Storing Your Snowmobile For Summer

Snowmobiles are becoming big investments that should be protected year round.  Here are a few basic tips to keep your sled in tip top shape while it is being stored.

Clean your sled thoroughly before packing it away for the season – a little bit of dirt or gunk can cause rust or damage.
Wax your sled before putting it away to keep it from drying out and cracking in the summer heat.
Cover your sled with an old sheet or drop cloth and tuck it around the body to keep out dust and grease.
Store your clean, waxed and covered sled in a cool, dry place on blocks, if possible.
Drain the gas tank or put stabilizer in the fuel.

Help Deter Auto Theft & Break Ins

Here are a few simple ideas that can help keep your vehicle safe while it is unattended.

If you are parking your vehicle overnight, choose to park in a well-lit, busy or familiar area.
Report any theft to the police. If items have been stolen from your car, do not disturb the scene. Police may want to dust for fingerprints.
Do not leave valuables visible to anyone who walks by the car. Visible items may attract a window smash and grab.
This might seem like common sense, but lock your vehicle and close all windows every time you leave it. Even in your own driveway!
Is your car on the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Hot Wheels list of the 10 most stolen vehicles?
Check out this site: https://www.nicb.org/newsroom/nicb_campaigns/hot%E2%80%93wheels

GOOGLE STAY SAFE ONLINE

Google has launched a new consumer education campaign called Good to Know. It is designed to teach anyone who uses websites and other online tools about safety, security and data management. There are four parts included:


• Stay Safe Online:

Tips and advice for staying more secure online.

• Your Data on the Web:

How data makes websites more useful.

• Your Data on Google:

How Google uses information to help make a better experience.

• Manage Your Data:

How to best manage your information.

Each section contains additional information about various topics which might include instructional diagrams and videos. For example, under Your Data on the Web additional topics include discussion of Cookies and IP addresses. Much of the information is Google-focused, like how to manage what information Google stores about you and your online activities. For most people this can be very helpful as they understand how they can control their Google account information.

Fire Safety

The holidays bring out the decorations that include lighting, especially for Christmas.  Home fires can be caused  by improper installation of the lights or old electrical cords.  Practice the following fire safety tips to ensure your family remains safe this holiday season.
Run two fire drills per year so everyone knows what to do if a real fire occurs. Set up multiple scenarios at different times of day.
Make sure every window and door is fully functional before each fire drill. Teach your family how to unlock and open all possible exits.
Store a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and on every level of your home. Keep them recharged and teach your family how to operate them.
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once per year.
If fire occurs, crawl to the nearest exit with your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor. Check all doors for heat before opening them.

September 24th National Child Seat Check Day

Sept 24th is National Child Seat Check Day.  Go to the SafeKids link to learn proper installation of your childs safety seat to protect our most valuable little assets!

Best and Worst Vehicles Link

Spring time is car buying time!  Take a look at the link provided by Consumer Reports that shows the best and worst cars and trucks by type.  They range from small cars thru large pick ups and SUV's, family vehicles to luxury cars.  When purchasing a vehicle, a little information on the reliability is worth its' weight in gold.  No one wants to purchase a vehicle and then have it spend more time in the shop than on the road! 

Secure Your Home While Away On Spring Break

Going out of town for Spring Break? I recommend 6 steps to secure your home while on vacation. 1.) Let trusted neighbors know you are leaving and ask them to keep an eye on your home.  2.) Ask someone to pick up your mail and newspaper, or stop those deliveries for the duration of your trip.  3.) Set your outside lights so one stays on at night, and put timers on your indoor lighting so they go on and off at random intervals.  4.) Trim overgrown hedges and bushes, especially around windows, so thieves don’t have an easy place to hide.  5.) Lock all doors and windows. A quality deadbolt is a great defense against intruders.  6.) In addition to taking steps to secure your home, it’s just as important to know what not to do. Don’t hide a spare key outside, don’t record a phone greeting saying you’re on vacation, and never announce your travel plans on social networking sites.  A few simple and easy steps to give you peace of mind while enjoying your vacation.