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Safely Visit Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers

- Thursday, May 23, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Safely Visit Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers

The risks

While spending time in natural bodies of water—like oceans, lakes, and rivers—can help you stay active, it is important to know that the water we swim, play, wade, and relax in can also spread germs.

Germs found in the water and sand often come from human or animal feces (poop). One way germs can be carried into swim areas is by heavy rain, which can carry whatever it comes in contact with (for example, poop from animals) into swim areas. These germs can also come from humans or animals pooping in or near the water.

Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it. It can also cause an infection if you get into the water with an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing).

Steps to take

Taking a few simple steps when you visit oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water can help protect everyone from these germs.

Know before you go

  • Before you head out, check online to find out if the swim area is currently monitored, is under advisory, or has been closed for health or safety reasons. This is especially important after a heavy rain.
  • If your body's ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

Stay out of the water if

  • Signs say the swim area is closed.
  • The water looks cloudier than usual, is discolored, or smells bad. Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal. Discolored or smelly water could mean there is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the water.
  • You see any pipes draining into or around the water.
  • You are sick with diarrhea.
  • You have an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing). If you do go in the water while a cut or wound is still healing, use waterproof bandages to completely cover

Once you are in the swim area

  • Don't swallow the water.
  • Keep sand away from your mouth and children's mouths.
  • Don't poop in the water.
  • Every hour, take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers. Diapers should be changed in a bathroom or diaper-changing area to keep germs away from the water and sand.
  • Wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating food, especially if you have been playing in or touching sand.

Source: cdc.gov


Buying a Personal Watercraft: Beginner's Guide

- Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance

Personal watercrafts (PWCs) offer nimble handling and amazing performance in a package that’s affordable and easy to own. Some could argue that no boating option offers more value—or bang for the buck—than a personal watercraft. In much the same way Kleenex has became synonymous with facial tissue, a PWC is often referred to as a Jet Ski, WaveRunner or Sea-Doo—which are all known name brands of personal watercraft manufacturers including Kawasaki, Yamaha and BRP, sequentially. Buying the best PWC for your needs, similar to buying any boat, involves making a few important choices.

How to Buy a Personal Watercraft (PWC), Jet Ski or WaveRunner

  1. Determine the number of passengers you want to carry.
  2. Compare different models—rec-light, recreation, touring/luxury, performance, and stand-up.
  3. Decide if you'd like to buy new or pre-owned.
  4. Set your budget and explore financing options.
  5. Start shopping—find out where to buy.
  6. Research personal watercraft values and consult pricing guides.
  7. Work with a dealer—and close the deal.

Two-Passenger or Three-Passenger?

Almost all new PWC models are rated to carry three people, but not all are really comfortable with three adults on board. Mid-size three-passengers models can carry three adults in a pinch but two adults and a child is really more realistic. Some of the smaller Rec-Light-category models, and some high-performance PWC, are rated for two passengers. A three-passenger model offers seat room and buoyancy to comfortably carry two adults for a long cruise. That three-passenger rating is also a requirement when using a PWC to tow tubers or wake boarders in most states.

Compare Brands & Models

Rec-Light Models

These most-affordable PWC models can carry two adults (or two adults and a child), have a 60 to 100 HP engine, and can reach a top speed of about 45 MPH. They don’t really have enough power to tow a tube or boarder, and often don’t have some of the convenience features found on larger models. They also have a smaller and lighter hull that works fine in smooth water but can deliver a rougher ride when conditions get choppy.

Recreation Models

The mid-rage offered by PWC manufacturers, these models are larger and faster than the Rec-Light models, and can come with more features. Engine options may range from about 120 to 180 HP, good for a top speed of 50 to 60 MPH. Features offered on Recreation models include electronic reverse control, speed control options, performance options (such as a fuel-saving ECO mode), security systems, and optional audio systems. Some models can be set up for long-range cruising with a bolstered seat, or for towing with a tow-line pylon.

Luxury/Touring Models

These feature-laden models offer the most-powerful engines, with more than 300 HP available and a top speed exceeding 65 MPH. The large hull—over 11 feet long—is designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride in most water conditions. They also offer more storage and fuel capacity than the Recreation models. Electronic trim and reverse controls, adjustable speed and performance options, a touch screen display, a security system, adjustable handlebar angle are often standard equipment. There are models designed for specifically for touring, fishing and tow sports.

Performance Models

Designed for experienced riders looking for no-compromise performance inspired by competition, a Performance PWC is often the quickest and fastest boat on any lake. The hull and deck is often molded from special lightweight material, the jet pump is enhanced with special components, and the highest horsepower engine is placed under the seat. The result is not just top speed approaching 70 MPH, but eye-popping acceleration and razor-sharp handling. These are not machines intended for beginning riders.

Stand-Up Models

This is where the sport began—a narrow hull with a handlebar control mounted on a moveable pole. Riding a Stand-Up PWC requires some athletic ability and a lot of practice, but it’s that challenge that many riders find rewarding and entertaining.

Currently the Kawasaki Jet Ski SX-R is the only Stand-Up model available for recreational riding. The Yamaha SuperJet is sold only for closed-course competition. Pre-owned models are an option for those who want to give a stand-up model a try.

PWC Gear & Accessories

Trailer: Most PWC owners have a trailer to transport the craft, even if it’s kept on the water during the riding season. A trailer will be needed to transport the craft for service and off-season storage.

Life Jacket or PFD: A Type III PFD must be worn when riding a PWC—learn more here.

Riding Gear: Neoprene shorts or PWC trunks with a neoprene liner provide the PWC rider and passengers with a comfort and protection. A PWC wet suit can be worn for riding in cold water or for extending the riding season. Closed-toe boat shoes, water shoes or PWC riding booties provide better traction and protection than bare feet or flip-flops.

Source: discoverboating.com


Tips for Choosing a Pet

- Friday, May 10, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Pets

Consider housing. Cats and dogs can roam freely, but fish and exotic pets require housing that looks and feels like their natural habitat. While some exotic pets, like ferrets, can roam free in your house like cats and dogs, others cannot. For example, reptiles carry diseases that are dangerous for humans, so they should be kept properly caged.

If you have to purchase a cage or tank, think about how large your pet will grow and purchase a home that will meet his needs long-term. If you adopt more than one of the same animal, they may require a larger home to share or separate homes depending on the species.

Turtles and amphibians may need tanks that have both water and “land” to be completely fulfilled. Since reptiles are cold-blooded, you may have to invest in a UV light to help regulate body temperature.

Veterinary costs. Cats and dogs require regular examinations and vaccinations, and so do many exotic pets. All pets have specific needs, so don’t assume that small pets like fish are easier to care for. Do your research and find a veterinarian who specializes in the care of your particular pet.

If you already have pets, talk to your veterinarian before adopting another one. Your vet can help you navigate local laws for exotic pets and ensure all your animals are compatible and will get along. They can also give you tips for introducing your new pet to the ones you already own.

Food. Pet food nutrition labels aren’t the same as those for human food but as with humans, quality is better. Cats are meat eaters and need diets that are high in animal protein. Your dog must have water, protein, fat, carbs, and some vitamins and minerals to be healthy. Other animals, like snakes, are carnivores and need to eat thawed, pre-killed rodents to meet their nutritional needs.

Some reptiles require a variety of fresh vegetation. You may be tempted to just give lettuce, but your pet will not get enough nutrients to thrive without variety. No pets should be given human food unless it is cooked meat or fresh fruits and vegetables that are safe for your particular breed. Processed foods are highly dangerous to many species. Fresh water is an important requirement no matter what kind of pet you adopt. Always check with your vet for advice on what is best for your pet's nutritional needs.

Source: webmd.com


How to Take Care of Your Mental Health: Mental Health Awareness Month

- Friday, May 03, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some self-care tips:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and well-being—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
  • Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
  • Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
  • Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
  • Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
  • Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
  • Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/


Earth Day: Protecting Our Planet Starts with You

- Monday, April 22, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Earth DayTen simple choices for a healthier planet.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.

Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.

Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.

Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.

Choose sustainable. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.

Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.

Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room!

Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.

Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.

Bike more. Drive less.

Source: oceanservice.noaa.gov


What Causes An Oven Fire?

- Monday, April 22, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Oven Fire

Oven fires can spark for several reasons, from common user errors to appliance malfunctions. Grease and oil can quickly cause a flame when they come in contact with an oven surface. But even something like cake or cookie batter can become ablaze if it spills onto the oven.

Oven fires can also be the result of improper cleaning (or lack thereof). The food you’re baking can sometimes escape the pan and accumulate at the bottom of the oven. This usually causes a burning smell coming from the oven but can lead to fires if there’s grease dripping from the pan.

Simple Steps to Putting Out an Oven Fire

An oven fire can be dangerous, but there are things you can safely do to prevent a disaster.

Step 1: Leave the Oven Closed

Your first instinct might be to open the oven door. However, there is a chance the fire can resolve itself. If you remember from science class, fire needs a fuel source and oxygen to continue. Whatever is burning in the oven is the fuel source—opening the door will feed it more oxygen. With the door closed, the fire could go out on its own.

Step 2: Turn the Oven Off

If you can do it safely, shut off and unplug the oven. While you’re doing that, unplug any other nearby electrical appliances or devices. This could help reduce the chances of the fire spreading and causing further damage.

Step 3: Grab Your Extinguisher

Remember, not all fires can be put out with water. Oil, grease, and electrical fires are dangerous enough already—throwing water on them can make them exponentially worse. That’s why all homes should have at least one fire extinguisher in an easy-to-access location. A standard fire extinguisher can be used in most home fire situations.

Step 4: If the Fire Is Out, Ventilate Your Home

If the above steps helped you put out the fire, you’re clear to open up some windows. This will help the smoke and other odors escape safely. It also gives you a better chance to check out the damage.

Step 5: If the Fire Isn’t Out—Call Emergency Services

If the fire is still going or starts to spread, don’t put yourself or others at risk. Call your local fire department right away. Ensure all family members, pets, and guests are safely evacuated.

Can You Put Out an Oven Fire With Water?

It’s not safe to use water on an oven fire. The fire could have started from oil or grease, which means it can spread if water is introduced. Additionally, if you have an electric oven or any electrical appliance or devices nearby, you risk electrocuting yourself. Water is a conductor of electricity, so throwing it on an oven fire could put you or anyone nearby at risk.

Source: ctr-nw.com


What is a Flash Flood?

- Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Flash Flood

Flash floods occur suddenly and usually within hours of excessive heavy rainfall. Flash floods become raging torrents of water, ripping through neighborhoods, streets, valleys, etc. sweeping away whatever is in their path. Flash floods can also occur with a dam or levee failure. Heavy rain should be a signal that alerts you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

Flood WATCH

issued when conditions look favorable for flash flooding. A WATCH usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action and where you would go if the water begins to rise.

Flash Flood WARNING

issued when dangerous flash flooding is happening or will happen soon. A WARNING is usually a smaller, more specific area. This can be issued due to excessive heavy rain or a dam/levee failure. This is when you must act quickly as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

Flash Flood EMERGENCY

issued for the EXCEEDINGLY RARE situations when extremely heavy rain is leading to a severe threat to human life and CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon. Typically, emergency officials are reporting LIFE-THREATENING water rises resulting in water rescues/evacuations.

Source: weather.gov


Flood Facts

- Wednesday, April 03, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Flooded House

1 – FLOODS ARE THE MOST COMMON NATURAL HAZARDS IN THE UNITED STATES

In terms of number of lives lost and property damage, flooding is the most common natural hazard. Floods can occur at any time of the year, in any part of the country, and at any time of the day or night. While heavy precipitation is the common cause of flooding, hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common, but often overlooked, causes of flooding.

2 – FLOODPLAINS PROVIDE ROUGHLY 25 PERCENT OF ALL LAND-BASED ECOSYSTEM SERVICE BENEFITS YET THEY REPRESENT JUST 2 PERCENT OF EARTH’S LAND SURFACE

Floodplains are the low lying areas that surround rivers and other water bodies naturally flood on a frequent basis. Naturally frequent flooding makes floodplains the “lifeblood” to surrounding areas.

They provide clean water and wildlife habitat among many other benefits including one of the most visible functions, the ability to store large volumes of flood water and slowly release these waters over time.

3 – WETLANDS IN THE U.S. SAVE MORE THAN $30 BILLION IN ANNUAL FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIR COSTS

Wetlands act as natural sponges, storing and slowly releasing floodwaters after peak flood flows have passed. A single acre of wetland, saturated to a depth of one foot, will retain 330,000 gallons of water – enough to flood thirteen average-sized homes thigh-deep.

4 – OVER THE PAST CENTURY, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MORE INTENSE AND FREQUENT STORMS

Over the last 50 years, Americans have seen a 20% increase in the heaviest downpours. With a changing climate, we know that the size of the nation’s floodplains will grow by 40 to 45% over the next 90 years, putting more people in harm’s way.

5 – DAMAGES FROM FLOOD LOSSES HAVE INCREASED TO AN AVERAGE $10 BILLION PER YEAR

In the first decade of the new millennium, extreme rainfall events combined with changes in land use have resulted in an increase in floods and an increase in annual average flood losses from $6 billion to $10 billion despite the billions of dollars invested in flood control.

6 – IN 2011 ALONE, THERE WERE 58 FEDERAL FLOOD DISASTER DECLARATIONS, COSTING OVER $8 BILLION AND CAUSED 113 DEATHS, BOTH EXCEEDED THE 30–YEAR AVERAGES.

A homeowner with a 30-year mortgage in a 100-year flood area has a 1 in 4 chance that such a flood will occur and more than double the chance of being damaged by a flood than by a fire.

Floods can happen everywhere, it just depends on whether the risk is high, medium, or low: people outside of “high-risk” areas (or the “100-year” floodplain) actually file over 20% of the flood insurance claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.

7 – ROUGHLY 17% OF ALL THE URBAN LAND IN THE UNITED STATES IS LOCATED IN THE “100-YEAR” OR HIGH RISK FLOOD ZONE

If you live in a high-risk area and you have a federally backed mortgage, you must buy flood insurance. While flood insurance costs vary, flood insurance averages $600 a year. However, if your community participates in FEMA’s voluntary Community Rating System (CRS), you can receive up to 45% off your insurance premium.

8 – OVER THE COURSE OF A 30 YEAR MORTGAGE, HOMEOWNERS IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN HAVE A 1 IN 4 CHANCE OR GREATER OF BEING FLOODED – TWICE THE PROBABILITY OF FIRE DAMAGE

Floods are not limited to the 100-year floodplain and 100 year floods can happen more frequently than once every century. Over 20% of the flood insurance claims and one-third of all flood disaster assistance is for flood damage outside the 100-year floodplain. The concept of a 100-year flood is a statistical projection that refers to a flood event that has a 1 percent probability of occurring each and every year. As the climate changes, the size and area subject to the 100-year flood will increase.

9 – FLOOD MITIGATION PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE LOSS OF LIFE AND DAMAGES TO PROPERTIES PROVIDE $5 IN BENEFITS FOR EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED

When homeowners take steps to protect themselves and to reduce the impacts of flooding through mitigation practices such as elevating or flood-proofing their homes, moving out of harm’s way, and investing in “natural defenses” they can save themselves and taxpayer’s money because it’s less expensive to prepare for a flood than it is to keep cleaning up afterwards.

10 – LEVEES CAN AND DO FAIL OFTEN WITH CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES

An estimated 100,000 MILES OF LEVEES crisscross the nation. However, there is no definitive record of the exact number or the condition of those levees.

We do know that over 40 percent of the U.S. population lives in counties with levees and that many of these were designed decades ago for agricultural purposes but now have homes and businesses behind them.

The good news is there are proven methods to restore and reconnect our rivers. Setting levees back or otherwise modifying levees allows the floodplain to store more water naturally, keep people safe, and provide other benefits such as clean water and wildlife habitat.

Source: americanrivers.org


Get the Boldest, Brightest Dyed Easter Eggs

- Monday, March 25, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Easter Eggs

Dyed eggs are as synonymous with Easter as chocolate bunnies, colorful baskets and lambs made out of butter. And the egg-dyeing process can seem like a simple one: mix, dunk, dry, done … right?! But the wrong technique can lead to splotchy eggs, stained fingers, and dye-splashed counters, turning a fun activity into a frustrating mess.

To help you really nail the egg-dyeing thing this year, we colored dozens of eggs and tested all of the buzzy hacks, so we could assemble a step-by-step plan for dying Easter eggs with food coloring. (You absolutely don’t need to buy a kit to produce rich, saturated colors. But we do have a few favorite egg-dyeing kits, if that’s your thing.) Now, let’s hop to it!

How to dye Easter eggs

What you need

Step 1: Clean and boil eggs (or don’t!)
Step 2: Mix the dye bath
Step 3: Gently add the eggs to the dye bath
Step 4: Pull eggs out and lay them out to dry
Step 5: Give them a roll
Step 6: Display and enjoy!

Egg dye

Liquid food coloring is the easiest to mix and produces bright, bold colors. We’re now seeing it marketed as “liquid food color and egg dye.”

White vinegar

Adding an acid to the dye bath helps the color adhere to the egg shell, making the color more saturated. If you don’t have any white vinegar in your pantry, lemon or lime juice will work just as well in a pinch.

Cups

Wide ceramic mugs or glasses make removing eggs easy, and the dye shouldn’t stain the vessels. You can also use disposable cups, if you prefer. No matter the material, to help prevent overflow, mugs or glasses should be large enough to hold at least 1 cup of water.

Gloves

Disposable gloves make handling eggs easy, and they also protect your fingers from stains.

Table covering

To prevent getting stains on your work surface, place thick craft paper, a piece of cardboard, or a plastic tablecloth under your dye cups.

Cooling rack

Metal cooling racks with slats can be a convenient place for your eggs to drip-dry. If you have a griddled rack, like the Sur La Table Stainless Steel Cooling Grid, you can flip it over so the eggs will nestle on the underside. Just make sure it’s elevated so the dye doesn’t pool. Not a baker? Small plastic bottle caps can hold eggs upright while they dry.

Baking sheet or cutting board

Line an unrimmed baking sheet or a plastic cutting board with a rag or paper towels, to catch the drips off the cooling rack. (Note: Dye can stain surfaces, so now is not the time to pull out a fancy wooden charcuterie board.) It’s not completely necessary to line a rimmed baking sheet, since there’s less risk of the dye running off the rack and onto your table.

Step 1: Clean and boil eggs

After checking your raw eggs to make sure they’re clean and not cracked, give them a good washing (this helps the dye adhere better). Then follow your favorite hard-boiled egg recipe, to prep eggs for dyeing.

Step 2: Mix the dye bath

Food coloring can stain porous surfaces and fabrics, so you need to protect your work surface. Dyeing eggs with kids? Expect curious fingers and a couple of inevitable spills. Play clothes or aprons are a must.

If you’re using a kit, follow package directions.

If you’re using liquid egg dye, line up your cups and add liquid food coloring, plus white vinegar or lemon juice (see quantities below), and mix together completely. Then add room-temperature water so the cup is no more than half-full. We repeat: half-full. You can always add more water once the eggs are in, but starting with less prevents your dye bath from overflowing. Before you dunk in an egg, be sure to stir the water into the vinegar coloring mixture.

The food coloring–to–vinegar ratio is not an exact science, but the vibrancy of your eggs depends on how much you add at the start.

For pastel eggs: Start with 3 or 4 drops of food coloring, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and ½ cup water, and soak for at least 5 minutes.

For bright eggs: Double the food coloring, vinegar, and soaking time, but stick to ½ cup water.

Step 3: Gently add the eggs to the dye bath

Once the eggs are cool, it’s time to lower them into the room-temperature dye baths. To avoid doing a balancing act, skip the spoon or egg dipper tool, and put on a pair of disposable gloves so you can use your hands. You’ll have more control, which means less splashing, which means less cleanup. Keep a rag or paper towel nearby so you can quickly wipe off any excess dye from your gloves as you go—essential if you want to avoid accidental color mixing.

Leave the eggs in the dye bath undisturbed for at least 5 minutes before you check them. (Remember: The longer you leave them, the more saturated the color will be, so patience is everything if you’re going for bold and bright.) Since eggs have a tendency to float on their side, it helps to rotate them at the halfway mark to ensure even color around the outside.

Step 4: Pull eggs out and lay them out to dry

When your eggs reach just the right shade, it’s drying time. With plastic gloves on, pluck each egg out of the dye bath, give it a light shake (to remove any remaining dye droplets), and gently place it on your cooling-rack-and-baking-sheet setup. Keep that paper towel from before handy—you’ll definitely want to wipe your gloved fingers between extractions, to prevent unwanted fingerprints.

Step 5: Give them a roll

Once the surface looks dry or tacky, use your gloved fingers to flip each egg over. A little bit of dye may pool at the bottom, so we found that rolling them over speeds up drying time and prevents water marks. When the eggs appear dry all around, slide the whole tray into the fridge for a few hours, to prevent the dye from smudging or transferring to another egg. No matter how hard you try, bubble dots and watermarks can be somewhat impossible to avoid. But we think they can be kind of cute and fun, like on our red egg above.

Step 6: Display and enjoy!

Once the dyed boiled eggs are completely dry, you can display them in a ceramic egg crate, a decorative basket, or a kitchen bowl, without worry of transferring colors. Just remember to return eggs to the fridge after two hours, and eat them within a week of boiling, for food-safety reasons. If you’ve dyed uncooked eggs, you should keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook with them. nytimes.com


Tips for Buying Your First Motorcycle

- Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Motorcycle

Consider when, how and where you’ll be riding.

To find the motorcycle that suits you best, you’ll need to think about what you want out of riding in general. Think about the key characteristics you’ll look for in a bike by asking questions such as:

  • Do you want to ride your bike as part of your daily commute? Many commuter riders choose agile bikes with smaller engines that get excellent gas mileage.
  • Do you want to test your skills on a track? A bike built for sensitive handling such as a sport bike or cafe racer might be what you’re looking for.
  • Do you want to take your bike on long road trips? Look into bikes built for long-haul comfort and extra cargo capacity such as cruisers and touring bikes.
  • Will you be riding mostly on urban streets, rural roads or a mix of both? Urban riders typically favor smaller, lighter bikes for navigating traffic, while rural riders may opt either for something a little bigger or for an adventure bike that can tackle dirt and gravel roads.

Research is your friend.

It’s a good idea to go into the buying process with a list of models you’re interested in and features you’re looking for. Do some digging on the Internet to learn about the reputations of different brands and models, including which are known to be reliable and good for beginners. There are plenty of great guides available online to help you sort out the differences between brands and models, as well as to help make sense of the complex performance specs you might encounter.

Your friends who ride motorcycles are a priceless resource here, so make sure to ask for their opinions and learn in detail about what they like about various models–and don’t be afraid to ask them to come along when you make your purchase. Motorcycle forums and social media groups are also often rich with information, and many seasoned riders are eager to share their experiences with new riders. (As always, take anything an anonymous stranger on the Internet tells you with a grain of salt.)

Make sure the bike is a comfortable fit for your body.

Your body has a much closer relationship with a motorcycle than it does with a car or truck. A motorcycle needs to be comfortable for your particular body shape, so spend some time sitting on the bike and feeling out its height and weight. Due to liability issues, you may not always be able to test drive a motorcycle (particularly if you’re buying it from a private seller), but you can at least get an idea of whether or not the bike is comfortable to sit on.

Seat height and saddle shape are particularly important, as these features are usually hard to change without significantly modifying the bike. Newer riders will usually want a bike with a low enough saddle that they can plant both feet flat on the ground at a stoplight. Even motorcycle styles with higher suspensions such as sport bikes have beginner-focused models that often include lower seats.

It’s also key to get a bike that’s not too heavy for you. Many cruisers and touring bikes are on the heavy side, making them potentially tougher to handle for beginners and easier to drop. And while any experienced rider will tell you that dropping a bike is something that will happen to you eventually, no matter your skill level, it’s really helpful to have a bike that you feel confident handling.

Make sure the motorcycle’s paperwork is in order.

If you’re buying a used motorcycle, you’ll need to do a little extra due diligence on your paperwork, particularly if you’re buying a bike directly from its owner. Take the time to ensure that all of the bike’s essential paperwork is squared away, including:

Make sure the seller can present you with a title and that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the bike matches the VIN on the title.

Write up a bill of sale and make sure that you and the seller both sign and date it. (You can find easy-to-use motorcycle bill of sale templates online.)

Check with your state DMV to ensure that the motorcycle is legally registered to the seller. Be wary of anyone selling a bike that isn’t registered in their name, as the bike might be stolen.

Use your state DMV’s website or another VIN search engine to ensure that the motorcycle has no liens against it from creditors and that its title is not a salvage title.

If a private seller seems evasive about the bike’s history and records, stay on the safe side and move on. You don’t want the hassle and risk of buying a bike that may get you tied up in legal troubles when you try to register it, or one that’s been previously wrecked and is no longer safe to ride.

Get your new baby tuned up.

Once you’ve made your purchase, it’s always a good idea to invest in a tune-up for your new bike. You’ll want to develop a relationship with a trusted motorcycle mechanic, so now is the perfect time to find a shop you like. Ask your rider friends to recommend mechanics they trust or look up reviews online to find a great mechanic.

A good motorcycle tune-up should include an oil change, plus a check of other fluid levels and brake pads. It’s also a good time to ask the mechanic any lingering questions you have about the bike mechanically—although hopefully, you’ve gotten clarification on any major points before making the final purchase.

Insurance is a must.

Remember that you’ll need a motorcycle insurance policy on your new bike before you take it out on the road. Most major auto insurance companies also offer motorcycle insurance, so you may be able to find a great policy through the same company that ensures your primary vehicle.

Motorcycle insurance policies cover most of the same things that typical automobile policies do. At the baseline level, that will include liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage, but it can also be a good idea to get collision insurance that will help repair or replace your bike and/or underinsured motorist insurance that will protect you against drivers who aren’t carrying a sufficient insurance policy.

Contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: cardosystems.com



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