Granted, when most people think of deer season, they think about hunters roaming the woods, wearing day-glo orange vests and trying to bag a buck with the largest rack of antlers possible. However, for other people, it means paying a lot more attention to what is in the road in front of them. That’s because deer, especially during mating season, have a tendency to not pay attention to roads, cars, trucks or anything else.

More deer are hit by a vehicle during mating season than at any other time because of the additional activity and hitting a deer, even with a transfer truck, can literally destroy a vehicle.

Here are a few tips to help prevent having a deer for a hood ornament during mating season:

1. Be especially cautious at night. Deer are very active during mating season and dusk to dark is a very active time for them.

2. Install headlights that give you a wider perspective. The wider view you have off of each side of the road may give you that split second advantage if a deer is preparing to cross.

3. Slow down at Deer Crossing signs. If there’s a sign there, it’s there for a reason.

4. If you see one deer, there’ll be two. While this isn’t always the case, more often than not, it is. If one deer crosses in front of you, slow down even more since a second one will probably be crossing as well.

Even with great eyesight, plenty of lead time and all the tips in the world, things still happen. That’s when having great car insurance with an agency like PMA Insurance Services, LLC can help Northern Virginia area drivers stay on the road. If you’re concerned about what your car insurance covers and whether you have enough insurance to fiscally protect you, give us a call today. We can be reached at (703) 449-1327.

The time you spend in fall to prepare your home for the winter season can save you money in heating bills and costly repairs. Seasonal household preparations involve so much more than the outdoor work that people typically associate with autumn.

There are equally important preparations to take care of inside the house. If you’re willing to take the extra time to inspect those hidden areas for potential problems, you’ll be able to relax in the comfort of a warm, properly insulated and well-sealed home.

Add these helpful suggestions to your to-do list of seasonal preparations.

♦ Have Your Home’s Heating System Inspected

An $80 to $100 investment (the cost of the inspection,) may save you considerably more on winter utility bills. Doing this before you need to heat will also ensure that you don’t have to wait for a repair person on a miserably cold day. When they inspect your system, they will make sure it runs properly, and that the filters are clean.

♦ Reverse the Fan Blade Direction Switch on Ceiling Fans

Doing this will produce an updraft. This forces warm air down, something that is especially helpful in homes that have high ceilings. It may even allow you to turn the thermostat down enough to result in lower heating costs throughout the winter months.

♦ Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

You may want to hire a professional to clean out your gutters and make sure that the downspouts aren’t blocked. If autumn is typically very rainy, you don’t want your gutters so clogged with leaves and other debris that the gutters are incapable of catching the rain. If you get a lot of snow throughout the winter, the gutters will catch water from melting snow that accumulates on the roof, preventing it from pooling there.

♦ Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected

A roof inspection will make sure that the shingles are intact, that none have curled, and that there is no flashing corrosion. The roofer will also make sure that there are no leaks that could allow cold air or water to enter.

♦ Inspect Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Replace batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Have your fire extinguisher professionally checked, if you purchased it recently. If you have an old one, look for the expiration date. It may be time to replace it.

Make sure you’ve updated your homeowners insurance, especially if your circumstances have changed. If you’re new to Northern Virginia area, contact PMA Insurance Services to get an instant quote today at (703) 449-1327!