​​Solar panels can be economically and environmentally sound, and they’re more accessible than ever. According to one research firm, U.S. homes and businesses installed a new system every four minutes in 2013.
 
But, is solar power right for you here in {city, state or region}? To help you address the question, here are five things to think about before making the switch:

1. The different options for installing a solar system. Oftentimes you don’t have to foot the full cost of going solar yourself. Instead, you may be able to lease a system from a company that installs and maintains it, or enter into an agreement where a third party actually owns the system and bills you (likely at a reduced rate) for electricity. Just keep in mind that installing and owning your own system may provide the best long-term return, and tax credits or rebates may help to lower upfront costs.
   
   
2. Your current energy costs — and your future needs. Depending on your situation, you could have relatively low energy bills now and not be as motivated to pursue solar as someone with higher costs. But what does the future look like? If your family is growing, your energy costs are probably about to grow, too, and investing in solar might be worth your while.
   
   
3. The power a system would generate. Have a reputable solar company measure the amount of sun your home gets, taking into account things such as shade, trees, etc., so you can make an informed decision about expected savings.
   
   
4. What your homeowners policy says. With any improvement that increases the value of your home, you need to make sure your insurance policy reflects the change. Give us a call to see if your policy already covers solar panels. If it doesn’t, we can help you amend it.
   
   
5. Your goals. Are you mainly looking to save money? Help the environment? Both? Knowing your goals will help you determine whether solar is the right choice for you, as well as which option makes the most sense. No matter what you choose, even considering solar means you’re thinking about energy a little differently. And that’s a good thing.

Renewable power – it can help protect your from rising energy costs and even power outages, not to mention the good it does for the environment. Just be sure to consider your options and all the costs involved before making the leap.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance. 
​

When I think of fall, the first images that pop into my head are colorful foliage, apple cider, Halloween, cold weather and shorter days. While the season is an exciting time for many people across the U.S., it can be a dangerous time for your pets! Between the sudden drop in temperatures, holidays and first few months of school, there are plenty of environmental factors to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your furry friends. Here are some seasonally-relevant precautions to remember when your pet is playing outside, or simply wandering inside of your house!

1. Rodenticides and other poisons.  Small rodents will seek shelter from the colder temperatures, so the use of rodenticides increases during fall months. Unfortunately, they are extremely toxic to pets, and—if ingested—there could be fatal consequences.¹ If you plan to use these products, make sure your pet is unable to access them. This also includes other pesticides and engine coolant.
2. School supplies.  With school back in session, there are most likely school supplies laying around your home if you have kids. Items like pencils, pens, glue and pencil sharpeners can be harmful to your dog or cat if they ingest or play with them.² Always make sure to pick up these items around your home!
3. Toxic mushrooms.  Along with spring, fall is a mushroom season. Although there are a limited number of toxic mushrooms, it's best to keep your pet away from all types because sometimes it's hard to distinguish which ones are harmful.² If you believe your pet has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to your local veterinarian right away.
4. Colder weather…darker earlier.  The temperature is often unpredictable in fall. In some areas of the country, it fluctuates day-to-day, so you always need to be prepared. If it's a colder day, bring your pet inside earlier in the evening so they don't get too cold, and make sure they have a comfortable environment to sleep in. If you walk your dog regularly in the evening, wear bright colors and get a reflective collar so drivers can see you.
5. Heating devices.  It's no secret that your pet loves to get into things they aren't supposed to. If you're using an indoor heating device in your home, make sure it is turned off before you leave to avoid it causing an accident or house fires.
6. Pests and wildlife.  Around this time, snakes are preparing for hibernation. This means they can be more easily agitated, so they may bite if provoked. Make sure you know what types of snakes are lurking around in your area and be extra cautious if they are poisonous. As if snakes weren't enough, bears are also getting ready for hibernation! As they prepare to put on fat for the winter, you definitely don't want your pup to encounter them. That's why it's important to not let your pets roam too far from your house, especially if you live on a large property that is close to the woods.²
7. Bonfires.  There's nothing better than a bonfire in the fall, but it can turn into a dangerous situation if you have a dog or cat. After you get the fire going, close off any fire pits and keep your pet away from the spark zone to ensure you have a relaxing, worry-free night.
8. Halloween candy.  A popular trick-or-treat candy is chocolate—and though most humans think it's delicious—it can be extremely toxic for your pets.³ A common candy sweetener called xylitol is another harmful ingredient for pets, so play it safe and keep the candy away.³ Maybe you can make it up to them with appropriate dog or cat treats, instead!
9. Lawn and gardening tools.   Fall is also a busy season for doing landscaping and other work on the exterior of your home. When you are done, clean up any tools or garden products you were using to prevent your pet from getting into them.
10. Fruit pits and berries.  Do you have fruit trees around your home? Be sure to pick up any fallen fruits, fruit pits, seeds and berries. This includes pits from cherries, plums, peaches and nectarines because they can cause bowel and intestinal blockage, and also contain cyanide.

Remember to contact your local veterinarian right away if you believe your pet has ingested something toxic, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. If you have any other helpful tips, feel free to share them in the comments below!


Sources:

1. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/autumn-safety-tips
2. http://www.mypet.com/pet-care-tips/fall-pet-care.aspx
3. https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/resourcesforyou/ animalhealthliteracy/ucm186940.htm​

Summer is ending and fall is beginning to come on quickly. Wouldn't it be nice to escape what's up next? You wouldn't be the only person who decides to do just that. In fact, the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association estimates that there are over 2 million people spending the winter in RVs, which doesn't even include those who rent or own a second home.

The people who escape the harsh winters of their primary location to live in a warmer climate are known as snowbirds. Snowbirds are typically retirees or business owners, and the snowbird season runs from October through April, but may vary from year to year.
Are you a snowbird, or better yet, are you going to become one? Before you take flight towards a warmer climate and leisure lifestyle, check out the following 6 tips for your home and finances so you can fully enjoy your home away from home.

Prepare your home for winter

It is important for everyone to prepare their homes for the winter season to avoid expensive damage or homeowner's claims caused by cold weather and snowstorms. It is even more important to prepare your home for winter if it will be vacant during the coldest months of the year since you won't be there to notice any problems that may arise. Prior to closing up your home, inspect your roof for any damage that could result in leaking and clean gutters and downspouts. Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls and open cabinet doors to allow heat from the room to get into concealed spaces, which can make pipes less likely to freeze. Also, drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.

Trim trees

Winter's high winds and snowstorms can cause a lot of damage from fallen tree limbs; therefore, make it a priority to remove dead trees or large overhanging tree limbs before you leave town.

Ask someone to shovel snow

Arrange to have a neighbor shovel snow from your driveway. This will help prevent snow that melts from leaking into the home and causing damage. It can also prevent your home from looking vacant and becoming a target of thieves.

Secure your home

Home security is a big issue if you're away from your house for months. Stop your newspaper delivery and forward your mail to your winter address or have it picked up on a regular basis. Also have someone check the house at least weekly to make sure any flyers or packages that are delivered while you're gone don't build up and make the house look unoccupied. Secure doors and windows with deadbolt locks, and install slide locks or other security locks on sliding glass doors or French doors. You can also install variable light timers, which turn lights on and off at different times to make it look like someone is home.

Notify your bank

Before you leave, provide the bank with your contact information as well as your temporary address. This will give the banks a heads up, so there are no issues regarding out-of-state debit and credit card charges. If your financial institution is not aware that you will be away for a long period of time, your account could be frozen temporarily as they may see out-of-state charges as suspicious activity or fraud.

Sign up for online banking

Online banking allows you to receive bills and make payments online. It gives you the peace of mind that your bills are being paid on time, without having to wait for statements to be mailed to your current location.

Maintaining two homes can be a lot of work, so it's important to be prepared with a good and reliable insurance policy as seasons change and before you take flight towards a warmer climate.

by The Foremost Creative Team

Foremost® Insurance has policies for Homes, Mobile Homes, Travel Trailers, RV's, ATVs, Golf Carts, Snowmobiles, UTVs, and other off-road vehicles. If you're looking for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can get a quote with us today!

What is the point of Labor Day?

I simultaneously posed this question to both Google and anyone within earshot at the office yesterday and got back numerous responses; ranging from "the last day of summer," to "a celebration of the American worker" and "a day to spend time with family before school starts again."


​While the internet delivered an in-depth history of American labor unions, the office conversation drifted into family traditions of barbeques, sporting events, camping, beach days and more. And while no one could agree on the best way to spend the unofficial end of summer, everyone brought up the same final point—"isn't it the last day you're supposed to wear white pants?"

And that's true. Traditionally, Labor Day is the last day it is considered fashionable to wear white pants and seersucker suits. While seersucker is a more forgiving material, white, regardless of the fabric, is not. So with that in mind, I present to you a list of ways to safely celebrate this Labor Day weekend and preserve your cherished white trousers so they may rise again next Memorial Day.

Grilling Safety

When most people hear the words "white pants" the first thing that comes to mind is stains, and on Labor Day that means barbeque sauce. Many people may think that putting on an apron and keeping a reasonable distance while their brother-in-law enthusiastically bastes his chicken wings is enough, but here are a few other points to keep in mind:

• Properly clean the grill of grease and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. A simple stain offers some hope of redemption, but a burnt pair of slacks is never coming back.
• Keep cold food cold, hot food hot and check the temperature of all cooked meat. Scrubbing a dab of sauce out is one thing, but getting someone sick and having to scrub out something else, is, well, something else entirely. You can find proper food temperatures and other food handling tips on the USDA's website.
• Check your equipment. If you're using a gas grill, look over the lines and make sure the tank is properly connected. If charcoal is your thing--go easy on the lighter fluid. Again, burns are permanent.

Road Trip Safety

Keeping your britches fresh on the road can be tricky, but with these few tips your weekend should be clean and clear.

• Get your vehicle tuned-up before you leave. Let's face it, if you have to change a tire or get under the hood of your car, your newly pressed seersucker slacks are not going to live to survive the next season.
• Plan for the unexpected. Keep an emergency box in the trunk filled with water, blankets, jumper cables, tools, flares, a first-aid kit and whatever you think may come in handy (such as a spot clean pen).
• Pack accordingly. Just like that second (or third) s'more put a strain on your belt, over-packing your car can make it difficult to maneuver your vehicle. Pack heavy things low and remember to secure anything stored in an open cargo area.

Driving Drunk is Never in Style

Regardless of whether or not you follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule or even know what seersucker is, impaired driving is never an option. The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 400 people die in traffic accidents each year over Labor Day weekend, and in 2010, 22% of all automobile accidents were attributed to intoxicated drivers.

• Don't drink and drive. You've planned everything else about your weekend; your dish to pass, the friends you're going with, even your outfit—plan a safe way home too. Whether it's a sober friend or a local taxi service, nothing goes better with a smart suit than a chauffeured ride home.
• Keep your focus on the road. You'll have plenty of time when you get there to show off your outfit or to pick at whatever it is that got spilled on your ivory chinos, in the car keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes forward.
• Drive defensively. Just like your friends will be more than willing to call you out if you try and sneak your favorite pair of summertime slacks to a late-September garden party, you should be on the lookout for the erratic behavior of other drivers. And don't hesitate to report a driver you suspect is drunk.

Finally, if you see someone about to drive drunk, take their keys and help them to get home safely. Because just as you want your lucky pair of white pants or fitted seersucker jacket to be there next spring, you're going to want your friends to be there even more.

Have a fun and safe weekend!

by The Foremost Creative Team

​What do outdoor adventures look like for you? Whether it's an ATV, UTV, dirt bike, dune buggy, golf cart or other off-road vehicle (ORV), you'll want to make sure you have the right type of insurance coverage to protect your toys. It's important to ask your independent insurance agent the right questions about what type of coverage you're seeking and customize it to fit your lifestyle. To help you get started, we put together the following list of questions after speaking with Kevin Henry, the Director of Product Management at Foremost® Insurance.

1. What typical coverages are available for ATV/UTVs?"

Ask your agent or broker about standard coverages that are available, as well as optional ones you might consider," says Henry. "Standard coverages include Collision, Other Than Collision, Liability and Medical Payments. They help provide coverage for damage to your ATV itself or damage or injury that you may cause while riding your ATV."

2. Is my safety apparel covered?"

Whether it's helmets, goggles or other clothing that helps minimize injuries from an accident, most companies will offer safety apparel coverage for when these things get damaged," says Henry. "We want riders to be as safe as possible while enjoying the outdoors, so we encourage wearing safety gear."

3. Is there optional equipment coverage available?"

Most people have customized or added options to their ATVs," Henry explains. "Optional Equipment coverage helps cover things like towable trailers, racks and winch kits for your ATV."

4. Am I able to insure my ATV/UTV year-round?"

Year-round coverage is definitely something you may want to consider," answers Henry. "Some policies have a lay-up period for colder weather when you may not be able to ride. But when an unusually warm day comes around and you want to take your ATV out, you might be stuck without coverage. A year-round policy lets you take it out whenever Mother Nature's providing good weather and, with some companies, you can do this for the same price as seasonal coverage."

5. What kinds of discounts are available?"

Everybody wants to save money," Henry shares. "Ask what's available for you. Some companies, like Foremost, offer discounts for things like multi-units, multi-policies, maintaining continuous coverage when you renew and for having prior off-road vehicle insurance."

Your safety is number one to us. Stay safe wherever you choose to go on your off-road vehicle.

Looking for ATV insurance? Get a quote today by calling 888-244-8092 to speak with a licensed agent or find a Foremost Insurance agent near you.

First Community Financial Group is a Foremost agency! Call us for a free quote. (936) 327-4364

by The Foremost Creative Team

​Regular maintenance will keep your siding looking new and lasting longer. Why is it so important to regularly maintain your siding? Like the skin on your body, there are two main purposes that siding fulfills: appearance and protection. It protects your home against natural elements and pests, adds stability to the frame of your home, helps insulate and it also adds character to the outside of the home.

Although there are several different types of siding you can choose from for manufactured homes, the three most popular include metal siding, like aluminum or steel, vinyl siding or a natural wood siding. And each kind of material needs to be maintained differently.

Washing

Give your home a good washing for a fresh new look.
Note: Don't wash wood siding. Heavy exposure to water might result in decay, chipping, bowed or expanded panels, disintegration or shrinkage. Read below to learn about proper maintenance for wood siding.

• Make sure you close all the windows, doors and vents.
• Cover anything on the house you don't want to get wet. Use plastic bags and tarps with duct tape to cover bushes, outdoor furniture and light fixtures.
• Attach a soft car-washing brush to your garden hose and wash off the dirt.
• Remove tree sap and any other stubborn stains. First soak the sap with raw linseed oil, mineral spirits, or auto bug and tar remover. Let stand until soft. Wipe with a clean cloth.
• You can use household detergent to clean the siding or purchase a cleaning compound specifically for your siding material. Several varieties are available at manufactured home supply stores.
• Wash your siding from top to bottom to keep the lower area wet, preventing detergent lines.
• Rinse off the cleaner. Attach a spray nozzle to your hose to increase water pressure
• Dry the siding with a towel from the top down.

Vinyl Siding

• Don't rely on a rainstorm to keep your siding clean. Give it a good cleaning at least once a year to keep sediment and grime off its surface.
• Replace any damaged panels. New panels are quick and easy to install.
• If your vinyl siding has a wood grain or pebble finish, it will hold dirt and require more frequent washing.
• If you do not have rain gutters, your house will need more frequent cleaning.
• Rubbing compound scratches vinyl surfaces.
• Vinyl siding is brittle in very cold weather. Be careful not to hit or strike it, or it might shatter.

Keep grills from vinyl. Exposing the vinyl to intense heat will melt the siding.You might think that a paint job would be an inexpensive and easy solution to make faded vinyl siding look like new again. But paint does not hold well to vinyl's surface because it continuously changes with the weather. Vinyl soaks up heat causing expansion and contraction as temperatures rise and fall. Instead of a short-term painting job, consider replacing your siding altogether. Check with a several retailers to see the variety of colors and textures to choose from. Ask them about lifetime warranties or guarantees that they offer.

Wood Siding

Cedar, Cypress and Redwood sidings are popular siding choices that offer natural beauty to the outside of a home. But wood siding requires more upkeep than most siding because of its natural surface. With regular maintenance and care, you can prevent damage and keep your wood siding looking beautiful for several years.

• Caulk any joints, holes or cracks with a paint-able caulk. Seal the bottom of the panels and any chips.
• Paint or stain the wood every four years. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to see what kind of paint or stain works best with the wood on your home.
• Keep an eye out for critters. Birds, insects and rodents love to make a home or a meal out of wood siding.
• Keep sprinklers away from the home. Heavy exposure to water might result in decay, chipping, bowed or expanded panels, disintegration or shrinkage. Wood siding resides best in dry regions
• Check the paint for flaking and re-cover any exposed surface.

Aluminum Siding

Keep aluminum siding looking like new with a regular cleaning every six months to prevent oxidation and/or corrosion over time. For metal siding, oxidation and corrosion are common problems that wear and tear at the outside of your home. Taking care of these problems as soon as they occur could save you from having to replace your siding altogether.

Corrosion

Corroded areas leave dark spots on the siding. These are caused by moisture being exposed to the metal surface for extended periods. Check for rust-colored stains in places that tend to stay wet longer, such as under eaves or recessed entryways. If you find corroded areas, be sure to get rid of the spots before they spread further. For both aluminum and steel siding, sand out the corrosion blisters down to the bare metal, then spot prime with an anti-rust primer.

Oxidation

Oxidation leaves a white chalky film on the siding that can dull the exterior of your home. Keep your siding clean to prevent oxidation from forming. If your siding looks faded from oxidation, contact a professional manufactured home washer. A professional can clean your house in less than an hour with high-pressure hoses.

Scratches

Keep a minor scratch on your metal siding from becoming a major problem.

• Lightly rub the scratched area with a fine rubbing compound. This will remove dirt, grease and loose paint.
• Rinse with water and dry.
• Cover larger areas with a primer coat to improve to help prevent the formation of rust. Allow to dry.
• Use a small brush and cover the scratch with touch-up paint. Apply as many layers of paint as you need to make the scratch less noticeable. Allow drying time between coats, and allow two weeks for the paint to completely harden.
• Use a fine polishing compound to blend the area into the surrounding paint. Apply a coat of oil-based wax to the entire area.

Painting Metal Siding

Apply a fresh coat of paint to the siding of your home to keep it looking like new. If you need to paint just one panel, consider taking that panel to an auto body shop to be painted. They should be able to match the color. If you plan to paint the whole exterior of the home and want to tackle the project yourself, wait for a calm and overcast day to paint. Paint needs to dry slowly and the sunlight and wind will only speed up the drying process.

Prepare to paint:

• Thoroughly wash the exterior of your home
• Repair any dents.
• Caulk any cracks or holes along the panels, around corners or around windows with a paint-able caulk.
• Cover everything you don't want painted (windows, doors, the roof, etc.) with newspapers, drop cloths, tarps or masking tape. It's much easier to cover these areas beforehand than to remove paint later.

Before you're ready to apply an oil-based metal paint primer, the siding needs to be completely dry. Mix one gallon of the oil-based paint primer with one pint of paint thinner. Tint the primer to a lighter shade of the paint color you choose. The primer will help the new paint adhere to the surface and provide an extra color coat. Let the primer dry completely before adding the next coat of paint.

Use an acrylic-based, latex exterior house paint over the primer. A high volume of acrylic resin in the paint will make the paint job last longer. Invest in premium paint, brushes and roller covers. Bargain paint is no bargain if you're looking for better coverage, longer wear and a more washable surface.

How much paint do I purchase?

To compute the amount of paint needed, multiply the height of the house times the entire perimeter. Do not subtract for windows because this area will roughly equal the trim, eaves and soffits. Divide the total square footage by the number of square feet per gallon cited on the label of the paint.
​

 by Marrio Roberts Jr., Foremost Blog

Moles don't come above ground often. But when they do, they make their presence known. Unfortunately, the renovations they make aren't always the most desirable.

Moles dig up dirt to create tunnels and to find insects. This can damage your grass and any plants you may have nearby.

If you start to see mounds of dirt scattered around your lawn, there's a good chance you have a mole infestation. If you want to know how to get rid of moles in your yard, you may find some helpful tips in this article.

1. Get rid of their food source.Moles love eating insects. So, eliminating them from your yard can stop moles from wanting to visit. After all, who likes visiting places with no food?
   Insecticides are a great way to keep your yard bug-free. However, they can kill your grass if used incorrectly. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions.
2. Try home remedies.Castor oil can be a great way to get rid of moles in your yard. Apparently, castor oil upsets their digestive tracts. Home Depot and other online sources note that castor oil does not kill moles, however.
   To create a castor oil-based mole repellant, it's suggested to mix three parts castor oil with one part dish soap. Then, add four tablespoons of the mix to a gallon of water.
   Pouring the mix into the entrance of the moles' tunnels will encourage them to leave, since they can't stand the castor oil.
   If you don't want to create a repellant mix yourself, you may find that buying one is a great alternative.
3. Use plants and rocks to create barriers.Plants like daffodils and marigolds produce a scent that's said to deter moles. They look good too, which can make the investment well worth it for some people.
   You can also dig trenches near the area the moles like to hang out, then fill them with rocks. The rocks are likely to stop the moles in their tracks and send them back the way they came.
4. Irriate them.Moles like areas that are peaceful and quiet. Any disturbances can cause them to flee. There are sonic spikes you can insert into the ground that use electronic pules to create sounds moles hate to hear.
   If you have any pets, you can also have them treat the moles holes with urine. It may sound wild, but the scent can do a great job of making moles leave.
   It's also one of the least invasive methods on this list, so it may be worth a try.
5. Trap and release.There are traps you can use to capture moles without killing them. This is called a trap and release. If you opt for one of these, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
   Each of these methods is a potential solution for handling mole activity. Please use your best judgement in determining the best way to get rid of moles from your lawn.
   Once you succeed in removing the moles, you may have some patching up to do. If so, you may be interested in our list of front yard landscaping ideas.

If you're looking for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can get a quote with Foremost® today! Or contact First Community Financial Group, a Foremost independent agent!
​

​School Safety Home - National Safety Council (nsc.org) -- Back to School Safety Checklist​

Back-to-School Safety for Drivers - National Safety Council (nsc.org) -- Slow Down: Back to School Means Sharing the Road

School Safety: Distracted Walking - National Safety Council (nsc.org) -- Head up, phone down!

The first rule for having a fun, carefree day at the beach? Always check the weather before you head out! Follow these beach safety tips to get your summer off to a good start.

Check the weather before you head out. If thunderstorms or rain is in the forecast, we suggest planning your excursion for a different day.

​Watch for warning flags. And know what they mean!







Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! But not with booze, which will increase your risk of overheating. The CDC also reports that alcohol use is a factor in up to 50 percent of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation. So keep it dry.

Save your skin. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and even more often if you’ve been in the water during that time. SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Keep a careful eye out for children. They may need your help!

https://youtu.be/G__dh0kx19s

Content provided by https://www.foremost.com/images/Foremost-logo-learning-center.png