The Allstate Blog » George

What Should You Do If You Get Lost In The Woods? Be Prepared.

George — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:00:38 +0000

It’s one of the most frightening experiences you can endure: You’re hiking or walking through the woods and make a turn off a trail for a little untamed exploring. When you walk back to where the trail should be, it isn’t there. Or rather, you aren’t where you thought you were. You laugh nervously and realize you probably just went a little too far to your right, so you adjust and walk farther, your pace picking up with the anxiety that’s beginning to set in. Oh no, still no path. You’re lost! Now what do you do? The first thing is to not give in to the inevitable panic that will begin to wash over you. Stop, take stock of your situation and understand from the outset that your odds of being found in this day and age are incredibly high. In fact, most lost people are found by the second day. So, there’s no need to panic. In his book The Pocket Outdoor Survival Guide, author J. Wayne Fears says the decisions a lost person makes in the first three seconds of realizing their predicament can save them or doom them. Admitting that they are lost is best done sooner than later, and stopping and taking stock is critical. Fears recommends following the STOP formula:

Sit

Sitting not only jumpstarts your ability to relax and think clearly, but it also suppresses your urge to run or walk quickly—usually in a wrong direction.

Think

Your mind is your most critical survival tool. You need to keep it calm, reflect on any past training or skills that will help you now and rationally assess your situation and your most immediate needs.

Observe

Identify what problems need to be solved and the order in which they must be dealt with. You’ll need shelter, a way to signal searchers, fire, water and a visible campsite so searchers can find you. What components are at your ready disposal to achieve these?

Plan

Make a plan and put it into action. If you have a cellphone or a radio, call for help first. If a cell signal is low, send a text message, as it takes less power and you can send it to multiple people at once for better odds of reaching somebody. But, don’t just sit and wait. It can still take a while for rescuers to arrive. Choose a visible campsite or, if in a stalled vehicle situation, stay with your automobile as it’s much easier to locate from the air. Construct a shelter, gather firewood and stay alert for other hikers, the sound of a nearby highway, low-flying planes, anything that can translate into your being discovered. Keep a mirror or bright clothing handy to catch the attention of searchers. Make a fire. Damp leaves or wood will make more smoke, thus making it more visible. Sit back and stay calm. Help should be on the way before long.

Before You Go

A little pre-trip prep can save you a lot of worry and hassle should you get lost later. Do the following before you go:

Leave a trip plan with a friend or relative that includes where you’re going, emergency contacts, when you left and when you expect to return.
Carry a freshly charged phone or a two-way radio with new batteries.
Tote an easy-to-use GPS unit. There are plenty of inexpensive, easy-to-use models available.

The decisions you make within the first seconds of becoming lost can ensure your survival or seal your fate. Using the guidance above can help you make the best of a bad situation.

Photo courtesy of Bill Winke

Thinking of Remodeling? Go Certified!

George — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:00:52 +0000

Dreaming about your perfect home but stuck in a house you don’t love? You’re in good company! Thanks to shrinking home resale values, thousands of homeowners are choosing to fix up their current home rather than upgrade to a new house. In fact, while home sales remain stagnant, remodeling permits are up 23 percent over last year. “We're swamped right now,” says Don Van Cura, the owner of a Chicago-based remodeling firm told Crain’s Chicago Business. “People who might have been expected to move up to a bigger house some years ago are now staying in place.” Inspired by the home renovation projects on HGTV or Pinterest boards? Before you get started with your remodel, be sure to do your research. A successful remodel starts with selecting a certified contractor. "Anybody out of work who owns a hammer and screw gun can decide to get into remodeling," says Ronald Cowgill, president of D/R Services Unlimited Inc. inGlenview,Illinois. "Some of these guys have no corporate names at all. It's 'Chuck in a truck.' And they offer what we call taillight warranties: Watch them drive away from the job and as soon as you can no longer see their taillights, your warranty has expired." The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is working hard to change this. NARI calls itself the “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry” and is dedicated to upholding strict standards for quality craftsmanship, accountability and ethics. Nationwide, more than 800,000 individuals and companies identify as professional remodelers. NARI membership is comprised of only 63,000 contractors. Like NARI, the Associated General Contractors of America is a trade organization dedicated to improving the quality of construction. Both NARI and AGC contractors are committed to strict standards of integrity and craftsmanship. Whether you’re remodeling your home or building a new addition, be sure to select contractors and remodeling professionals that are members of NARI or AGC. Not sure about which contractor to choose? Check with your local NARI or AGC organization to find a list of certified remodelers and contractors in your area. When talking with potential contractors, watch out for these warning signs:

#1: You feel pressured to sign a contract.

A professional will never pressure you into signing a contract before you are ready. Be wary of contractors who are impatient and do not listen to your concerns. Once you do sign a contract, you should receive notification in writing of your “Right of Recision.” This notification, required by law, states that you have three days to change your mind and legally declare the contract null and void without any penalty.

#2: You are unable to verify license or insurer information.

The remodeling company should be found in the telephone book, listed with the local Better Business Bureau and local trade organizations. The remodeler should also give you up to date license and insurance information. Never use a contractor that provides information that is out of date or unverifiable.

#3: You are promised a “special, low rate.”

Some unscrupulous contractors and remodelers will promise a “special” discount rate if you sign the contract on the spot. Other remodelers may promise a special deal if you pay in cash or pay in full up front. Yikes! Promises of a special discount are a huge red flag.

Are you a remodeling veteran? Share your tips for selecting the right contractor below.

5 Unexpected Home Maintenance Costs

George — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:06:34 +0000

I often advise new homeowners to put aside at least some money each year for annual maintenance. About one percent of the home's value seems to be the norm and for a $300,000 house, that's $3,000 a year, or $250 a month. That's just for the basics, though. We all know that unexpected things crop up that can go beyond your annual savings and it’s ideal to try to budget more for big ticket items, such as a new roof or furnace. Since you’ll no longer have a landlord to call up and ask for repairs when things go bad, here are some unexpected home maintenance costs to think about saving for beyond the basics: Critters. It may be storage space to you, but a mother chipmunk, squirrel or raccoon think your attic is a great place to have babies. The insulation is warm and after chewing a few holes in your roof or finding a small hole to wriggle through, they'll make a nest in the attic and make themselves at home. From there they can chew through wiring, leave droppings behind, and raise a family to run around and chew into your walls. If they don't leave on their own, it could cost up to $100 per animal to remove them. Digging dogs. Having a back yard for a dog to run in is a fun benefit of owning a home, but it can lead to some expensive repairs if your dog doesn't have enough entertainment. Digging a hole under a fence can be a dog's way of saying it wants some attention and play time. You might get away with merely filling up the holes... or you might have to build a new fence, at a cost of hundreds of dollars, if the damage is broad enough and poorly placed. Washer overload. As Bobby Brady discovered when he overfilled a washing machine with soap, using too much detergent in the popular high-efficiency (HE) washing machines can lead to trouble. But instead of getting a roomful of suds, putting too much soap or the wrong kind of detergent into an HE machine can cause it to overwork and break. Be sure to use the right kind of HE detergent called for with your washer, or be prepared to buy a new washer if it breaks. Tree roots. An old, large tree in front (or back) of your home looks great and provides excellent shade, but its roots can destroy the drain line leading out of your house and may cause a few thousand dollars' worth of repair bills. Digging up the front lawn with a backhoe isn't something you consider when you see a beautiful tree - but a sewer line inspection from the street to the home doesn't seem like a bad investment, does it? Leaking windows. Unless it's raining hard on the day of your home inspection, it's unlikely you'll see leaky windows. You might spot some water damage around the frame, but it can take awhile for that to show up. Caulking a window is easy enough, but replacing a window, and repairing any damage the leak caused, can get expensive. Of course not everything can be prevented, so another key to home maintenance is having at least a box of proper tools. I don’t expect people to have a whole shed full of tools, but just having the basics like clippers, pliers, a hammer and more will do in a pinch. What unexpected home maintenance costs have you encountered? Share your tale below.

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Digital DIY: Fixing Your Faucet via Text

George — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:09:44 +0000

Last weekend, my friend Richelle texted me that she wanted to fix a leaky faucet and with her husband out of town, she needed help to get the job done while avoiding water damage. Knowing that I'm a bit of a DIY junkie, she asked me to walk her through the process via text. It was a new experience for me and it turned out so well, I thought I'd share the whole exchange here with some screenshots of our "digital DIY."

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Create a Home Office Out of Thin Air

George — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:03:53 +0000

Since moving our family of four from two bedrooms to five, it’s been great having the extra space to stretch out in. But I never thought we’d have this much trouble filling it all. We turned one of our extra bedrooms into an awesome guest room, yet we were lost on what to do with the other. I was already planning the mancave of all mancaves, but my wife wanted something more practical—so we settled on a home office. Here’s how I transformed our plain space into a professional sanctuary:

Set it apart

A home office is more than just a bedroom with a desk shoved in the corner. To help you stay on task while hard at work, make the room feel separate from the rest of your house. If you use a landline for business calls, consider getting a separate phone line for your office. And save typical distractions, like spare TVs, for your basement or rec room. (That is, unless the Bears are playing.)

Keep it bright

Bad lighting can strain your eyes, make you tired and limit your productivity. Construct your office in a room that gets good natural light, or invest in some quality lamps. If all else fails, try painting the room a bright color to help you stay alert and focused. Bright lights have definitely helped me cut back on my desk naps.

Divide it up

Staying organized and preventing your office from turning into a catch-all room is a top priority, so try splitting it into distinct parts. Mine has three – the workstation, recharging zone and reference area. My workstation contains my desk, computer, phone and the ridiculously awesome ergonomic chair my wife and I splurged on. Across the room, I have a La-Z-Boy that I use to get away from the computer and relax for a minute or two. And along the far wall, we installed shelves that hold all of my books, reference materials and work files.

Establish some office rules

If you work from your home office full time, setting hours for your workday – say, from 9 to 5 – can keep you from hitting the couch for an afternoon snooze or taking a 3-hour lunch. You may also want to create some rules for your family’s use of the office. A friend of mine uses this strategy to help him stay in the zone: When he leaves the office door open, his wife and kids are welcome to interrupt, but a closed door means he’s on a client call or doing something else that shouldn’t be interrupted unless there’s an emergency. Having a dedicated space to get work done has been great. And it especially comes in handy when I need a few minutes of me time: I can sneak away, shut the door and check the latest score on my smartphone in peace – La-Z-Boy included. In addition to creating a quiet, efficient workspace, it's extremely important to make sure all of the stuff to cram into your home office is insured.

Prepare Your Tires for Winter Weather

George — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:37:51 +0000

Last winter, my car really took a beating. Having just moved back to Chicago, I’d forgotten the total havoc months of ice, sleet and snow can wreak on metal and rubber. But Snowpacalypse 2012 won’t catch me off guard. To get ready, I started by weather-proofing my car tires. Try these tips to help maintain your status as king of the road, no matter what Mother Nature brings your way: Test Your Tire Tread One of the first ways to tell if your tires are ready for winter roads is to examine the wear on their tread. If your wheels are properly aligned and you’ve rotated your tires regularly, the tire tread should be worn evenly on both sides. If yours isn’t, this could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment and need adjusting before the big freeze hits. Uneven or excessive tread wearing can cause major problems during the winter months, as roads get slicker and your tires require more grip to brake and accelerate. Take the 'penny test': Take a Lincoln penny, hold it between your thumb and forefinger so that Lincoln’s head is showing. Place the top of Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves of the tire’s tread. If any part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, you have a safe amount of tread. If you can see above Lincoln’s head, then you need a new tire. Become a Tire Pressure Aficionado One cause of uneven tire wear is under-inflation. Did you know that tires lose about 1 pound per square inch of pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature drops? While this might not sound like much, it can be, considering that a drop in tire pressure as small as 5 psi can alter a car’s safety. Plus, keeping your tires properly inflated can help them last longer—and might even save you a few dollars at the pump. Consider Buying Snow Tires You might think snow tires are only for mountain men who live in the tundra. But the truth is that regular tires just don’t perform as well during the winter as they do the rest of the year. In fact, colder temperatures can cause standard tires to become too hard and lose their normal traction, even when there’s no snow on the ground. The service department at your local car dealership can help you decide whether snow tires make sense for your area’s weather, and can also recommend the best tires for your make and model. I opted to put snow tires on my SUV this year, and I don’t think I’ll ever look back. While preparing your car for the winter whiteout takes a little extra work, it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Better tires means fewer breakdowns—so you can spend less time at the side of the road and more time hibernating in your man cave.

Snow tire photo courtesy of Alexander Olm via Flickr

Weatherproofing Your Way to a Warmer Winter

George — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:06:25 +0000

Last winter was a beast. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Mother Nature had a personal vendetta against my house. From frozen pipes to a leaky roof, it seemed like everything that could go wrong did. But the worst part was the cold. After a major snowstorm trapped my family indoors for a few days, I came to the conclusion that I’d be relocating my wife and kids to the tropics—and fast.

So this year, I made sure I was ready for whatever Mother Nature had in store. Armed with advice from friends and some home improvement videos, I insulated my house like the next Ice Age was around the corner. In the end, it wasn’t as tough as I thought it’d be. Here are some tips I learned along the way:

Put Your Doors and Windows to the Test

The first thing to do when planning your insulation project is to check for gaps or cracks in your window and door seals. There are a few ways to do this: One is to light a candle and hold it next to the closed door or window to see if the flame moves or is blown out by airflow. Or, if you want to pinpoint leaks more accurately, you can hire a professional technician. He or she will use an infrared monitor to determine where the largest drafts of cold air are seeping into your home. Since we bought our house as a foreclosure, I found a variety of large and small holes to fill. I closed the gaps and cracks that could be seen by the naked eye with a generous bede of caulk. However, for drafty windows and doors that lacked a visible air source, it made more sense to use weather stripping. When in doubt, examine your options:

Option 1: Caulk It Closed

Applying new caulk can be a lengthier project than weather stripping, especially if you have old caulk that needs to be removed with a putty knife or screwdriver. You can make your life easier by applying a caulk softener (which you can find at most home improvement stores) two hours before you start working. Once the old caulk is gone, clean the surface as best as you can to remove any left over residue. Before applying new caulk, cut open the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle so it fits perfectly in the crease of the window. During application, fill the gap slowly until it’s completely filled—and don’t forget to wear gloves! My wife wasn’t thrilled about the white fingerprints I left on our wood railing after my caulking project. What I learned trying to remove those stubborn prints is a topic for another day.

Option 2: The Wonders of Weather Stripping

Decide which material is best for weather stripping your doors and windows, by taking a look at the gaps you plan to fill. You’ll need to use something that allows the windows to stay functional, whether that’s plastic, tape, felt, foam or vinyl. Before applying your weather stripping, measure the size of the door or window, adding a little extra to give you some margin for error. No matter which material you use, it’s important to keep extra elements out of the way. Items like blinds and handles should be removed, along with any dust, so that you can get the best seal possible. Make sure to read the instructions that came with the material you purchased and follow them carefully while sealing gaps. Weather stripping should be flush against all surfaces and become tightly compressed when the door or window is shut to curb unwanted airflow. With these simple insulation techniques, you’ll be on your way to a warmer winter and lower gas bill in no time. As for me, I hope my days of wearing ski hats to bed have come to an end. I look forward to spending my Sundays inside and in shorts!

Make Moving Day Less Maddening [part 2]

George — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:06:07 +0000

[continued from part 1]

Most people are simply under prepared and overwhelmed for moving day. There are many things to juggle when you move, but hopefully these tips will help keep you sane: #3 Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Are you one of many that find moving maddening? It certainly can be if you are overwhelmed and try to tackle the transition alone. Your friends may moan and groan at the mention of "moving" but proper incentives could turn transition into laughter and bonding. I have helped one friend move on three occasions. Each transition was accompanied by the promise of food, fuel reimbursement, and the occasional beverage of choice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help during one of life’s most stressful events. #4 Do your research. Will your grand piano fit through the door or will it need to be carried upstairs? Does your cable/internet/phone provider offer aid when moving? Can you get a floor plan of the new location and pre-arrange your belongings? No one can be too prepared for what lies ahead during a move. Trust me your helpers will be relieved when there is a seamless transition. #5 Child/teen transition. It's not often easy for kids to adjust to sudden changes in their routine especially if that change affects friends and new environments. Do your research and plan as much as possible for the sake of your children. Communicate with them as often and with enough prior notice as possible to prepare them for the upcoming transition. Take a trip to the new place and try to find new things, new potential friends, hangouts and attractions too. The National Network for Child Care have excellent tips for getting your family through moving and life changes - Understanding Children: Moving to a New Home. #6 Pet transition. Animals can be sensitive to stress and may require a little time to adjust. New smells, new scenery, and new hiding spots are to be found. Be completely prepared to retrain certain habits because pets may not recognize your new home as home for a couple of weeks. Before you move make sure you have a current photo of your pet and all appropriate documentation as well. During the hustle and bustle of moving your pet may run away or get lost and this documentation will come in handy. There are many things to consider when moving, but with our advice and a bit of planning you’re sure to reduce the stress moving can bring. What helps you make it through moving day?

Make Moving Day Less Maddening [part 1]

George — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Is moving maddening? It has been for me in the past but it also has turned into something oddly fun. I have moved to new towns, moved into a dorm, moved into apartments, and even moved a few businesses. Prior planning has always made the difference between the "piece of cake" and the disastrous.

When it comes to the madness of moving, my unofficial motto has become, "Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance." Historically, I have been the go-to-guy when it comes to transporting "stuff" from one home to another because I own a pickup truck and I have a "happy to help" attitude. That attitude has changed on occasion due to the lack of foresight on the part of others. Such maddening moving mishaps have occurred because:

Someone did not check the weather forecast for moving day.
Someone did not have the key to the home, building, or storage unit.
Someone had not begun to pack until help arrived.
Someone severely underestimated the number of trips or amount of material required to transition.
Someone did not clean the new place before the move began.
(My personal favorite) Someone wants to rearrange everything in every possible way.

Most people are simply under prepared and overwhelmed. One thing to consider is to make sure your stuff is insured before you move, as things can easily get damaged in the moving process.There are many things to juggle when you move, but hopefully these 6 tips will help keep you sane. #1 Staying organized. Have plenty of boxes, labels, and markers handy. Organization can take a lot of effort but stick with it. I've been there. I start out keeping the dishes together and then the toiletries but by the end I am dumping drawers into any box with enough free space. If you find junk, take it to goodwill or the trash but do not take it with you. #2 Proper planning. Make a list of needs well before the move so you have an idea of what needs to be done. Divide the list into subcategories of before, during, and after the move and put timelines on each. What tasks should be done 1 month before the move? How about 1 week before the move or the day of? Tasks like setting up utilities at your new residence can be done in advance long before you move, whereas tasks like filling out your move in checklist can only be done after you move in. Try to get as much done in advance as possible to reduce the madness on moving day. Here are a couple more tips to properly plan:

Check the weather for moving day and plan accordingly.
Price out and reserve trucks or trailers weeks in advance, not last minute.
If it’s in your budget to hire moving professionals ensure their references are checked - even going so far as to check with the American Moving and Storage Associate before signing on the dotted line.
Make sure you have enough insurance to cover items you’re moving and any additional coverage required for your new residence or belongings.
Record and document with photos the expensive items you’ll be moving. Store this information in a safe place in the event you’ll need to file a police report or insurance claim.
Keep all receipts in an easy to access spot for tax season.
Ensure your movers or helpers have a list of emergency contacts in case something happens en route to your new residence.

[continued in part 2]

5 Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season

George — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Some people count the days until summer vacation. But every summer, I count the days until November—the start of buck hunting season.

While my wife wishes I’d take up a safer hobby—croquet, maybe—my buddies and I know how to stay protected in the brush. We also keep our senses on high alert when we hit the road during this time of year, because you never know what might cross your path. Whether you’re heading out for the hunt or just passing through a deer-populated area, there are a few safe driving tips to keep in mind as deer season gets into full swing: Be aware of your surroundings Deer cause more than 1.6 million motor vehicle crashes in the United States each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and these crashes spike from October to December, when deer activity rises. To avoid becoming part of this statistic, pay close attention to what’s around you, especially when driving through the woods. Whenever I spot those yellow deer crossing signs, I slow down and keep my eyes on the sides of the road, since these often signal areas with a history of deer-related crashes. Look out for the pack Deer don’t usually travel alone, so if you see one in your path, keep your eyes open for the rest of the group. Slow down (or stop) and do your best not to swerve if a deer enters the road—you don’t want to cause one type of accident while trying to avoid another. Also, be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the cars around you, in case you need to brake quickly. Check the clock Deer tend to be on the move during dawn and dusk. Since road visibility can be low during these times, try turning on your high-beam headlights to get a better view—just make sure you tone them down when oncoming traffic approaches. Keep your car in good shape While a set of antlers may look amazing mounted on your wall, you sure don’t want a pair coming through your windshield. Ensuring that your brakes and tires are in good working order can help protect you from damage if you need to react in an instant. You should also check that your seatbelts fasten properly, as buckling up can improve your chances of emerging from an accident unscathed. Have an accident action plan Like all animals, deer are unpredictable. While you can take many steps to improve your safety, you can’t defend yourself against every possible scenario. If you do get into an accident with a deer, see if anyone is injured and call the local police and/or medical services. Do not attempt to touch a deer that’s in or near the road. Since there’s likely to be damage to your vehicle, make sure you also contact your insurance agent to report the accident. Though safe driving is important at all times, these few extra steps can help get you through hunting season accident-free. As for me, I probably won’t be behind the wheel all that often—I’d rather enjoy hunting season from a tree stand!