The Shocking Truth About Lightning

As storm season swings into full force we thought it would be a good idea for everyone to take a minute and brush up on their lightning safety.

Lightning is very dangerous and can injure people even when they are not directly struck, such as when it strikes a tree and creates a side flash injuring those who are standing nearby.

According to the National Weather Service, being struck directly or indirectly causes injuries to the nervous system and the brain. These can include memory loss, depression, fatigue, burns, hearing problems, light sensitivity and dizziness.

Take these simple steps to help protect yourself against the dangers of lightning strikes,

• Stay out of its path, lightning can strike as far as ten miles away.


• When you hear thunder you are within striking distance and should seek safe shelter immediately such as a sturdy building or an enclosed car.


• When inside a home or building stay off corded phones, computers and any other equipment that puts you into direct contact with electricity.


• stay away from indoor and outdoor pools, tubs, showers, and other plumbing that could conduct electricity.


• When you are inside wait at least thirty minutes after the last clap of thunder before going outdoors.

We thank our friends at Standard Mutual for these lightning safety tips and hope you have a fun and safe summer, and as always if you have any questions regarding your insurance needs please contact us at http://marsinsurance.com/

Driving Tips for Teens

A teen’s first years behind the wheel bring newfound freedom and responsibility, but also potential danger.

Following are a few safety suggestions to share with your teens:

DID YOU KNOW…..using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of .08 blood alcohol content which is legal intoxication?

COMMIT…to never using a cell phone to talk while driving. Be sure to check your states laws as some states prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving.

DID YOU KNOW….the number one cause of death for teenagers is traffic crashes? For every teen driver killed, there are two other individuals killed.

DECIDE….to drive reasonably. Picture your mom or dad, or even your drivers’ ed teacher, sitting in the seat next to you.

DID YOU KNOW …. 20 percent of teens start drinking and THEN choose a designated driver? 30 percent of teens pick a driver who has been drinking.

AVOID….drinking and driving. If you cause a crash, especially one that involves injury or death, the stakes get high quickly. It’s not a matter of whether or not you’ll go to jail, it’s how long.

DID YOU KNOW….distractions while driving – texting, talking on the phone, multiple passengers, changing the radio or ipod, and driving late at night – increase the odds that you or someone else on the road will be killed or injured?

CHOOSE….to drive responsibly. Make a conscious decision to steer clear of distractions while behind the wheel. Driving in itself is multitasking.

DID YOU KNOW….a lot of accidents happen when turning left?

BE EXTRA CAREFUL….when making left-hand turns and obey the speed limit.

MAKE IT A HABIT… to never leave home without your seatbelt on, even if it’s just through the parking lot or down the street. Most accidents happen within 1 mile from home.

These helpful tips were provided by Standard Mutual Insurance.

Call Mars Insurance for additional tips and options that are available to keep your teens safe.