Tips to Get Ready for Your Summer Cruise

Cruise Packing Tips

Summer means it is time to plan for summer vacation. Heading out on a cruise is a great way to see a different part of the country while still enjoying the open seas. Keep these packing tips in mind to ensure that your summer travels are as enjoyable as possible.

  • Attire and accessories – even if you are planning on spending most of your time on the beach or next to the pools, make sure to bring a comfortable pair of sneakers for any excursions. Also remember to pack some formal wear to enjoy the formal dinners offered on the ship.
  • Electronics – there are some electronics that you should always include in your suitcase, including an alarm clock, chargers, and tablets. You may also want to consider a pair of walkie talkies since cell phone service is very expensive on the water.
  • Paperwork – call your cruise line, or look online to find out exactly what paperwork you will need to bring on the ship. This typically includes a state ID or passport depending on where you are going. You should also bring a copy of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you can take advantage of the coverage if needed.
  • First aid kit – bringing your own first aid kit can save you from having to search for the first aid on the ship. Make sure to bring any essential medication that your family members need, as well as antibacterial wipes, Band-Aids, and ear plugs in case you get stuck in a cabin next to a noisy group.

For all of your insurance coverage needs to ensure that you are protected from any incident during your summer vacation, contact the independent insurance professionals at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tips to Prevent Fires at Your House

Fire Safety

Having a fire rip through your house can be one of the most frightening times of your life, even if you are not home at the time. While not every home fire is preventable, knowing how to best protect your home and family can ensure that you stay safe. Keep these fire prevention tips in mind to help to protect your house from the flames.

  • Clean your chimney – built up soot can easily cause a fire next time the weather cools down. Hire a professional to clean out your chimney to ensure that it is ready the next time you want to light a cozy fire.
  • Install smoke detectors – smoke detectors are the best way to save lives in case of a fire. Smoke detectors should be placed on every floor of your house and inside, or just outside of every bedroom.
  • Have an escape plan – you should have an escape plan that includes every member of your family, including small children and pets. Every room in your house should have at least two exists.
  • Beware of space heaters – while it may be hard to think of turning on a space heater right now, winter will be here before you know it. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from any flammable items.
  • Invest in a safe – buy a safe that if fire proof, and keep all of your important and irreplaceable items inside.
  • Look for battery operated candles – instead of burning real candles in your house, look for ones that run off of batteries. If you do use real candles in your house, make sure to never leave them unattended.

For all of your home insurance needs to ensure that you have the right amount of protection in case of any peril, contact All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada.

4 iPhone Apps That You Need to Download

iPhone Apps

Almost everyone has a smartphone nowadays. With the capability to do much more than just make a phone call, app designers are creating apps to help make life a little more fun and simple. While your phone is probably full of different apps, consider downloading these 4 iPhone apps that you may have never heard of.

  1. Horizon – this free app allows you to automatically shoot horizontal videos and photos using the internal gyroscope of your phone. No matter how you old your device, the photos and videos will come out horizontal.
  2. Doorsteps Swipe – as the real estate world answers to Tinder, the free app allows you to skim through various nearby rentals and for sale properties with a simple swipe. You can filter homes by price, location, rental or for sale, as well as many other parameters. The app will also learn your swipes to help better list homes that match with your preferences.
  3. RockMyRun – anyone who runs knows how important the right playlist can be. RockMyRun allows you to listen to specially designed mixes that have consistent tempo and energy to keep up with your run. You can choose from a variety of different genres, including classical, dubstep, and Oldies. The “myBeat” technology will work to adjust the energy level of the mix to your heartbeat, step pace, or through a manual adjustment.
  4. Dark Sky – if the traditional weather app is just not doing it for you, for $3.99, Dark Sky can deliver hyper-accurate local weather forecasting. The app includes 24-hour and next week forecasting, as well as light backgrounds that make it very easy to read the maps.

For more information on the latest iPhone apps, contact All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tips to Get Ready to Head Out On Your Boat This Summer

Boat Safety Tips

Summer has officially started, which means it is time to visit one of the many lakes throughout Nevada. While lathering up your sunscreen and filling up your ice chest, it is important to make sure that you know basic boat safety tips. Keep this pre-departure boat checklist to ensure that you are ready to hit the water.

  • Personal flotation devices – you should always have one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for every passenger that is on board. You should also have at least two throwable devices if your boat is more than 16 feet long.
  • Sound producing devices – your boat should be equipped with a horn that is capable of sounding off a four second blast for at least ½ a mile. Each personal flotation device should also have an attached whistle.
  • Distress signals – all day signals and flares should be easily accessible and stored in a dry location on your boat. Make sure that everyone on board knows how to properly and safely use all distress signals.
  • Lights – check to make sure all of your navigational lights are working before the sun goes down. You should also keep a flashlight on board, as well as spare batteries.
  • Tools and spares – keep a small tool kit on board your boat, as well as a box of spare parts, including light bulbs, fuel filters, head parts, and through hull plugs in case you break down on the water.
  • Fire extinguishers – you should have at least one fire extinguisher on board that can be easily accessed. Make sure multiple people on the boat know where the fire extinguisher is located.

For all of your boat insurance coverage needs to ensure that you are ready for anything that you may encounter on and off the water, contact All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Keep Your Car’s Battery Running Its Best With These Tips

Car Battery Maintenance

Just like any other battery, the battery in your car has a limited life. While it will last much longer than the batteries in your TV remote, it will not last forever. Taking the right steps to help keep it in the best shape possible can help to ensure that you do not have to buy a new battery every year. Keep these car battery maintenance tips in mind to help prolong the life of the battery.

  • Limit short car rides – a short car ride does not allow your battery to fully charge. To help maintain the battery’s charge, drive for longer periods and more frequently. If you have a vehicle that you do not use very often, invest in a car battery charger to keep your car charged while the car is sitting.
  • Keep it tight – make sure that your battery is tightly fastened, since a vibrating battery could lead to shorted circuits and internal damage. If you regularly drive on bumpy roads, check the battery terminal frequently to make sure that it is secure.
  • Turn off all lights – when you get out of your car, make sure to turn off all the lights. Many newer vehicles will automatically turn off lights that are left on. However, if you have an older model vehicle, double check all your lights before you walk away from your car.
  • Test your battery – every few months, test your battery. The output voltage level of your battery can be a sign of how well you are taking care of it.

For all of your auto insurance coverage needs to ensure that you and your car have the right amount of protection for any situation, contact the insurance experts at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Getting Ready for 4th of July

Fourth of July in Vegas

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, which means that it is the perfect time to start planning for your 4th of July festivities. Las Vegas is one of the biggest vacation destinations for the holiday weekend, so there will be plenty of activities to choose from.

Even though the 4th falls on a Saturday, the festivities start on Wednesday, July 1st. If you have not already bought your tickets to some of the shows that are going on in the city, you may have already missed out. Luckily, many last minute tickets will go on sale as the holiday approaches, so keep your eye out.

There are some things that you should know about spending the holiday on the strip, including:

  • Although the 4th of July is a national holiday, everything on the strip will still be open, including casinos, shops, bars, buffets, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Since the 4th of July is in the middle of summer, the temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees, so make sure to dress appropriately and stay hydrated.
  • There will be drinks at almost every restaurant and bar, so look forward to saving some money.
  • You will have to make dinner reservations. With the thousands of tourists who flock to the area, restaurants will be more crowded than usual, so make your reservation early.

The strip will be lit up with many different fireworks shows that will go off from different hotels. Make sure to figure out where the best viewing area will be next to you to ensure that you are able to fully enjoy the show.

All of us at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada would like to wish you and your family a happy Fourth of July!

How are You Going to Celebrate Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month?

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, which is the perfect time to make sure that your plate is full of delicious fruits and veggies. Dietary Guidelines recommends that everyone should increase their vegetable and fruit intake since it provides many vitamins, fiber, and minerals that are essential to ensure that your body works and feels its best.

According to the UDSA, the amount of fresh fruits and veggies that you are supposed to have each day depends on your gender, age, and activity level. For a typical 2,000 calorie diet, you should be eating 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day. The customized Daily Food Plan that is available on the MyPlate website through the USDA can give you a better idea of exactly how many fruits and veggies you should be eating each day.

Before you start loading up your plate with fresh fruits and veggies, make sure that you keep some basic food safety tips in mind, including:

  • Avoid damaged or bruised produce. Never keep your produce near raw poultry, meat, or seafood to avoid cross contamination.
  • All perishable produce, including mushrooms, herbs, and lettuce, as well as any peeled or cut produce should always be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees or below.
  • Before you prepare your fruits or vegetables, make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.
  • Before you cut, eat, or cook with fresh produce, make sure to thoroughly wash each item under running water. Do not use soap to wash your fruits and veggies.
  • Wash dishes, cutting boards, counters, and utensils between when you prep produce and raw meat, seafood, or poultry.

All of us at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada would like to encourage you to eat more fresh fruits and veggies this month!

How Will Your Furry Friend Affect Your Home Insurance?

Dogs and Homeowners Insurance

Dogs are man’s best friend, but they can also lead to serious issues with your homeowners insurance if they bite someone, no matter if it is an accident or on purpose. Many homeowners insurance companies will seriously consider the type of dog that you have when deciding on your home insurance premiums. If your insurance company considers your dog to be a vicious breed, they could raise your insurance premiums or even deny you coverage.

Since pit bulls are considered one of the most dangerous and vicious breeds, many homeowners insurance companies will not provide coverage for any injuries that a pit bull causes. Even though many pit bulls that are kept as pets are great companions and are very docile, some people specifically breed pit bulls for more dangerous purposes. Some pet owners are also negligent with their supervision, which can lead to serious issues.

Although pit bulls are one of the most common types of breeds that home insurance companies do not like, there are also many more. German shepherds, Rottweilers, great Danes, and Doberman pinschers are also some breeds that many home insurance companies will exclude or raise rates. Some lesser known breeds, including wolf-hybrid dogs and presa canario breeds are considered dangerous. Any dog breeds that are known to bite other dogs or people are considered dangerous, which can have a serious effect on your homeowners insurance rates. Even with the proper training, your homeowners insurance company cannot be sure that they will not cause any injuries.

For all of your home insurance coverage needs, and to keep you and your furry friend safe, contact the insurance professionals at All Nevada insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada. We will work with you to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage, all at the right price.

Your Dad Will Love These Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner, which means it is time to get serious about your gift search. If you are having trouble deciding what to get dear old dad for his special day, keep these gift ideas in mind that your dad is sure to love.

  • Portable Briefcase BBQ Grill – much more fun than the briefcase that your dad lugs off to work, this BBQ briefcase allows him to grill up his favorite foods no matter where he is. It comes with a charcoal pit that fits perfectly inside to allow for easy storage and carrying.
  • Wondermade Bourbon Marshmallows – the combination of sweets and spirits is perfect for any dad who loves to relax with a glass of the good stuff. The candies are made with cane sugar and taste good on their own, or can be added into a delicious dessert for a tasty treat.
  • Drink rocks – the only thing that can ruin a perfectly good cocktail is melted ice. While you want to make sure dad’s drink is always cold, you also want to make sure that the last sip tastes as good as the first. These drink rocks can be frozen to ensure that your dad’s cocktail is always at the perfect temperature without getting watered down.
  • Hunting Camp Deep Exfoliating Soap – much more than any ordinary bar of soap, this soap is made from pumice, frankincense powder, sandalwood exfoliating powder, spikenard powder, and moisturizing natural oils to keep your dad’s skin looking young.
  • Make Your Own Whiskey Kit – if your dad cannot find a whiskey that he fully enjoys, give him this kit so he can make his own. The kit comes with White Dog un-aged whiskey, a pouring funnel, an aging barrel, and two tasting glasses.

All of us at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada would like to wish all the dads out there a happy Father’s Day!

Don’t Get Stuck Underwater Without a Flood Insurance Policy

Flood Insurance in Las Vegas

Monsoon season is right around the corner, which means it is time to make sure that you are prepared for torrential rains. As the rain pours down, it can easily cause flash flooding, which can lead to thousands of dollars’ worth of damage at your house. While your homeowners insurance will provide coverage for many perils, it will not provide any protection for damages caused during a flood.

The Spring Mountains and Mt. Charleston that surround the Las Vegas area make it very difficult for rain storms to pass easily, meaning the Las Vegas Valley can be drenched in a matter of minutes. Since the rain water cannot easily be soaked into the rocky terrain, it makes its way in to neighborhoods. When the rain continues for more than two hours, flash floods can occur, leading to serious damage. Investing in a specific flood insurance policy is the only way to ensure that you and your home are protected from any damage.

You have the option to choose from a stand-alone flood insurance policy or adding an endorsement to your existing home insurance policy. Keep in mind that a stand-alone policy will provide more coverage than an endorsement, so make sure to consider your risk level when deciding how much protection you need. You can also choose between coverage for just the structure of your home, or coverage for both the structure of your home and your contents that you keep in your house.

For all of your flood insurance coverage needs, contact the insurance professionals at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada. As an independent insurance agency, we will work with you to ensure that you have the right amount of protection for your specific needs, all at the right price to fit your budget.