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Tornadoes have caused severe and irreparable damage to tens of thousands of Americans and their property in recent years. On top of the physical and emotional fallout, many have also lost their lives as a direct result of a tornado. Onalaska, TX suffered a direct hit in April 2020. The results were devastating for so many! Although you can never control the weather or the outcome of a destructive storm, there are steps you can take to help you and your family remain protected in the event of a tornado. Those steps of action begin with knowing fact from myth. Here are a few tornado truths that could help keep you and those you love safe:
At First Community Financial Group, we want to help you know the tornado truths that will help keep you and your family safe. For more tornado safety tips, visit the Storm Prediction Center’s comprehensive guide at http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html. Contact Us! At First Community Financial Group, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at (936) 327-4364 or send us a note at info@firstcfg.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected! Content provided by Safeco Insurance
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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:
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.
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.
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! 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 It's hot out there. Are you staying cool?
All you have to do is turn on the news, or leave air conditioning, to know that it's hot outside all over our country. The blazing heat of the summer is tough on our bodies. If you don’t have the luxury of staying indoors where your AC is blasting on high, then you know how hard it can be to stay cool during the summer months. Most of us need to work, so there is no escaping the brutal summer heat. But don’t let the heat stop you. There are ways you can beat the heat and stay cool without sacrificing your sanity. The CDC recommends… "Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink." Water, Water, Water! Stay away from sugary drinks. Sugar can actually dehydrate you! The CDC recommends… "Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps." Repeat above. No alcohol. Water, Water, Water! The CDC recommends… "Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing." Think cotton, white, something breezy! The CDC recommends… "If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours." If the bugs are bad, use some bug spray. Try to stay out of the direct sun in the middle of the day. The CDC recommends… "Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat,…sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher…" This should be a no-brainer. Protect your noggin and your face -- and protect your exposed skin. Your dermatologist will praise you. Content provided by https://www.foremost.com/images/Foremost-logo-learning-center.png Summer’s Here in Texas – What to Do With the Kids? It’s the age-old question that parents in Texas face every year: How do we keep the kids occupied this summer? Well, there are always the biggies, such as theme parks or camping. But, with work and other obligations getting in the way, not to mention your budget, you can’t always get away from home. So, we here at First Community Financial Group have compiled a list of some activities that are both educational and fun — and that your kids are sure to enjoy! Art Projects There are a number of ways you can encourage the young artist in your family, from programs and offerings at local museums to do-it-yourself art projects. Try these ideas from The Artful Parent, a website focused on encouraging art and creativity in children:
Science Activities Have a budding scientist around the house? Try these basic projects from PBS:
Reading — It’s Not Just for School Encouraging your kids to read over the summer can help them when school gets back in session, so don’t miss an opportunity. You can share the newspaper in the morning, or simply read the cereal box at breakfast. Even a few minutes a day can have a big impact. You might also consider the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, a free online program for children from May 4 to September 4. Last year more than a million kids from 29 countries took part, and this year’s program features free book lists, a sweepstakes and the chance to set a world record. Of course, there are thousands of things you can do with your kids in [city, state or region] over the course of the summer. If these ideas aren’t up your alley, consider summer camp, local music and sports programs or volunteering in the community. Summer will be over before you know it, so make the most of it! Did you know that over 200 people will go to the emergency room each day in the months surrounding the Fourth of July because of firework-related injuries? Follow these safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety to enjoy the fun at your next show. Never light more than one. One sparkler is enough responsibility for one person. Keep water nearby. Even after a sparkler fizzles out, the sticks stay hot. Toss used sparklers in a bucket of water to help ensure your feet don't get burned by used sparklers. Soak them for a few hours before discarding. Wear closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops aren't a good fit for Fourth of July festivities that involve handling sparklers. Closely supervise kids. Keep a close eye on sparkler-wielding little ones. Make sure they hold their sparkler at arm's length, stay at least six feet from one another, and don't run with, throw or hand their sparkler to a pal. Consider using glow sticks instead. For a fun and flame-free way to light up the night, consider picking up a few glow sticks for kids to play with. Watch a professional show. Consumer fireworks aren't necessary to enjoy the holiday. The safest way to view fireworks is to watch a professional show, according to the Council. https://youtu.be/I3m69qFPMPg ' If you struggle with mental illness, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that about 1 in 5 American adults struggle with a form of mental illness, while 1 in 6 American youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. During May, we encourage you to find ways to engage in activities and events that help start conversations about mental health in your communities: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and people of all ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression. The good news is that there are many resources to manage depression: therapy, medication, and self-care are all part of a healthy treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. Learn the Signs for Suicide RiskIf you are concerned about someone, take it seriously. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 with the name of the person you are concerned about or call 911 if the situation presents immediate danger.
UW Forefront Suicide Prevention is focused on reducing suicide by empowering individuals and communities to take sustainable action, championing systemic change, and restoring hope. Reaching out for help for yourself or someone you care about may be uncomfortable, but it has the potential to save a life. Check In With Yourself and Others Remember to check in with yourself and those around you. Pay attention to changes in daily behavior and personality, as this may be an indicator of a shift in an individual’s mental health. Take your time to love yourself and don’t feel guilty for spending time to heal and replenish yourself. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, see a professional, learn more about mental illness or call the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264). #YouAreNotAlone From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more Texas residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat. Wherever you stand on the issues surrounding today’s food supply, however, there are several good reasons to start your own garden:
Clearly there are plenty of benefits to gardening. But, how do you get started? Here are some important tips from the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, which, like similar services around the country, provides helpful community resources on agriculture and other topics. Pick the Right Site “Choosing a garden site is as important as selecting the vegetables to grow in it,” according to the OSU Extension website. “All vegetables need sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil, and they will contract fewer diseases if the site has good ventilation.” Here’s what to consider before marking your garden plot:
Choose What to Plant Check with a local gardening organization or search the Web for what vegetables are best for your specific situation and climate. Here are three factors to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to plant, according to the OSU extension:
Water Wisely The best way to water is by monitoring your garden, rather than simply adhering to a set schedule. Follow guidelines for your specific plants, and avoid these common problems, as noted by the OSU Extension website:
For more specific advice on gardening in [insert city, state or region], check with the local university extension program. And, don’t worry; you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy homegrown food. You just need to be willing to put in a little time and effort — and get your hands dirty! Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.) Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently. Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it. Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time — and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating. Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow. Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation — you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it! Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers and other dangerous tools with caution. |
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