Many memories in Texas are made camping, and a lot of those might include being in a tent or even a camper. Travel trailer camping is popular for good reasons such as space, towability and accessibility. But whether you're new to the concept or have already had a few adventures (including tailgating!), these handy tips can serve as reminders for a better outdoor experience:

• Park it - Have your travel trailer parked in your driveway or lot a couple days before the trip. This will allow for easier packing, plus getting things such as a refrigerator up and running.
• Pack it - As mentioned, you can start packing early to save time in the long run. Items such as clothing, bedding and non-perishable food items can be stored ahead of time. Using tote bins to pack and stack items can be a great space saver! Also remember to bring a tool kit and first-aid kit, which you might need in case of an emergency.
• Run it - Turn things on and make sure brake lights, appliances and other essentials are all in working order.
• Practice it - Hook your travel trailer up to your tow vehicle and take it for a test run before you leave for your trip. Be sure to practice backing up, driving on small inclines and making turns.
• Research it - In other words, know where you're going. Whether it's to a tailgate party or straight to the campground, be sure to research which amenities may or may not be available, including electric/water/sewer hookup, restrooms, laundry room, tables and fire pits, cell phone and/or Wi-Fi service and even a nearby general store.
• Place it - Once you get to your destination, get the inside of the trailer set up and make sure everything has a place. Make beds, organize food, stack items such as towels and shoes where people can get to them - you get the picture. You'll be happy you did, saving time and space!
• Camp it - Finally, enjoy your time away!

And before you head out on the road in Texas and abroad with your travel trailer, remember you can always speak with us at First Community Financial Group to shop for coverages so you can protect the things you tow.
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Rip Current Awareness Week was officially at the beginning of March this year. But, it made me think, don't we need to know this all the time? Not just during spring break? The answer… yes, it's very important. Whether an ocean or a great lake, rip currents are powerful and can be deadly. The most obvious danger of rip currents is that it can pull you out to sea further than you can swim back to shore. Even when it doesn't pull its victims far out, many panic and drown. With the Memorial Day holiday coming up this Monday, it's a good time to review how to stay safe and not panic at the beach or the lake.

Rip currents can be found on many surf beaches every day. Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. The definition of rip current is: A powerful channel of water that flows away from the shore. They can be narrow or more than 50 yards wide.

The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) estimates that rip currents account for over eighty percent of all beach rescues and over 100 deaths annually at our nation's beaches. Signs that a rip current is present are difficult for the average beachgoer to identify. Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions.

So, what do you need to know before you go to the beach? The USLA offers some good tips and precautions that every swimmer should head or at least hear.

Rip current myth debunked: 
A rip current is a horizontal current. Rip currents do not pull people under the water—they pull people away from shore. Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills.

How to avoid and survive rip currentsLearn how to swim!

• Never swim alone.
• Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't go out!
• Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
• If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
• If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Your safety is number one to us. Stay safe on the water and on your boat. And PLEASE wear a life jacket!

Content provide by Foremost Insurance
(Source: United States Lifesaving Association and National Weather Service, Illustration Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at Duck, NC.)

July may be UV Safety Month, but that doesn't mean I'm going to not care about UV safety the other 11 months of the year. Sun safety needs to be considered every day—even if it is cloudy outside. And in Texas, that starts early!

As the saying goes--your skin is your largest organ, you better take care of it. Doing so is fairly simple; and you can probably recite the following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) without even clicking on the link. Indulge me while I reiterate:

• Seek Shade. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your skin damage and skin cancer risk, especially if you are outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Cover Up. Wear clothing to protect any exposed skin, even in the shade. This means a hat with a brim all the way around, sunglasses with UVA/UVB (broad spectrum) protection and clothing made of a tightly woven fabric.
• Lather Up. This is the most important, even if you're in the shade and covered up, you should put sunscreen on before you head outside. Not just any sunscreen, but a broad-spectrum protection product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure it's not expired too.

Now just because you've done these three things, you're not in the clear. If you had been, you wouldn't be nursing that sunburn. You need to reapply. Sunscreen wears off, washes off and sweats off. Put it on again if you've been out for more than two hours. And while being in the shade is good; know that if you're sitting on a light-colored surface (e.g., water, sand, cement, etc.) you could be getting hit by a reflection of the sun's rays.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer (including melanoma and basal and squamous cell) is by far the most common cancer diagnosed every year. Even though a few physical traits can make some people more susceptible than others, anyone can get it. Before you go outside, whether you're on your boat, camping in the woods or gardening in the back yard, find out what your UV index will be for the day. That way you can take the appropriate precautions to keep your skin healthy.
Join me under my sun umbrella; the view's quite nice here.

Content provided by Foremost Insurance.

Parking lots in Texas– we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking lot behavior.

That behavior just so happens to be the cause of many a door ding and irritated driver. Even worse, careless behavior can cause a collision or injury. So, let’s all slow down and follow these five tips to make parking lots safer for everyone:

1. Don’t Speed
   Speeding decreases the amount of time you have to react when a child runs out in front of you, another driver stops suddenly, or a car begins backing out unexpectedly. Is a collision – or even a fatality – really worth the price of getting to your destination just a bit sooner?
   
   
2. Use Your Eyes – and Mirrors and Cameras
   Keep a lookout for perils at all times, even if the lot seems empty. When you’re pulling into a spot, watch for doors being opened. When backing out, look all around, in your mirrors and in your rear-view camera and proceed slowly.
   
   
3. Give Yourself – and Others – Some Space
   Parking in between the lines and in a spot sized for your vehicle may help to minimize dings and scratches. Better yet, park in a less-crowded area and enjoy the stroll into the store – just don’t park where you feel unsafe. And always park away from stray carts.
   
   
4. Expect the Unexpected
   Assume things will happen. That someone will dart out in front of you, that a cart will come rolling toward you, that someone backing out of his/her spot won’t see you backing out of yours. When you’re on guard, you’re better prepared for those who aren’t.
   
   
5. Be Respectful
   A little kindness goes a long way in a parking lot or parking garage. So stop for pedestrians, don’t cause traffic jams waiting for a spot and, above all, don’t lose your cool.

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Remember, when you’re watching for dangers, you have a better chance of avoiding them. If an incident does occur, we here at First Community Financial Group are ready to help.


Content provided by Safeco and Liberty Mutual Insurance

It's mosquito season here in East Texas and we're all looking forward to fun parties and get-togethers in our backyard, but with that comes a flying pest that's a pain for most - mosquitoes! However, just because these insects are a nuisance, that doesn't mean you have to stay inside and not enjoy summer. We've compiled a list of 10 tips and tricks that are sure to keep mosquitoes away from your yard.

1. Remove any standing water from your yard.Water is where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs. Look for buckets, empty planters, dishes, old tires or unused kiddie pools, and turn them over or put them away. If you have a bird bath, change the water often or add a small pump to circulate the water. Lastly, clean out those rain gutters so they don't retain water and become a mosquito breeding ground.
2. Grow mosquito repellant plants.Believe it or not, mosquitoes hate the smell of certain plants and herbs, such as lavender, basil, lemon balm, rosemary and marigold. Plant these natural mosquito repellents in your garden as a natural alternative to keep those pesky mosquitoes out of your yard.
3. Replace your outdoor lights with yellow bug lights.These lights are supposed to attract fewer mosquitoes than your regular everyday lights. While these lights aren't necessarily repellents, they can help to deter mosquitoes and other bugs away from your home.
4. Use "mosquito dunks" for any water you can't drain.If you have a pool, fishpond or ditches around your home that contain water, dropping a "mosquito dunk" in there will release a natural larvicide that kills mosquito larvae. You can purchase this product online or at your local home improvement retailer.
5. Keep your grass mowed and shrubs trimmed.Mosquitoes love to hang out in tall grass and weedy areas, so be sure to mow your lawn regularly and remove weeds and dead plants from your landscaping.
6. Use a fan to create a breeze.Mosquitoes hate any kind of wind since they are weak fliers. Plus, since mosquitoes sense when a human exhales carbon dioxide (which is what makes them realize a human is around), a fan will also help by dispersing that scent.
7. Use a carbon monoxide mosquito trap.Tip number six segues nicely into this one, which is using a CO2 trap since we now know mosquitoes are attracted to it. This type of trap mimics human or animal breath by releasing carbon dioxide gas. Please note: The CO2 mosquito trap should not be used indoors under any circumstances.
8. Use chemical repellents.If you walk into your local hardware store, you should find plenty of mosquito repellent options for your yard. Some will be natural, other companies will use chemicals, so it's up to you to decide which route you want to go. If you don't think you can handle this on your own, you can call a professional to come spray your yard and foliage, which might be the most effective solution.
9. Place bug zappers around your yard.These nifty devices attract bugs by using a UV light, and when they get close enough, they will get electrocuted.
10. Put some type of insect repellent on your body.This is the most common method people will try to repel mosquitoes away from them. You can find your typical bug spray that contains DEET at most stores, and this method works fairly well. However, if you'd like to go a more natural route, there are essential oils with scents that are known to repel mosquitoes, such as rosemary, thyme, lavender and peppermint.

Whichever route you decide to go, we hope these tips will help you enjoy the summer months!


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Before applying paint, paper or other covering to your walls, you need to repair any holes.
Before you get startedFill nail holes and small punctures with spackling compound. When dry, sand lightly. If the hole is next to an electrical outlet, you may be able to conceal the damage with a larger outlet box or an oversized outlet cover plate. For larger holes, you will need to patch the damaged area.
CAUTION! Determine where the electrical wiring is located before cutting into a wall.
Small Dry Wall Patch HolesIf the hole is no bigger than two inches, repair with fiberglass tape. Stretch tape across the hole. Apply two or three coats of joint compound and sand between coats.
Step 1: Enlarge and Square UpCut a square area larger than the hole with a utility knife or keyhole saw.
Step 2: Prepare Backer BoardsCut two backer boards so they are 2 to 3 inches wider than the hole.
Step 3: Secure Backer BoardsPlace a backer board inside the hole at top edge. Secure with 1-1/4 drywall screws, holding the board in place as you work. Tighten until screw heads are below the surface. Place second backer board inside lower edge of opening. Secure with screws.
Step 4: Install PatchCut patch to fit opening. Screw patch to the backer and tighten until screw heads are below the surface.
Step 5: Tape SeamsApply strips of fiberglass tape over seams.
Step 6: Apply Joint CompoundCover tape with a thin coat of compound. When dry, sand lightly. Apply two more coats. Feather and sand each coat until the surface is smooth.
Patching Large HolesFor holes larger than 8 inches, cut drywall back to middle of the studs bordering the hole. Butt backer boards to studs and secure behind drywall with screws. Fit patch into opening. Secure to the studs and backer boards with screws. Finish with fiberglass tape and joint compound.
Materials you will need:

• 2 pieces of 1 x 3 inch scrap wood for backer board
• Drywall scrap for patch
• 1 and ¼ inch drywall screws
• Self-sticking fiberglass tape
• Joint compound
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Tools you will need:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or keyhole saw
• Wood saw
• Screwdriver
• 6-inch taping knife

Content furnished by Foremost Insurance.