Car Seats - Simplified

A Complicated Task - Simplified Into 4 Steps

Many parents must deal with the ever complicated task of deciding what type of child seat to use for their children, and when their children are able to change over to a different kind of seat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided the following guidelines to help determine when your children are ready to move up from rear facing, to front facing, to booster seats, and then to seat belts.  

If you have any questions about the installation of a child seat in your vehicle, many local Car Seat Inspection Stations are available, in most cases free of charge. Visit the Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find the nearest check station. Many of these stations will have special events this coming Saturday, September 24, for National Seat Check Saturday!

Announcing: Idaho Farm Bureau GM PRIVATE OFFER

Before shopping for your next new car, Farm Bureau has a brand new special offer you might want to check out!

Beginning September 15, 2011, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members can receive a $500 discount on each qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC, or Buick vehicle they purchase or lease.  This Farm Bureau member exclusive is offered for vehicles purchased or leased at participation dealerships through Farm Bureau's - GM PRIVATE OFFER.

Twenty-six GM models are eligible for the rebate program.  Some conditions and restrictions apply. For complete program details, please click on the flyer below:

*Not every policyholder qualifies for member benefits. Please see your local county office for more details.

Protect Your Groundwater Day

Protect Your Groundwater Day was started by the National Ground Water Association to make groundwater protection a regular part of how every American citizen lives.
Today, NGWA urges you to ACT. Use this day to begin doing your part to protect one of our most important natural resources - groundwater.

1.  Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination -

• Everyone
• There are hazardous substances common to households.
• Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home.
• If you own a water well
• Wellheads should be a safe distance from potential contamination.
• Septic system malfunctions can pollute groundwater.
• Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination.
• Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination.

2.  Consider which apply to you -

• Everyone
• What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
• Where do you and your family use the most water
• If you own a water well
• Is your wellhead a safe distance from possible contamination?
• Is your well/septic system due for an inspection?
• Are there any abandoned wells on your property?

3.  Take action to prevent groundwater contamination -

• Everyone
• When it comes to hazardous household substances:
• Store them properly in a secure place,
• Use them according to the manufacturer's recommendations,
• Dispose of them safely.
• When it comes to water conservation:
• Modify your water use,
• Install a water-saving device.
• If you own a water well
• Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead.
• Get current on your septic system inspection and cleaning.
• Get your annual water well system inspection.
• Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.

[Information courtesy of the National Groundwater Association.]

Emergencies Affect all of Us, Including our Pets

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household.  When planning your family for disaster, don't overlook the needs of your cherised family pets.  In order to be safe and survive an emergency, you must take steps to prepare today.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), while you make a plan to prepare your family also consider your family pet.  This year, NPM is focused on helping Americans remember the disasters from our past, while preparing for the disasters of our future.  Get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan including your pets, and make sure you are ready to help those who may need extra help.

Pet owners can receive free preparedness tips on how to best prepare for emergencies at Ready.gov, or by calling 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Learn what to put in a pet Emergency Supply Kit, how to develop a pet care buddy system, and how to make plans in advance for neighbors' pets if they need to evacuate.  In addition, instructional videos on family and pet preparedness are available at: Ready.gov.videos. This September, remember to prepare your entire family, including your pets.

[Article written by Darryl J. Madden, Director, Ready Campaign]

September IS National Preparedness Month!

It Doesn't Cost A Lot To Be Prepared

By Darryl J. Madden, Director, Ready Campaign

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

 

September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with your family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates at Ready.gov.
• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends, and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.
• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy** anually and make any necessary changes - renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
• Make a Ready List.  You may not need all of th items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don't forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at Ready.gov, use these as inspiration.
• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don't buy preparedness items just before a storm when they're expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won't notice the cost as much.
• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe containers. You don't need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight.
• Request a Gift. We all get things we don't need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It might just save your life.
• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.

*The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!

**If you have questions about your current coverage, please give your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent a call. He or she will help answer any questions you might have.