Category: Holidays

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Traveling Safe This Holiday Season in Tennessee

Traveling Safe This Holiday Season in Tennessee

The holidays are about spending time with family and friends, which means that many of us will be traveling. However, winter weather can bring a variety of challenges, especially when driving to your next destination. Whether it’s in Knoxville or you’re going out of state, we at Bob Johnson Insurance want to help you stay safe. 

So, with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of travel tips and tricks that will ensure you spend the holidays with family, not in the hospital. 

Inspect Your Vehicle

While you probably get the oil changed and monitor the engine regularly, now is the perfect time to get a full diagnostic of your car’s internal systems. For example, how are your wiper blades? What about the tread on your tires? It’s better to inspect and repair these items now before you’re stuck in bad weather on the road. 

In addition to getting your car tuned up for the holiday season, you should pack it with some emergency gear just in case. Jumper cables, blankets, snacks, flares, and water are all essentials if you get stuck somewhere, so you want to be prepared. Remember, a flat tire or a dead battery can leave you stranded just as much as flooding or heavy snowfall. 

Prepare for Travel

Even if you’ve made the trip dozens of times before, it doesn’t hurt to have a plan in place beforehand. If you’re going through some rural areas, maybe bring along a map in case your GPS can’t get a signal. Look at the weather conditions along the road, so you know what to expect. Also, make sure that people know which route you’re taking, just in case something happens. 

Be Ready for Anything

While Tennessee doesn’t get much snow and ice compared to some locations, if you’re planning on driving out of state this winter, you want to be prepared for any kind of weather coming your way. Rain and thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere, and driving in snowy conditions can be more than a little nerve-wracking. 

Be careful on the road and drive slow if necessary. Having all-wheel or four-wheel drive helps, but it won’t prevent you from slipping or skidding on ice or wet roads. Remember safe driving tactics, like avoiding braking too sharply and maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel. 

What if the Worst Happens?

If you do wind up stranded on the side of the road, don’t panic. If you have an emergency kit, you should be good shape until help arrives. Hopefully, you’ll have cell service and can call someone, but if not, it’s best to wait by your car and try to flag someone down. Flares and lights can also make you more visible, especially if the weather is treacherous. 

Staying safe this holiday season is all about preparation. Hope for the best, but the more you can plan just in case the worst happens, the better off you’ll be and the more peace of mind you’ll have. Happy holidays!

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5 Questions to Ask to Stay Safe on Halloween

Halloween Safety Tips

For many people, Halloween is the best time of year, all thanks to dressing up as your favorite character and getting free candy (what’s not to like?). However, while trick-or-treating comes with a lot of perks, it can also be a little unsafe, especially if you’re not prepared. 

At Bob Johnson Insurance, we want you to spend more time receiving and eating candy than worrying about your ghouls and goblins, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top questions to ask yourself before heading out this year. 

#1 Are We Visible? 

Since trick-or-treating usually happens at night, you want to make sure that you’re not going to run into any problems. While most streets will be sufficiently illuminated, some may be darker than others. Bring some flashlights or reflectors, just in case. 

#2 Are Our Costumes Safe?

One of the most prevalent issues with costumes is that they can obstruct your vision. If you have little ones wearing masks, you want to make sure that they won’t trip or fall along the way. Also, keep in mind that your clothes may be flammable, so stay away from candles or jack-o-lanterns as much as possible. Finally, check on your accessories to ensure that they won’t be a hazard. 

#3 Where are We Going? 

Having a route planned ahead of time will be the best way to spend the evening. Not only will this ensure that you don’t get lost, but it will help you make your night more efficient. Wandering around aimlessly usually doesn’t get as much candy, so avoid it as much as possible. 

#4 What are My Kids Eating?

While most reports of unsafe Halloween candy are overblown, you do want to be careful of your little one’s eating habits. Check candy before eating it. Make sure wrappers are still sealed. Too much sugar can be risky, and if your child suffers from food allergies, you have to be more vigilant than usual. 

#5 How are My Pets?

If you have a dog or cat that freaks out whenever someone comes to the door, then Halloween will be more than a little nerve-wracking for both them and you. If possible, you will want to sequester your pets for the night and try and make them as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Check on them from time to time and give them food and water as necessary. Also, allow potty breaks so that they don’t mess up your floors. 

Halloween is one of the most fun nights, so make sure to stay safe this season. With these tips, you can be enjoying candy in no time. 

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Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve and Day

2018 Happy New Year

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are both widely celebrated. The new year invites new perspective and a fresh outlook. It allows us to reflect on the last year as we celebrate our accomplishments and consider all that we have learned through the year’s experiences in addition to planning new goals for the year to come.

While some enjoy any reason for a celebration, others also enjoy the new opportunities that come with the new year. It is no wonder that so many people are out celebrating both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. People begin with New Year’s Eve and linger well into the next day.

New Year’s Day itself involves breakfast, brunch and any other meal that will contribute to the celebration. That means there are many vehicles out, both on New Year’s Eve and Day. It is important to be aware of what that means for drivers.

Be Prepared

There are a lot of people out and about during this celebratory holiday. It is crucial to understand what that means for all of us drivers. We must be aware of the possible circumstances in order to prepare for every situation.

The best way to prepare is to ensure that the right car insurance is already purchased. We cannot see into the future and have no idea what kind of accidents are waiting to happen. We can prepare for it by covering our vehicles for any and every situation.

Stay Close to Home

Consider staying near or at home for this New Year holiday. A celebration in the home could be an exciting, yet relaxing way to celebrate. It guarantees a great night’s rest in your own bed. You will avoid the hustle and bustle of being in traffic.

Pack Heavy

If you do travel this New Year holiday, consider everything that you will need when packing. Do not forget phone chargers or phones for that matter. Make sure emergency kits are packed along with extra food, water and blankets. Check out “Items You Should Have in Your Car During Winter” for more information.

The new year is always a cause for celebration. Drive safely. Be prepared. Relax and have a good time. From all of us at Bob Johnson Insurance, have a safe and wonderful New Year’s celebration!