As you prepare to host your holiday celebrations, it's important to be aware of the potential liabilities associated with throwing parties at home. It’s equally as critical for hosts to then take steps to mitigate risks where possible. 

With that in mind, we are sharing a review of general liability information and key tips to keep in mind when hosting. 

If you have any questions about your liability as a host, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help!

​Small Business Saturday is approaching, offering a prime opportunity to support the local enterprises that contribute so significantly to our community. 

Why is supporting small businesses so important? 

🛍️Job creation 
🛍️Enhancement of local culture 
🛍️Strengthening of community bonds 
🛍️Economic growth

We invite you to join us on November 30 (and every day!) to explore local shops, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and engage with local service providers. 

Have a favorite local business? Share in the comments below, and spread the word!

​Unfortunately, the period of festive cheer we’re now enjoying comes with a rise in cyberattacks. 

With this in mind, we have put together some information about why cyber insurance is a critical component of your business strategy. Swipe through to learn more. 

Let’s work together to ensure your business is fully protected this holiday season. Reach out to our team with any questions about cyber insurance or to review your current coverage. We’re here to help.

As we gather around the table this year, we want to express our gratitude for your trust and support. To add a little extra flavor to your Thanksgiving feast, try out this simple and delicious recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon! 🍯

Enjoy your feast! And please note the office will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Monday, December 2.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lately I've been striving to be a better cook. I want to impress my friends with my mouthwatering homemade meals. I want to beat out my cousins for the title of "Favorite Grandson" with the exquisite dishes I bring to family reunions. I want to be known as a culinary mastermind, a ninja in the kitchen whose creativity and resourcefulness is unmatched and unparalleled.

Though delicious food is a frighteningly powerful motivator, I've found that, frankly, cooking is hard work! After subjecting myself to hours of Pancake 101, my capability of making them from scratch is still amateur at best. Though my friends and I often have potato parties — social gatherings where everyone brings a potato-based dish to share — my typical mash of red skin potatoes, cheese and bacon isn't exactly mind blowing.

Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. That's all you need. It's a beautifully simple formula, yet it holds opportunities for you to creatively make it your own.Fortunately for me, there are some recipes that are nearly impossible to mess up, and one of my all-time favorites in this category is the recipe for s'mores! Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. That's all you need. It's a beautifully simple formula, yet it holds opportunities for you to creatively make it your own.

Here are 5 interesting facts about s'mores from Real Simple:

1. The Merriam-Webster dictionary suggests the first known use of the word "s'more" was in 1974.
2. Despite the dictionary's claims, the first known s'more recipe was published in a Girl Scouts handbook in 1927.
3. The world's largest s'more weighed 267 pounds and was comprised of 140 pounds of marshmallows, 90 pounds of chocolate and 90 pounds of graham crackers.
4. Many restaurants have tried to capitalize on the popularity of s'mores, and this has led to s'more French fries, martinis, macarons and other unique creations.
5. Americans buy 90 million pounds of marshmallows every year. Additionally, during the summer it is estimated that 50 percent of marshmallows sold are used for s'mores.

​
Who wouldn't want a piece of the world's largest s'more? Sure, it would make your hands sticky, but it would certainly make your heart happy too!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance

​When the air feels crisper, the leaves start changing and the pumpkin spice products make their reappearance in stores … you know the best time of the year has arrived: fall! One of the best parts of fall in Livingston and Deep East Texas is the food, the warm cider and of course … decorating your home! Changing up your home décor is always fun reminder to enjoy the seasons changing and can make your space feel a little cozier. However, it can get a little pricey if you don't take advantage of DIY projects. Here's some easy and inexpensive ways to brighten up your home for autumn!

• Collect pinecones from outside and place them around your house where it makes sense. Places like on a table, built in shelves, or place them in a mason jar and put it on display. If pinecones aren't an option, you can also collect acorns!
• Buy affordable faux decorations at a local crafts store or thrift store. Look for leaf garlands, plastic pumpkins or silk flowers that go with your fall theme.
• Place a stack of hay next to your mailbox or porch railing.
• Lay some seasonal gourds on a tray for a unique table centerpiece.
• Shop for your pumpkins locally! Generally, pumpkins are very affordable and a perfect display piece for your porch or inside your home.
• DIY your wreath. Get a wreath form and some colorful, artificial flowers to attach to it, using a glue gun or florists wire you can create a welcoming addition to your front door.
• Place a cinnamon broom in the entryway of your home. This will make your house smell like autumn without spending money on expensive candles. Along with the pleasant smell, it goes well with the rest of your fall décor!
• Collect colored leaves, then cut two equal pieces of wax paper and brush them with glue. Arrange the leaves onto the glue on one piece of wax paper. Then cover with the other sheet and press together to stick. You can frame it for your wall or hang in a window.
• No need to go out and buy new throw pillows -- switch out your pillow cases for a more festive look! You can look for pillowcases that will fit the season online or at your local thrift store. Then, when autumn is over, all you need to do is swap the pillowcases out again.

Once you've redecorated your space, don't forget to relax and enjoy this time of year!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance

Each year, many people look forward to carving pumpkins for Halloween! Scooping out the slimy guts, cutting out a scary face, and baking the seeds to eat as a snack is a fun experience your entire family can enjoy. But if you're not careful, carving a pumpkin can lead to painful cuts and injuries.

According to the ASSH (American Society for Surgery of the Hand), thousands of people hurt themselves carving pumpkins every year during Halloween. Some of these injuries require surgery, but there could be worse cases.
Following these safety tips can help you and your family avoid injuries while carving your pumpkins this year.

1. Use the Right Tools Using a specially designed pumpkin carving tool can be safer than using a kitchen knife. Carving saws, stencils and scoops are less likely to have sharp edges, meaning they are less likely to create deep, penetrating cuts.
   According to Jeffrey Wint, MD, "a sharper knife is not necessarily better, because it often becomes wedged in the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it." If your hand is in the wrong place, this force can easily transfer to an injury when the knife is finally dislodged.
2. Do Decorative Work Before Removing the Inside of the Pumpkin Unless you're a carving pro, don't freestyle your design! Create a pattern on the surface of the pumpkin before you start carving. Draw or create a stencil with a sharpie that you can follow with your carving saw. This will help to decrease the likelihood that you'll need to make corrections, which create more opportunities for injuries.
3. Be patient Take your time and make sure you are carving with control. After all, carving a Halloween pumpkin is meant to be a fun activity. There's no need to rush! Plan on budgeting a few hours at least for this activity. If you take a little extra time to carve the pumpkin, it will probably look better, and it's still going to be faster than recovering from a nerve or tendon injury.
4. Don't Burn Yourself! When putting a candle in the pumpkin after your design is complete, make sure the flame stays far away from your skin. Consider cutting the bottom out of the pumpkin instead of the top. That way, you can just lower the pumpkin down onto the candle without having to reach your hand inside. Also, remember to blow the candle out before you go to sleep. As you know, forgetting to blow the candle out can cause a fire. As an alternative, consider using battery-operated candle-shaped lights.

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance

tail·gate /'tālˌgāt/
Verb Informal/NORTH AMERICAN

1. host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.
   "Lot 16E is reserved for alumni who wish to tailgate before the game."

In addition to insurance policies for auto and home, we also offer insurance policies for things you hitch to your vehicle like campers, boats or recreational vehicles. We know that in addition to being useful for towing things, your vehicle's tailgate can also be the location for a fantastic gathering of family and friends before a big game!

To help you plan, we've gathered some tips on how to throw a great tailgate party.

• Tickets  --Seasoned tailgaters likely don't need the reminder, but if you're new to tailgating or are traveling to a new venue to see your team, make sure you have the proper game day ticket or tailgate ticket in addition to a parking pass for the designated tailgate area for the big game.
• Safety and first aid gear  --While there may be medical personnel stationed nearby for the game, bring your own first-aid kit, so you're prepared for any minor injuries or ailments. Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher.
• Generator and grill check  --If it's allowed at the venue and you plan on bringing a grill and/or a generator, it's a good idea to check both prior to your event to make sure they are in safe, working order. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for your grill and the generator so you can run them for as long as you'll need.
• Weather check  --Nobody wants to be soggy or cold, so check the weather leading up to game day and plan for the weather conditions, including any inclement weather. Think layers for warmth, raincoats, rain ponchos, suitable footwear for cold or wet conditions, gloves, hats, etc. Don't forget the sunscreen. And obviously, whatever you wear, be sure you're sporting your team colors!
• Chairs, tents and team swag  --Once you know what the weather forecast is, you can plan what you'll need in terms of your tailgate party set up. Some people use their RV as their tailgate vehicle (make sure you check with the venue to see if RVs are allowed), some use their car, SUV, van or truck as the main gathering point. Whatever vehicle you use, you can easily position chairs, a portable table with your grill, coolers, and any other gear you may want like a canopy tent around the back of the vehicle. And don't forget to bring along your team's flag or other team paraphernalia so you can properly rep your team on game day!
• Snacks  --According to Foremost snack enthusiasts, this might be the most important element to a tailgate party! Think of foods that are easily prepared in advance and that travel well, like handheld and small-bite snacks that you and your guests can enjoy with minimal mess. If you're meeting friends or family at the game, you can organize and assign who will bring what snacks, so you have all your food and beverage bases covered. There are plenty of recipes to check out online - here's a round-up of over 50 tasty-looking tailgate recipes from the Food Network. Maybe you'll find a new recipe to try.
• Enjoy  --Finally, it's game day and all your planning will pay off. Once you arrive at the designated tailgate area and get set up, it's time to enjoy the festivities and the game.

tail·gate /'tālˌgāt/
Verb Informal/NORTH AMERICAN

1. host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.
   "Lot 16E is reserved for alumni who wish to tailgate before the game."

Texas is synonymous with Football and Tailgating! Here at First Community Financial Group, in addition to insurance policies for auto and home, we also offer insurance policies for things you hitch to your vehicle like campers, boats or recreational vehicles. We know that in addition to being useful for towing things, your vehicle's tailgate can also be the location for a fantastic gathering of family and friends before a big game!

To help you plan, we've gathered some tips on how to throw a great tailgate party.
​

• TicketsSeasoned tailgaters likely don't need the reminder, but if you're new to tailgating or are traveling to a new venue to see your team, make sure you have the proper game day ticket or tailgate ticket in addition to a parking pass for the designated tailgate area for the big game.
• Safety and first aid gearWhile there may be medical personnel stationed nearby for the game, bring your own first-aid kit, so you're prepared for any minor injuries or ailments. Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher.
• Generator and grill checkIf it's allowed at the venue and you plan on bringing a grill and/or a generator, it's a good idea to check both prior to your event to make sure they are in safe, working order. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for your grill and the generator so you can run them for as long as you'll need.
• Weather checkNobody wants to be soggy or cold, so check the weather leading up to game day and plan for the weather conditions, including any inclement weather. Think layers for warmth, raincoats, rain ponchos, suitable footwear for cold or wet conditions, gloves, hats, etc. Don't forget the sunscreen. And obviously, whatever you wear, be sure you're sporting your team colors!
• Chairs, tents and team swagOnce you know what the weather forecast is, you can plan what you'll need in terms of your tailgate party set up. Some people use their RV as their tailgate vehicle (make sure you check with the venue to see if RVs are allowed), some use their car, SUV, van or truck as the main gathering point. Whatever vehicle you use, you can easily position chairs, a portable table with your grill, coolers, and any other gear you may want like a canopy tent around the back of the vehicle. And don't forget to bring along your team's flag or other team paraphernalia so you can properly rep your team on game day!
• SnacksAccording to Foremost snack enthusiasts, this might be the most important element to a tailgate party! Think of foods that are easily prepared in advance and that travel well, like handheld and small-bite snacks that you and your guests can enjoy with minimal mess. If you're meeting friends or family at the game, you can organize and assign who will bring what snacks, so you have all your food and beverage bases covered. There are plenty of recipes to check out online - here's a round-up of over 50 tasty-looking tailgate recipes from the Food Network. Maybe you'll find a new recipe to try.
• EnjoyFinally, it's game day and all your planning will pay off. Once you arrive at the designated tailgate area and get set up, it's time to enjoy the festivities and the game.

Foremost® Insurance has policies for your motor home or travel trailer. If you're looking for for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can start a quote with us today!

You may overlook your roof, but it's one of the most important structures of your home – and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but it won’t last forever!

It’s important to check your roof a couple times a year to make sure incremental damages don’t become serious problems. Healthy roofs can help prevent storm and hail damage, and consistent repairs could potentially save you money in the long run. Keep reading to learn what signs to look out for to help determine if your roof needs repairs, or replacement.

How long does a roof last?
According to many sources, like Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 15-30 years (if you have a different type of roof, such as metal or clay tile, you may have to follow different rules). If your home is new or the roof was recently replaced, you should be in the clear. However, it doesn't hurt to do a checkup after getting hit with severe weather like a hailstorm, ice and snow, strong winds, or crazy rain.

What are some signs of roof damage?
Depending on the type of roof your home has, the signs of damage may vary. Asphalt shingle roofs are said to be especially susceptible to wind damage; they can be a cost-effective option, but they’re lightweight and may require more frequent maintenance. You’ll want to be aware of loose or missing shingles, or moss or algae growing on the roof. Other roof types, such as metal or concrete tile, can offer greater protection due to their durability, meaning the roof can withstand higher winds and stronger weather before risking damage. For these roofs, you will want to watch out for cracks, clogged gutters and signs of water damage from leaks.

Regardless of your roof type, frequent inspections can help prevent long-term damage, catching leaks, cracks and rot early in the process. Some professionals recommend checking your roof twice a year – once in the spring, and once in the fall – to help ensure your roof is ready to withstand more severe weather during winter and summer storm seasons.

Here are six warning signs that you may have roof damage:

Loose or missing shingles

​Wind and hail can cause serious damage to your roof, especially if you have a shingle roof. By regularly checking the shingle tabs on your roof, you can potentially catch minor damages before it causes a larger issue – like leaks, ceiling damage, or flooding.

Cracked or curling shingles

As roofs age, heat and moisture can cause shingles to crack or splinter. You may be able to see this from the ground. The shingle can curl up at the edges, preventing efficient sealing from rain, snow and debris. Durable shingle roof materials, such as slate or concrete, are less susceptible to warping, and could be a good investment if your area experiences large volumes or rain or high temperatures. Metal roofs don’t have shingles, but it’s still important to check for cracks or curling edges to help ensure a proper seal from the elements.

Shingles covered in moss or algae

Built to withstand the elements, roofs provide a barrier between your home and the world around you. But they are still susceptible to damage from vegetation and debris, such as moss and algae. These small plants prefer dark and humid environment, and the ridges of a roof provide an inviting home. As the plants grow beneath your roof shingles, they can cause gaps in the sealing structure, leading to water damage or broken/missing shingles. It could help to consult a roof professional if you have vegetation growth on your roof to see if there are options to prevent further damage.

Holes or water damage in attic

You may love to see the sun shining, but not through the roof. If you have an attic space in your home, it can be helpful to check the roof from inside. If you notice sun shining through the roof, you may want to check outside to see if there is damage to the shingles in the area or a crack in the roofing material. Signs of water, molding or rotting in your attic may also be a sign that there is a problem with the roof. A roof specialist can help determine where the damage originated.

Extensive leaking

Leaks and unexpected water damage are one of the most tell-tale signs of issues with your roof. All types of roof damage have the possibility of breaking the roof’s seal, creating an opportunity for water and snow to get through and collect in your home. Ceilings may become discolored or stained, begin to warp, or show signs of rot and molding. If you notice any of these signs, it’s helpful to contact a specialist as soon as possible, as damage has already begun to occur.

According to Home Advisor, a roof replacement can range anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. The size of your home, the materials used and your location will affect that price range. It's no small sum, but in return for the investment, you'll likely add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home and ensure a safe and habitable dwelling for years to come. Don't need a new roof right now? Do a quick check at least twice a year to see if maintenance is needed. If you notice problems like missing shingles or signs of water damage, it would make sense to call a roofing specialist to make the repairs as soon as possible – it could save you a bundle by prolonging the life of your roof and stopping costly leaks in their tracks.

Content courtesy of Foremost Insurance Company