6 Tips for Driving in Severe Weather October 2, 2023 Mother Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. Unpredictable weather conditions, from sudden storms to flash floods, can make driving a challenging and potentially dangerous task. To help you navigate these situations safely, we’ve compiled our top tips for driving in severe weather. Don’t drive through a flooded road One of the most dangerous situations you can encounter on the road is driving through a flooded area. It may seem like common sense, but many accidents happen when drivers underestimate the power of rushing water. Just 12 inches of swiftly moving water can carry away most cars, and it takes only two feet of water for trucks and SUVs. To avoid the risk, never attempt to cross a flooded road, even if it appears shallow. Drive slowly In most challenging weather conditions, slowing down is key. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to unexpected obstacles and potentially slippery roads. Remember that your vehicle’s stopping distance increases in severe weather, so maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you is crucial. By driving slowly, you’ll have better control over your vehicle and reduce the risk of accidents. Resist the urge to “floor it” If you are stuck on muddy or snowy roads, the temptation to hit the gas pedal hard can be strong. However, doing so can lead to spinning tires and loss of control. If you find yourself stuck, follow these steps: Straighten your wheels. Gently accelerate, applying steady pressure to the gas pedal. Avoid spinning your tires; this only digs you in deeper. If you have sand, kitty litter, or blocks in your emergency kit, place them under your drive wheels to gain traction. Stock your vehicle Being prepared for unexpected emergencies is a smart move for any driver. Having certain items on hand can make a significant difference if you find yourself stranded in adverse weather conditions. Create an emergency roadside kit that includes essential items, such as: Jumper cables First-aid supplies Non-perishable snacks and water Ice scraper and snow brush Read more tips on how to put together a car emergency kit. Leave your lights on Visibility is crucial when driving in unpredictable weather. Ensure your headlights are on, even during daylight hours, as it helps others see your vehicle better. Additionally, consider using your hazard lights in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or dense fog. This added visibility can help prevent accidents by alerting other drivers to your presence. Pull off the road if necessary If the weather conditions become too treacherous to continue safely, don’t hesitate to pull off the road. Find a safe place to park, such as a rest area or parking lot, and wait for the weather to improve. It’s better to delay your journey than risk getting involved in an accident due to poor road conditions. Driving in unpredictable weather conditions demands caution, preparedness and patience. By following these six safety tips, you can protect yourself and others when driving in severe weather. Remember, your safety should always be your top priority, so exercise good judgment and take extra precautions when facing challenging weather conditions.
Friday the 13th – 13 Hidden Safety Risks September 27, 2023 Many people are afraid of or superstitious of black cats, broken mirrors and walking under ladders around Friday the 13th. However, what’s even more cause for caution is all the hidden safety risks that can be present in daily life. Check out these top 13 risks to be aware of: Eating while driving Next to texting and driving, eating while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Reaction time drops by nearly 50% while eating. Next time you pick up food, make sure to wait until arrival before eating. Car maintenance Without proper vehicle maintenance, driving a car can pose some risks. Change the oil in the vehicle as recommended, get tires checked regularly and make sure to have roadside assistance as part of your insurance policy. Lightning While not extremely common, lightning can strike your car or home and cause damage that may require repairs. Make sure your insurance plan covers damage caused by lightning and help prevent damage by installing a lightning rod or other protection. Cyber security As the internet increasingly becomes part of the daily routine, cyber security is a necessity. Take steps to protect your information online from hackers or data breaches, including using complex passwords and being aware of email phishing scams. Texting Texting while doing other things is a huge distraction. Whether walking across the street or driving down the road, avoid texting and pay better attention to surroundings. Home security Make sure to lock all doors and windows when leaving and consider installing an alarm system. If you’re an OKFB member, you may be eligible for a discount for installing a home security system. Fire It’s nice to have the fireplace crackling or a candle burning to provide warmth and comfort, but make sure to take the proper safety precautions. Always extinguish candles and fires before leaving a room, and make sure to keep them out of reach of children. Food storage Improper food storage can result in spoiled foods, and if these foods are consumed they can result in illness. Hold cold foods at 40°F or below, and keep hot foods at 140°F or above. Regularly monitor your refrigerator and freezer to ensure they are at the right temperature. Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless flammable gas that can be deadly. CO can accumulate wherever fuel is burned, whether by a kitchen stove or a car in the garage. Help avoid CO poisoning by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Appliances Appliances, especially those in the kitchen can pose some safety risks. Stay nearby appliances when cooking and always check that appliances are off before leaving the kitchen. Screens Staring at a screen all day, whether via a phone or a computer, can pose some health risks. Excessive use can result in a decrease in vision abilities, and it can also lead to back pain, joint pain and headaches. If possible, try reducing daily screen time. Going to work From farming to construction, some jobs require working with dangerous equipment or substances. Make sure to be aware of and follow workplace safety guidelines to help prevent accident and injury. Showering Slippery floors in the shower can lead to injury or even death. Showers can especially be safety risks for the elderly and children, who often require help to enter and exit the shower safely. Install a support bar, clean up wet floors and be extra vigilant in the bathroom.
3 Things to Consider Before Getting Married June 1, 2023 Congratulations, lovebirds! You’ve found the one and are ready to embark on a new journey together as newlyweds. Marriage brings many changes, including combining your lives and everything that comes with them. While moving in together and honeymooning may be exciting, it’s important not to overlook the practicalities of managing your assets as a couple. Here are three things to consider as newlyweds, or even before you tie the knot. Auto Insurance If you don’t already own or share a car together, you might have different auto policies from different insurance companies. However, as a married couple, it’s typically best to combine your policies into one. Why? Because you’ll get the convenience of having one bill to pay, and you might qualify for discounts as a result, since a policy with more than one vehicle is often cheaper than separate policies. It’s a win-win situation! Home or Renter’s Insurance If you’re moving in together or buying a new home, it’s time to talk insurance. Make sure your home or renter’s policy covers both of you and your new shared assets. This can include your electronics, furniture and any other personal belongings. Don’t worry, our OKFB agents can help you assess your coverage needs and make sure you’re protected in the event of a loss. Need another reason to combine home policies? Getting married typically tends to lower your premiums, though savings will depend on your specific policy. Life Insurance It’s not the most romantic conversation, but it’s important to discuss life insurance. If something were to happen to one of you, it’s crucial to ensure the other has financial protection. A life insurance policy can provide financial support for funeral expenses, debt and income replacement. Plus, the younger and healthier you are when you purchase life insurance, the less expensive the policy will be. Consider getting a policy for your new or soon-to-be spouse. We offer three types of Life Insurance policies: Term Life, Whole Life and Universal Life. Talk to your local OKFB agent to see which option is best for you and your family. Combining your policies and considering life insurance for your new or soon-to-be spouse are key to discuss as a newlyweds or before getting married. These are practical steps that can help you save money, protect your assets and ensure that you and your partner are financially secure in the long run. When it comes to insurance, you can trust OKFB Insurance to be your partner every step of the way. We’re Here to Help Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Gear Up for Cold Weather December 1, 2022 While auto maintenance is important year-round, this is especially vital as we enter the much colder weather ahead. Mechanical failures during the winter are more than just a pain: it could leave you stranded in freezing temperatures. Whether you just need to prepare a personal vehicle or you’re also looking out for commercial vehicles and farm equipment, we’ve compiled some winter car safety tips below to keep your machinery running smoothly throughout the winter months. Tip 1: Inspect, Clean and Store If you have cars or farm and ranch equipment that you don’t plan to use until the spring, storing these items is your best bet. Storing items indoors or with appropriate covers can help protect the mechanics from damage as rain, snow and ice blow through Oklahoma. This is also a good time to inspect and clean your car or equipment to make sure everything is running properly. It also lets you get ahead of potential mechanical issues or repairs that could pop up once you’re ready to use these vehicles in the spring! Tip 2: Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly Make sure you’re renewing or replacing your engine parts on a regular schedule. This includes your engine oil, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters and more. The last thing you want is an engine failure when you’re out on the road in the winter! The exact frequency of oil changes and other replacement needs will depend on the age, model and fuel efficiency of your car or equipment, but you can always check your owner’s manual or contact a mechanic to get your car on track. Tip 3: Check Windshield Wipers and Tires Often The winter months don’t just bring colder temperatures, they also bring a lot of visibility barriers to the roads! Your windshield wipers will be key to making sure you’re able to see clearly and drive safely through winter rain and snow. Drivers should also keep a close eye on their tires during the colder months, as lower temperatures can impact your tire pressure. Filling up your tires and checking your wiper blades could be the difference between making it home or ending up with a flat on the side of the road. Tip 4: Plan Ahead for Bad Weather During the winter, it’s always a good idea to check the weather and road conditions before you head out the door for the day. Plan your route to avoid road hazards or stay home if the weather is turning treacherous. Beyond planning for the day, you should also add some winter-specific items to an emergency kit in your car. Gloves, boots, ice scrapers and blankets are a great addition to snacks, water, first-aid kit and a flashlight. These items will all come in handy if your car does experience mechanical failure this winter. Tip 5: Make Sure You Have Roadside Rescue Did you know that OKFB Insurance offers Roadside Rescue to all current policyholders? This service runs 24/7, meaning roadside assistance is just a call away to help with the stress, expense and inconveniences of a breakdown. Services include flat tire assistance, towing, battery jumpstarts and more. If you’re already a policyholder, save the Roadside Rescue phone number in your cell phone for quick access during an emergency: you can reach the rescue hotline at 833-957-OKFB (6532). We’re Here to Help Make sure to keep these winter car safety tips with you as the temperatures start to drop! Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
