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What Happened to the Spare Tire?

What Happened to the Spare Tire?

When you purchase a new vehicle, you expect the car to be equipped with all of the basic features a new car would have. Features such as adaptive headlights, air bags, seat belts, backup cameras, and brake assistance. How about the spare tire? A decade ago, the spare tire was an important feature when purchasing a new car.

According to a study conducted by AAA, automakers are ditching the spare tire in favor of tire inflator kits. Over a third of new vehicles sold in 2015 alone were driven without a spare tire.

Stringent fuel economy standards have forced automakers to shed weight from their vehicles; these changes have generally benefited drivers by lowering pollution and consumer gas budgets. Substituting a tire inflator for a spare tire only saves about 30 pounds from the vehicle. The 30 pounds saved is equivalent to saving less than a penny per gallon of gas.

Meanwhile, tire inflator kits can cost up to $300 to repair after a single use. Not only are the tire inflators more expensive to repair than changing a tire, but they also have limited utility. When a puncture occurs in the center of the tire’s tread, on the side wall, or in case of a blowout, the tire inflator is not effective.

Flat tires aren’t disappearing anytime soon, so why should spare tires?

If you are shopping for a new car this season, do not hesitate to ask your dealer if your vehicle comes with a spare tire. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire inflator, learn how to use the kit. It’s better to find out now, than to be surprised on the side of the road.

 

Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month

Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month

While it is easy for humans to detect their body reactions to heat, for pets, it is not so easy. This is why it is important to keep a close eye on your pets and provide extra care for them during the hot summer months.

Follow these helpful tips when it comes to protecting your four legged friend:

1. Do not leave pets in a parked car: The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly approach dangerous. If you know your pet will not be allowed in a certain store while you are out, make sure to keep them at home in the comfort of your air conditioned home.

2. Change pets exercise regimen: Midday walks should be switched to early mornings and evenings when the sun is not at its peak and the temperatures are cooler.

3. Be mindful of your breed: Short-nosed breeds have a harder time in extreme heat due to their shorter airways. Also, consider the fur on your dog. For example, dogs with more hair like huskies should spend very little time outside to avoid over heating.

4. Let dogs inside: Your dog may enjoy their dog house but they are very similar to a parked car on hot days. Bring your dog inside and let them enjoy the air conditioning.

5. Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Heavy painting, glazed eyes and rapid heart beat are all sure signs of heatstroke. Make sure that if your pet has any of these signs to seek medical help immediately.

Pets are not just pets, they are family. Make sure that you treat your furry friend with extra love and compassion on these hot days as well as every other day of the year.

#fightagainstanimalcruelty

 

Natural Gas Safety

Natural Gas Safety

Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, it is likely that you are in an area served by natural gas. Natural gas pipelines quietly and efficiently transport natural gas every day to residential homes and businesses.

Just like with other forms of energy, natural gas must be handled with proper care. Despite the industry’s excellent safety record, a gas leak can occur at any time and potentially cause a hazardous and dangerous situation.

Many gas pipelines are underground in public areas. These areas are marked off with lines to show an approximate location of the pipeline, however, this line will not indicate its depth. These markers will also display the pipeline’s operator and telephone number where the operator can be contacted in case of an emergency.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of natural gas and prepare yourself to act quickly in the event of an emergency.

A gas leak can be often recognized by three of the senses, smell, sight, and sound.

Smell – Natural gas is colorless and odorless. However, it has a very distinct, and pungent odor. Similar to rotten eggs.

Sight – You may see a white cloud, mist, fog or bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead for no apparent reason.

Sound – Hearing a roaring, hissing or whistling noise, could also be a sign of a gas leak.

If you recognize any of these, move to a safe place and call 911 immediately.

Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances, as this can cause an explosion. Most importantly, do not assume that someone else will report the condition. Provide an exact location to where the gas leak is when reporting to the police.

For more information on gas leaks and gas safety, please visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Business/Natural-Gas-Safety/

Written by: Amanda Haase

Make Safe Travel #1 on your Holiday List

Make Safe Travel #1 on your Holiday List

Fact, the United States Department of Transportation says the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year.

Approximately 90 percent of holiday travel takes place by personal vehicle, followed by air, bus and train. With so many people on the move, the risk for accidents and other incidents increases.

Keep the holidays enjoyable and safe, be sure to exercise caution and keep these few tips in mind:

Schedule a tune-up. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check the air pressure in tires and get an oil change your car is due. Other cars on the road may kick up salt and other debris from the road. Be sure to top off windshield washer fluid to maintain visibility.

Schedule plenty of time for travel. Expect traffic and leave extra time to get to your destination. Rushing may cause you to increase your speed or make risky choices behind the wheel of your car that may result in an accident or injury. Leave extra time for traveling through hazardous conditions like snow, sleet or heavy rain. Schedule time for bathroom and stretch breaks.
Know multiple routes to your destination. The increased volume or accidents on the roadways can result in detours. Make sure your navigation is up to date and a map in your glove box.

Leave room for emergency supplies. Make available room in your car for a change of clothes, a blanket, snacks and water, jumper cables and a flashlight. Drivers should be prepared for a breakdown. If you are a AAA member, remember the holidays are a time when the local companies have crews on holiday schedule and response time may be increased.

Keep the family entertained. A long trip can seem longer without proper planning. Plan for some activities ahead of time. Games, books, videos/dvds and music can help fill the time. Make frequent stops for bathroom and stretch breaks. Don’t forget to pack food and drinks to keep rest break times to a minimum. “Are we there yet” is not a phrase only used by children.

Take turns driving. If you are fortunate enough to travel with multiple drivers, take turns driving. Spending long periods of time behind the wheel can cause fatigue. If you are driving alone, plan for breaks to rest. Drowsy driving is a major cause of accidents on the roadways.
Secure packages and Luggage. Tie down items on roof racks and in rear cargo areas of SUV’s and vans so they are not moving around freely. In the event of an accident, items that are not secured can be dangerous.

Pack gifts and other items so that the driver’s line of sight is not impeded.

Last but certainly not least, review your insurance coverage. During an emergency you want to be assured that you have rental reimbursement, full glass coverage, towing, medical reimbursement and your course collision. A call to your insurance agent can never hurt. If you are unable to reach them or feel it is time for an insurance review, feel free to call C.H. Edwards, Inc. at 516-249-5200 and we would be happy to assist you.

If holiday travel is on your to do list, remember to make safety a priority.

Happy Holidays from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.!

Written by: Denise Visco

It’s Hot Outside! Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe!

It’s Hot Outside! Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe!

beat the heat good!

Heat waves kill an average of 175 people each year! Although laying out under the sun feels good on your skin, its slowing down the way your body cools off naturally, causing heat stroke, fainting and in worst cases, death. Early warnings of heat illness are cramps in the stomach or legs, hot red face and skin, heavy sweating, strong pulse and dizziness.
Here are some helpful tips in order to keep cool and beat the heat:

  •  Stay hydrated by drinking cold water to cool down and replenish your body.
  •  Drink Gatorade or a sport drink to replenish the electrolytes in your body.
  •  If your house is not air conditioned, find “cool spots” during the hottest points of the day to go to such as the library, mall, or schools.
  •  When going outside for long periods, it is best to wear loose fitting and light-colored clothing.
  •  If you must be out in the heat, try your best to limit it to the early morning and evening hours.
  •  It is important to keep a close eye on young children, elders 65 and over and people with special needs due to their greater risk of heat illness.
  •  Pregnant women should try their best to stay indoors in an air conditioned environment to protect bother her and the baby.
  •  If you experience any symptoms of heat stroke or illness seek medical attention immediately!

Beat the heat, and stay cool! Temperatures can be dangerously high and could cause you or a loved one to become fatally ill. Make sure you know the proper ways to avoid heat illness while enjoying these summer months!

 

 

 

Burglar’s Don’t Vacation Like You Do!

Burglar’s Don’t Vacation Like You Do!

Burglary blogFor many Long Island folks, it’s Vacation season! Everyone is headed to their favorite getaway place, but Burglars don’t vacation the way you do. Their favorite “getaway vacation” is your unoccupied home! To make sure your home is protected while you are away, follow some of these simple tips to ensure that you will come home to amity.

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect them for you while you are away.
  • Have your lawns mowed, so it looks that the home is be kept up with. This is especially important if you are planning a trip where you will be gone for a few weeks.
  • Investing in an automatic timer will help turn your living room lights on and off so that when it gets darker at night, it will appear that someone is in the house.
  • Tell your close neighbors that you will be going away and ask if they can keep an eye on your house.
  • Double bolt your doors before leaving and set your alarm if you have one already installed.
  • If you do not have a burglar alarm already installed, before you leave for your trip invest in installing one.
  • Put cash, jewelry and other valuable items in a safe in your house or a safe deposit box at your bank.

Before leaving for your trip, call your Insurance agency and make sure your coverage is sufficient in-case of a break in! If you do not already have coverage on your valuable items such as your jewelry, furs, cameras and expensive computers, call C.H. Edwards and we will be happy to assist you in finding a policy that fits you, and your needs.

Following these simple steps will protect your home, belongings and your ease of mind while enjoying your vacation with your loved ones.

 

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

graduation blog pic

High school students across Long Island look forward to the Spring season. Many of them will be attending graduation ceremonies and parties. This may be an exciting time for teens but a terrifying time for parents who are concerned about their children’s safety. Around this time of year, many teens are involved in automobile accidents due to being distracted, texting or driving under the influence.

There are numerous ways parents can prepare themselves for this time of year and ensure their teen is arriving safely to graduation parties and home.

Here are some helpful tips to keeping your teen safe and putting your mind at ease:

  • Make sure your son/daughter has a plan for the evening and that you know what it is.
  • Know who is driving to and from parties.
  • If you are holding a party for your child, take stock of your alcohol in your home prior to the beginning of the night.
  • Always let your son/daughter know that you will be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe regardless of the circumstance.
  • Communicate with other parents to know where your children will be and who will be supervising.
  • Before hosting your party set clear rules in advance for the night of the party. Discuss the rules and consequences of breaking them with teens before the night begins and reinforce them. Rules should include: No drugs or alcohol and no leaving the party and then returning.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol.
  • When greeting guests at the door watch for large bags that guests might use to smuggle in alcohol. Have guests put their belongings in a room close to where you will be staying so you can watch if they are going to their bags to get alcohol/drugs that may have gotten past you at the door.
  • Check your yard/house and number of guests frequently to avoid having guests who might leave and return without your knowledge.
  • Make it clear that you will not allow any uninvited guests to crash the party. Parties can get out of control if the number of guests continues to grow through the night.
  • Follow these helpful tips and if your teen is driving on Graduation night make sure they are insured.

Have a safe Graduation!

It’s Prime time for Prom time!

It’s Prime time for Prom time!

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Prom is a fun and exciting time for teens.  It’s a time where they can celebrate with their friends and enjoy the last few months of high school.  Make sure your teen is celebrating safely and wisely.

Here are some safety tips to help your teens have fun the right way:

  • Be stylish and safe by wearing comfortable shoes and attire to prevent injury.
  • Say no to alcohol and drugs.
  • Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get into the car with someone who has been drinking.
  • Wear a seatbelt every time! No matter how long the trip.
  • Make sure your parents or guardians know where you are at all times.
  • Use the “buddy” system and travel in groups.
  • Most of all, have fun and be safe!

Make Prom 2014 unforgettable and a memory that will last forever!

 

Protecting Your Skin this Summer Season!

Protecting Your Skin this Summer Season!

Summer is right around the corner! Where will be your hot spot this summer season? The beach or the pool? No matter where you’re headed, make sure you protect your skin by wearing sunblock. Everyone loves a beautiful tan, but make sure you are being safe about it, so you can decrease your chance or wrinkles and melanoma.

Many people don’t know what a tan really is. A tan works as a shield from radiation. Imagine thousands of tiny umbrellas in your skin that open more, the more they are exposed to the sun, which in turn makes your skin look darker.

A tan does not cause cancer or damage, but is rather the visible evidence that damage to your skin cells has already occurred.

Wearing Sunblock will prevent you from tanning. It will protect you against harmful UV rays that the sun gives off. When being out in the sun, be cautious of the time you’re spending out there. Be careful between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. that is when the sun is at its hottest point.

Many people using tanning oils to increase how dark their skin looks. That is ok too! Tanning oils are not bad. The purpose of tanning oil is not to block out sun like sunscreen, but to concentrate the radiation from the sun to expedite the “shielding” process of your skin.

Only use tanning oils which offer some sun protection; SPF 15 or higher is best. Like sunscreen, coat your entire body in tanning oil and reapply often to ensure an adequate amount of protection.

Go out and enjoy the sun, but be safe and protect yourself!