Las Vegas

Funny Holiday Nightmares Exposed! Vote Now!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:00:00 GMT

OK everyone, we all know how crazy the holidays can make people, right? It's not always funny at the time, but when we reflect on holidays of the past... we all have some funny stories to share. Sometimes it is a story someone else told us to make us feel better when our holidays seem to go to crap. We just wanted to have a little fun this year and share some of those zanie stories.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to send us some of your best holiday stories! Thanksgiving was a time for us to be thankful, sometimes we have to do that while biting our lip to keep the peace, now let's see who has the best story!

It can be from any holiday (no really sad tragedies please this is meant to remind us all that stranger things have happened to other people) just some fun, crazy, irritating, drama filled, dry turkey, burnt cranberry, crazy shopping, drunk uncles, loose canon grandma's, sweet innocent things kids say at inappropriate times...you get the point, right?

You can email them to me shannon@jayfisherinsurance.com or post a comment to this blog. If you want to remain anonymous due to juicy details then just email me your story and I will post it for you! I will put them all on the blog and you get to "vote/comment" on your favorite story. The one with the most comments... wins a $50 Visa Gift card!

You DO NOT have to be a client of ours to participate or to win. Tell all of your friends to vote by visiting this blog. There is no limit to how many times someone can vote.

Please remember that we can also give you a quote on your insurance. Auto, Home, Life, Business, Renters, Rental Units, Health Insurance etc. Refer your friend and get a Gift Card. See our Website for details or call us at 702-254-7774.

Kitchen Fire-Watch Video!!!

Shannon Hymas — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:09:00 GMT

READ BEFORE YOU WATCH THE VIDEO!!
Fire Insurance (Homeowner's Insurance or Renter's Insurance) is a great thing to have, but prevention is always the key! Please pay attention to this video and pass it on, it could save your life or the life of your loved ones!

I never realized that a wet dishcloth can be a one size fits all lid to cover a fire in a pan!

This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ...oil in a frying pan. It's a real eye-opener!!
At the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10-foot pole toss water onto the grease fire.
The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated.
The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast.

Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.
This is a powerful message----watch the video and don't forget what you see.
Tell your whole family about this video.
Or better yet, send this to them.

Protect your most important asset with fire/hazzard insurance. We can help with Homeowner's Insurance, Renter's Insurance, Landlord Insurance, Condo or Townhome Insurance and Mobile Home Insurance. Call me today for a quote and save money by getting both your Auto and Home Insurance with us.

Ewww! That Had to Hurt and It's Kinda Gross!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:01:00 GMT

It's that time of the year when we all start to clean up our yards and do a little spring cleaning. Make sure that you are properly protected for the task. Recently two of my family members were bitten (most likely by spiders) and they didn't even realize it until it was too late to check to see what actually bit them. My dad was out working in the yard at about 4am (yes he is an early bird) and he felt something, but was not sure that he was bitten by something until several hours later.

Here are the pictures of the bite and how severe it became.

Bitten at 4am, this photo was taken Sunday at 1:30pm the same day.

The site begins to blister and the center darkens.

Tuesday at 3pm First visit to doctor. They circle the redness on the site and tell him to come back if it gets bigger. The blisters are growing and the skin is turning black in middle circle, redness is spreading.

Tuesday at 5pm went to the Emergency Room due to rapid spreading. They drew more circles to monitor the size of the area.

Wednesday 3:30 pm second trip to the Emergency Room and was admitted to the hospital. The redness spread from above the ankle to above the knee. they started him on antibiotics.

Thursday 9am, new lines indicate spread and center getting BLACK.

Close up 5 am Friday.

Friday at 5pm after a shower. The affected area really did not like hot water!

Sunday Morning

Sunday, 7 days after the bite. The redness is decreasing, center black staying same, blisters still intact.

Wednesday morning blisters are still intact. Came home from the hospital on Sunday.

Wednesday night blisters begin to break.

Sunday morning 14 days after bite. Getting ugly, under layer of skin dying, center black, outer circle dead white skin.

Tuesday, crater formed about the size of a quarter or a 50 cent piece.

Friday, Looks bad, no feeling in the crater, skin outside-around red lines is hard and several layers deep.

Tuesday 24 days after the bite. Did not have to use his cane at all this day, however he still has a limp. The doctor told him that they would schedule additional wound therapy for continued care.

They are not sure what bit him, but it was likely a spider and may have been the Brown Recluse spider (pictured below) that we have mentioned in prior posts. Please be careful when working outside or in dark areas. For more information on this read our other blog.

As always be safe and if you have any insurance needs call us at the office 702-254-7774 or call my cell 702-630-7283.

April Fools!!!!

Shannon Hymas — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:46:00 GMT

With April 1st approaching, it's time to be on the look out for potential April fools pranks. Most people forget that it is coming and they are easy targets for the Aril Fool Pro's out there. I have heard of some pretty involved pranks and some that just came spurr of the moment.

I wanted to know what some of your best/worst experiences were (depending on if your were the pranker or the prankee). This may give you some ideas, and it might help save you or someone else.

The fake Lottery Ticket is one of the first pranks that comes to my mind. There seems to be a rash of people telling off their bosses and quitting on April 1st, only to come back groveling and embarrassed the next day because a friend gave them a fake Lottery Ticket.

My brother-in-law used caution tape to make his sister's entire house look like a crime scene when she woke up in the morning. He even wrapped her car from top to bottom so she couldn't even get the doors open.

Post your best April Fools Stories below. You can post a comment or send me an email at shannonhymas@yahoo.com Check back often to see what types of crazy pranks others have done or had done to them.

As always if you have any insurance needs or concerns call us and we would be happy to help. 702-254-7774.

Life Changing New Year's Resolutions

Shannon Hymas — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:41:00 GMT

Happy New Year! Most people spend the majority of January trying not to break their New Year's Resolutions and then hoping that they can make it through February... Why not make a New Year's Resolution that can potentially change your loved ones lives!

Life Insurance is something that can allow your family to maintain their current lifestyle in the event of a tragedy. It can cover the costs of a funeral, pay off a mortgage, cover your children's college tuition, pay off residual debts, and provide money for your family to pay for everyday living expenses. You don't have to be the family bread winner for life insurance to be important. . A stay at home parent or a child is just as important to have life insurance as the family bread winner.

Have you ever thought about getting Life Insurance for your children? It can be more important to their future than you may think. One of my daughters was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months old and it will be almost impossible for her to ever get life insurance. This brings up the possibility about anyone becoming uninsurable.

Life Insurance rates are based on your Age, Health ,and Coverage amount.. You will never get any younger or healthier than you are now. It can cost as little as $15 or $20 per month. Make a resolution today to protect your future and your family. Call Shannon at 702-630-7283 for a free quote!

Santa Makes Kids Cry!!!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:35:00 GMT

Everyone knows someone who had a kid cry when they went to take a picture with Santa. Maybe the Santa was creepy, or just one of the least believable Santa's you have ever seen. Maybe your kid peed on his lap or pulled off his beard. Maybe the Santa was so ridiculous that the adults just had to get a picture with him.

We want to see all of your crazy santa pictures! Send us your Crazy Santa Pictures and please don't leave out the juicy backstory behind the picture. Email them to us shannon@jayfisherinsurance.com and we will post them or comment below with your best Santa Story!

Check back to have a laugh with all of us. As always, if you have any insurance needs or questions, please feel free to call us 702-254-7774, or stop in 1161 S Buffalo #103, Las Vegas, NV 89117

Are You A Little Naughty? Holiday Pranks...

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:19:00 GMT

Anyone who reads our Blog, knows that we like to have a little fun. This year, we want to know if any of you get a little naughty sometimes. Have you ever played a holiday prank on someone, or has anyone ever played one on you? We want to hear about them!

This can be anything from the old reliable "coal in the stocking" to "naughty" secret santa gifts, and re-gifting crazy items. Let's spread some Christmas Chuckles and share some of your pranks with us.

Comment below or email them to us and we will post them on the site. shannon@jayfisherinsurance.com

As always, if you have any questions or insurance needs, feel free to stop in 1161 S Buffalo #103, Las Vegas, NV 89117 or call 702-254-7774.

Merry Christmas!!!

Holiday Shopping Anyone? Watch Out!!!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:16:00 GMT

OK, I know that you probably hear this stuff every year, probably because criminals are a little braver during the holidays. Here is a short and sweet list of things to remember to make sure that your holiday shopping items actually make it under the tree and you are safe too.

Be aware of your surroundings- If you have a "weird feeling" follow your gut. If necessary ask a security guard to walk you to your car
Try to use credit or debit cards and don't carry a large ammount of cash. If you have to shop with cash, keep it in your front pocket
Keep a list of your credit card numbers and their phone numbers at home incase your purse or wallet is stolen and report it immediately
Place your packages in the trunk of your vehicle or out of site
If possible don't shop alone- (it is safer and alot more fun to shop using the buddy system) especially at night.
Park in a well lighted area or by a light- (even if you are shopping during the day becuase you might come out from your shopping trip and it has turned to night)
Before leaving the store, have your keys out and ready so you are not distracted and alone in the parking lot
Keep your purse zipped and your hand on it to ward off pick pockets
Don't save "home" in your GPS system- Thieves will break into your car and get your home address and then wait for your cars to be gone before they rob your house.
Enjoy yourself and be a safe shopper

Remember that if your car is broken into that the damage to the car will be covered under your comprehensive part of your auto insurance policy, but the stolen items will be covered under your Renters policy or your Homeowners insurance policy. If you are renting and you do not have a renters insurance policy, call me 702-630-7283 and I will help you get one.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!!!!

Carseats are Confusing!!!

Shannon Hymas — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:45:00 GMT

As many of you know, I just had a baby. He is actually my 5th child, so I'm not new to this whole carseat thing, right? Wrong! They seem to change the rules/guidelines all the time. It's very important to make sure that you are using the correct carseat for your child's height and weight as well as having it installed properly and facing the correct direction. So I decided to look up the most current carseat guidelines and share them with all of you.

I recently saw a commercial that said children should be in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old! (This chart from the NHTSA says "as long as possible") That prompted me to check on the regulations again. It should be noted that you must go by each carseat manufacturer's guidelines for that particular car seat. Make sure that you read and keep the instructions!

The Safe Kids Coalition does car seat checks periodically you can go to www.safekidsclarkcounty.org for more information on when and where you can go to have your car seats checked to see if they are properly installed and if you have the correct one for your child's height and weight.

Don't pick up that phone!

Shannon Hymas — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Nevada now has a cell phone/texting while driving law.

Starting on October 1, 2011 you can be pulled over for texting while driving or using a handheld cell phone while driving. From October 1, 2011 until January 1, 2012 only warnings will be issued but if you are pulled over they can still ticket you for anything else, like seat belts for example!

So, it's time to put them where we can't be tempted to use them while driving or get a hands free device or bluetooth. After January 1, 2012 Police will be writing pretty heafty tickets with the fines growing with each offense! (See below)

Please don't text and drive, it is very dangerous. As always, we are here to assist you with all of your insurance needs. Call us at 702-254-7774 or stop by today for a quote on your auto insurance and we will give you a free renters or homeowners quote too!

Below is an update from handsfreeinfo.com with a little more detailed information on the new laws and fines:

"Cell, texting news: As of Oct. 1, law officers in Nevada may stop and warn motorists who are texting or using handheld cell phones. The ticketing starts Jan. 1, 2012. Fines will be $50, then $100 and then $250.

Nevada banned handheld cell phone use and text messaging for all drivers. Enforcement is primary, meaning drivers can be stopped and cited for that reason alone. Nevada was the 34th state to ban texting while driving.

The measure, SB 140, has was approved by Gov. Brian Sandoval, who made it clear that he would support a statewide ban on text messaging while driving. The Assembly’s final vote came May 30 and the Senate signed off June 4.

Sen. Shirley Breeden was the bill’s author. Her texting bill of 2010 failed to get out of committee, but, undaunted, she added handheld cell phones to 2011 plan. "We’re going to go for the whole enchilada," she said as the legislative year began.

The Senate watered down Breeden’s texting & talking ban on April 26, lowering fines to match the Assembly’s version in order to get a distracted driving bill through.

2011 legislation:
SB 140: Would outlaw text messaging and using handheld cell phones while driving in Nevada. Would prevent cities and counties from creating similar laws. Original bill’s fines: $250 (first offense), then $500, then $1,000 plus license suspension of six months. Fines doubled in highway work zones. Warnings until Jan. 1, 2012. Amended and approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on March 17. Amendments approved by voice vote in Senate on April 22. Amended bill’s fines: $50/$100/$250. No license suspensions. Approved by the Senate in a 12-9 vote on April 26. OK’d by the Assembly in a 24-7 vote on May 30. The Senate’s final approval (a voice vote) came June 4 and the measure was sent to the governor. If signed, which is expected, the new Nevada distracted driving law kicks in July 1 with warnings issued until the new year. (Breeden)"

Current prohibitions: None."

If you have any questions or needan insurance quote, feel free to call, stop by, or ask us here. 702-254-7774, 1161 S Buffalo Dr #103, Las Vegas, NV 89117, or click here.

Be careful where you put your hands!!!

Shannon Hymas — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:55:00 GMT

I know that we did this blog last year, but I recently had another friend get bitten by a spider! They do not know for sure what type of spider it was, but it is very likely that it was a brown recluse. With that in mind, we decided to revisit this blog from last year. Please read it, pass it on, and be careful.

It's almost summertime & cleanup is going on. Some of us might be getting those lovely letters from our HOA's to pull weeds or clean up our yards. Please be careful where you put your hands.

One of the girls in our office was actually bitten last summer by a Brown Recluse Spider. Initially she didn't believe that is what happened. We told her that it looked like a brown recluse bite in the first picture below from day 3. She finally believed us when it started pussing like you will see in the picture from day 6 below. Fortunately, her bite did'nt progress as far as the one below, but we wanted make sure that everyone is careful and aware.

These pictures are from a bite on the hand, but they can bite you anywhere, she was bitten on her breast! She did seek medical treatment but there is still a mark where some of the flesh died on her breast.

This is a very real look at what happens when someone has been bitten by a Brown Recluse Spider and they like dark spaces, woodpiles, and cooler areas.

This guy was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider.

Day 3

The following illustrates the progression of a brown recluse spider bite.
The affected skin actually dies on his body.

Day 5

Some of the pictures towards the end are pretty nasty, but take a look at the last one -- it is a picture of the spider itself.

Day 6

The Brown Recluse Spider is the most dangerous spider that we have here in the USA.

Day 9

Day 10

A person can die from it's bite. We all should know what the spider looks like!

Send this around to people you love, because it is summertime and we will be digging around, doing yard work, spring cleaning, and in other parts of the country in the attics.

The Dangerous Brown Recluse Spider

Please be careful.
Spider bites are dangerous and can have permanent and highly negative consequences.

They like the darkness and tend to live in storage sheds or attics or other areas that might not be frequented by people or light.

If you have a need to be in your attic, go up there and turn on a light and leave it on for about 30 minutes before you go in to do your work.

Don't forget to call us to review your insurance. We can assist you with homeowners insurance, renters insurance, landlords insurance for your investment properties, and condo or townhome insurance. If you are on the Board for your Home Owners Association, remember that we can insure your HOA as well! Call Shannon at 702-254-7774 or 702-630-7283.

Be careful out there and feel free to share this with your friends and family members. :)

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS!

Don't Try This While Driving!!!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:55:00 GMT

There is a game at the bottom of this blog for you to try, click on the link and see how dangerous texting and driving really is! A friend sent this to me and as an Insurance Agent, I felt that it needed to be shared with everyone.

"As access to mobile technologies continue to increase, we continue to face the real and growing threat presented by Distracted Driving. Add to the mix our human tendency to attribute the root cause of our negative experiences (accidents) on the behavior of others and it becomes clear that we'll be dealing with this problem for quite some time.

Whether or not you carry a smart phone for texting and emailing, work in a vehicle equipped with a PC or use "hands free" devices, if you use these items while driving, you are overtaxing YOUR abilities. While we've managed to develop multi-core computer processors capable of multi-tasking, the human brain remains a single core processor incapable of true multi-tasking. Study after study has established that when we attempt to multi-task, our brains lose focus, it typically takes longer to complete what we're trying to complete and our error rate skyrockets.

I realize that we are all different from the folks typically involved in these studies and that each of us has been endowed with special abilities beyond those constrained by research. That said, I encourage you to share this test with your driving staff and anyone you know who continues to text, email or indulge in conversation while driving a metal shell hurtling down the highway at over 102 feet per second (70 mph)." This test can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/19/technology/20090719-driving-game.html?ref=technology

Finally, please don't attempt this while driving.

If you have any questions about your auto insurance, please call us at 702-254-7774.

Holiday Light/Decoration Contest! Submit Pictures Here!

Shannon Hymas — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Ok, It's that time of year again to have a little fun and spread some holiday joy. Many people enjoy decorating their homes with lights and many other people enjoy driving around to look at the lights that other people have put up. It is definately a sign of the holiday season.

Please send us pictures of your favorite holiday decorations. This can be a picture of your own home or just a home that you saw that you really liked for what ever reason. Have fun with it and send us some interesting ones too! Let's make sure to include photos that would make Clark Griswold Proud!!!

I will start us off with some mischief that my loving husband started. We have a great relationship with our neighbors and my husband had a little fun with one of their decorations this year. He hung their reindeer from the garage.

We have been told that "It is ON!" This is probably an indication that we will be "gotten back" and if and when that happens, I will definately post pictures.

Keep checking back to see what pictures have been sent in and to see what happens to my home, thanks to my husband!

(We would like to say that no reindeer were harmed in this picture and that the reindeer was safely placed back in it's grazing place in the front yard shortly after this picture was taken.)

Some of you may have seen this one before...

Funny Christmas Lights Story

"Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me take it down.

First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.

Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."

Post your pictures as a comment or email them to us and we will post them for you. shannon@jayfisherinsurance.com We are always here to help you with any of your insurance needs, call us at 702-254-7774.

This was sent in by Chris Hanna... thank you for your submission :)

This Picture was sent in by Ramona Burns... Thank you for your submission :)

This Picture was sent in by Lon Plotkin...Thank you for your submission :)

This Picture was sent in by Marty Cabeza... Thank you for your submission :)

Are you too old to drive this car?

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:38:00 GMT

Are You too old to DRIVE this Car?

NO JOKE!
Scroll down

Presenting the New Mercedes Benz SCL600

Pretty, isn't it?

So?

What's different about this car?

Not this ...

???

Here is the real difference...

WHOA!
No Steering Wheel...

No Pedals either...

You drive this car with a joystick!

Do you think that you can drive with a joystick?

Your kids and grandkids can.

The influence of video games in our lives has really arrived, wouldn't you say?

But there is more!
The SCARY THOUGHT is:

NOW A 3-YEAR-OLD can STEAL your car
"AND DRIVE IT BETTER THAN YOU CAN!"

Caught on Camera! I hope you had good Auto Insurance...

Shannon Hymas — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:45:00 GMT

Caught On Security Camera in Parking Lot

BOTH MEN AND WOMEN BEWARE... THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ANY ONE OF US.

Watch this. He got her car, purse and house keys without touching her, and she would not even be able to give a description of the person.

Just thankful there wasn't a child in the car.

I have to wonder just how many of us, would do exactly the same thing as this young lady. I hate to say it, but I can see myself doing exactly what she did!!!!!

Car thieves are getting smarter and smarter, not just in Las Vegas, but everywhere! Please be careful and use this as a reminder to review your car insurance policy. Some auto insurance policies cover the theft of a vehicle and others do not. It is important for you to understand what your car insurance actually covers. If you live in Las Vegas and want me to look over your car insurance, just give me a call 702-254-7774.

Another Driving Lesson Learned...Do you think his car insurance will be any cheaper now?

Shannon Hymas — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:38:00 GMT

This is an excellent illustration of what CAN happen when you’re driving and dead tired! Of course, it can certainly apply to those on medication (legal or illegal), drinking, texting or talking on that blasted cell phone too!

As an Insurance Agent in Las Vegas, we see and hear so many interesting things. We try to share things that can make you think and can save you money on your auto insurance. The next time you’re tired, please keep the attached photos in mind. It’s MUCH better to be safe and rested than injured or dead.

Fortunately for the young person in this story, nobody was hurt…..except of course for his car, which looks pretty “trashed!” Many of us, especially me in my younger days, like to do road trips over long distances. The thought keeps going in our mind, “I can make it for another 50 miles to the next town, and then I’ll rest.” Don’t let those be your famous last words!

If you have any questions about your auto insurance, feel free to contact us 702-254-7774.

Help the Mack Pack

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:10:00 GMT

You can never really be ready for something like having a child diagnosed with cancer. I never really thought about life insurance before, but as many of you know, my 8 year old daughter Mackenzie has a rare form of cancer called OMS (Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome). I have life insurance on myself, my husband as well as my other 3 daughters. Mackenzie is not eligible for life insurance, and may never be eligible.

People ask me all of the time, “Why should I get life insurance on my kid?” or “Isn’t that a little strange?” Now it is easy to answer these questions. Life insurance is based on two things: age and health, you will never be any younger and you will never really be any healthier. Once you get life insurance the rate is locked in, so getting life insurance for your kids is actually a gift. You are investing in their future and locking in a great rate for them for the rest of their lives. Call Shannon today to discuss your options and let’s make a plan to protect your future and your children’s too 702-630-7283!

Here's where you can help! Mackenzie has been in remission for just over two years now and she has been selected to be the Race Ambassador for the 20th Annual Candlelighters 5k & 1 mile Race for Our Kids with Chet Buchannan on September 11th at Mountains Edge Exploration Park!

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is a non-profit organization for families of children diagnosed with cancer. When my daughter got sick at only 18 months old, Candlelighters was there to help us and we feel blessed and honored to have been asked to help them now.

As a race ambassador, her job is to promote the race and blow the air horn to officially start the race. Mackenzie has decided that she wants to have the biggest team this year. Last year, the biggest team had 206 members! We are working on getting 250 people to join our team, the “Mack Pack!” You can still join our team even if you are not available on race day, September 11th, just sign up for our team and pay the $20 and you will be helping her reach her goal of 250 team members. Please join and help us support a great cause, even if you are not going to run.

You can register for the race online at www.candlelightersnv.org click on the 5k Race link and join our team the “Mack Pack”. It only costs $20 to join our team for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12, infants to age 3 do not have to register, Childhood Cancer Survivors are FREE, and in honor of 9/11 Military, Police, Firefighters, and EMT’s are FREE as well! If you want to register as an individual and not join a team, the fee is $25. Online team registration is available from June 17th –September 3rd.

Click here to read the short version of her story and join her team, the “Mack Pack”!

New Subtle Break In - Warning!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:46:00 GMT

The criminals are getting smarter all the time.
Don't be complacent, take a little extra time....be smarter than the thief.

Look at the picture:

One of my clients sent this to me and I had to warn everyone about it.
Monday, 2/15/10. As I reached to open the door from the passenger side, I noticed there was a hole right under my door handle. My first thought was, "someone has shot my truck!" I began to think about it and inspect it a little closer. I phoned my friend who owns a body shop and asked if he had any vehicles with damage to the doors that looked like a bullet hole. "Yes, I see it all the time. Thieves have a punch and place it right under the door handle, knock a hole through, reach in and unlock it, just as if they have a key. No alarms, broken glass or anything.”

I then placed a call to my insurance agent, who is also a friend, and explained it to him. I proceeded to tell him the situation and how I was puzzled that they left my GPS and all other belongings. Here is where it gets scary! "Oh no, he said, they want the break-in to be so subtle that you don't even realize it. They look at your GPS to see where "home" is. Now they know what you drive, go to your home, and if your vehicle isn't there they assume you aren't and break in your home." He says they will even leave a purse or wallet and only take one or two credit cards. By the time you realize there has been a theft, they may have already had a couple days or more to use them. This is another reason they want the break-in to go unnoticed. I didn't realize my situation for two full days! They even give you the courtesy of re-locking your doors for you. I guess they don't want it to be broken into by other thieves!
Had they have found your check book, they could have taken checks from the middle section so they wouldn't be noticed.

I personally checked with one of our local body shops and they told me they see about one of these per month and it's been happening for a few years. They have a prevenitive fix that runs about $100.

Here are a few tips:
1. Remove your actual home address from your GPS ASAP so that you don’t tell thieves where you live! Use your local Wal-Mart address or somewhere else instead.
2. Don’t leave valuables in plain view inside your vehicle.
3. Park in a highly visible place. The more remote the location, the easier it is to tamper with it undetected!
4. Periodically walk around your car, daily if you are in a shopping center or other parking area to look for damage
5. Report thefts immediately....Call your bank to report missing checks, Credit Card Agencies for stolen Credit Cards, Police, and Insurance Companies.

If you have any questions, just give us a call 702-254-7774

Klip it for Kidz is this Saturday!!!

Shannon Hymas — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:15:00 GMT

I am chopping off 12-14 inches of my hair for Klip it for Kidz to benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation! It's almost here...this Saturday, March, 13th at Town Square from 10am-1pm. Come out, bring your family and have a little fun with us at this FREE event. If you want to shave your head in support of childhood cancer or or donate your hair to Locks of Love...here is your chance! Come out, get pledges and have a great time supporting a great cause.

Klip it for Kidz is fun for the whole family, even if you are not shaving your head or donating you hair. We will have demonstrations from Metro's K-9 units, the SWAT Team, the Bomb Squad, Fire Trucks, Celebrities Shaving Heads, Bounce Houses for the kids and lots of live entertainment a large variety of celebrities. This is just the tip of the iceberg, you really have to come and see everything else we have in store!

Many of you that know me, also know about my daughter Mackenzie Hymas. She has a rare disease called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS) and she is my inspiration. She is 8 years old now and was diagnosed when she was only 18 months old. She is in remission now and we never thought she would be as healthy and well adjusted as she is today. To look at her and talk to her, you would never know that we almost lost her...several times. I am so proud of her decision to donate her hair and my husband, Bryan is going to shave his head too! It has really become a true family event for us, one of my nieces, Abbey, is donating her hair and her grandmother is donating her hair. We have a few others who have decided to jump in and support the cause.

When Mackenzie first got sick, the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation helped us in so many ways and I will never be able to fully thank them for all of their help and support over the years. Please join us in helping raise money for this wonderful cause and help us give back. If you are interested in pledging /donating please contact me at 702-630-7283 or come out to the event and meet my whole family. (I have 4 beautiful little girls and my husband will be there too!)

We will have a Farmers Insurance Tent and booth at the event. Stop by our tent and have your child fingerprinted (for FREE), I will also be collecting information to contact you later to bring you a Free M.I.L.K. CD (Managing Information on Lost Kids) This software can help you organize your home and it also is a digital ID software for your children. The software will prompt you every 6 months to update your child's photo and identifying marks, height, weight, etc... It can be used in case of an emergency to digitally send your child's information to the proper authorities in case your child is ever lost or missing.

As always, if you have any Insurance questions, or just need a quote, I am here to help. We offer Auto, Home, Business, Work Comp, Health and Life Insurance, so if you need anything, I am just a phone call or an e-mail away! 702-630-7283 or shannonhymas@yahoo.com See you Saturday, when we unveil my new look!

Crap! I Was Just in an Accident, Now What Do I Do?

Shannon Hymas — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:49:00 GMT

Gut reaction for most is to make sure that all of their fingers and toes are still attached and functional...then worry about everyone else, right?!

Some people have never been in an auto accident, and some have been in many, but knowing what to do after an accident can make a huge difference in the long run. This is why having an Insurance Agent is so important! It is my job to guide you and point you in the right direction.

The first thing to do after an accident is to STOP and STAY CALM!!! Make sure it is safe to exit the vehicle. I know this may sound obvious, but you may be a little disoriented after an accident or in too much of a hurry to make sure that someone else is ok, that you may forget to take the proper safety measures.
If anyone is injured dial "911" for emergency assistance. Avoid moving an injured person- it may seriously complicate the injury.
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers and take steps to prevent further damage if necessary. (Setting flares, etc...)
Notify the police.
Be Careful what you say! Don't assume fault or admit responsibility. Let your insurance company complete their investigation, it may show that you were not responsible.
Never discuss your insurance limits! This a conversation to have with me, your Agent.
Call your AGENT!! Let them guide you and advise you on the next step. This is why you have an agent, our job is to help you through things like this and help you make the best decisions possible.

Remember, it's not the end of the world! Accidents happen, that's why they call them ACCIDENTS!

Call me today to review your auto insurance. 702-630-7283

Bald is the New Trend in 2010!!! Am I shaving my head???

Shannon Hymas — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Bald is the New Trend for 2010 and March 13th is the day! You can shave your head or donate your hair, either way helps to raise money for children here in Las Vegas with Cancer and Life Threatening Diseases.

14"...see the difference?.

OK, I'm not shaving my head, but I am cutting 10+ INCHES off of my hair to donate to Locks of Love and to help raise money for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. The NCCF is near and dear to my heart because one of my own daughters has a life threatening disease and we have benefited greatly from some of the services that they provide. I am collecting donations/pledges, if you are interested in helping me out please call me 702-630-7283. If you just want to come and watch me chop off most of my hair, here is your chance!!! See ya at Town Square on March 13thfrom 10am-1pm!

Below, you will find more details on the event and how you can help...

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada along with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Clark County Fire Department are proud to present the 2nd Annual Klip it for Kidz on March 13, 2010, at Town Square Las Vegas. This special event will benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation’s programs and services for critically ill children and their families living in Southern Nevada. We are expecting to welcome over 1,500 people to Town Square Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 13.

The event is free to the public and will include visits from local celebrities and politicians, live entertainment, food and drinks and will include exhibitions by the Metropolitan Police Department’s K-9 unit, S.W.A.T. Team, Bomb Squad, Mounted Patrol, Motorcycle Units, a Clark County Fire Truck and more. Local professional hair stylists will be shaving heads and cutting hair to be donated to Locks of Love for participants who have collected pledges to benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.

This note is to let you know how you and your business may participate in this memorable community event:

Be an event sponsor or purchase a sponsorship package
Sponsor a child in the Parade of Courage ($250)
Sponsor someone at your business who will raise money to have his/her head shaved at the event or haircut and donated to Locks of Love for cancer patients needing wigs (hair donations must be at least 10 inches in length)
PRINT A PLEDGE FORM (www.nvccf.org) and get sponsored by friends, family, co-workers,
classmates, teachers or a company to shave your head or to donate your hair – RAISE FUNDS FOR NCCF
Make a financial donation to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation

We are thrilled once again to bring this family event to the Las Vegas Community and for the first time Town Square Las Vegas.

Please contact Barb or Stephanie at the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation at 702.735.8434 to purchase a sponsorship and to receive additional information on the event. Visit them at www.nvccf.org for more information.

I-15 Express Lane vs HOV Lanes

Shannon Hymas — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Since when do we have HOV Lanes and Express Lanes in Las Vegas? Not to mention, who actually knows what the rules/laws are for using them?

I recently posted on Facebook that I was going to do a blog on the HOV and Express lanes and asked if anyone had questions about them. The results were as follows: "Yeah! It's called EXPRESS for a reason, Grandpa!", "What the hell is a HOV Lane?", and "Why don't they just call it a Carpool Lane?" So, I set out to find some details to share with everyone, we definately don't want to get any tickets for silly things!

The basic guidelines are:

HOV Lanes are for High Occupancy Vehicles, or at least 2 or more people in the car. (Please don't try to use a blow-up doll as a second passenger! The police really do frown on this tactic!) If you use the HOV lane during the hours of 6am-10am or 2pm-7pm Monday -Friday, you MUST have 2 or more people in your vehicle. Here is the cool part...those are the only times that they are actually HOV lanes! Outside of those hours and on weekends, anyone can use them! (No Blow-up doll required! LOL!)

The Express Lanes that are almost finished on I-15 are for EVERYONE! No restrictions. Now, just because it's called an EXPRESS Lane, doesn't mean that the speed limit is different! The speed limit is the same, it is just called an Express lane because it is a faster way to get from point A to point B. You don't have to worry about vehicles trying to enter and exit, or lane hoppers weaving in and out of traffic. Once you are in the lane you must to stay there until it ends. When it's completed it will be 2 lanes from Russell to Sahara with "candle stick" barriers to prevent you from entering or exiting the express lane. You will only be able to enter or exit the lanes from Russell and Sahara, but the commute will be much faster!

I spoke with one of our Nevada Highway Patrol Troopers and asked him what were some of his pet peevs... #1 was Speeding! Particularly when he is going the speed limit and someone passes him! This will get you a ticket every time, so watch out lead foot! #2 was when people change lanes, not just one but multiple at a time. (That one irritates me too!) Last, but not least, #3 was people driving in the shoulder. This is not an actual lane!

I just wanted to share this information with you to keep you safe and help save you money on your Auto Insurance in the future. Tickets and accidents can effect your insurance rates, especially when switching from one insurance company to another. Many companies offer discounts for drivers that are accident free and ticket free for 3-5 years. Be safe out there and I hope this helps! If you have any questions post a comment or just give me a call 702-630-7283! Happy driving! ;)

Auto Insurance, Holidays, DUI's and Car Seat Safety...

Shannon Hymas — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

As the Holidays approach I think of happy times with family, but I can't help but think about our safety as we drive to holiday get togethers. I feel confident when I get into my car knowing that I have adequate auto insurance, my family is ALL using their seat belts, and that my car seats are properly installed. Sadly, I still feel that I have to be a little more alert because we DO live in Las Vegas, a 24 hour city, and we have to worry about the choices that EVERYONE else on the road made before starting their cars.

Recently there was a story on the news about toddlers actually falling out of a car as it was driving! There were 10 perople in a PT Cruiser! 7 kids, 3 adults, nobody was wearing seat belts, NONE of the 7 kids were in car seats, and the driver was drunk! So many bad decisions were obviously made that night. This type of thing probably happens more than we think, minus the kids falling out of the car, and maybe even without the DUI.

An average year in Nevada 1 in 98 Licensed Drivers is arrested for DUI- Alchol or Drugs. Information provided courtesy of Nevada DPS- Office of Traffic Safety

Sometimes people will think that it is ok to cram a few extra people in the car just because they are going a short distance, or so they won't have to make a second trip. An accident is just that, an ACCIDENT. You don't get to pick when it happens, who is with you when it happens, or if you happened to buckle up or put your kids in car seats before it happens. Make it a point to be safe every time you start your car. We have seat belts and car seats for a reason, and our family and our children are simply too precious to risk by not using them every time.

Keep an eye on my blog, we're doing an event with Terrible Herbst soon. We will offer free carseat checks to make sure that you have the proper seat for your kids and that it is properly installed. Here are some basics on Nevada Car Seat Guidelines:

These information cards are the size of a business card and they are available in our office. We offer New Parent Kits as well, stop by and pick one up. They are FREE and include Child Identification Fingerprint Kits, Car Seat and Bicycle Safety Information, Baby on Board Stickers, and a Booklet on Driving Safely with some extremely valuable tips inside.

We also have the MILK Digital ID Software (Managing Information on Lost Kids, the first step in an Amber Alert). This free software helps keep your children's most recent information available if needed. If you're planning an event and this information would benefit your attendees or you would like us to help you plan an event, please call me at 702-630-7283.

Have a safe holiday season and remember to buckle up, it saves lives! ;)

10 Things To Do In An Emergency Situation

Shannon Hymas — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Our parents always try to teach us how to be safe and be "street wise". My dad recently sent these 10 tips to me and with all of the senseless violence happening in the Las Vegas Valley lately, I thought I should pass them on...

*10 Things To Do In An Emergency Situation * This is for you, and for you to share with your spouse, your children, and everyone you know.

Take a minute and digest this information, the life you save could be yours or someone you care about.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM .Toss it away from you....Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy...The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF!INSTEAD gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it! As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. (This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig-zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10 . Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your
outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!

Feel Free to Share This ;)

Danny Gans Memorial Run and Champions Run for Life

Shannon Hymas — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Saturday my family and I went to the Danny Gans Memorial Run and the Champions Run for Life and we had a blast! This 1 mile and 5K run benefits the NCCF. (Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation) As many of you may know, my daughter, Mackenzie, has a rare form of cancer called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. She has been in remission since May of 2008. We went to the run and all of my girls had so much fun.

The best part for Mackenzie was the Champions Run for Life. This is the part of the event where we honor the children who battle cancer every day. They each get to take their own "Victory Lap" with who ever they want running with them. This year Mackenzie chose to have her best bud, Jeff Gordon from NCCF, me, her dad, her 3 sisters, the Sirens from the TI, and the entire UNLV Girls Softball Team! She actually ran this year and loved all of the attention from the crowd cheering her on. Last year she got a little embarrassed, but still posed for pictures at the end.

We all truly love the NCCF and what they do for all of the families here in Las Vegas. They are a wealth of information, a shoulder to cry on, an advocate for the families and the kids, and truly one of the best charitable organizations out there. 100% of all funds raised by the NCCF stay right here in Las Vegas to help the families and children in the Las Vegas Valley.

You never know when cancer or a life threatening illness will strike your family and it is not something you can ever really prepare for. I don't know if Mackenzie will ever be able to get life insurance. I have whole life policies on my other 3 girls now, their rates are locked in and they are guaranteed to have life insurance for the rest of their lives. As parents, we must think about how a critical illness would effect our families should anything ever happen to us. We do offer Critical Illness insurance riders to help you deal with the financial hardships that come with serious illnesses and it's very reasonably priced. Call me to go over your options.