Summer Roadtrip: 3 Tips

Summer roadtrips are becoming very popular for families and couples today. If you’re planning a roadtrip, it’s important to create a detailed route and itinerary long before leaving so that you can relax and enjoy the journey once on the road. The following three tips can help you while planning your summer roadtrip.

Schedule Your Routes around Rush Hours
Although it might take a little extra time, try to schedule your routes around rush hours. You want to be entering cities and densely populated areas in the afternoon and evening. You want to plan to leave these areas in the morning. This will cut down on the amount of time you spend in heavy traffic along the route. It also makes traveling around cities and metropolitan areas easier and safer so that everyone has a better time.

Plan to Eat Locally
If you want to really experience the country during your roadtrip, then plan to eat locally during the day before reaching your hotel at night. This means avoiding the rest stops and pulling off the highway into towns and cities along the route for breakfast, lunch, or snacks. You and your family will see more and could discover new recipes that are found only in that region. This could also help you find attractions, museums, and scenic areas that are largely unknown to people who stay on the highway for the entire trip.

Get Some Apps to Make Traveling Easier
There are many different apps for individuals taking a roadtrip. You should get a few apps to make traveling easier. You might want an app that shows the lowest gas prices in an area, an app that tracks traffic, and an app that shows the nearest restaurant or rest room. These types of apps give you real-time information that your family can use to make informed decisions while on the road.
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Got Into A Car Accident? What To Do Next

You can still be involved in a car accident even if you are extremely cautious when you are driving. A car accident can be a scary and life-changing event, but there are several ways that you can cope with it. Below are some tips that will help you if you get into a car accident.

Stay Calm

Being involved in a car accident can be extremely stressful. However, you should try your best to stay calm. Taking a few deep breaths will help you calm down.

Check For Injuries

One of the most important things that you can do after a car accident is to check for injuries. If you think that someone is injured, then you should make sure that you call the ambulance. It is important to note that it sometimes takes a while for car accident injuries to show up. That is why you need to call an ambulance if you have any doubts.

Move The Vehicle

You will need to move your vehicle in order to prevent it from causing another wreck. If it is impossible to move the vehicle, then you should use cones or turn on the hazard lights.

Contact The Police

The police should be called after any accident. Even if the accident is minor, you will still need to call the police.

Take Photos Of The Accident

It will be easier for you to file a claim with your insurance company if you have photographic evidence. That is why you will need to take some photos at the scene of the accident. You will need to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident.

Exchange Contact Information With Other Driver

Before you leave the scene, you should exchange contact information with the other driver. This includes things such as telephone numbers, address and insurance information.

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Summer Pool Cleaning Tips

The summer heat can drive people up the wall! The easiest way to take the edge off is to take a dip into your backyard pool. However, if you don’t take the time to maintain your pool, it can easily become dirty and overrun with bacteria. The maintenance of your pool will help you enjoy it for many summers to come and will add an aesthetically pleasing dimension to your property. Read below for some summer pool cleaning tips:

  • Clean out debris floating in the pool by using a leaf skimmer on a daily basis. Debris in a pool can get caught in your pool filter if they are too big and potentially cause damage. Also, if small rocks or pebbles enter your pool they can be stepped on and cause minor injuries to your feet.
  • Use a scrub or pool vacuum to clean the walls of your pool. By doing this, you will help prevent algae build up on the walls of your pool. Also, be mindful of the wall material you have. For a tile wall use a soft brush, so you don’t scratch the tile, and for a plaster lined concrete pool use a stiff brush.
  • Monitor the pH level of your pool. The pH level is one that represents the acidity of the water in your pool. The pH level is important because you want to avoid swimming in acidic water for health reasons. The ideal range of acidity in your pool is in between 7.2 and 7.8. Tool kits for measuring your pool’s pH level are available.
  • Find and repair any leaks. As you look at your pool and notice that the water level seems to be declining, you may want to take a closer look. If you find out that your pool water is leaking, contact your pool manufacturer for advice.
  • Apply shock to your pool. Evenly sprinkle a one pound bag of shock into your pool and let it stay there for 24 hours. Shock will help destroy any tough algae that are building up in your pool.

The process of keeping your pool clean this summer is one that can seem tedious, but it is worth it on those hot days! Your pool’s well-being will add years to its lifetime, therefore, giving you your money’s worth.
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Poison ivy and your pet

If you have a pet that loves the outdoors, you probably wonder about how poison ivy could affect Fido if he gets into a patch without knowing.  The good news is your dog or cat will most likely not have a reaction to the poison ivy because the oil tends to stay on animal’s fur rather than make its way to their skin.  However, since the oil does tend to stay on pets’ fur, they can spread it to you causing a reaction on your own skin.

If you have ever had poison ivy, you know it is not a pleasant experience in the least.  It can land you in the doctor’s office or emergency room quite easily if it is not controlled.  To avoid all the annoyance of itch, doctor’s office visits, and health insurance claims, wash your pet after you suspect he has been exposed to poison ivy.

You might be wondering how in the world you will be able to wash you dog or cat without touching the poison ivy oil in the process.  First, cover your skin with a protective barrier cream, ointment or lotion that can help keep the oil off.  Wear full gloves and clothes with long sleeves.  Shower your pet with cool water and rub in some oil-drying soap.  Dish detergent with grease fighters can be really helpful for this step.  Rinse your pet thoroughly.

When your pet is cleaned, make sure you thoroughly rinse the area where you did the cleaning.  Wash your clothes and yourself to remove any remaining oil.  If you know where the poison ivy patch is, remove it so your pet won’t make his way back there again.  For tips on how to safely remove poison ivy, check out www.CDC.gov!

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