​​You can avoid many dangerous weather problems by planning ahead.  Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or television for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is forecast, drive only if absolutely necessary.
Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Keep your gas tank full - in case evacuation is needed.
• Do not drive through a flooded area - Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded - Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires - Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

If there is an explosion or other factor that makes it difficult to control the vehicle, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake.
If the emergency could impact the physical stability of the roadway, avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards.
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Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage right for you?
 
When you shop for a mortgage, whether it’s for a new home or a refinance, you’ll soon hear about adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). For some, an adjustable-rate mortgage is an automatic no. If that is the case, it is usually for one of three reasons:

• They’re uncomfortable with any risk;
• They’re unaware of just how an ARM works;
• They can predict the future with relative certainty.

While ARMs definitely have their advantages, make sure you understand them before getting into one.
 
How ARMs work
All ARMs start out as fixed-rate mortgages for the first 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. An ARM will appear like this, where the first number in the terms “3/1,” “5/1”, or “7/1” denotes the number of years that the rate will be fixed. Usually the lower the number is, the lower the initial rate. During the fixed period, there is no risk and typically a healthy savings. The second number shows how many years before the rates can be adjusted once that fixed period has expired.

​After this fixed period, the rate can fluctuate. The rate itself is made up of both fixed- and variable-rate components. The variable component will be based on some index such as Treasury bonds. This is added to the fixed-rate component set by the lender when you determine your starting rate.

Your decision to obtain an ARM should be based on how long you plan to live in this home. Having reasonable expectations for future sale or refinancing is all it can take to make an ARM worth considering. If you believe that you could be living there for a long time, you may want to consider opting for a fixed-rate mortgage. The reason? If you have an ARM and have to refinance at some time in the future when rates are higher, you might find yourself in a fixed-rate mortgage with a much higher rate.
 
Managed Risk
One way to prepare for the possibility of a higher rate and payment later is to pay extra principal each month to reduce your balance faster. If the rate ultimately adjusts up, your balance will be lower and the payment change will be less as a result.

As well, you would already be accustomed to paying more.
 
The Bottom Line
A fixed-rate loan provides the certainty that it will never change. An ARM provides a guaranteed savings but for a limited period of time. The best way to decide is to balance your expectations for using any particular loan with the peace of mind that can come from being assured of stability, even if your timeframe changes.  

​This is why Mortgage Market Corp. tends to use Fixed Rate Mortgages products more often, than the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).
By Randy Blakeslee

Winter is usually fun for dogs, but cold weather also means that we as owners need to make some adjustments. Icy patios and driveways can be dangerous for pets and humans alike, but so are some ice melters. Ridding driveways from ice is necessary, but certain ice melts contain chemicals that can be harmful to animals. We’ve picked the best ice melt safe for pets to a certain extent.

Please note that there is no such thing as 100% pet-friendly ice melt. In order to melt the ice, these products contain compounds that should not be consumed, but dogs being dogs, they may lick the stuff.   

However, some ice melts are safer than others.
For the uninitiated, ice melting products may often be called by different names. They are most commonly called rock salt, as they contain sodium chloride which is what we know as salt. This compound isn’t the worst for dogs, but it’s better to avoid it.  However, other chemicals in regular not pet-friendly anti-icing products can be even more dangerous.

These are hazardous for dogs chemicals that can often be found in de-icing products:

• Magnesium chloride
• Potassium chloride
• Calcium magnesium acetate
• Calcium chloride
• Calcium carbonate

Because this is a highly unregulated industry, some rock salt or anti-icing products claim to be safe for pets when they actually aren’t. Chemicals in these ice melts can eat away at the pads of your dog’s paws or cause chemicals burns on his pads and his feet skin.

​Problem With Regular Driveway Salt
Regular de-icing salt can burn your pet’s paws if the crystals happen to get stuck. Also, if your cat or dog consumes the salt, it could be bad for its health.

Pet-Friendly De-icers
There are a variety of manufacturers that make pet-friendly de-icers. While the ingredients in the various brands differ, some are 100 percent salt- and chloride-free. Additionally, they claim to melt instantly, which helps limit the chance of the pelts becoming lodged in your dog or cat’s paws.

Also, it’s important for the de-icer to be non-toxic so it’s safe to be used around children and animals.

Other Pet-Friendly Tips
While it’s a good idea to purchase pet-friendly de-icers, there are ways to limit its use in general. They are designed to help loosen up compacted snow and ice, not to melt everything.

​So use it sparingly and get out and shovel instead.