. Of course, choosing the best beach is a very personal choice, and no two people would agree, but you can save yourself some time figuring out where to go with our list of the best beaches in Massachusetts.

1. Crane Beach, Ipswich
2. Race Point Beach, Provincetown
3. Chatham Lighthouse Beach
4. Singing Beach, Manchester by the Sea
5. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
6. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
7. Head of the Meadow, Truro
8. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
9. Madaket Beach, Nantucket
10. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor
11. Cisco Beach, Nantucket
12. Rock Harbor Beach, Orleans
13. Plum Island, Newburyport
14. Marconi Beach, Wellfleet
15. Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown
16. Horseneck Beach Reservation, Westport

Click here to find out more about these beaches?

Source: planeware.com

Summer can bring hot temperatures, and working or playing in the heat can be dangerous. As you head out this summer, remember to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related injuries when you're far from climate-controlled environments. The good news is that you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

Protect against sunburn.

Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature.

Take extra precautions with certain medications.

Ask your health care team your medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

Never leave anyone in a parked car.

This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F in 10 minutes. It's unsafe to leave a person or pet in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. Keep your car locked to prevent a child from getting inside when it is parked.

Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.

If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Get acclimated.

It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Limit time spent working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Be cautious if you're at increased risk.

If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure medical services are available in case of a heat emergency.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Left untreated, it can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Source: mayoclinichealthsystem.org

In 2023, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States—a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion each year. 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.

Ozone layer depletion decreases our atmosphere's natural protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This Web page provides an overview of the major health problems linked to overexposure to UV radiation. Understanding these risks and taking sensible precautions will help you enjoy the sun while reducing your chances of sun-related health problems.

Sun Safety Tips

Do NOT Burn

Sunburns significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.

Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds

UV radiation from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.

Generously Apply Sunscreen

Generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

Seek Shade

Seek shade when possible, and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand

Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Check the UV Index

The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA.

Get Vitamin D Safely

Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don't seek the sun.

Source: EPA.gov

It’s hard to believe that the Fourth of July is only a short week away. Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year. All year long, I look forward to the parades, the picnics, and of course the fireworks. Due to safety concerns, it is illegal to set off fireworks in the Bay State. However, there are many amazing displays taking place throughout Massachusetts in July 2024. If you have been wondering, “Where is the best place to watch fireworks near me,” don’t sweat. Only In Your State has you covered with our list of the best July Fourth fireworks displays in Massachusetts.

1. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Massachusetts’ biggest Independence Day Celebration takes place at Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must-see event if you live near the city. This year’s celebration features music by The Mavericks & Kelli O’Hara, Darlene Love, and the spectacular Boston Pops. The Fireworks explode over the Charles on July 4 starting at 8 p.m., but if you want to snag a seat, you will want to come much earlier in the day.

2. Plymouth 4th of July

Is there a more patriotic place to celebrate the Fourth than Plymouth? The city hosts an all-day Plymouth 4th of July celebration on the Fourth with a 5K road race, a colorful holiday parade, food trucks, and a concert by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. The jaw-dropping fireworks display takes place at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park and begins around 9:15 p.m.

3. Star Spangled Springfield

Star Spangled Springfield has been going strong since 1991. This family-friendly celebration takes place in 2024 on the Fourth from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come to Riverfront Park for an evening of music, entertainers, food, and fun. The fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. and are free to view.

4. Salem’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

The patriotic fun in Salem takes place at Salem’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Children’s activities kick off the celebration at 4 p.m. and are followed by some fantastic live music, opening ceremonies, a concert by the 40-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and a fireworks extravaganza starting at 9:15 p.m. There is no fee to view the fireworks and concert.

5. Fall River Fireworks Display

For a unique fireworks experience, be sure to attend the Fall River Fireworks Display celebration at Battleship Cove in Fall River. During this special event, you will be able to view the colorful sky from the deck of the battleship USS Massachusetts. The fun takes place on the night of the Fourth. The gates will be open from 7:30-8:45 p.m. The admission price is $15 per person (children under two are free). Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

6. Amherst Independence Day Fireworks And Celebration 2024

The town of Amherst will be celebrating America’s birthday early this year. Amherst Independence Day Fireworks And Celebration 2024 will take place on July 2 at UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with lawn games, live entertainment, and food trucks. Fireworks begin at dusk. This event is free (including parking) for all.

7. Six Flags New England July 4th Firework Celebration

Enjoy three nights of fireworks this year at Six Flags New England. The Six Flags New England July 4th Firework Celebration displays will take place at 9:30 p.m. July 4-6, 2024. Spend the day riding the coasters and other amusements and then sit back and relax and view the show. Admission to the display is included in your regular Six Flags ticket. However, you can rent Premium Fireworks Seating for an additional fee.

8. Falmouth Fireworks

The Falmouth Fireworks celebration is considered one of the most spectacular displays in all of the nation! This magnificent volunteer-run event takes place on the Fourth at 8:30 p.m. at Falmouth Heights Beach. Attending this classic oceanfront event is always a great way to kick off a summer on the Cape.

Be sure to check individual event pages for the most up-to-date information as the weather may impact dates and times. And don’t forget to pack a comfy blanket to lie on while you gaze up at the magnificent light show in the sky.

Source: onlyinyourstate.com