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 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!
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​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

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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.
 
 
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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:

• Splatter painting: Spread an old sheet out in the yard, grab some watered-down acrylic paint and a brush or a spoon. Then, have your kids dip the brush or spoon and flick their wrist to splatter the paint! Try different colors and motions to make interesting patterns.
  
  
• Body painting: Kids love to paint themselves! Washable, nontoxic tempera paint is just the ticket, and it comes off with soap and water.
  
  
• Grape and toothpick sculptures: This is as easy as it sounds. Get a bowl of grapes and a box of toothpicks. The grapes hold their shapes well and are easily pierced by the toothpicks to create towers and other structures. And, when you’re done, you have a healthy snack!

 
Science Activities

Have a budding scientist around the house? Try these basic projects from PBS:

• Grow something. Having your kids grow flowers, herbs or vegetables creates a long-term learning activity that encourages monitoring and observation.
  
  
• Cook something. Working together in the kitchen invites all kinds of questions: What does baking soda do? Why is gelatin such a weird consistency? How do ingredients interact?
  
  
• Get outside. The outdoors is full of things for kids to examine — plants, worms, frogs, bugs and more! Even running through the sprinkler can be an educational opportunity, once the rainbow appears.
  
  
• Stay up late ... and look up. A clear summer night is perfect for checking out stars and pointing out constellations. You can talk to your kids about the various planets, and maybe even catch a firefly or two.

 
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