Jul 20th, 11
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The end of July already? It’s time to book one last family road trip before the summer comes to a close! While it may seem more important to pack and make sure you take work off, don’t forget to have your car taken care of before hitting the open road. Road trips not only wear and tear on your car, but put you at more risk to get into a fender-bender.
Here are a few reminders when it comes to preparing for the big trip:
#1: Have the coolant checked. The temperature of the car’s coolant is most likely to rise during the hot summer heat. To make sure your car doesn’t overheat, have a mechanic check the coolant levels and adjust accordingly.
#2: Save gas. New studies say that riding with the windows down on the highway will cost you more gas than turning on the AC.
#3: Check tire pressure. A blowout will not only blow the entire vacation, but could put you and your family in danger! Make sure all tires are properly inflated and rotate tires if need be.
#4: Insure your car. What’s better than not having to worry about your car? Well—nothing! Make sure you have Katy, Texas Auto Insurance.
#5: Have your air conditioner checked. Nothing could be worse than being in a stuffy car with the family when suddenly the air conditioning stops working.
These may seem like a lot of repairs and services charges but there are plenty of great automotive care shops that will take care of all your needs for a great price. Stop by Rick’s Hi-Tech Auto Care, Inc in Katy, Texas and get your car tuned up. They’ll take care of everything for you in one place. Don’t let car troubles get in the way of a memorable family road trip. Safe travels!
Jul 15th, 11
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There’s a whole lot of Texas to see! Now is great time to plan a road trip before the summer runs out. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying the beautiful scenery of a new area. But before you all jump in the car and head out, it’s a good idea to make sure you have roadside assistance. Long rides can cause wear and tear on your car if you do not properly take care of it. The last thing you need is to end up on the side of the road without any professional help!
Here are a couple options you have:
#1: AAA: The most popular roadside assistance company…and for good reason! Texas AAA will take care of any problems on the road you may have 24/7. AAA will take care of dead batteries, towing, low fuel; flat tires…the options are endless. Not your car? No problem! AAA covers YOU, not just your vehicle. Your friends will be thanking you! They offer great rates as well as discounts for shopping, dining and even prescription medicines. They offer much more than just roadside assistance! AAA credit cards are also available, allowing customers to earn points and use towards their travel. You can have all this and more for only about a $1 per week.
#2: Texas Department of Public Safety: Just check the back of your TX license! If you are not a Texas resident, that’s okay too. Just call 1-800-525-5555. This number was designed for any non-emergency roadside assistance. This hotline will contact the appropriate police agency for you and will come find you. It’s simple and very convenient.
Whichever you choose, be sure to have TX auto insurance to be sure you are able to pay for whatever the damage is. It’s better to be safe now than sorry later. Happy travels!
Jul 7th, 11
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The State of Texas has certainly seen its fair share of wildfire damages already this year – and it’s only just July. With temperatures on the rise and dry and windy conditions expected for much of the state, the risk of fire is eminent.
As a way to honor those who have dedicated their lives and their time to battling the wicked flames, benefits and charity events are springing up across Texas. Recently, the Houston Chronicle shared an amazing event, set to take place this coming weekend:
Singers Pat Green and Lee Ann Womack will be headlining a benefit this Saturday which will honor and support the North Texas fire departments whose resources have since been depleted after the massive spring wildfires.
The Buckets and Boots event, will take place near the Palo Pinto County town of Graford, about 60 miles northwest of Fort Worth. Palo Pinto County is home to Possum Kingdom Lake, where earlier spring wildfires – spanning roughly 150,000 acres – devastated the popular recreation area. Nearly 160 homes were also destroyed by the flames.
The concert is meant to celebrate the firefighters as well as help raise money for the departments to buy new equipment and support the local economy. Tickets are $100 each. Admission for firefighters and police is free.
Want to know more? Visit the Buckets and Boots website to check out the concert lineup, view the event’s sponsors and learn more about Texas wildfire relief.
Jun 17th, 11
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With summer in full swing and 4th of July just a few weeks away it’s time to get serious about your summer barbeque plans! Whether your summer festivities evolve into a more elaborate affair or are a simple, laid-back cookout, it’s important that you make safety a top priority.
From the transportation of your food, protecting the little ones running around the grill and safeguarding your home against an unfortunate summer accident, there’s a lot you need to consider. Take a look at our tips for planning a safe, fun Texas summer BBQ:
- Accurately store your foods. Keep your food in a cooler that can maintain a temperature of at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to separate your drinks into a separate cooler since it will continuously be opened and closed more often.
- Never leave your grill unattended. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Your grill, if possible, should always be placed well away from your home, deck railing and away from overhanging branches or nearby shrubbery.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease build up from the grill itself and the trays below.
- Using a charcoal grill? When you’re finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
Did you know that on average annually gas grills have been involved in 6,200 home fires, and charcoal grills have been associated with 1,300 home damages? Besides taking proactive safety measures the day of your big BBQ, make sure you have protected your home with comprehensive, effective home insurance, Katy TX and residents all across our great state, can count on Dagley Insurance and Financial Services to find the perfect policy for you and your unique home!
Have further questions about your homeowners policy and what it does or does not cover? Visit our Virtual Insurance Office to learn more!
Jun 7th, 11
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After spending a long hot Monday watching the mercury rise, the National Weather Service is urging Katy, Texas residents and the surrounding Southeast area to take extra precautions against the intense temperatures.
With a strong wave of high pressure bringing hot, dry temperatures to the region, yesterday’s highs reached the upper 90s, even close to 100 in the Katy area, while coastal counties didn’t see much of a decrease, with the thermometer still managing to reach the low to mid 90s.
With such strong heat come even stronger concerns for those outdoors. Below are some of the National Weather Service’s tips for coping with the summer heat wave:
- Working outside? Be sure to take frequent breaks and watch for signs of heat-related illness or fatigue.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid strenuous activities, try to reschedule for early morning or late-evening hours when the temperatures should be cooler and more manageable.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing when possible.
Have any additional recommendations? Leave us a comment below; we’d love to hear what you’re doing to stay safe and cool all summer long!
The end of July already? It’s time to book one last family road trip before the summer comes to a close! While it may seem more important to pack and make sure you take work off, don’t forget to have your car taken care of before hitting the open road. Road trips not only wear and tear on your car, but put you at more risk to get into a fender-bender.
