⚡ Lightning Safety Awareness Week: June 22–28, 2025⚡

June 22, 2025

“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a lifesaving reminder.

Each year, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times, and while fatalities have decreased from around 55 to fewer than 30 annually, hundreds of people are still seriously injured. Many of these injuries go unreported, and most occur during outdoor activities that could have been paused or relocated with a little planning.

Why Lightning Awareness Still Matters

Lightning is one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena—but also one of its most dangerous. It can strike from over 15 miles away, travel through plumbing and wiring, and hit the same place more than once (yes, the Empire State Building gets struck about 23 times a year). Despite its power, lightning is often underestimated, especially during summer when outdoor fun is in full swing. That’s why Lightning Safety Awareness Week, launched in 2001 by the National Weather Service, continues to play a vital role in public education. The goal? To reduce injuries and fatalities by helping people understand the risks and take action when storms threaten.

Know the Signs, Make a Plan

Here are some key safety tips to share with your family, friends, and community:

• If you hear thunder, go indoors. You’re close enough to be struck.
• Avoid water, plumbing, and electronics during a storm—even inside.
• Stay away from trees, open fields, and tall objects.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.
• Have a shelter plan for outdoor events, sports, or travel.

Lightning Myths—Busted

• Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
  Truth: It absolutely does. Tall structures like skyscrapers and towers are frequent targets.
• Myth: Rubber soles protect you.
  Truth: They don’t. It’s the shelter that matters, not your shoes.
• Myth: If it’s not raining, you’re safe.
  Truth: Lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.

How You Can Help

• Share lightning safety tips on social media.
• Talk to kids about what to do if they’re caught outside.
• Encourage local organizations to have a storm safety plan.
• Follow your local National Weather Service office for daily lightning facts and graphics during the week.

Let’s Stay Safe Together

Whether you’re planning a picnic or just walking the dog, having a lightning safety plan can save lives. Share this post and help make our community storm-smart.

Severe weather can strike fast—are you ready?

June 12, 2025

Severe weather can strike fast—are you ready? 🌪️⛈️

With the storms we’ve seen in the South this past week, it’s more important than ever to have a solid preparedness plan in place. Check out our flyer with essential tips to protect your home, family, and vehicle before the next storm hits.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and if you have any insurance questions, we’re here to help—give me a call at (803) 261-4186!

The Good, the Bad, and the Truth About Roadside Assistance

June 5, 2025

Let’s be honest—no one expects to be stranded on the side of the road, but it happens. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or—yes—even running out of gas (I see you, Kristin! 🤦‍♀️), roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. If you’re thinking about bundling it with your auto insurance, here’s what you need to know.

The Good Stuff

🚗 Instant Help When You Need It – When disaster strikes, you don’t have to frantically Google the nearest tow service. Just call your insurance provider, and they’ll send help your way.

💰 It Can Save You Money – Bundling roadside assistance with your car insurance is often cheaper than signing up for a separate service, like AAA.

📄 One Bill, One Less Headache – Instead of juggling multiple memberships and fees, keeping everything under one policy makes life easier.

🔧 They’ll Find You the Right Help – No sketchy tow truck companies or questionable mechanics. Your insurance company partners with reputable professionals to get you back on the road.

The Not-So-Great Side

😬 Limited Coverage – Some policies only cover basic roadside services. Need a locksmith, trip interruption coverage, or extensive repairs? You might be out of luck.

📈 Your Rates Might Go Up – In some cases, frequent roadside assistance claims could raise your insurance premiums. I have seen this so much in the past when potential clients are shopping rates. They get so aggravated that no one ever told them that using roadside assistance can make your rates go up and in some cases make you uninsurable to the more desirable carriers.

⏳ Help Might Take a While – If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, your insurer’s service network might not be as quick as you’d hope.

🚙 Coverage Might Not Apply to Every Car You Drive – If you own multiple vehicles or rent often, make sure your policy extends to them. Otherwise, you could be left stranded—again.

Final Thoughts

Bundling roadside assistance with your auto insurance is convenient, but it’s not always the best option for everyone. Before committing, compare your policy’s coverage with other services to make sure it fits your needs. After all, nobody wants to be making a desperate call from the shoulder of the highway—especially when they’ve already been there before.

If you want more information, just give me a call! I also have all the great promo codes for roadside assistance companies if you would like to purchase it separate from your insurance.