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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. From all of us at First Community Financial Group, have a fun and safe weekend! Content provided by Foremost Ins.
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A home is the largest purchase most Americans will ever make. They want to protect it and their belongings in the event of an unpreventable disaster. This is why most people carry homeowners’ insurance.
Yet, having full coverage does not mean paying top dollar for home insurance premiums. The more secure your home is, the better chance you have of reducing your overall costs. These three home improvement projects might lower your premiums. They can also give you an incomparable peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family. 1. Install a Fence Installing a fence will act as a theft deterrent and may lower your home insurance premiums. It can also help you protect recreational equipment like pools. It makes great sense to have a fence around your pool or home, and it is the law in some areas. But before you begin digging holes, consult with your local city office. See where your property line is and find out any ordinances that cover the installation of a fence. Saving on your premiums will be moot if you have to install your fence twice. 2. Install a Home Monitoring System Total home monitoring systems connect smoke and fire alarms with intrusion detection. A central office monitors these systems. Systems can often dispatch police and fire support for any breaches that may occur. Subscribing to a home monitoring system can help you save on your home insurance policy. Even installing smoke detectors, motion-activated lighting or shatter proof windows can affect your premium costs. 3. Consider Upgrading Structural Components Upgrades such as a new roof, new plumbing and new electrical wiring go far beyond a weekend do-it-yourself project. However, they may end up saving you on your insurance costs. Older homes are especially vulnerable to fire from old wiring, water damage from old pipes and wind damage from an old roof. Upgrading the home can help you protect yourself. Use a reputable contractor that is both licensed and insured for any system upgrades. Notify your insurance carrier once the contractor completes the job. You might qualify for discounts once you renew your policy. Whether you are a first time homeowner looking to save on insurance costs or are looking for strategic upgrades, these home improvement projects go beyond insurance. They offer you additional peace of mind in a safe, sound home. We’ve got you covered. We can help you get a home insurance policy that is affordable. Call us for more information on pricing and discounts. The number of new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States continue to be at relatively low levels, but there are now concerns about unusual off-season spikes in colds and respiratory viruses among children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory stating that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is unexpectedly spreading in southern states. As a result, doctors are urging parents across the country to keep their guard up this summer. RSV, which usually spikes during winter months, causes the common cold and can be treated at home. However, for infants, young children and older adults, RSV can be severe and lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Furthermore, each year RSV sends 75,000 to 125,000 children to the hospital and kills as many as 200. Similar to the coronavirus and influenza, RSV spread through respiratory droplets in the air and on surfaces. However, it’s more likely than the coronavirus to remain on the skin and other surfaces. Symptoms of Viruses and RSVIt’s important for parents to be aware that viruses, including RSV, are spreading at an unusual time of the year, so infants and children with underlying health conditions should be closely monitored. There are many overlapping systems between COVID-19 and other virus-related illnesses, so it’s best to reach out to a pediatrician with any questions. Generally, parents and caregivers should watch for signs of illness. For mild to moderate symptoms of fever, runny nose, cough, gastrointestinal trouble or breathing issues, caregivers should contact a doctor. For more severe symptoms—like fast breathing, belly breathing, noisy breathing or signs of lethargy—it’s recommended to go directly to urgent care or an emergency room for further evaluation. Cold Prevention Tips for ParentsPeople say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which means it’s better to prevent a cold or illness all together if possible. Here are a few ways to do just that.
If you live in high-risk area for floods, purchasing flood insurance will help you have peace of mind. Here’s what will and what won’t be covered under flood insurance: FloodSmart | What Does Flood Insurance Cover? FloodSmart | How Do I Buy Flood Insurance? Call us today for a free flood insurance quote. It couldn't be easier than that! Whether your East Texas home is a three-story Tudor, a skyline-grazing apartment or an RV on wheels, you need at least one fire extinguisher for it. But if you don’t have the right one, or you haven’t checked it recently, you may have a false sense of security rather than a fire-fighting device. There are a few important things to know about fire extinguishers, but they aren’t complicated. Here are three things to help you get up to speed: 1. There are extinguishers for each type of fire. Class A: ordinary combustibles, such as wood; Class B: flammable liquids or gasses, such as gasoline or propane; Class C: energized electrical equipment like appliances; Class D: combustible metals; and Class K: cooking oils and greases. An extinguisher that isn’t rated for the fire you’re trying to fight likely won’t help. 2. Multipurpose extinguishers are widely available. Typically rated for Class A, B and C fires, they are good for most living areas and also work on small grease fires. You need at least one for each level of your home, and one in the garage is a good idea, too. Store them in an accessible area and inspect them regularly for rust and other damage. Also follow any maintenance instructions included with the device. Some need to be shaken regularly, for example. 3. Remember “P.A.S.S.” when you use your extinguisher.
And always keep your back to an exit when fighting a fire. You need to be able to escape quickly if necessary. Even more important than knowing how to use your fire extinguisher is knowing when not to use it. If you’d be putting yourself at risk trying to fight a fire, leave the area immediately. You should already have a family fire escape plan in place, so don’t hesitate to use it if there’s any question about your safety. After all, your life is irreplaceable. Your insurance, however, can help you rebuild your home and replace your belongings. If you’d like to check up on your coverage, give us a call today. Contact Us - First Community Financial Group Inc (firstcfg.com) When it comes to power tool safety, there’s a simple way to think about it: Use your head, keep your fingers. All joking aside, it’s extremely important to your entire well-being to use power tools with the utmost of care. Here’s how: 1. Read all about it. You love the feeling of firing up and wielding a tool that’s abuzz with power. Just don’t do so until you’ve read the instructions. The instructions will help you get the most out of your tool, both in terms of safety and performance. 2. Take notes. When you get a new tool, jot down the details and add the notes to your home inventory. Include a description, serial number and a copy of the receipt if you have it, because it will all come in handy if your tools are ever stolen, or damaged in a fire or other disaster. Not big on writing? Photos or videos are great, too. 3. Get to work. Finally, it’s time to work, so long as you’ve got the right safety gear. This may include: eye and ear protection; a mask or respirator if the project will kick up a lot of dust or other fine debris; and protective clothing that isn’t loose. 4. Don’t rush. Working too quickly can lead to injuries. Always stay in control by making sure your work area is stable and clean. Use both hands to operate your power tools, and avoid distractions while you work. Don’t ever use powerful tools if you’re tired, sick or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only will you jeopardize your safety, you probably won’t be happy with your work. 5. Take good care of your tools. Keep your tools clean and stored in a safe, secure area. Replace parts, such as blades, as soon as they become bent or warped, and don’t ever use tools that have been damaged. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, along with using a little common sense, should help ensure your tools remain in good working order for years to come. Let’s hope that deck you’re building will, too. It’s hard to imagine a time before power tools existed – think of all the calluses! Just be sure to wield the power responsibly each and every time you tackle a new project on your East Texas home. Leaving your lights on — is it really a good way to keep burglars away from your Livingston, Texas home, or can it actually attract them? Or, is it just a “good” way to increase your electricity bill? As with so many questions in life, there isn’t one “right” answer. Using lights to enhance your home security can be effective, especially as part of a larger overall strategy. With that in mind, here are five things to consider: 1. Remember that variety is key. If your exterior lights are always on, even during the day, that can be a signal to burglars that nobody is home. Otherwise, you’d probably turn off the lights after sunrise, right? Don’t leave your lights on constantly while you’re on vacation or at work. Use timers or lights that can be turned on and off remotely to create different looks. 2. Try motion-detecting lights. These allow you to leave your lights off while you’re away or asleep, but, if someone is lurking around your house, the lights will come on. This often will scare off a burglar. 3. Consider your home’s surroundings. If you have overgrown bushes or trees on your property, burglars might be able to take cover even in the light. And, if you live in a rural area, with nobody around to notice uninvited guests on your property, lights may not do much to thwart them. 4. Connect with the neighbors. Even if you do have neighbors nearby, would they know when something – or someone – was out of place? Build a relationship with them, so they’ll know when you’re at work or on vacation, and so they can tell when something doesn’t look right. 5. Switch up your interior lights. A house that’s dark inside for a few days looks unoccupied, no matter how many outside lights are on. So, remember to set timers or turn lights on in different rooms of your house occasionally as well. This can help create the illusion that someone is home. Of course, there’s no one perfect way to keep your Livingston, Texas home safe. The best strategies oftentimes involve a number of different deterrents. So, mix it up, with your lights and other things, to keep burglars guessing whether or not anyone’s home. 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. Watch this safety video from Foremost Insurance: Fireworks Safety For The Fourth I wish I were kidding. As an on-the-go-mom, I have sympathy for parents trying to multi-task, but there are certain things that we MUST pay attention to. Leaving the kids in the car while grabbing a snack in the gas station may be a time-saver, but with the extreme heat that can take place across the country, saving time is something you don't want to test. As a mom, I'm going to give you a blunt reminder during this hot weather: DON'T LEAVE YOUR KIDS or PETS IN THE CAR ALONE—EVER! Yesterday the temperature gage in my car read 93 degrees. This is the exact temperature that proves your car can become an oven in high temperatures. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, when it's 93 degrees outside:
Let's not forget our furry friends, too! If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them. Texas leads the country in hot car deaths since 1990. Here's your reminder to not leave your kid in the car | kvue.com During the summer, the warm weather makes it easy for you to heat your grill and cook your favorite food outside. Not only is it tasty, but it can also save you the discomfort of heating your home (and paying a higher HVAC bill triggered by the extra cooling costs). Ribs, chicken, burgers and vegetables all taste especially flavorful when grilled on a beautiful sunny day, and grilling is a great time to gather family and friends and spend some time together. This is a great way to socialize while still abiding by social distancing precautions that continue to affect multiple parts of the country. Still, grilling is as risky as any other type of cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to nearly 9,000 residential fires caused by gas or charcoal barbecues between 2007 and 2011. But, if you are aware of the risks, you can go a long way towards keeping your family safe. Always keep these safety tips in mind while grilling up your favorites.
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