safety Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

The Ultimate 101 Gifts for Car Guys and Gals

Paula — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:19:55 +0000

Clearly, the holidays are right around the bend and honestly it’s time to get shopping. So, here are a few of my hot gifts for Car Guys and Gals, you know who I mean, the guys and gals who know what they like and can name the brands they need in their lives. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links provides me with small commission from Amazon. Interior Tech & Gadgets Tools and Safety Gadgets: Battery Testers Tool Kits and Maintenance EMERGENCY Items: Maintenance Kit Battery Maintenance Practical gifts for the DIYer or those who want to be prepared for anything. Anti Theft Devices Comfort for the Car Auto Organization These practical gifts help keep the car neat, organized, and ready for emergencies. Safety Devices for The Car Fibreglass emergency blankets are a must have in your emergency kit. These can be used on liquid or grease fires. Highly recommend. And here are several other auto safety devices that make good gifts. 4. And if you need another option the Survive Outdoors Longer Blanket will work. Have a friend who is anxious driving at times? Maybe one of these safety options is a good way to help them feel safer on the road. I believe this is a nice way to say I care at this time of year. 5. Survive Outdoors Longer has this XL Bivvy which will keep you warm with a hood and all. 6. A Full Vehicle Survival Kit will cost you a bit more but for the prepper on your list this is probably the perfect gift. Love a variation on a theme and this pink version is a cute take on the traditional colours. On the lighter side of things, check these out: Cleaning & Detailing Essentials Every car lover takes pride in a clean ride. These items make the chore feel like a treat. These gifts are perfect for improving the daily driving experience, from navigation to entertainment. Tools & Maintenance Fun & Novelty Travelling soon with the kids? I have a few great road trip stories and a review or two of tires. But also don’t forget to print out the free printables and gift them to the kids to help keep them occupied. For the enthusiast who loves to show off their passion, even when they’re not driving. Driving Gloves Quirky Cleaners Etc. Scratch FixUps Ever get a ding that drives you wild? As in, drove too close to the garage door or the keypad getting into the garage. This will help. Car Themed Gifts for Everyone From safety to maintenance and entertainment, there’s something here for everyone. Hope you find what you are looking for and get it shipped fast for whatever occasion you are shopping for now.

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How to Handle FASD and Running

Paula — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 20:58:20 +0000

From the moment my youngest child started moving, they were a runner. The kid ran everywhere. in fact, we used to joke that this child ran before they walked, which was pretty accurate and slightly comical, until they started running away. For them, FASD, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and running went hand in hand. What is Elopement? Elopement is basically when kids with some neurological conditions leave or run away from wherever they currently are. That can be school, home, the mall, the park or any other spot. For some reason their fight or flight reaction is activated and flight kicks in and they run away. That’s basically synonymous with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). Fasd and runners or FASD and running are a common combination. The flight sense is heightened and any perceived threat could activate it. Now, couple that with a complete lack of impulse control and it made for lot of terrifying moments as a parent. FYI, you will also find this same behaviour sometimes in seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. My youngest went through this stage for years in elementary school. Our FASD and Running Experience Once they left school entirely for a couple of hours. I had been out with my Mom helping her buy a few things at the local Sears Outlet store. My mom had Alzheimer’s disease in the last few years of her life and that meant she needed some support in the community as well. Luckily I was available to help her. Not so luckily that day though, I had to race my Mom back to her retirement home while I sped over to the school to ask school administration why they had not had a closer eye on my child. Running away is not an uncommon scenario for kids with neurological differences. Thankfully, this has actually stopped. To this day I’m not sure why or how it stopped. But it did. This behaviour started when my youngest child was little actually and then it stopped for years because they were always supervised act school and at home. Medication for ADHD and impulse control helped too. Then this began again around 12 years old. It lasted until about 15. Does it Ever Stop? Now my youth with FASD is a young adult. Around 15 years old the running away stopped. Why? Well,I think three things worked here for us: anger therapy. I finally found a therapist who talked to them weekly and we started with a youth group for kids with FASD ( huge impact for my teen with FASD). Recently my kiddo said knowing that a friend, who I will call Tammy (not her real name) also gets it and understands FASD is everything. “We are best friends. Nobody else gets it.” Our Old Routine Before that though, we followed them every time. It was dead exhausting. Once I called police and they were amazing here. They sent two female police officers who calmed everyone down and I think it actually shocked the heck out of my kiddo. They were kind and said to my 15 year old at that time “you simply can’t do this. It’s not safe for anyone.” I don’t think the words mattered so much as the shock that I’d called the police. Anyways, I’m so sorry. If you have a runner, that experience is hellish. If you are in this situation then I hope that you find help soon. Here’s what we did to help cope with the FASD and running. The Elopement Plan FASD and Runners go hand in hand often due to the lack of impulse control and also the anger, the inability to regulate emotions and control situations. Knowing what to do before it happens goes a long way towards managing the situation. Good Luck and reach out if you have any questions.

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Be Speed Aware When Driving

Paula — Wed, 01 May 2019 10:18:15 +0000

This post was sponsored by Best Buy which means I received compensation. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. We spend a lot of hours on the road together as a family because I write about travel often. So, I’m all about road safety and ways to travel safely, of course. If you knew about something that could keep you safe on the road wouldn’t you want to know more? When I learned about this new device – the Uniden R7 radar detector I was curious to hear more and I wondered how it worked. Let me preface this by saying you should always drive safely. Always be in control of your vehicle. That includes checking your car, van or truck for any issues and having them tended to promptly. And never ever check The Uniden R7 radar detector tracks up to four signals simultaneously for greater awareness as you drive. Avoid speeding tickets with this Uniden R7 radar detector. The large OLED display includes arrows that identify the direction of incoming threats and change color on a scale of green to red to indicate the signal’s strength. Monitor your speed With voice notification and MAX speed warning system you will be able to hear when you exceed the preset speed without taking your eyes off the road. This will enable you to maintain a safe driving speed when driving anywhere. Directional arrows indicate where the radar signal is originating from. Large screen allows you to quickly and easily read the information while allowing you to maintain focus on the road ahead. Key Product Specs: Voice notifications| Allow you to focus on the road Works with most vehicles| Get real-time alerts in your existing vehicle. Color OLED display| The easy-to-see information display provides a clear view. Long-range detection| High sensitivity on all conventional and instant-on radar bands. K-Filter and Ka-Filter| Filter noise from the K and Ka bands to prevent false detections. The Uniden R7 radar detector can help you to travel safely and avoid speeding tickets. That can be a valuable tool for drivers.

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Don’t Miss – Prohibited Items Banned From Cruises

Paula — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 11:57:37 +0000

Prohibited items on a cruise ship can land you in hot water if you forget to check what’s allowed and what is not. SO, don’t forget to check the specifics of your cruise line before you head to port. Some cruise ship prohibited items are completely obvious to most of us. I mean logically most people know not to bring any sort of weapon, however there are some items that might surprise you. When traveling, knowledge is power, and it’s just as important to know what not to bring on board a cruise ship as it is to know what you shouldn’t leave home without. So, today, because I share a lot of cruising content here, I figured it was time to discuss prohibited items. Some of these items are surprising, so use this for your reference guide whether you are a first time cruiser or returning after a few years absence. Don’t Let Anything Ruin Your Trip We’ve been on a few cruises over the years. Cruising is one of my favourite ways to travel with family and also one of the most affordable ways to see a lot of countries. For me the magic of waking up somewhere brand new every morning on a trip is untouchable. I can’t get enough of that. When you are on a cruise you don’t want anything spoiling your dream trip, so be prepared. Do what you can before you set sail to make the best of your time away. Prohibited Items The first part of this will feel like common sense to you. Items such as weapons and fireworks are no-brainers, but later down the list, you’ll see things like heating pads, which surprised me. So let’s take a look at the quite extensive list of no-no items on cruise ships. Illicit drugs as well as medical marijuana Firearms, functioning or replica BB or pellet pistols/rifles All projectile weapons such as paint ball guns Ammunition Explosives Fireworks and flares Sharp pointed weapons Open razors or scissors with a blade exceeding 4 inches Spears or spear guns Crossbows, crossbow bolts, and long bow arrows Boom boxes and large radios (Hallelujah…I hate hearing other people’s music at the pool) Blunt weapons such as knuckle clusters, brass knuckles, clubs, batons, etc. Incapacitating items such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, acid, etc. Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals Any item made or adapted for use as an offensive weapon Stun devices Handcuffs Large batteries Any items not supplied by the ship which have any kind of heating element (heating blankets, flat irons, etc.) This is an important one. Anything that could potentially cause a fire on the ship is not allowed for safety reasons. Remotely controlled toys or drones Self-balancing hover boards, scooters, Segways, etc. Compressed gas tanks such as propane tanks or aerosol cans Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, ham radios, satellite phones, laser pointers Clothing irons and steamers Appliances such as coffee makers, hot plates, and toasters Alcohol – Don’t even try. It’s really not worth it Large coolers Candles and incense Bicycles Surfboards, boats, and canoes Inflatable kiddie pools Any footwear like Heely’s shoes Kava Multi-plug box outlets and power boards Exempted Items While the list of prohibited items on a cruise ship is quite long and contains some surprising entries – I can’t believe someone has to be told not to bring an inflatable kiddie pool – there are exemptions should you be worried about looking your best or not having your service dog with you. Hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, shavers, etc. after inspection Aerosol can for personal grooming (hairspray) Laptops, cameras, cell phones, etc. Medical gas cylinders for oxygen CPAP machine Small coolers Live animals (service animals only) Musical instruments Ham radios or amateur radio equipment (after inspection) Google Glass (prohibited at gangway operation) Flotation devices (water wings only) Wrapped gifts (gift may be unwrapped upon request) Exempted Items for Port Use Some of these items are in the prohibited items category while on board, but can be stored on the boat for use while on excursions. Snorkel gear Skateboards Golf clubs Fishing rods (catch and release only) Tennis rackets Kites Roller blades and skates Collapsible wagons Metal detectors Boogie boards Beach chairs Umbrellas Segways Safety First It helps to remember safety is the most important thing when cruising. So, if something you are considering packing rings a bell for you and you have a question about whether or not it is permitted then check with your cruise line. One key thing to remember is that anything that heats or could potentially create a fire is not allowed. Remember that and you will alleviate some of the worry over packing things that are not allowed. Know Your Prohibited Items on Cruises It’s important to know what you can and can’t take onto a cruise ship. Some things are outright prohibited, while some are initially disallowed but can be brought with certain exemptions. It can be confusing, to say the least. Hopefully, this extensive list of prohibited items and exemptions will help you with your packing and planning so you have a worry and hassle-free trip on your next cruise. Post may contain affiliate links.

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How to Increase Fuel Mileage Now

Paula — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 10:11:15 +0000

Everybody wants to know how to save money on gas. What if that could be done by attending to fuel mileage over time with a few small changes to your habits? Well, with the prices of gas constantly fluctuating any and all tips are welcome here. Fuel saving techniques are obviously related to driving habits, but did you know they are also dependent on vehicle maintenance? It’s true. Combined with changing your driving habits a bit, regular vehicle maintenance can make an impact on your fuel mileage and gas costs. I mean individually each idea here is not extremely new, but if you pay attention to most or all of these then the fuel savings could be substantial. Vehicle Maintenance for Improved Fuel Mileage Adhering to a routine vehicle maintenance regimen can improve the number of miles or kilometres per gallon. Keeping the car’s engine running at its peak performance level helps burn less fuel. Some maintenance services that should be performed as a scheduled routine include: Engine oil and filter changeEngine air filterFuel filterTire rotation – stay on top of this or you wear your tires out faster too and that’s wasteful. Oil is a lubricant that reduces friction in moving engine parts. A dirty air filter restricts the amount of air inducted into the motor. A dirty fuel filter can reduce the fuel flow. If these routine maintenance items go unchecked, the engine may burn more fuel to compensate for increased friction or lack of air. Tire Care for Improved Fuel Economy Underinflated tires increase the rolling resistance of the vehicle. To compensate for the increased rolling resistance, the engine has to work harder to maintain a given speed. A harder working engine translates into more fuel consumption. Underinflated tires will also wear prematurely and have an increased chance of a blowout. Nobody wants that. These are the three big reasons that a vehicle’s tires should be maintained at the recommended tire pressure. I wrote about the difference our new snow tires made to that in this snow tires post. Nitrogen? One method that can help maintain tire pressure is to fill the tires with nitrogen instead of air. Since the molecules are larger, nitrogen tends to escape at a much slower rate than air. Most auto repair shops that are in the business of selling and servicing tires have nitrogen available at a minimal cost. There are a few other benefits of nitrogen-filled tires besides maintaining the appropriate tire pressure, but that’s a post for another day. Driving Habits for Increasing Fuel Mileage Individual driving habits can have a dramatic impact on fuel consumption. Aggressive drivers that consistently have their foot on the accelerator, weaving in and out of traffic, will burn much more gas than drivers that obey the speed limit. So take that rambunctious driver!! Using low gears to gain more engine power for quick acceleration will create more engine revolutions per minute (RPM). Did you know that engines that turn at a higher RPM naturally burn more fuel. Since an engine that runs at a higher RPM burns more fuel, overdrive (if equipped) should be used as often as possible, even in stop and go traffic. Overdrive allows the engine to run at a lower RPM while turning the wheels at a higher rate. This might sound obvious but it isn’t always. If you really want to save fuel and do the environment a favour while you are at it, then walk, or carpool, or ride a bike. Ask yourself if you really need to use the car to pick up your children at school. Or, do you really need to drive by yourself to work every morning. There might be a better way. Make Smart Driving Choices More importantly, owners of any vehicle have to get in the right mindset with respect to driving to save fuel. Keeping within the posted speed limits and using overdrive are just some positive driving habits. Other things like coasting to a stop without riding the brakes and light acceleration on take offs can help to improve mileage and gas costs. Change a few of these things and keep track of the impact. You may be surprised.

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Nine Things You Need in Your Winter Emergency Kit Now

Paula — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 13:35:17 +0000

Do you have a winter emergency kit? Have you considered what would happen if you got stranded in a snowstorm or other wintery weather disaster? Here’s hoping you never are in that situation, but what if you were? Weather related weirdness is the rule rather than the exception in so many areas of the world right now. So, it makes sense to be prepared for anything that comes your way. It’s common sense when traveling during the harsh winter months, whether it be just across town or several miles or hundred miles away to always keep an Emergency Kit in your vehicle. There are dozens of ways to encounter problems and become stranded, whether it be due to a flat tire or worse case scenario, an accident. Nobody wants to be stuck and clueless about how to get help. Obviously with cell phones, and GPS equipped vehicles it’s never been easier to reach someone for help. But even so many areas are not in range and sometimes when travelling remotely for work or fun you could in theory be hours or up to a day before help arrives. Every vehicle should have an emergency plan and a winter emergency kit too. Travelling slightly less travelled roads frequently? Then you need to be prepared for anything. Winter Emergency Kit recommendations: 1.) A warm blanket – We never know if bad weather will suddenly hit. OR perhaps you run out of gas or something breaks suddenly on your vehicle. In any event, a blanket is an essential to help and keep you warm when the harsh winter is upon you and the car breaks down. Stay warm. My kids pretty much always have a blanket in the van when we travel so I never worry about this one. 2.) Bottled water It’s important to keep from dehydrating until someone arrives to assist you. Have water handy always. Here’s a post to help you with your home emergency preparedness kit. 3.) Snack items It could be hours before someone potentially finds you. This will allow for you to keep your body nourished while you are waiting for help. Keep angry kids calm with food. First rule of all family road trips. 4.) A flashlight along with extra batteries No brainer! You should always have extra flashlights in your home and in your car too. Common sense item, because they can be extremely useful in the dark, at night, when lost or if you find yourself in an unfamiliar spot. In a black out, flashlights are also useful. 5.) A candle and matches These are always a great thing to have handy in any vehicle, and in your home too, especially during those harsh winter months. 6.) Jumper cables Every vehicle should have a set of jumper, or booster cables. My Mom was a single parent often on the road driving with us at night and I cannot tell you the number of times our old beater car died on the route from Waterloo to Guelph. Luckily someone always arrived with jumper or booster cables, but why take the chance? Buy a set and keep them in your trunk. 7.) Socks This is one we are learning from all the ski trips we take actually. It doesn’t take much for feet to get cold and wet and when they are cold and wet your entire body is cold. One of my kids actually sweats a lot more than the rest of us. I’ve only just realized that her feet are often wet as a result which makes her feel cranky and cold. More socks and backup socks are now being packed for every trip actually. It’s always a good idea to take along a few extra pairs of socks in the event that you have to get out on foot to walk in order to find some help when stranded. You could also find them handy in the event that you are outside of your vehicle for an extended length of time to change a flat, dig yourself out or walk for help. 8.) Extra outer wear Coats, scarves, gloves & hats. This will allow you the opportunity to bundle up and keep even warmer if you happen to be stranded, whether you are inside your vehicle, or outside. 9.) First Aid Kit When my kids were small we went nowhere without a first aid kit. One was hidden in the car at all times. We used those bandaids time and again. Super useful for any time of the year. Buy one for your home and then add one to your vehicle as well. Safe Road Trips Ahead Epic journey ahead, or short jaunt to the in laws? Either way it pays to be prepared always. Use these ideas as a guide to prepare your Emergency Road Kit in the event that you have to be out in the harsh winter weather. This guide should allow you to be better prepared for anything that comes your way. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers.

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Emergency Preparedness – What’s in Your Emergency Kit?

Paula — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 16:32:36 +0000

This post is sponsored which means I received product or compensation. Emergency preparedness is something every family should give some thought to periodically. From severe thunderstorms in the spring to heavy snowstorms in the winter, we’re all at risk for emergency situations. To be honest I didn’t really ever worry much about being prepared for natural disasters or weather incidents until recently. The tornado we had in Ottawa this year really hit home for me. As I watched and worried about several good friends in the Ottawa region, I realized my family isn’t prepared enough for emergencies in general. That got me thinking about preparing an emergency kit and supplies just in case something should happen. I’ve done a bit of research into this lately and I have prepared most of the items on this list to keep my family comfortable during emergency situations that would otherwise be miserable and potentially unsafe. Emergency Preparedness Supplies It’s important to have all the essentials on hand and ready to go in your home in case of an emergency. These essential supplies keep your family safe and healthy, allowing you to better ride out the emergency situation until things like power and water can be restored – or in an extreme emergency, until rescue arrives. While all emergency preparedness kits will be a little different based on where you live, I’ve put together the core supplies that everyone should have in their homes for emergency situations. Bottled Water In case of flooding or lack of running water, having bottled water on hand is key. Bottled water keeps you hydrated in the face of lack of water or contaminated water. Keep a few cases in the home to give you enough clean drinking water to last about a week. Non-Perishable Food It’s important to keep a supply of non-perishable foods in the home, as well. Canned, boxed, and bagged ready to eat food items are an essential part of any emergency preparedness plan. Batteries Keep a healthy supply of batteries in your emergency area, as well. These will be used to power radios and flashlights. Portable Phone Chargers In addition to batteries, keep a few fully-charged portable phone charger banks in your kit, as well. In case of a power outage, you’ll need those to help you stay in touch with family, friends, and possibly rescue officials. A Home Generator One of the best emergency preparedness items to have for your home is a generator. In addition to stocking up on emergency supplies, we now have a Champion power generator, and I already feel so much safer. Depending on the size of the generator you have, you may not have to worry about many of the problems families face in emergency situations. For example, with our generator, I know that I won’t have to worry about food going bad or any of the other problems that come with a full-on power outage. Champion Power Generator We have a Champion power generator. Champion has a great reputation, and they made it easy to find the right size for us. Generators come in a variety of sizes, from small to power specific items to large enough to power an entire home. For example, according to their website, the smallest recommended size for home use is 3000 to 4000 watts, and that’s only for powering smaller appliances. For larger appliances or whole-house use, the sizes go up. 5000 to 9000 watts is recommended for powering air conditioning or several appliances at once, for example. We used the Champion generator size calculator to determine the size right for us, and it was super easy. Emergency Preparedness is Easier with a Generator We have a fully stocked emergency preparedness kit in our home now. It’s complete with batteries, non-perishable food, water, and more. What really gives me peace of mind, though, is our Champion power generator. With the generator in place, I know we’ll be able to power everything we need in case of a power outage, which means I don’t have to worry about food going bad, not having light, or any of the other difficulties that go with being without power. Surprise Giveaway! Guess what? In addition to these great tips on emergency preparedness, I’m also bringing you a giveaway! One lucky reader will win a $50 Canadian Tire gift card. Surprise! Entry-Form

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Husky Enacts Pay Before You Pump Policy

Paula — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:51:21 +0000

What if making one small change improved safety for many? Would you do it? Actually I like to think most people would adjust and make the small changes necessary to help others. That’s what Husky’s pay before you pump policy is about. The pay before you pump policy is common sense and ensures safety of both gas station attendants and customers. It’s a pre-emptive move against gas theft incidents that could cause injuries to attendants and customers. Pay Before You Pump Helps Increase Safety If you’ve filled up at a Husky station, you’ve probably noticed their new policy. They’ve been implementing this policy since the fall of 2017, and now it’s in place in their stations across Canada. This weekend when I filled up I noticed it for the first time. Pay Before You Pump is Husky’s way of doing their part to ensure both employee and customer safety by reducing the chances of gas-and-dash incidents and the possible injury that can accompany that sort of theft. “We commend companies that are taking the initiative around pre-pay,” explains Jack Smith, president of the Canada Safety Council. “Corporations and consumers both must do their part and contribute to the decline of injury and fatalities in Canada and we are proud to see companies realize this transition to a pre-payment system can make a big impact.” Under this new policy, patrons must use their debit or credit card or pre-pay in cash before filling their tanks. This falls in line with Husky’s stand against theft and possible violence. In fact, B.C. has had provincewide legislation in place since 2008 which makes pre-pay fuel mandatory. Alberta just enacted the pre-pay legislation this June, after fatal gas thefts in the province. What’s more, in provinces where pre-pay has been implemented, the rate of gas-and-dash deaths has dropped to ZERO. I fully support their new policy. It only makes sense to me, and as a parent, I find it even more sensible because I know it helps reduce the danger to workers, many of whom might be young teenagers working part-time at one of their stations. Reality is 98 % of the time I pay before I pump anyways. From the time the kids were small I would use my debit card at all gas stations, because I couldn’t get out and leave kids sitting in a vehicle. What if they climbed out of the car, or had a choking accident or heaven forbid even got into a big fight. Not a chance I ever wanted to take. So, really this changes nothing for me. I haven’t walked into a gas station to pay for years. On the rare occasion I go into a gas station these days it’s because the pump failed to print my receipt. Pay Before You Pump – It’s Safer for Everyone I’m glad that Husky is taking a stand against incidents involving gas theft across the country with its campaign to keep employees and customers safe. The Pay Before You Pump policy, ensures the safety of everyone involved in gas transactions, and that makes me feel good as a consumer and a parent. Husky Energy sponsored this post. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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Buying Snow Tires – What You Need to Know

Paula — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:45:05 +0000

Buying snow tires is something I have debated and put off for a couple of winter seasons now. Last year I got new all-season tires in the spring and assumed they’d get me through the winter. It wasn’t a super snowy year, but there were a few challenging winter road trips, especially on our annual trip to Vermont. This year with all the snow in the forecast, and the number of ski road trips we take, I knew I needed them so I started shopping months ago. I had so many questions initially. Are they worth the money? What kind should I buy? Which snow tires are best with my type of vehicle? There are all sorts of things to think about when buying snow tires. Not everyone needs them, but odds are good if you live in Ontario, or most of the Canadian provinces, then you need good snow tires. This year we opted for Michelin X-Ice Xi3 winter tires. The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 winter tires are recommended for winter weather everywhere where temperature consistently reaches below zero degrees or freezing. Here’s what to look for if you need to buy winter snow tires. Buying Snow Tires – Do You Need Them? Snow tires are for snowy, icy, cold weather conditions. So the first question to ask yourself is do you actually need snow tires? If you live in Ontario like I do, the answer is a resounding yes. Ontario is a winter wonderland from December to March. Slippery and snowy and cold. We get snow and ice and all the other wonderful winter stuff that makes driving during the winter treacherous. Perhaps you think: “Well, we get next to no snow or ice in my area, so I don’t need tires like this.” In fact, snow tires are made of more flexible rubber than all-season tires. That’s why they grip better. So even if you get little to no snow or ice in your area, you can still benefit from buying snow tires if your neck of the woods gets cold. The softer rubber will provide better grip and stability in the cold months. We have two vehicles and we use them both daily. One car, a Saturn Ion, is mostly intended for the fast in town trips and the travel to our local ski hill. The van is the one we drive long distances with skis and boots and suitcases in the back. Both carry my family in winter and that means safety is vital. Buying Snow Tires – How to Choose Them Get GOOD Tires If you’re committing to buying snow tires, don’t be cheap. Almost any snow tire will provide better performance in the cold than an all-season tire, but the better the tire the better the performance. You get what you pay for, and since a good snow tire will last you three to four winters, it pays to get quality ones that last. Plus, I hate waste so get the kind of snow tires that will endure (and take care of them too) so you don’t end up wasting your money and buying more often than necessary. Studded Tires Studded snow tires have metal studs embedded into the treads for added traction on ice. The studs can damage your driveway and roads as well. Double check the Transportation Board or Highway Safety Authority for your area rules for your province or state. Read Ontario winter driving information here. In mountainous Vermont, studdable tires are permitted for instance. In Ontario they are prohibited, unless you dwell in northern Ontario. Now, last year when we needed to climb a mountain in Vermont, the amazing Eric at Mad River Glen came to get us in a vehicle with studded tires. Those things are heavy duty and great for climbing mountains in Vermont. But that was literally one day of our winter so clearly we wouldn’t need that level of traction very often and they aren’t allowed in southern Ontario, my home, anyways. Buy a Full Set You’ll also need to get a full set of tires. Some people think they can just buy two snow tires for their vehicle, but that is a mistake. You need the same level of grip from all four tires. If you just put snow tires on your drive axle, you’re setting yourself up for possible pinwheeling and spinning out. Also the tires will wear differently and potentially might not last as long if you only get two. So don’t think that you can get away with two tires. You NEED all four for maximum efficiency and grip. Don’t Forget Installation You can’t just throw on snow tires all by yourself. You should have them mounted and balanced by a professional. Don’t forget to budget in the average $10 to $20 per tire mounting and balancing fee that most places charge. You may also need new rims and potentially new sensors for the tires too. Budget for that and decide how much you need to replace and what you can afford. Apparently salt and winter conditions can be harder on your standard rims. Wheel Packages When buying snow tires, consider investing in a wheel package. A wheel package means you buy the tires and four wheels to go with them. When it’s time to change from all-season to winter tires and vice versa, it makes things easier. That ease also can translate to a savings of up to $50 each time you swap out tires. Check The Insurance Snow Tire Incentives And don’t forget when you buy snow tires to check in with your insurance company or broker. There might be a savings incentive. Today I learned that we save 5 % discount on auto insurance because of the snow tires. That makes me happy. Final Notes on When to Replace Your Winter Tires Three to four seasons use is standard for winter tires. BUT, if you use them too long in the spring, or summer, and forget to switch them out you may do damage to your good winter tires. Also of course this depends on the roads you drive on and how much you use them. Good winter tires are meant only for winter use. Summer use can wear them down. The Quarter Test? Michelin X-ICE Xi3 tires are the ones we chose this year. This brand is expected to last 60,000 kms. When we want or think we need to replace them, three or four seasons down the road, we will take a quarter and place it head first into the tread. Michelin indicates that the top part of the figurehead should be covered by the tread. If you can see the whole head, then it’s time to replace the tires. Buying Snow Tires is Worth It Buying snow tires can be an excellent investment in your family’s safety. Winter driving is hard enough without getting stuck and worrying if your tires will grip. Even without snow and ice, buying snow tires offers an increased level of grip in cold weather in general, and are an excellent investment. That is especially true when you split the cost up over three or four seasons. This is one of two posts about snow tires. This series has been sponsored by Michelin Canada. I received product in exchange for consideration here. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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Alone at Home Overnight – When is it Okay for Teens to Man the Fort

Paula — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 13:04:01 +0000

Alone at home. The ultimate test for a teenager. Mom and dad are gone overnight. The house is theirs. How will they handle it? Will mom and dad come back to a home just as they left it. Will they discover a beer bottle under the couch from the wild party that 16 year old Jessie had. Or will they simply return to discover too many dishes in the sink from too many hours on the PS4? These questions and more go through all of our minds when the day finally comes to leave the kids alone at home. But when is that day? Leaving the Kids Alone at Home is Subjective As with any decision regarding family, deciding that your teen is old enough and responsible enough to stay at home on his or her own overnight is a purely subjective one. Only you know your teen. Some parents may have teens that are fully capable of manning the fort at 15 or 16, while others may have a 19 year old that they wouldn’t trust to stay alone in a cardboard fort. It really is a matter of knowing your child’s personality, their level of maturity, and how responsible they’ve shown themselves to be. In addition to that, there are other outside factors to consider, as well. For example, you may have an extremely responsible 13 year old with a good head on her shoulders. But what happens if there’s a break in, a fire, or an accident. She may be responsible, but will she have the wherewithall to deal with a fire? What is there is a break in? A 13 year old can easily be overpowered by a grown man or woman. It’s multi-faceted decision, to be sure. Let’s see what the Canadian government has to say about it. Canadian Legalities Regarding Leaving Kids Alone at Home The government has a very broad interpretation of when it’s okay to let the kids fly solo at home. It’s almost as subjective for them as it is for us. That being said, there are some guidelines. In seven provinces and territories, the definition of “child” is anyone “under the age a majority”. In one territory, “child” is defined as “a person under 18 where the age of majority is 19”. The five remaining provinces define “child” as “either being or appearing to be under the age of 16”. The majority of provinces and territories don’t limit the age at which a child can be left alone at home. However, in Manitoba and New Brunswick, it is stated that a parent “cannot leave a child under the age of 12 unattended without making provision for adequate supervision”. Leaving the Kids Alone at Home is Your Call Even with the laws and rules in place, the shorthand of what it all says is basically that it’s at a parent’s discretion. The interpretation of wrong doing is open, with most of it coming down to a history of neglect in one form or another. So, really, it’s all about your comfort level and your child’s maturity and responsibility. But be assured that you can be charged with neglect if you leave your child alone overnight and they run into emergency, or are unable to handle the responsibility. Recently I had to think hard about this. My older girl is 16. Both my girls are smart and know martial arts and first aid. But to leave them alone overnight yet? No. Not ready. For example, I would not leave my children alone at home if one of them was under the age of 16. I feel like there are just too many things that can go wrong, even with a high maturity level in the kids. But that’s just me and my family. You may feel perfectly fine doing it. There are no set rules or guides to WHEN the perfect age is to leave kids alone at home. It’s all about them and you. So when you think about leaving your kids at home alone for extended periods, like overnight, ask yourself if your child is responsible enough to hold down the fort, knows what to do in an emergency, and if your comfort level can handle it. That’s what it really boils down to.

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