Month: May 2020

What happens when you see the latest headline on a massive password or data breach? Odds are you go about your day, hoping your information is safe. While wishful thinking is harmless for your favorite team’s chances in the next game, it’s no help in the context of your personal cyber security. Over 4.1 billion data records¹ were exposed in 2019. Every individual and organization needs to be vigilant against hackers and other online attacks. Read on for some cyber security tips to follow within your business and personal life.

Create strong passwords

Unfortunately, many people use ‘password’ or ‘123456’. Yes, they’re convenient and easy to remember. The problem is, they’re just as easy for others to guess.  Take a look at some of the most commonly used passwords as a guide for what to avoid^2.

There are several criteria³ for making a strong password. Get in … Read more

You’re involved in a collision, and your car is towed away. You’re lucky to only have minor scratches and bruises, but the loss of your car is weighing heavily on your mind. Find out what happens when your car is totaled and what you should do.

Contact your insurance company

Once you’ve received any necessary medical attention, call your insurance company right away. Your agent is the expert that you need, and they’re prepared to help start the claims process and walk you through the next steps. The agent will ask you questions that help file your insurance claim. If you have access to your damaged vehicle and you’re able to safely take photos of the car, do so and send them to your agent.

When speaking with the agent, be sure to ask for a list of auto body shops that are approved to make a determination on the … Read more

There’s nothing quite like spending the day on your boat with family and friends. Just be sure safety is foremost in your mind. From must-have safety gear to how to safely operate a boat, check out these important boating safety tips:

1. Be prepared with a boat safety kit

You can’t always predict an emergency, so be prepared for any situation. Your boat safety kit should be kept on board no matter the size of your boat. Below are some essential items your safety kit should include.

• Flashlight – A flashlight and extra batteries can help you see around your boat in the dark and allow you to be seen if you run out of fuel or if your craft stalls.
• Duct tape – Spring a leak? Temporarily bandage the hole with duct tape.
• Bucket – Even if the boat isn’t leaking, water may otherwise enter the vessel. A bucket

There’s nothing like a day on the water – jumping waves, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face. Riding a personal watercraft (PWC) can be thrilling, but like operating any other vessel, you must know the proper techniques and safety precautions to stay safe. Whether you have a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, WaveRunner, or other type of watercraft, your top priority should be safety. We’ve rounded up some of the essentials to help ensure a positive and safe experience.

1. Enroll in a boaters safety course

The U.S. Coast Guard considers personal watercraft to be Class A vessels – meaning the same federal rules that apply to boats less than 16 feet also apply to PWCs. However, in terms of steering and performance, operating a PWC is very different than boating.

More than 40 states require riders to complete formal personal watercraft training. But no matter where … Read more

While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage.

Stay prepared and informed of severe weather drills in your state by checking the official severe weather preparedness dates. These drills are typically conducted before tornado season begins in each state.

Preparing your car before a tornado strikes

If the area you live in is under a tornado watch, which means that tornadoes are possible in the nearby area, move your car into a garage or away from any trees. Do not, however, attempt to do this if conditions are unsafe or if your area … Read more