Category: Safety

Stay safe with expert tips on a wide range of topics, from home safety to disaster preparedness.

Sharing the Road This Fall: What Oklahoma Drivers Should Know About Deer Season

The drive home looks different in November. The light fades earlier, the mornings are darker, and the deer are on the move. For Oklahoma drivers, this is the time of year when a deer stepping into the road becomes a real possibility, and a little awareness goes a long way.

Here is a clear look at why fall is the season for it and a few simple habits that help you share the road.

Why deer are more active right now

Late fall is breeding season for white-tailed deer, known as the rut. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation says the rut peaks around the second week of November, and that is when deer move the most. Bucks travel farther and cross roads they would usually avoid, often at dawn and dusk when they are hardest to see.

The timing lines up with one more thing. Daylight saving time ended on November 1 this year, so more people are driving in the dark during the evening commute right as deer activity reaches its height. None of this means staying off the road. It means knowing what to watch for during a short stretch of the year.

A few simple habits for deer season

Most of what keeps you safe comes down to attention and speed. A handful of tips worth keeping in mind:

  • Stay alert at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active and visibility is lowest.
  • Watch for more than one. Deer travel in groups, so if you see one cross, expect others to follow.
  • Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. They help you spot eyes reflecting at the roadside sooner.
  • Slow down when you see a deer-crossing sign. Those signs mark areas where deer regularly travel.
  • Keep your seatbelt on. It remains the most effective protection in any collision.

If a deer steps into your path

Safety experts, including the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, offer the same guidance: do not swerve. Braking firmly while staying in your lane is safer than steering into another lane or off the road, where you risk hitting another vehicle, a tree, or oncoming traffic. Swerving to miss a deer often causes a worse outcome than the deer itself would.

Slow down, stay in your lane, and keep control of the vehicle.

If you do hit one

Even careful drivers can end up in a collision, and it helps to know what to do. Pull over when it is safe, turn on your hazard lights, and stay in your vehicle if you are near traffic. Avoid approaching the animal. Call local law enforcement if the deer is blocking the road or there is injury or significant damage, and take a few photos of the scene for your records.

From there, a quick call to your local OKFB agent gets the rest moving.

Where coverage fits in

This is the part a lot of drivers wonder about. Hitting a deer is generally handled under the comprehensive portion of your auto policy rather than collision coverage. If you are not sure what your current policy includes, now is a good time to check, before the busiest stretch of deer season arrives.

We’re here to help

Whether you have a question about your coverage or just want to understand how it works, your local OKFB Insurance agent is right here in your county and glad to walk through it at your own pace.

Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent today.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more seasonal tips and updates.

Fire Safety This Fall: Simple Habits for the Devices You Charge Every Day

As cooler weather settles in, families spend more time indoors and daily routines shift back inside. That makes fall a good time to check in on home safety. Fire Prevention Week, observed October 4 through 10 this year, offers a timely reminder. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the annual observance for more than a century.

This year’s focus is something found in nearly every home: the rechargeable batteries that power many of the devices we use every day.

Here’s what to know and a few simple habits that can help you use and charge those devices safely.

What “lithium-ion” actually means

Lithium-ion is the type of rechargeable battery inside most of the things you plug in to charge. Your phone, your laptop, tablets, cordless tools, robot vacuums, e-bikes and scooters, and a lot of kids’ toys and hoverboards all run on them. The name just describes how the battery works.

These batteries are popular because they hold a lot of power in a small package, which is why they have ended up in so much of what we use. On rare occasions, one that is damaged or charged incorrectly can overheat. NFPA has framed this year’s campaign around using these everyday devices with confidence and a few sensible habits. The organization has been clear that it does not yet track national data on home fires caused specifically by these batteries, so the message is about awareness as the devices become more common.

A few simple charging habits

Most of what keeps these batteries safe comes down to how you charge them. NFPA offers a handful of straightforward tips:

  • Use the charger that came with the device, or a replacement from the manufacturer. Cheap off-brand chargers may not meet the same safety standards.
  • Charge on a hard surface like a table or countertop, where air can move around the device and heat can escape.
  • Unplug a device once it is fully charged.
  • Keep devices away from anything that can burn while they charge, and keep charging equipment clear of doorways and exits.
  • Charge larger items like e-bikes and scooters away from your main living space when you can.

The U.S. Fire Administration adds a simple one worth remembering: stop using a device if the battery gives off an odd smell, changes shape or color, gets very hot, or makes an unusual sound. Those are signs to set it aside safely and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

A couple of other fall basics

While home safety is on your mind, two quick things are always worth a check as the season turns.

Test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. A working alarm is still one of the most effective tools in any home.

Give space heaters room as the cold sets in. Keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

None of this takes long, and a few minutes now sets the tone for a safer season.

Where coverage fits in

Safe habits can help reduce risks around your home, but unexpected events can still happen. That’s where your homeowners insurance comes in.

If it has been a while since you reviewed your policy, fall can be a good time to make sure your coverage still reflects your home and the belongings inside it.

We’re here to help

Whether you have questions about your current policy or you just want to talk through what your coverage includes, your local OKFB Insurance agent is right here in your county and glad to help at your own pace.

Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent today.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more seasonal tips and updates.

Farm & Ranch Coverage During Oklahoma Harvest Season: FAQ

Harvest season in Oklahoma is one of the busiest—and riskiest—times of the year for farmers and ranchers. With heavy equipment on the move, unpredictable weather, and added labor needs, even a small coverage gap can lead to big losses. To help you protect your livelihood during this critical season, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about farm and ranch insurance.

Q1. Which vehicles and equipment are most often underinsured?
A1: Combines, tractors, grain trucks, irrigation systems, and ATVs/UTVs are often underinsured because their replacement costs rise faster than policy updates.

Q2. What risks are unique to Oklahoma farms and ranches?
A2: Oklahoma faces hail, windstorms, drought, and wildfires—risks that vary by region and require local expertise to insure properly.

Q3. How can farmers prepare for unpredictable Oklahoma weather?
A3: Keep detailed inventories, secure crop storage, and ensure hail, wind, and wildfire coverage.

Q4. What are the most common coverage gaps during harvest season?
A4: The most common gaps involve equipment in transit, temporary workers, and livestock in transport. Many farmers/ranchers assume these are automatically covered, but exclusions are common.

Q5. How do liability issues change during harvest?
A5: Liability risks increase as more people, equipment, and vehicles are in motion. Farm vehicles on public roads lead to higher accident potential

Common liability issues include:

  • Injuries to seasonal or temporary employees
  • Collisions with other drivers while hauling crops
  • Delivery-related accidents on farm property

Having adequate farm liability coverage during harvest can prevent uncovered losses.

Q6. Does farm insurance cover accidents involving farm equipment on public roads?
A6: Yes—farm policies can extend coverage to accidents involving tractors, combines, and grain trucks on public highways, but limits vary. Without proper endorsements, some damages may not be covered. Farmers should confirm with their OKFB agent that roadway use is included in their policy.

Q7. What are the most frequent insurance claims during harvest?
A7: We see more equipment collisions, grain bin/auger accidents, weather damage to crops, and livestock escape or injury. Claims can also rise from hitting power poles or damaging buried utility lines while plowing or moving heavy equipment, so checking maps and marking utilities is critical.

Q8. How often should policies be reviewed?
A8: Farmers should review policies at least once a year and whenever new machinery or vehicles are purchased. Local OKFB agents understand Oklahoma-specific risks and can tailor coverage better than national carriers.

Q9. How can I schedule a complimentary policy review?
A9: Contact Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance for a free farm and ranch and auto policy review before harvest season.

Every farm and ranch has its own rhythm, and Oklahoma’s harvest season brings both opportunities and challenges. Your OKFB agent is here to walk alongside you, helping you spot coverage gaps and keep your operation protected.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to 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.

Holiday Safety Tips You Need to Know

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration! However, it’s also a time when we need to be extra vigilant about safety in our homes. Here is a list of 8 holiday safety tips to ensure your season remains merry and bright–don’t forget to check it twice!

Manage Your Electrical Outlets

While it’s tempting to create elaborate light displays just like Martha May Whovier in Whoville, be careful not to overload your electrical outlets. Too many devices plugged into one outlet or power strip can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. Use multiple outlets spread around your home instead of concentrating everything in one area.

Lights Out When You’re Out

Not only can overloading outlets be dangerous, but lights can also be a fire hazard if left unattended for a while. Always turn off the lights before going to bed or leaving the house. This simple habit can prevent potential electrical fires and save energy too. Check out more holiday safety tips to prepare your home for the holidays. 

Tree Safety is Key

Whether you have a real or artificial Christmas tree, proper placement is crucial. Keep all trees at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters. If you have a real tree, check its water level daily and keep it well-hydrated to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Not sure how to dispose of your real tree after the holidays? Find out here!

Fireplace Do’s and Don’ts

Your fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere, but it’s not a disposal unit. Never burn wrapping paper, wreaths, or trees in your fireplace. These materials can burn too quickly, potentially causing a chimney fire or releasing toxic fumes into your home.

Prepare for Winter Travel

If you’re planning to travel for the holidays, take the time to winterize your car. This includes checking your battery, brakes, and tires, as well as ensuring your antifreeze levels are adequate. A well-maintained car is crucial for safe driving through a winter wonderland!

Pack a Winter Storm Emergency Kit

Whether you’re traveling or staying home, a winter storm emergency kit is essential. Include items like blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. This kit can be a lifesaver in case of long power outages or if you get stranded while traveling!

By following these holiday safety tips, you can help ensure that your holiday season remains joyful and safe. From all of us at OKFB Insurance, we wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season!

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to 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.