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Tips to Keep Your Tailgate Event Safe
- Make a plan.
Before you have any type of gathering with family or friends, it’s best to come up with a solid plan. How many guests will you be having? How much food will you need? Do you need snacks or do you think it’s a better idea to grill for a larger group? What kinds of drinks will you be having? Will alcohol be made available for consumption? Always remember that, depending on the time of year, the weather conditions will be different. Always dress appropriately for the weather. Finally, don’t forget that emergency first-aid kit and jumper cables in case your vehicle won’t start.
- Food Prep and Storage.
Storing your food items properly is essential in order to prevent food-born illness. If you plan to grill, foods such as burgers and hot dogs need to be cooked at at least 160 Fahrenheit. Foods that are meant to be served cold such as deli meats and bread for sandwiches and subs should be kept in a separate cooler. Do your best to not keep food out for longer than two hours to avoid food poisoning or upset stomachs.
- Safety and Sanitation.
If you’re planning to grill, be sure to bring an apron (you’ll thank yourself later as cooking and food prep can become messy at times). Another essential item to have nearby is a functioning fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. For easy clean-up, elect to use plasticware instead of metal forks, knives, or spoons.
- Don’t forget to have a designated driver.
We understand that it is a common practice to consume alcohol at sporting events, especially tailgates. Speak with your group before your event to see who will be your designated driver. Doing so eliminates concern over the possibility of someone getting behind the wheel while impaired. Additionally, if you choose to drink alcohol, be sure to have plenty of food and time between the time you are spending at the game and the time you choose to leave. We all want everyone to get home happily and safely.
- Heading home.
Before leaving your tailgate area, clean up all forks, knives, spoons, plates and drinks around your area. Examine the area around your vehicle. Look out for glass bottles or any debris that could potentially cause damage to your car. Also, anticipate long lines when leaving. Cars may be bumper to bumper as they move toward the exit. Stay alert and don’t get distracted.
Read moreTips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly During Winter
Winter can certainly present significant challenges to your everyday life. Harsh weather conditions combined with frigidly cold temperatures can reek havoc on both your home and your vehicles. If you want to make sure your car and your wallet are both protected, pay attention to these tips:
- Tires – Good tires are extremely important when you’re on the road. If your tires have little to no tread left on them, you are leaving yourself at risk of a potentially serious injury from a car crash, not to mention hurting other drives in an accident. Depending on the circumstances, that insurance claim may leave you footing some of the bill out of your own pocket. Additionally, having tires with little to no tread leaves you in danger of hydroplaning when it rains.
If you are in need of new tires, get replacements before it snows. Snow, ice, and slush can present dangers on the roadways. Snow tires are best if you live in an area where snow is frequent. Also, keep an eye on your tire’s pressure. Tire pressure tends to fluctuate when temperatures change. Having proper tire pressure can also help you save money at the gas pump.
- Wipers – Having properly functioning windshield wipers is essential to keep you and your loved ones safe when you’re behind the wheel. Torn wipers can cause serious visibility issues. Contour blades work best that have a metal blade in them. Consider changing your wipers to winter wipers, so that you’re in the best position possible to stay safe in harsh weather conditions.
- Winter windshield washer fluid – Winter washer fluid is better able to tolerate colder temperatures in order to prevent freezing. Warm-weather fluid doesn’t have the ability to handle the colder temperatures, thus being at risk of freezing and cracking. Inspect your windshield for any chips or cracks as well. When temperatures drop, any small chip or crack can become much worse. It’s better to fix these problems sooner rather than later to protect your wallet.
- Don’t forget the basics – Routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire checks and rotations are of paramount importance. Any cabin air filters or engine air filters that are dirty should be replaced immediately.
- Clean windows and mirrors – Having good visibility is extremely important when you’re behind the wheel. Not only are you able to see what’s in front of you, but you can see what’s around and behind you as well. Your windows and mirrors need to be clean. If you have any advanced safety systems in your car, keep them free from snow and mud to ensure all cameras and sensors are working properly. If areas around your car freeze, you are leaving yourself at risk of blockages and buildup, thus potentially allowing water to come into your car. If this happens, you’re looking at a messy and potentially expensive situation.
- Alignment – In ordered for your advanced safety systems to operate correctly, your vehicle needs proper alignment.
Driving on Black Ice: What You Should Know
What is Black Ice?
Black Ice is a very thin layer of ice that can form on road surfaces in cold weather conditions. It is extremely dangerous because it is difficult to spot on the road.
How Does Black Ice Form?
When snow or moisture from the air freezes rapidly, thus attaching itself to the frozen pavement. Freezing rain can appear white or translucent due to air bubbles being trapped. Black ice is far more dangerous because it is perfectly clear, making it that much mor difficult to see at night.
Where Can You Commonly Find Black Ice?
Whenever you have little to no sunlight, these areas are especially at risk of having black ice form. Back roads that are not used frequently, as well as in tunnels, underpasses and bridges are also common areas where black ice forms.
How Do You Know if You Are Driving on Black Ice?
You can’t see black ice, so if you’re driving along and your car begins to slide or lose traction, you’ve probably come across some black ice. You should never make drastic shifts with your steering wheel or your brakes when driving in harsh weather conditions whether it be in rain or heavy snow. If even a small shift in your steering seems to generate an exaggerated response from your vehicle, you may be driving on black ice.
To stay safe, drive slowly in conditions where black ice can form. Reduced speeds lessens the likelihood of you skidding or losing control of your vehicle. Do not use cruise control in these conditions.
Do not make jerky, reactive movements that could cause skidding or an accident. Slow and steady is the best approach to navigating through black ice.
How Can You Recover from Skidding on Black Ice?
If you are operating either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, turn your steering into the skid. Change the direction of your steering if the skid takes you in a different direction. Be sure to maintain your speed and do not apply any pressure to your brakes or gas pedal. If you have a manual transmission, push in your clutch.
Never slam on your brakes when you encounter black ice.
While driving, be gentle with your steering wheel movements. You don’t want your vehicle’s back end to start sliding in the opposite direction. Straighten your steering wheel and gently apply pressure to your accelerator.
How to Stay Safe in Winter Weather Driving Conditions
One of your best defenses against winter weather conditions and slippery road surfaces are good tires. All-season tires with good traction and tread depth are ideal. If you live in an area where it snows consistently, go with a set of snow tires.
Read more6 Fun Ideas for Your Next Family Game Night
When weather conditions are not safe to drive in and you are in a situation where you don’t necessarily need to be behind the wheel, isn’t it nice to stay in with family and have a family game night? Here are six ideas for your next family game night!
- Classic board games – Games like Monopoly have been around for years! There are many games you can play with your loved ones that are sure to make you feel nostalgic. See who has the steadiest hand with Operation. Or, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, see which one of you can conquer the world with RISK.
2. Dice games - Dice games are easy to play and come in plenty of variations. Try to roll all five of the same numbers to score a Yahtzee! Be the first to score 10,000 points in Farkle. Roll as many 2s as you can in Bunco. Or see who can match all of their dice the fastest in Tenzi.
3. Card games – If you have young ones in your family, matching colors is a fun way to introduce them to card games. You can do this with UNO. If your crowd is filled with adults, Cards Against Humanity is sure to muster up at least a few laughs.
4.Guessing games – If you have enough guests at your home to form at least two teams, Charades is a fun game that is sure to get everyone involved. You can have one team members acting out a favorite activity, or, if you’re a movie buff, a scene from one of your favorite movies. Remember, though, it’s against the rules to talk!
5. Singing competitions – When was the last time you belted out your favorite song at the top of your lungs? Maybe in the car? Well, get together with your family or friends and see who has the best vocals with a karaoke night. A karaoke machine only adds to the fun!
6. Puzzles – Puzzles are a great way to involve the whole group.
Make the evening even more fun by ordering some pizzas or having an ice cream sundae station! This is a great way to build lasting memories for your children.
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