Dustin Awtrey Agency

06/22/2026

Happy Monday! 😀 IT'S LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK!!⚡
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Each year during the 3rd full week of June.....we celebrate National Lightning Awareness Week. The National Weather Service started promoting this in hopes of making people aware of the dangers of lighting and to increase lightning safety.

It may come as a shock to learn that lightning is one of the deadliest weather systems known to man. Records kept by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sjares that lightning has killed more people in the U.S. than any other weather factor. 🤯The second biggest killer is flooding, with tornadoes bringing up the rear in third place.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week reminds us all that there is no safe place outdoors whenever a thunderstorm is near.

WHAT CAUSES LIGHTNING?
Lightning is a massive discharge of static electricity that strikes the Earth about 100 times every second. It is five times hotter than the surface of the sun and is actually caused by static building up inside thunderclouds, much like dragging your feet on a carpet.⚡🧐

FACTS ABOUT LIGHTNING:
🔥IINCREDIBLE HEAT: The air inside a lightning bolt briefly reaches a blistering 54,000°F [\(0.5.1\)].
🌳EXPLODING TREES: When that immense heat hits a tree, it instantly vaporizes the sap into steam, causing the trunk to violently explode.
⚡ENERGY OUTPUT: A single average flash of lightning releases enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb💡 for about three months!
⛈️UPWARD STRIKE: Although it looks like lightning travels from the sky to the Earth, the flash you actually see is a charge shooting upward from the ground to meet the downward-moving charge from the cloud above!
⚡25 MILLION: There are approximately 25 million lightning strikes each year in the United States.
⚡ON AVERAGE: Nationwide the U.S. has 51 fatalities annually over the last 30 years.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE DURING A STORM:
🏃TIME TO MOVE: Lightning is more dangerous right before a storm hits and right as it moves away. When you see a storm coming, it is time to go inside!
🤽‍♀️OUT OF THE POOL! Do NOT stay in or near a swimming pool, pond, lake or ocean, when a storm is moving in!
🧎‍♀️‍➡️CROUCH LOW: If you can't make it indoors, crouch down as low as possible to the ground, without touching the ground...in other words, only touching the earth with your feet.
🚪NO DING D**G DITCH: If a storm is near, knock, rap or tap on your neighbor's door....never ring the doorbell or use a metal doorknocker!
🧱NOT SO CONCRETE: Never take refuge next to concrete walls or floors....they have rebar and will conduct lightning as easily as water.
🚗TAKE A RIDE: If possible, get into the nearest vehicle.....the metal shell of the car or truck actually disperses lightning to the ground.
🌲TREES ARE A NO-NO: As previously noted, trees attract lightning and usually explode when struck.
🏕️SHELTERS TO AVOID: While getting out of pelting rain is tempting...do not choose a pavillion or even your tent.....both types of structures typically have metal attached or it is used for the structure itself.

INTEREASTING FACTOIDS:
📅Since the first Lightning Safety Awareness Week, the number of annual lightning deaths has dropped to almost half.
🧔‍♂️90% of people, who have been struck will survive with varying degrees of discomfort and disability, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
🤔The vast majority of lightning victims each year are typically male.

We hope these tips will help keep you and your family safe throughout the summer!!😀

06/19/2026

Happy Friday!! 😀 TODAY WE CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY!!🧔
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Each year on the 3rd Sunday in June, we take the time to honor and celebrate our awesome Dads for all that they do!! From getting up early for work to rushing home to watch your game, Dad's are always there to ensure us and pick us up or cheer us when life is difficult!

There are many families that dedicate this day to their fathers, grandfathers, uncles or other father-figures in their lives. Who qualifies for this honor? All the men who have set the solid example that helps guide us from childhood into adulthood.

From first-time fathers just learning to change a diaper and not gag, to more experienced fathers who have lots of sage advice to offer.....this day celebrates everything a great father is.

Not all fathers in every family, play the same role, and often, just like Mom's, they play a variety of roles. Some Dad's are providers, caregivers, advisors and others are our coaches....literally! They come in all shapes and sizes, and are all different in character....some are strong, silent types, while others are boisterous story tellers who love nothing better than telling a tale or four! They teach us and guide us through the rough waters of growing up and often, are still there to catch us, even when we are grown.

Interestingly enough.....Father's Day wasn't an official holiday until President Nixon, wrote into law in 1966.....52 years after Mother's Day was declared official by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. 🧐

However, you choose to celebrate your Dad.....we hope you have a great weekend with your family. Wishing everyone a great Friday and fabulous weekend!!😀

06/17/2026

Happy Wednesday! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES🍆 DAY!
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Smack dab in the middle of National Fresh Fruit🍊and Vegetables🥑 Month, we celebrate National Eat Your Vegetables Day each June 17th. Today's celebration is a great opportunity to learn how to add vegetables to your diet to live a healthier life!


Vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including as part of the main meal or as a snack. They are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and contain essential nutritional content for our overall health. A healthy diet consists of eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables daily.

A diet with a great mix of vegetables can help decrease bone loss and protect against some cancers. Additionally, potassium helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.

GREAT WAYS TO ADD VEGETABLES TO YOUR DIET:
🍳BreakfastScrambles & Omelets: Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms with your eggs.
🍚Savory Oats: Swap the sweet for savory by cooking your oatmeal with kale, mushrooms, and a fried egg.
🧋Smoothies: Blend in a handful of spinach or frozen cauliflower; the fruit masks the flavor while you get your leafy greens.🥗
🍲LunchBulk Up Soups: Add frozen peas, corn, or chopped carrots to canned or homemade soups.
🥬Base Your Entrees on Greens: Instead of a heavy bed of carbs, use leafy greens as the base for grain bowls, stir-fries, or chicken salad
🍝Enhanced Sandwiches: Load your deli sandwich or wrap with extra sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.
🫑Dinner Hidden in Sauces: Grate or purée carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers into your store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce
🍄‍🟫The "Mix-in" Rule: Blend riced cauliflower 50 ÷ 50 with your standard white rice, or mix finely chopped mushrooms into your ground beef for burgers and meatballs.
🍅Stretch Your Chili: Pack chilis and stews with extra diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and beans.
🥕SnacksDips & Crudités: Pair raw bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli with salsa or hummus.
🥒Veggie Chips: Make homemade or store-bought crispy baked chips from kale, zucchini, or beets.

Have a great way to add veggies to your breakfast, lunch or dinner....share below so we can all be a little healthier!! Have a great day!😀

06/15/2026

Happy Monday!! 😀IT'S UNIVERSAL FATHER'S WEEK!!🧔‍♂️
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Celebrated each year, during the 3rd week of June, extending the recognition of the important role that Father's play in the lives of our families. The 'Universal" part of this celebration, is so you can choose to celebrate other father figures who have impacted your life in a positive way!

Recent events in our country, have brought greater awareness to the need of father's being involved in their children's lives. It is a great thing, when dads' have a direct impact on their children. Studies show when a father is involved in their child(ren's) lives, they are more likely to earn good grades and maintain them .... in fact, they are more likely to graduate.

Involved fathers help with their child’s cognitive and emotional development. This is especially the case for fathers who are affectionate and supportive of their children. When fathers spend alone time with their children, they are increasing the likelihood their kids will become compassionate adults.

GREAT WAYS TO CELEBRATE UNIVERSAL FATHER'S WEEK!
Yes, Dad's special day is this coming Sunday, June 21st, but every opportunity to celebrate your awesome Dad should be taken!!
🧔FAMOUS FATHERS!
Consider learning more about historic fathers, like : Prince Albert, Jacques Cousteau, George Patton, Jim Henson, or Stephen King.
🎥CATCH A FLICK:
Watch a Dad Movie like: Three Men and a Baby, Finding Nemo, The Pursuit of Happiness, National Lampoons Vacation, or Daddy Day Care with Adam Sandler.
⚾️TIME FOR A GAME?
As we get older, time becomes the commodity we do not have enough of.....but making time to spend with your Dad....over a gift card or a tie....well, it truly is the best gift of all!
🏕️CARRYING ON:
Make a commitment today...to 'carry on' a family tradition that reminds you of your father....one that you cherish. Pass it on to your children, so they can share it with your grandchildren.
📲SHARE ON SOCIAL!
Just for fun....what was the best/most important lesson your Father taught you? Or what was the best gift he ever gave you?

For me....it was the love of music🎶....singing....listening....it is a wonderful gift that I have enjoyed my entire life....and always will!

However you choose to celebrate this week.....reach out to your Dad and let him know that you love him!! 🥰 Have a great day!!😀

06/12/2026

Prayers around this family.....for healing and grace!!🙏🙏🙏

Weston Higginbotham's family encouraged mourners to "take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset." Read more 👇

06/12/2026

Happy Friday!! 😃 SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH!!😂
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media
Source | Vince The Sign Guy-Real

First and foremost, this is merely a punny for your amusment....but it is meant to get your attention. Vince the Sign Guys' great sign however, is still quite humorous and I love sharing them!!

BEHAVIORAL FACTORS BEHIND THE PSYCHOLOGY:
💪MUSCLE MEMORY ON AUTOPILOT:
When you travel familiar routes, it is easy to let your mind wander and pay less attention to your surroundings.
We tend to 'zone out' and rely on muscle memory?
😎UNINTENTIONAL BLINDNESS:
When traveling routine routes, our brain tends to scan only for expected hazards. This creates a blind spot for sudden, unexpected changes like pedestrians crossing or a new detour.
🐓OVERCONFIDENCE AND COMPLACENCY:
Familiarity breeds a false sense of security. Because we become accustom to the route...we risk taking liberties....like not coming to a complete stop....going a little faster than we should.....and neglecting to check blind spots.
📲DISTRACTED DRIVING:
Short drives don't feel as risky, so we are more prone to multitask....like: 1) setting up our GPS, texting family,"On my way", or adjusting the radio.
🚫NOT USING YOUR SEATBELT:
Even a quick three-minute trip to your neighborhood grocery store, requires wearing a seatbelt. Remember, you may be a safe driver, but is the other person paying attention and following safe driving rules?
🥱TOO TIRED:
If you are mentally or physically exhausted at the very beginning or the very end of your day.....it becomes even easier to start dozing off behind the wheel. Drowsiness severly effects your reaction time....even for the last few miles to your home.
🍻TEMPTATION OF IMPAIRED DRIVING:
When people consume alcohol at their usual hangout or a friend's house nearby...they are more likely to risk driving under the influence. They rationalize that it is only a short distance.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), states that roughly 52% of all car accidents occur within five miles of a driver's home, and 69% occur within ten miles. This should give us all great reasons to pay closer attention to our surroundings!

We share this information, because this is our community....and we care about you, your kids and everyone who lives here. The safer we are, the more fun we can have together growing and thriving all across Morgan County!

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!!😀

06/10/2026

Happy Wednesday!! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE WEEK!!👩
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

If you are a Realtor, this one's for you! A hard truth the real estate industry doesn't talk about enough: your market knowledge, your listings, and your negotiation skills will get you in the game. But how you "show up"....how you dress, how you communicate, how you treat every single person in the room .....is what builds a career that lasts.

Clients don't just hire the most knowledgeable agent. They hire the one they trust. The one who made them feel respected. The one who called them back!🤓

GREAT ETIQUETTE RULES THAT SET THE PROFESSIONAL REALTORS APART:
⏱️👩‍🦰🗣️🧔‍♂️ALWAYS BE ON TIME: Showing up late to a showing, a closing, or a client meeting sends a message you don't want to send. Punctuality is professionalism, and in real estate, first impressions are everything.
👗DRESS FOR SUCCESS: YOU are your brand. Fron first-time buyers to presenting luxury listings, how you present yourself signals the level of service your client can expect.
📲MASTER YOUR COMMUNICATION: Return calls and texts promptly. Write professional emails. Keep clients informed even when there's nothing new to report — silence is anxiety for a buyer or seller waiting on news.
👨‍🔧TREAT EVERYONE WITH EQUAL RESPECT. Every buyer, every seller, every person involved, deserves your full attention and respect. Intercultural awareness and sensitivity aren't optional in today's diverse marketplace.....they're essential.
💌ALL TOUCHPOINTS REQUIRE GOOD MANNERS! Say thank you to clients and everyone involved in the transaction. Small gestures build a great reputation...consider handwritten notes after closing to create lifetime clients and referrals.
🧔‍♂️RESPECT OTHER AGENTS: Real estate is a relationship business, and your colleagues today are your referral partners tomorrow!

Etiquette is important in all aspects of bulsiness, from the Realtor, to the Home Inspector to...Yes, your closing attorney. We believe in giving the highest level of service to our realtors and their clienst at all times.....in fact our motto expresses this: "We appreciate you, appreciate each other!"

Have a great day and reach out if you need us!😀

06/08/2026

Happy Monday! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROFESSIONAL WEEK!!🚙
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Fron June 8th to 14th, give a round of applause to the amazing people who save our everyday lives!

You know the feeling...you just got the kids on the bus🚌....your'e running a little late, coffee☕️ in hand, your out the door and uuggghhh.......you have a flat tire!😳🤯 Or that annoying engine light that always picks the worst possible moment to appear.

And that is the real problem with car trouble....it never checks in to see if we have time for it....right??

What would we do without those amazing..... mechanics, technicians, collision experts, and part specialists who keep our vehicles , and in turn our lives running smoothly on a daily basis!

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has been recognizing these skilled professionals since 1972, however it wasn't until 2005 that they dedicated an entire week to celebrating them.

The key here ... great auto service and great auto insurance work the same way,....we're both in the business of protecting you from the unexpected! We help you handle what happens when life throws you a curveball and your automotive professionals keep your vehicle in top running condition so you ....you can....get the kids to football practice🏈....travel to the beach🏖️.....go out to dinner with your parents🥩....or any of those thousand other things you have on your agenda!!

We also want to give a shout out to a great friend, Ryan Hunt, who owns The Body Shop, right here in Decatur. If you need body repairs or a windshield replaced...be sure to give them a call! 📱

And, if your insurance isn't as reliable as your mechanic....give us a call. We are always happy give you a second opinion! Have a great day!!😀

06/05/2026

Happy Friday!! 😃 SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH!!😂
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media
Source | Vince The Sign Guy-Real

I love Vince The Sign Guys' punny signs and have shared several of them with you.....they are great plays on words... and often provide us with opportuities to explore the 'what-if?" What qualifies as 'Acts of God?"🧐

SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS:
🌪️Tornados and Hurricanes: Cyclones, typhoons, and violent windstorms that cause widespread structural destruction.
🌊Floods: Whether they are flash floods, overflowing rivers, or storm surges caused by natural weather patterns.
⚡️❄️Lightning Strikes: Direct hits that cause fires, power surges, or structural damage.
❄️Blizzards and Ice Storms: Severe winter weather, heavy snowfall, and freezing rain that collapse roofs or freeze infrastructure.
🫧Hailstorms: Large hail that damages vehicles, crops, or roofs.

GEOLOGICAL AND SEISMIC DISASTERS
🌎Earthquakes: Tectonic shifts that cause ground shaking and structural collapse.
🌊Tsunamis: Massive ocean waves triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
🌋Volcanic Eruptions: Ash clouds, lava flows, and toxic gas emissions.
🏂Landslides and Avalanches: Natural shifts of mud, rock, or snow down a slope (provided they weren't triggered by human construction or mining).

COSMIC AND ATOSPHERIC ANOMALIES
🪨Meteorite Strikes: Space debris impacting property or land
💥Solar Flares: Massive geomagnetic storms that naturally disrupt satellite communications or electrical grids.

Now that we have explained what the insurance industry considers "Acts of God', we would never deny anyone coveragem, including an atheist. Our vendors however, are the ones who determine limits and other conditions should an "Act of God" occur. If you have questions about your current policy and would like a review, we welcome you to schedule a time for a review....we are always happy to help!

We wish you a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!!😀

06/03/2026

Happy Wednesday!! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL CAMPING MONTH!!🏕️
Ceator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Oh, the weather outside has been frightful, but now it's so delightful and (ah you know you were singing it...LOL) what better time to go Camping than the beginning of summer! 🧐School is out and everyone could use a break!☺️

Each year in June we pack up our gear and set off for the great outdoors to experience nature up close and personal. Whether you like roughing it or prefer to 'glamp',with a few more ammenities, then this is your month to find the perfect place for a family adventure! 🏔️

7 GREAT CAMPING TIPS:
🫗Always bring an ample amount of fresh water!
🩺Check your First-Aid Kit and ensure it is stocked.
🔦Bring lighters, water proof matches and a couple of quality flashlights.
🍫Take a good supply of non-perishable granola bars, jerky, peanut butter, chocolate bars, and dried fruits, especially if you are not taking a cooler.
🥕If you are bringing a cooler: pack fruits, vegetables, and meats to keep them cool.
🌞Bring sweat/water proof sunscreen, even for cloudy days.
👢Grab rain gear, jackets and warm blankets for cooler weather. (you never know in AL!)😆
🦟Lastly, because we are in Alabama, be sure to bring mosquito spray.....they just love sweaty campers!

There are some great places to camp all across North Alabama, from Guntersville National Park to one specifically for motorcycles: Dug HIll Moto and Outdoor Shenanigans. Prices for overnight stays range from $0 to $149....which, of course, was Glamping....either way fun is right around the corner!!

GREAT WAYS TO CELEBRATE.....take your family for an adventure....put away your phones and connect! So, don't forget everything you need for smores and grab a couple of board games.....you never know when a shower will pop up!!

Have a great day!😀