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DePaulo Agency

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Scotia, NY 12302

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The Most Important Things to Consider Before Driving Abroad

Scotia, New York, located just outside of Schenectady, gets incredibly cold in the winter. Snow buries the entire upstate New York area every winter due to the weather coming off the nearby Great Lakes, making it one of the snowiest parts of the continental United States. In other words, you might be looking to get out of Scotia come winter, maybe on an international trip to somewhere warm. So if this is your plan, or you’re just heading out of the country from Scotia, New York any other time of the year, and you’re planning on driving in this foreign destination, you should consider a few things.

First off, research whether you can drive in your ultimate destination with just your American driver’s license. Each country has different rules about drivers and their licensing requirements. Many require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit, or IDP, which can be purchased for a small fee from the National Auto Club or AAA. You must also be 18 to obtain an IDP.

Yet when it comes to auto insurance, international coverage usually can’t be done through your insurance provide in the United States. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For travels to South America, Asia, Europe or most anywhere else, coverage will need to be obtained from an independent insurance company that specializes in insuring those who drive abroad, like the Depaulo Agency, who serves the Scotia, New York area.

Considering the nature of insurance is to protect you from the unforeseen and unpredictable things in life, there is no better time to have an auto policy when driving internationally. You never know what to expect on these types of adventures, which is exactly why you are going on it in the first place. That, and to escape the cold.

 

4 Ways To Prepare For A Power Outage

If there is a power outage in Scotia, New York, are you prepared? There are four different ways or you to prepare adequately so that you can deal with the power being out for days at a time. It isn’t going to cost you much money to be prepared, and can ensure that you and your family are well fed and kept safe.

Hot Water

It’s always important to have access to hot water. Water can be heated in a variety of different ways. Once you have access to the hot water, you have the ability to sanitize, do laundry, and even purified water. All of this can make it a lot easier to deal with a power outage, especially if it lasts for several days.

Food

You are going to need food, regardless of how long the power is out. Even though your refrigerator and freezer may be stocked, the food isn’t going to last for long once there is no power keeping the temperature cold. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you know what the temperature is – and water bottles kept in the freezer all the time can help to keep the food cold or for longer.

Additionally, you want to make sure that you have food that doesn’t require heating or refrigeration. Jerky, peanut butter, granola bars, and a long list of other no-cook foods should be kept in your pantry.

Light

You need to make sure you have plenty of light, which is why it’s a good idea to have batteries as well as lanterns. Keep plenty of batteries and candles on hand.

Warmth

Especially in the winter months, you want to make sure that you are able to stay warm. You won’t have the heater to keep you warm, which is the reason to have plenty of blanket. It can also be advantageous to use bubble wrap as a way of insulating the windows.

At the DePaulo Agency, we look forward to providing you with peace of mind. Call and talk to one of our agents today to get quotes on homeowner’s insurance and learn more about how to prepare for a power outage in Scotia.