Summer is officially here, and if you're like me, you can't wait to get on the road and go on some adventures! There's nothing more enjoyable than good company, good food and an open road with endless possibilities.

If you're traveling in an RV, you have the benefit of more convenience! You now have a kitchen, shower, bathrooms and bedrooms. It definitely saves money on hotels, and may save you time on stops along the way too. But, just like any trip, your RV vacation can go sour very quickly if you ignore certain safety precautions and regular maintenance. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 20,000 RV fires happen every year.⚹ That's a scary number to consider. The good news is, most RV fires are preventable!

Before you hit the road, read these fire prevention safety tips so you can have a worry-free trip with your family and friends!

• Make sure you carry fire extinguishers in your RV. It is a good idea to keep one in the kitchen and one outside in an unlocked compartment or tow vehicle. Learn how to properly use one, and train others who will be traveling with you.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detector. There's nothing worse than having a smoke detector that doesn't work when you need it to the most! Be sure to test these safety systems at least once a month to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Inspect your electrical system regularly. Make sure you have solid connections and wires that are in good shape. If you find some that need some work, be sure to call a professional in to handle the job!
• Have an emergency plan. Always be prepared for the worst! Make sure you and your fellow travelers have an escape plan, and practice it before you leave.
• Have your RV brakes inspected. Experts say a dragging brake can potentially create enough friction to ignite a tire or brake fluid.
• Check all hoses for any leaks or signs of damage. Any leaking fluids in your RV's engine compartment can ignite, so they need to be repaired immediately.
• Shut off your propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances while driving. Many people leave the refrigerator on while driving to keep their food cold, but this can be very dangerous if you happen to get into an accident. The fridge can stay cold for up to eight hours if you leave it closed. Don't risk it - shut it off!
• Never leave cooking unattended. It is also a good idea to properly ventilate your RV when you are cooking with the stove.
• Pay attention to where you park your vehicle. When you park, try to avoid parking close to grass or shrubs. A hot exhaust pipe and dry grass is a recipe for disaster!
• Purchase RV Insurance. Make sure your RV has insurance, and make sure you know every detail about your policy! If you haven't purchased any yet, ask your insurance agent as many questions as possible, and—in the end–get a policy that fits your needs. You will be more at ease knowing your RV is fully covered in the case of an accident or fire.

After reading this, I hope you feel more prepared and confident to take on the road in your RV. From everyone here at Foremost, save travels and good luck!
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⚹ https://www.nps.gov/articles/p52-rv-fire-safety-101.htm





Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/fire-safety-for-your-rv.asp

​Traveling on the road in your Recreational Vehicle can get pricey if you eat out for every meal, but cooking your own meals may require some creativity. While many RVs do have full, functional kitchens, some may not have that option. However, there are other ways to cook your meals in and around your RV safely, even if you don’t have a source of heat.

Here are five unique ways you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals while you’re on the road!

1. Propane Stove If you already have a stove in your RV, use it to your advantage! The burners are most likely smaller than your regular stove at home, so be sure to buy the appropriate-sized cookware for it. Keep in mind that if you have a refrigerator in your RV, it most likely runs on propane too. Be sure to bring enough propane tanks on your trip if you plan on using both!
2. Portable Grill No stove? No problem! There are plenty of electric grills you can bring on the road to cook all of your favorite foods. Please remember, do not use any of these grills inside of your RV due to flames and the poisonous gases these grills can give off. They are for outside use only!
3. Cook With Fire Who doesn’t love a good cookout? Many RV parks offer fire pits and grills for guests, so you may not even need to bring your own. This is also a perfect opportunity to grill a bunch of foods at once so you have leftovers for the next couple of days. With this option, you also need to make sure you are not around your RV while grilling to avoid a serious fire or any kind of explosion.
4. Home Kitchen Appliances You don’t need to say goodbye to your favorite appliances just because you’re away from home. You can bring along your toaster oven, microwave, pressure cooker, blender, etc. as long as they are all safe for RV usage. If you are unsure if your appliance is safe to use, call the manufacturer to get more information.
5. Prepare No-Cook Meals If you have no stove, no grill, or you’re just not in the mood to cook – go cold! There are plenty of recipes you can prepare without heat such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastas and, of course, any kind of fruit.

Before you begin cooking food of any kind in your RV, you should have basic fire safety materials available at all times. Putting together an easy-to-access fire safety kit and having a fire extinguisher on hand will make all the difference during your cooking ventures. Visit the Learning Center for more information on RV fire safety. Have fun and happy cooking!


Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/five-ways-to-cook-while-on-the-road.asp

The most common type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. To avoid this and other issues on the water, here are some responsible boating tips that will help keep your family and your boat safe.

First, it is the responsibility of all boaters to know the rules of the water. Make sure you take a boating safety course to learn more about navigation rules. Some states have requirements in addition to the federal requirements, so it's good to check the laws in your specific state to learn more.

The most common type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

In addition, you should also:

• Have a lookout who can watch for other boats, people or hazards.
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers, including speed limits, no-wake zones and underwater obstructions.
• Drive at a safe speed.
• Keep a safe distance and speed when passing, meeting or overtaking another vessel.
• Be aware of the wake you make. Certain laws make you responsible for damage it may create.
• Enter anchoring or mooring areas at a slow speed.
• Remember the phrase "Red right returning"—when returning inland, keep red navigational aides (buoys, daymarks, lights) on your right when passing them.
• Power-driven vessels must give way to sailboats and fishing boats unless in smaller spaces, where it's harder for larger boats to maneuver.
• Radar is not required; but if you have it, you should use it.
• Be sure to anchor a safe distance from other boats to avoid tangling anchor lines.
• Have a designated driver—Boating Under the Influence (BUI) offenses are handled much like those for driving a car while intoxicated.

The U.S. Coast Guard has certain requirements you must follow, which may change depending on the size of your boat:

• Carry a personal flotation device for each person who is on board or towed. Personal flotation device laws for children vary by state.
• Be sure you have a sound-producing device, such as a bell, horn or whistle.
• Have at least one approved fire extinguisher on board.
• Carry approved visual distress signals.
• Equip your boat with backfire flame control.
• Use appropriate navigation lights at night.

Stay safe both on the shore and on your boat. Your safety is number one to us.

​Looking for boat insurance? Click here. 




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Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/boating-tips-learn-how-to-be-safe-on-the-water.asp

Is your hard-working kitchen getting cluttered and unmanageable? If you need more storage, but every cupboard, shelf, nook and cranny is filled, it's time to take a second look at your use of space. Chances are you can reorganize and reclaim more storage than you ever thought possible.

Well-planned cabinets, drawers and shelves maximize space, save steps and eliminate frustrating searches for necessary kitchen tools and gadgets. An organized kitchen doesn't cost a lot of money, but does require a practical plan to keep items handy and easy to reach. Here are a few ideas to help make efficient use of your kitchen space and create some new storage areas as well.

Clear the Clutter
Your kitchen holds an awesome amount of stuff. The more stuff you collect and store in the kitchen, the more you have to manage. It makes sense to get rid of anything you don't need or want anymore. Reducing clutter is a must. If you do nothing else to organize your kitchen, do this.

A well-designed, folding step stool is an indispensable tool for your reorganizing strategy. Choose one that helps you access storage space without requiring much of its own. Be sure it's sturdy and can easily hold your weight while you're stretching and reaching into upper cabinets, shelves and closets.

Pick a starting point and begin at the top. Work one shelf, cupboard or drawer at a time and remove everything you find. Most items you run across will require a decision, so group your “stuff” into categories. For each item, ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used this?
• Do I want to keep it?
• Donate it to charity?
• Save it for a yard sale?
• Transfer it to another area of my home?
• Throw it away?

Create separate stacks for each category and stick to the plan.
Remember these tips:

• Put dishes, pots and utensils you use every day into one stack where they can stay until you are ready to reorganize the kitchen.
• Place items to be banished from prime kitchen space, but are still too good to throw away, into another stack. For example, pans you don't use, dishes you don't like and specialty cooking tools that are more trouble to clean than to use can all be given to a friend or neighbor, donated for the church bazaar or put away for your next yard sale.
• Round up the stray “stuff” that ends up in the kitchen when it really belongs in other areas of your home. Put them into another stack to be redistributed.
• Throw away any broken or chipped dishes or glasses, lids without bottoms, canned or packaged goods that have expired or look past their prime. If you can't remember when you bought a cake mix, or how long the spices have been on the shelf, throw them out. Discard any swollen or old cans, and donate canned goods you won't use to a food bank.

Look For Extra Storage
To make the most of potential kitchen storage, think beyond the individual cabinets, shelves and closets to every available inch. A careful inventory of existing space can help you plan how to use it effectively. Start your planning process by searching for unused or underused spaces. Examine all surfaces, including the area above or below appliances, behind doors and unused floor space. Grab a notebook and pen and make a list of any potential storage spots or areas that can be better organized.

• Make the reorganization of shelf space, cabinets and drawers your next consideration. Visit a home center or discount store to find new ways to increase your kitchen storage. For example, buy different sized stacking platforms and place them in taller shelf spaces to save room, or install pullout shelves or baskets that can utilize all the space in a cupboard. Transform a jumble of pan lids by mounting lid racks on cabinet doors.
• Reclaim your wasted drawer space by inserting compartmentalized organizers. Put together drawer partitions of various shapes and sizes inside wide drawers or stack two in deep drawers. Turntables and other handy cabinet organizers not only store things in their correct places, but also make them much easier to reach. Use products such as racks for glasses and hooks for cups to maximize every bit of cabinet space.
• Corner base cabinets are notorious for dark, difficult-to-reach corner space. The most common solution to maximize accessibility and storage in a corner cabinet is to install a lazy Susan. Choose from a full turnaround in which the entire interior of your cabinet revolves, half-moon pullouts that rotate on a pivot or half turns that are a fixed semicircle. You can set a lazy Susan on fixed shelves as an independent unit, or install it on a center pole that pivots.
• Individual turntables are perfect for organizing and storing spices. Just a small twist of the wrist puts each spice at your fingertips when they are placed on either a single or double-tiered turntable. Turntables can be used inside cabinets or on your counter top. You could also add a narrow shelf along one wall at eye level for spice jars, sauce bottles, salt and peppershakers or other small items that require quick and easy access.

These quick and simple pointers will also help you gain extra kitchen storage in unexpected places:

• Mount under-cabinet racks to display your prettiest stemware or teacups. Paper plate holders, electric can-openers, automatic coffee makers, or even a small TV can also be mounted beneath cabinets to provide extra room on your countertops.
• Reduce paper clutter by hanging a bulletin board on unused wall space. Don't overlook the insides of cabinet doors to display your most used phone numbers, recipes and emergency information.
• Buy a butcher-block cart on wheels for moveable storage from a home center or discount store. This handy “island” is a good place to store small appliances or baking equipment.
• Use a muffin tin filled with small kitchen odds-and-ends as a drawer divider.
• Hang potholders and dishtowels on a section of wood trellis or weathered wooden stepladder that has been securely attached to an unused wall. Or, install a hat rack at the kitchen door for shopping bags.
• Use your oven for hiding seldom-used pots and pans, but remember to remove them before turning on the oven.
• Install a series of corner shelves to hold collectibles or cookbooks.
• Hang a graduated trio of wire baskets from a kitchen ceiling corner and fill with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Get Reorganized
Now that you've cleared out the clutter and discovered a few new storage areas, it's time to take your final step toward creating an efficient, well-organized kitchen. Think of your kitchen as a single room with three separate work centers: preparation, cooking and cleanup. Keep in mind where, what and how you use an item before you put it back into each cabinet or drawer.
Easy access and return is important. If you can get to something and return it to its designated space without a hassle, the chance of your kitchen staying organized is greater. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Place food supplies and cooking utensils as close as possible to the area where you'll use them most.
• Save easy-to-reach shelves and cupboards for items you need every day and store items used less frequently on top shelves and out- of-the-way places.
• Put pots, pans and other cookware such as griddles, casseroles and other specialty cooking dishes near the range or oven for easy access.
• Stack saucepans by size with lids in a rack alongside them. Place large pans and skillets in a nearby cabinet.
• Store baking sheets, muffin tins and cake pans in a cabinet next to your oven or in a cabinet beneath a built-in oven. Arrange them by size and those used most often. A rack works well to store baking sheets on their side.
• Stack mixing bowls by size and store in the cabinets or drawers where you do most of your food preparation.
• Keep large knives, spoons, spatulas and other preparation tools in a top drawer near the dishwasher and counter where you prepare food.
• Store staples such as flour, sugar and spices near your food preparation area.
• Locate flatware, dishes and glasses near the dishwasher so you don't have to haul them across the kitchen to put them away.
• Put cleaning supplies, the wastebasket and kitchen linens closest to your clean-up areas like the sink and dishwasher.
• Place microwave containers in the cabinet nearest the microwave oven along with leftover storage containers.

How to Arrange a Food Pantry
When your pantry or food storage cabinets become packed with food that isn't sorted or organized, you will eventually have a huge mess on your hands. The pileup of ingredients can be avoided without spending a lot of time or effort. It just takes about an hour from start to finish.

Start by emptying pantry shelves and moving everything to boxes or a nearby countertop. Clean shelves with warm, soapy water and wipe dry. Before you put things away, think about how you will fill prime and non-prime spaces. For example, prime, eye-level shelves should be reserved for your items used most often.

• Store canned vegetables, fruits and soups together, organized by contents, for quick access.
• Keep all baking ingredients together on one shelf, such as flour, sugar, baking soda and baking powder. Cake mixes, muffin mixes, Jell-o and pudding mixes go on the same shelf with baking ingredients.
• Place pastas, rice and boxed quick meals together on another shelf.
• Designate a lower shelf for paper storage, then place napkins, paper towels and plates together.
• Keep heavy items, such as soda bottles, on a lower shelf.
• Place smaller items in a shoebox or plastic container that keeps them easy to find.
• Put single ingredients like dried beans, rice, and noodles in clear containers or canisters so you can easily find what you are looking for.
• Rotate dried and canned goods, using those with the closest expiration date first.
• Throw out old food or items you aren't likely to use again.
• Keep your pantry organized by putting things back in the spots you've designated for them.

Kitchen Storage and Organizing Resources

• www.getorganized.com
  This site has hundreds of reasonably priced space-saving items that help organize kitchen cabinets, shelves drawers.
• www.organizedhome.com
  Get a free printable household organizer then surf this site for practical kitchen organizing and storage articles. If you have a storage problem, post it on the message board to see how other people have solved it.
• www.improvementscatalog.com
  Lid organizer racks, wire-shelf liners, turntables, a magnetic rack system and other kitchen storage items and ideas can be found here.
• www.solutionscatalog.com
  The kitchen and dining section of this site offers storage and organization tips, as well as space saving gadgets and tools.
• www.lowes.com
  Look under the home organization section and click on kitchen storage and layout for simple, but effective pointers.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/reclaim-your-kitchen-space.asp

A leaking water heater will do a lot of damage to your home. Even a small, slow leak can soak into the particle board subflooring and cause the subfloor to decay. Leaking water may also seep into carpeting, create mildew and permanently stain your walls. As awful as this sounds, a faulty water heater can cause even greater damage. Fire or toxic fumes from a water heater that is not properly installed or maintained could pose a real threat to you and your family.

Fortunately, most water heater problems can be avoided with proper maintenance.

All water heaters should be frequently checked for leaks. It's important to check the pipe connections, the valves and underneath the unit. Simple preventive maintenance will help you avoid lasting damage from a leaking water heater.

Take time to test the temperature/pressure relief valve once a year to make sure it's working. Be careful when you do. The water in the tank is HOT and can cause scalding burns. Pull up or push down on the valve handle; hot water should come out of the overflow pipe. If it does, the valve is working properly.
Periodically drain a bucket of water from the drain faucet at the bottom of the water tank. Again, take care not to get burned by the hot water. Draining a bucket of water will remove sediment from the tank bottom that could corrode the unit as well as reduce its heating efficiency.

Check all water lines, connections and valves for signs of leakage, especially where connections have been crimped. With a flashlight, check under the tank for small leaks that could be caused by rust and corrosion.

You can protect the floor under the water heater from water damage by painting the area with a water sealant. If you do, be sure you've turned off the heat source to the water heater. Otherwise, you may create a fire hazard.

Since particleboard may be damaged if it's soaked, consider replacing it with plywood flooring. You can install a specially designed drip pan under the water heater. These pans are available at most building supply stores for about $10. Make sure the pan you select has a drain out the bottom.


AN IMPORTANT NOTE: If your water heater doesn't have a temperature/pressure relief valve, install one. This is a safeguard every water heater should have – it's an inexpensive attachment that can save you thousands of dollars, especially on home insurance. After you have installed the valve, test it. Open the lever on the valve. If water spurts out, the valve is working.



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Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/water-heater-maintenance.asp

If you're a busy person who's always on the go, you probably check your email on your phone. Gartner reports that almost 75% of smartphone owners use their devices to check their email. And if you're really on the go, you read your email quickly. In fact, Movable Ink's US Consumer Device Preference Report of 2014 via Email Monday states that most mobile users only spend about 10 seconds to view each message. 10 seconds isn't a long time especially if you're multitasking. How many of you are guilty of reading your email while walking down the hall, sidewalk or cafeteria?

Combine the quickness of our culture plus the growth of phishing, and you've got an increased risk for identity theft. Phishing (pronounced like fishing) is the activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company.

According to a Google study, phishing emails work 45% of the time. Typically, these scams are obvious. The email will contain numerous spelling errors or words that are out of place. But sometimes, if you're not paying close enough attention, you'll be dangerously convinced into providing confidential information.

One of my favorite water sports is tubing. For someone who isn't athletically inclined, it's fairly easy and doesn't require much work. I simply make sure I'm secure on the tube, hold on tight and then feel the rush of adrenaline as I ride the waves! It's exciting and unpredictable because I never know if I'll stay on my tube or fall off into the water (I usually end up falling in), and it forces me to brush up on my swimming skills. It's even more fun if I'm with a partner and we're in competition to see who can hold on the longest!

Usually when I'm tubing, I'm never concerned about safety because I'm with experienced boaters and other people who have been tubing for quite some time. However, there's no such thing as being too safe.
If you're a first time rider or just need a refresher, keep these safety tips in mind the next time you are getting ready to jump on a tube!

• Get familiar with your equipment. Make sure you know how much size and weight your tubing equipment can carry. It is also important to know if the manufacturer has any recommendations for age limits, the number of riders and towing speeds.
• Make sure the tow line is secure. Always double check the tow line to confirm it is securely tightened before you take off. If you see any signs of wear and tear on the rope, it needs to be replaced. Don't risk it!
• Designate a spotter. Since the boat driver is focusing on the water ahead, choose another passenger that can watch the rider and communicate with the driver. The spotter will look out for accidents and let the driver know when someone falls off the tube. It is also a good idea for the spotter and rider to go over hand signals for speeding up, slowing down and stopping.
• Consult the tube rider before you start. The driver and rider should have a chat beforehand so there aren't any surprises on the water. The rider should let the driver know what their limits are and how fast they are comfortable going. If there is more than one person riding, they should know how to position themselves on the tube so their weight is distributed evenly. This will help the ride go a lot smoother!
• Be cautious around wakes. The driver should always slow the boat down when crossing a wake. Driving through wakes at high speeds can be fun and bouncy, but it puts the rider at risk for serious injuries, especially if they are laying on their stomach.
• Wear proper safety gear. Regardless of the rider's age and swim level, they need to wear a life jacket. Make sure it's securely fastened so there's no chance it will slip off if they fall into the water.
• Know your surroundings. During the busy summer months, the water will most likely be packed with other boats. Before you begin tubing, the driver should find an area with open water you can claim for yourself. The entire experience will be a lot safer and more fun for all involved!

Lastly, enjoy the thrills and have fun! Tubing is a great family activity because it can be appropriate for all ages, and just as fun as water skiing or wakeboarding. If you've never gone before, I hope your mind is at ease and you feel prepared for what's to come. Stay safe out there!
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*https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/water-tubing-tips-boat-safety-tips-for-water-sports-tubing

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/water-tubing-safety.asp

​With increasing gas prices it's hard not to notice the spiking trend of people choosing scooters as alternate transportation. Whatever make or model you choose to fit your style, you can't deny the money-saving and environmental affects riding a scooter has over driving a 2-ton motor vehicle that only gets 20 miles to the gallon.

A growing problem with having more people on scooters is how to safely share the road. State legislation varies on scooters; some states equate scooters with bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards, while other states put scooters in the same category as motorcycles, requiring helmets and regulating where scooters can be ridden. Check your state's DMV Web site for the appropriate laws and licensing rules for your state.

Regardless of where you live, scooters are most likely sharing the road with vehicles that significantly outweigh them and can easily overtake them. By using common sense and some very simple safety tactics, scooter riders can effectively, and safely, share the road with other vehicles.

Wear a helmet
Even if your state does not require you to, studies show helmets significantly minimize head injuries if an accident occurs.

Use your lights
Always turn on your headlight when you're riding your scooter even during the day, especially if it's raining, and of course always in the evening. Make sure you can be seen by other cars.

Always use turn signals
Just like in a car, you need to let people know where you are going. In addition to a signal light, it's also a good idea to use hand turn signals that motorcyclists and bicyclists use when they are sharing the road with cars. Based on U.S. standards, for a left turn, extend your left arm straight out in the direction of the turn, parallel to the road. For a right turn, extend your right arm straight out in the direction of the turn, parallel to the road.

Obey speed limits and road markings
Obey all posted limits and follow lane markings. Don't attempt to make a right turn by coming up next to a vehicle on the shoulder, unless there is a lane. You could easily be in a car's blind spot and be hit if they turn right as well and can't see you.

Scooters are a fresh alternative to getting around town while saving money and the environment. Riding scooters presents challenges that any motorist faces when sharing the road with vehicles of all sizes and speeds. Keep your head about you and make sure you put safety first when taking your new scooter out for a spin.
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Looking for Scooter Insurance?Foremost offers scooter insurance on all scooter makes and models and offers coverage such as:

• Physical Damage and Liability
• Total Loss Replacement Coverage
• Towing and Roadside Assistance
• Safety Apparel and Optional Equipment when Physical Damage coverage is purchased.

​Ah, the RV awning. It's a wonderful feature to have - for looks, for shade - but also one that needs regular maintenance. How many times have you heard your awning creaking in the howling wind when you forgot to lower it? How many times have you heard of somebody else's awning blowing off completely or seen one sagging to the point of no return after a storm?

The key to avoiding damage to your awning is being prepared. Knowing how to handle your awning can save it - and you - from loss in case of a “rainy day.”

When to hold it, when to fold it
Awnings are a standard part of most motor home and travel trailer equipment today and they can handle the typical everyday wear if they're cared for. Generally, your awning should be secured at its feet, pegged down so it will not flip in the wind. Awning straps are also available to help keep it secured.

In terms of weather conditions, a light drizzle or breeze should not be cause for alarm. At the first sign of menacing dark clouds or a whipping wind, however, roll up the awning. The best thing to do is practice rolling your awning on a nice day, so you'll be prepared to do it quickly when a storm really is about to hit. Nobody wants to be caught in the rain, struggling to roll up their awning while lighting abounds.

Keeping clean
An awning that is rolled up a while will need to be aired out and cleaned as soon as weather clears. This type of maintenance is simple compared to fixing a broken awning or having to replace one altogether. Unroll the awning, rinse with warm water and a mild cleansing solution (you can gently scrub it with a brush or sponge) and then let it dry.

This is a good general practice for your awning regardless of whether it's been wet or rolled. Regular accumulation of dirt and other pollutants on a fabric surface can shorten the life of the structure, and quicken the deterioration of the fabric. Periodic cleanings are best in the long run to keep your awning in good condition.

Though some losses on the road may be out of your control, your awning shouldn't be one of them. Taking good care of it will help keep you "in the shade."
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Need RV insurance?
In addition to RV awning care, make sure you have insurance coverage specialized for your RV. Check out our RV Insurance coverage options or start a quote.