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Tag: Weather

  • Backpack Safety: Are Your Kids Carrying Too Much?

    Backpack Safety: Are Your Kids Carrying Too Much?

    There’s always a mix of excitement and anxiety in the air as kids go back to school after Christmas break, but, these days, many students constantly feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. And it has nothing to do with worrying about making friends or remembering locker combinations.

    No, that weight is real, and it’s with them every day, right there in their backpacks.

    Tens of millions of kids wear backpacks every day, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. Each year, thousands of injuries occur as a result of overloading and improper fit.

    So follow these tips from the American Chiropractic Association to help ensure your young student isn’t weighed down:

    • The 10 percent rule: It’s best if kids’ backpacks weigh no more than 5 to 10 percent of their body weight. The heavier the pack is, the more likely they will bend forward while carrying it, which isn’t good for their backs.
    • Get the right lift: The pack shouldn’t hang too low – never more than four inches below the waistline. A proper fit decreases the stress on the back and shoulders.
    • Two is better than one: Carrying a backpack by one strap shifts all the weight to one side and can lead to neck or muscle spasms. Be sure both straps are always in use, and that they’re also wide and well-padded. When a pack is comfortable to carry, kids are more likely to use it correctly.
    • Bigger might not be better: The more room in the backpack, the more kids will stuff into it. So find a pack that’s an appropriate size – not too big, and not too small.
    • Pack it well: You can distribute the weight more easily in a backpack that has individualized compartments. Be mindful of the area that will be against your child’s back, and avoid putting pointy or bulky objects there.
    • Ask for help: If you’re not able to get your child’s backpack down to a manageable weight, talk to his or her teacher, or an administrator at the school. Perhaps they can leave the heavier books at school and bring home workbooks or handouts instead.

    School can be tough enough without having to lug around a 30-pound pack. So make sure the only heavy lifting your students need to do is with their minds.

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

     

  • Holiday Tree Safety

    Holiday Tree Safety

    For many people, one of the most festive parts of the holiday season is having a fresh smelling pine tree, decorated with lights and ornaments, as the focal point of the home. While it brings joy to many, it can also introduce danger unless care is taken.

    In the rush of excitement of the holidays, safety precautions are sometimes overlooked. It’s important to take the time to find a safe location for the tree, and set it up in a way so that it will not become a fire danger as the days and weeks go by.Christmas scene with tree and fire in background

    A few tips include:

    – Pick a fresh tree – they’re less of a hazard than dry trees. To check for freshness, try to bend a needle – fresh needles don’t break when bent.

    – Water the tree daily throughout the holiday season to keep it fresh longer. This is especially important since it’s most likely located in a heated room, which will dry out the tree over time. Also keep your tree far away from fireplaces, heaters and radiators.

    – Lighting. As you unpack your box of holiday decorations, you may find yourself grabbing the same strings of lights you used last year and possibly the year before! It’s important to carefully examine the cords and make sure there is no wear and tear. Also check to see that all the lights are working and no wires are exposed.

    – Don’t fall! When decorating the top of a tall tree, or stringing lights across your windows, don’t use the arm of the sofa, or a wobbly side table to stand on. Bring in a step stool and use care.

    – Don’t burn wrapping paper! It may be tempting to toss the gift wrapping paper right into the living room fireplace after opening a gift, but wrapping paper burns very hot and may create large flames. These flames can cause hot embers to blow into the home, or could ignite a chimney fire.

    – How long should a tree stay up? As much as it becomes part of the home, with its lights giving the room a warm, cozy glow, a tree should be disposed of within 30 days of purchase. You can take your tree to a recycling center or have it picked up by a community service. Don’t burn the tree yourself, the needles burn very fast and hot, and could easily get out of control.

    Keeping a few of these tips in mind will help you enjoy and be safe this holiday season!

    Contact Us!

    At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

  • Preparing your Boats and RVs for the warm weather!

    motorcoach,motorhome,rv

    Warm weather means the start of boating and camping season. Making sure your boat and RV are in tip-top shape for summer takes a few easy steps.

     

    For your boat:

     

    • Give the boat a thorough cleaning. Any cracks in the hull or tears in the upholstery should be dealt with immediately.
    • Make sure to replace any items that you had taken out for storage, such as life jackets, radio, and a first aid kit.
    • Connect all electronics, such as the radio and GPS, and make sure they are functioning properly.
    • Check the fluid levels throughout the boat to make sure they are at the proper level.
    • Check the trailer for any damage and make sure the tires are properly inflated.
    • Check the turn signals and brake lights to make sure they are working.

     

    For your Camper or Trailer:

     

    • Remove all covers, including the ones on the refrigerator and furnace, and check for any damage.
    • Check the tires to make sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread on them. Replace them if it is necessary.
    • Make sure the sealant around the windows and doors is in good condition. Fix any problem areas to ensure that your RV does not have any drafts or air leaks.
    • Check for any unwanted guests, such as mice, spiders, bugs or other critters. Open up all cupboards and storage areas as well as the water heater and refrigerator compartment drawers and get rid of anything you do not want to travel with.
    • Check the levels of all fluids in the engine if you have a motor home, or check the hitch components for any rust wear or damage if you have a towable.

    Before your voyage, always make sure to check your insurance plans on your boat and RV to make sure you have the proper coverage. Make any changes that need to be dealt with. Hoey & Saks Insurance Inc, located in Mesa, Arizona, can help get you the right insurance plan for your boat and RV at the best price.