Hood County - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

11/06/2026

That roll cage is there for a reason. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with magical powers.

Side-by-sides are commonly equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS), designed to provide a protective space for occupants during certain rollover events.

But here's the catch: That protection depends on riders using the vehicle's safety equipment correctly.

During a rollover, an unrestrained occupant can be thrown from the vehicle or extend an arm or leg outside the protective structure.

To help reduce the risk of serious injury:
-Wear your seat belt every ride.
-Keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the vehicle.
-Use the designated handholds.
-Wear a properly fitted helmet and recommended protective gear.
-Slow down for turns, slopes, and uneven terrain.

And remember, even with a roll cage, seat belt, and helmet, a rollover can still cause serious injuries.

A roll cage is a safety feature, not a superpower.



Alt Text:
Square graphic featuring a mud-covered side-by-side traveling across a dirt trail. A rider wearing a white-and-orange full-face helmet and bright orange clothing is visible inside the vehicle's protective frame. Bold distressed white text on staggered navy-blue blocks reads, “Roll Cages Aren't Force Fields.” A cream banner reads “Safety Beyond the Pavement.” The AgriLife Extension logo appears in the upper right, with layered green pine silhouettes along the bottom.

11/05/2026

Parents, drivers and homeowners all have a role in Halloween safety. 🎃 From planning well-lit trick-or-treating routes to slowing down and clearing walkways, these simple steps from staysafe.org can help prevent accidents. 🏠 http://tx.ag/37VZKDZ

Reviews, articles and guides to protecting your home and family, and keeping them safe from disasters to online threats.

11/04/2026

The mud can fly. You shouldn't.

Side-by-sides are built for adventure, but that doesn't mean you're supposed to leave your seat when things get bumpy!

Unlike traditional ATVs, side-by-sides are equipped with seat belts designed to help keep occupants in their seats during sudden movements and rollovers.

Before you kick up the dust:
-Buckle your seat belt securely, even for short trips.
-Make sure every passenger is seated in a designated seat with their own restraint.
-Keep arms and legs inside the vehicle.
-Use designated handholds rather than grabbing the roll cage.
-Never remove or bypass the vehicle's safety equipment.

Whether you're checking fences, heading to the deer stand, or spending the afternoon on the trails, your seat belt should be part of every ride.

The only thing that should be flying is the dirt behind you.



Alt Text:
Square graphic showing the rear of a green, black, and white side-by-side kicking up dirt while traveling through a wooded off-road area. Large distressed white text on staggered navy-blue blocks reads, “Buckle Up Before You Kick Up the Dust.” A smaller cream banner reads “Safety Beyond the Pavement.” The AgriLife Extension logo appears in the upper left, with layered green pine tree silhouettes along the bottom.

11/03/2026

Your vehicle carries your family. Your child’s car seat helps protect your little passenger. When did you last check either one for recalls?

Make both checks part of your safety routine. Start with your vehicle’s VIN, then look up your car seat using its brand and model details.

Visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls to get started.

Small Checks. Big Protection.



Alt Text:
Cream graphic with navy text reading “Small Checks. Big Protection. Two Checks. One Safer Ride.” A navy and cream harnessed car seat and blue SUV appear between two gold checkmarks. A green banner asks, “When did you last check for recalls?” Piney Woods Traffic Safety Coalition and AgriLife Extension logo at the bottom.

11/03/2026

Wonder why your weight changes from day to day? 💧 Water balance, carbohydrates, digestion, hormones and more can affect the number on the scale. Learn why daily fluctuations are normal and why longer-term trends matter. 📈 Obesity Action Coalition - OAC

Wondering why your weight fluctuates from day to day? Learn how water, sodium, carbohydrates, digestion and hormones can cause temporary changes on the scale.

11/02/2026

Little riders. Local support.

Car seat questions come with the territory of raising kids! A Child Passenger Safety Technician, or CPST, is nationally certified to help families choose and correctly use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.

Here in Hood County, Hannah Davis, CPST, can help you work through those questions with practical, hands-on guidance.

Contact Hannah to schedule a car seat check:
Call: (817) 579-3280
Email: [email protected]



Alt Text:
Gray, maroon, and white graphic titled “What is a CPST? Child Passenger Safety Technician.” Text defines a CPST as a nationally certified technician who helps you choose and correctly use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for your child. Cartoon Hannah wears a maroon polo and holds a clipboard beside an empty car seat. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension logo appears below.

11/02/2026

Just because there's an empty seat doesn't mean your little one is ready to fill it.

Side-by-sides can have two, four, or even six seats, but the number of available seats doesn't determine whether a child can ride safely.

Before bringing a child along, check the manufacturer's passenger requirements for your specific vehicle.

A passenger must be able to:
-Meet the manufacturer's minimum age, height, and other requirements.
-Sit upright with their back against the seat.
-Keep their feet firmly on the designated floorboard.
-Wear the seat belt correctly.
-Hold the designated handhold while keeping their arms and legs inside the vehicle.

And remember, a car seat or booster seat doesn't make an undersized passenger ready for an off-road ride.

Whether you're taking a short trip across the property or heading out on a family trail ride, the same passenger safety rules apply.

If they're too small to ride properly, they're too small to ride.



Alt Text:
Square graphic featuring a white, gray, and purple side-by-side parked on rocky terrain, with reddish rock formations in the background. Large distressed white text on green blocks reads, “Too Small to Sit? Too Small to Ride!” A small heading reads “Safety Beyond the Pavement.” The AgriLife Extension logo appears in the upper left, and green pine tree silhouettes decorate the bottom edge.

11/01/2026

As we move into the holiday season, cooking together can be a chance to connect with your teen while helping them build confidence and independence in the kitchen. 🍲 Read about parallel cooking and try it with your teen. 👩‍🍳 Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

“Mom, can we use these bananas to make Peanut Butter Oat Bites so I have something to eat before school?” asked my high school age daughter recently. We have cooked together in the kitchen since my kids were little. I was excited that she saw the bananas on the counter that needed attention and ...

10/31/2026

Feeling run down? ⚡ Small lifestyle changes can help boost energy and support heart health. Get tips for moving more, eating well, sleeping better, managing stress and more. American Heart Association

Want more energy? Who doesn’t? We&rsquo.

10/31/2026

This vampire has one rule: click before the trip!

Halloween outings can involve plenty of hopping in and out of the car. Between candy buckets, costume adjustments, and finding the next stop, it’s easy to feel rushed.

Give every departure the same attention:

🎃 Check that children are properly secured in their car seat or booster.
🎃 Make sure everyone using a seat belt has it positioned correctly.
🎃 Wait until everyone is buckled before moving the vehicle.

Keep everyone buckled until you’re safely parked at the next stop.
A nearby destination is still a trip worth buckling up for!

Let’s make the routine as memorable as the candy: get in, buckle up, then go.

Share this with whoever’s driving your trick-or-treat crew!