Out of sight, out of mind! It's a saying that's too often true about making repairs around the base of your home. Problems with manufactured home skirting are common, but thankfully, replacing your mobile home's skirting is easier than you might think.

If it becomes necessary to evacuate, plan for it ahead of time. Talk it over and make decisions so everyone is on the same page. Preparation can save lives and reduce the amount of time it takes to get your family to safety and eventually back home.

Evacuation plan

• Where you'll go.
  Decide ahead of time where you'll go when you evacuate, taking into consideration people may be coming from work, school, or other locations. If you have children in school, find out where they will be sent when an evacuation is announced. Update this plan every year or as schools or careers change.
• Who you'll contact.
  Designate someone outside the area to contact in the event you are separated from your family, or if your electricity is not working in your home. Should the situation be grave enough where your family can't evacuate together, have everyone call the contact person to say they are safe.
• Where you'll meet.
  Agree on a meeting point for the family if you're separated during a disaster.
• Evacuation Routes
  Plan several evacuation routes from your area that are not low-lying, and test them often for efficiency. In the event of a flash flood you won't be able to evacuate, but you must seek higher ground. In areas where there is extreme heat, identify places to avoid exposure like malls, movie theaters or a friend's home.

​Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/prepare-for-an-evacuation.asp

Hurricanes. Just the thought of them can make a person tremble in fear. Whether you've experienced a hurricane yourself or you've just heard about their destructive patterns, these bad boys know how to make their name heard. The technical definition of a hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least74 mph. A major hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. To put that into perspective, imagine sticking your head out the window of a car as you travel down the highway - that's the speed of wind you would be up against during a low-scale hurricane. Sound scary? It is. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions to take, you may be able to reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

​Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Foremost wants to share some tips to ready your home and family prior to a severe storm, may it hit. It's never too early to:

• Determine safe evacuation routes inland. Don't forget about your pets!
• Learn the different warning signs and alerts to watch for.
• Meet with those you live with to create an emergency and evacuation plan.
• Learn locations of official shelters. Red Cross has a great resourcethat will help you locate shelter in the event of a disaster.
• Review your insurance policy with your agent. Is your property covered for such an event?

Whether the hurricane threats are immediate or they seem off in the distance, it's important for all residents of hurricane areas to be prepared and think ahead. We offer detailed hurricane preparedness plans, checklists for inventory, and information on what to do after a storm hits your area.

​Stay safe through these storm seasons! Your safety is number one to us.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/more-storms-to-come-during-hurricane-season.asp

As of July 15, 2022, all Southern Fidelity insurance policies are canceled. If you are a former Southern Fidelity Insurance customer, Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group can help with the transition. Simply call 561-768-8176 for assistance.
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Below find everything you need to know about this change and how we can help you transition to another policy that meets your needs.

Liquidation of Southern Fidelity Insurance Company

On June 15, 2022, Southern Fidelity Insurance Company (“SFIC”) was ordered liquidated by the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County, Florida. The Florida Department of Financial Services (“Department”) is the court appointed Receiver of SFIC. A copy of the liquidation order for SFIC is available on the Department’s website, www.myfloridacfo.com/division/receiver.

Please be informed that:

• ​Except for flood policies, SFIC insurance policies are cancelled effective 12:01 a.m., July 15, 2022, unless otherwise terminated prior to that date.
• The deadline for filing claims in the SFIC receivership proceeding is June 15, 2023.

FLORIDA POLICIES:
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) may be able to offer coverage. Citizens is prepared to write eligible policies if, after a good-faith search, agents cannot find coverage in the private market. 

Because of hurricane season and the short time between the liquidation of Southern Fidelity and the policy cancellation date, Citizens is working to make this easier. Citizens is prepared to:

• Upload your Southern Fidelity data directly into PolicyCenter, which will help expedite the completion of a new business submission to Citizens if needed
• Allow deferral of 4 Point, Roof Certification and Wind Loss Mitigation inspections for up to 1 year.
• Continue quarterly payment plans, which will allow the policyholder to initiate coverage with a 40% down payment while they await to receive any unearned premium due from the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association.

Open Claims:
If the insured property has unrepaired damage, property owners will need to take steps to repair it, have a contract for repairs, or otherwise demonstrate insurability. Submitted applications unbound for approval must include the following documentation:

• A description of damage
• Photos of the existing damage
• Acceptable documentation reflecting when the repairs will be completed
• An Existing Damage Disclaimer signed by the applicant

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Call Us Today For An Affordable, Quality Policy
Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group can help you transition to an affordable, quality insurance policy that meets your needs. Please call us at 561-768-8176 and reference your SFIC policy so that our agents can assist you.

It's the holiday season again – that special time of year when you brighten your home with colorful and twinkling lights. Although decorating with electric lighting helps you create a cheerful atmosphere, it also brings an increased risk of accidental fire.
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Here are some important safety tips to help you avoid electrical fires, overloaded circuits and other holiday fire hazards both outside and inside your home.

Outside lights

• Always buy lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
• Never use seasonal lighting outside your home unless it is specifically labeled for outdoor use.
• Connect outside lighting to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) outlet. If you don't have a GFCI outlet, contact a qualified electrician for proper installation.
• Never secure the wiring of outdoor lighting with staples or nails – or place lights on sharp hooks or nails.
• Do not close doors or windows on extension cords, or mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Never overload extension cords.

Inside lights

• Keep kids and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
• Unplug all holiday lighting before leaving the house or when going to bed.
• Make sure the lamps do not rest on the supply cord or on any wire.
• Avoid covering lights with cloth, paper or any material that is not part of the lighting.
• Throw away any lighting that shows cut, damaged or frayed wire insulation or cords. Also discard lights with cracks in lamp holders, loose connections or exposed copper wire.
• Virtually all holiday lighting is provided with overload fuse protection. A blown fuse indicates an overload or short-circuit situation. When this occurs, unplug lights from the outlet immediately and replace the blown fuse.
• If the replacement fuse blows, a short circuit may be present. Either throw the light string away – or return it to the retailer if new.
• Take the lights down when the holidays are over. Seasonal lighting is not intended for permanent installation or use.

Christmas tree safety

• When lights are placed on a live tree, be sure your tree is fresh and well maintained. Never purchase a tree with dry or dropping needles.
• Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water every day.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over. Make sure the tree stand is well secured and stable before putting on the lights.
• Always use safe tree lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory.
• Inspect lights carefully. If a string of lights has worn, frayed or broken cords, or loose bulb connections it should not be used.
• Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source. Try to position it near an outlet so cords don't have to run long distances.
• Do not position the Christmas tree where it may block exits.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
• Buy artificial trees only if they are labeled as fire-retardant.
• Make sure larger tree lights have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.
• Keep an eye on children when they are near the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
• Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children.
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Don't keep dried out trees in your home or garage, as they are highly flammable.
• NEVER attempt to burn a dried out tree in your home's fireplace. It may burst into hard-to-control flame instantly.

Candle fire – Beauty or a beast?

• The warm glow of holiday candlelight is beautiful, but can be a severe fire hazard. Since December is the peak month for candle fires, put safety first when lighting any holiday candle. Here are a few safety tips to observe.
• NEVER use candles to decorate your Christmas tree!
• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Don't place candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
• Use sturdy candleholders that won't tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Remember, a candle is an open flame and can easily ignite nearby combustible materials – such as clothing, books, paper or any flammable liquid.
• Keep candlewicks trimmed to one quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they are within two inches of the holder. Votive candles should be put out before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

Candles and children

• Keep candles up high and out of reach of children.
• Do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children.
• Never leave a young child unattended in a room with a lighted candle.
• Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Store candles, matches and lighters up high – out of children's sight and reach.

During power outages

• Try to avoid carrying a lit candle.
• Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
• Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern.

Sources of holiday lighting information and web links

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Whether you bought a new or used mobile home, odds are that when you purchased it the design wasn’t exactly what you wanted. Builders may not use the most high-end materials on new builds, and if it’s an older model, it may be time for an update. If you ever plan to revamp a room in your mobile home, consider starting with the kitchen. It can make your mobile home look more modern, and they can have some of the best return-on-investment rates.*
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If you’re not sure where to start in your kitchen or if you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Foremost® has done some research for you and put together a list of ideas you can use to give your kitchen a more updated look!

• Paint your cabinets.
  This can be a great option to give your kitchen a completely new look. If it’s in your budget, consider having professional painters do the job. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of step-by-step tutorials online that explain how to prep and paint your cabinets. You can definitely save some money if you go this route, but it is not an easy task!
• Add an island.
  This could be a nice way to add more counter space without doing extensive work. We’ve learned that there is such a thing as a mobile kitchen island. They have wheels and will allow you to move the island where you need it. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you are likely to find one that matches your kitchen.
• Update the lighting.
  Switching out your light fixtures can be a game changer. Replacing the light fixtures with more decorative options is a simple change that can make the space look trendier, more unique and improve the overall style of your home. If you want to save a few dollar bills on your electric bill, consider going with energy saving LED lighting.
• Paint the walls.
  This can be an inexpensive way to change the look of any room. With kitchens, you typically want to brighten up the space, so you may want to go with a lighter color. The wall color will depend on what your cabinet colors are, so make sure you pick one that pairs nicely. White is timeless (and popular right now), so that is a color you can’t go wrong with!
• Install backsplash.
  Adding backsplash to your kitchen or switching out your current backsplash can instantly give the space a facelift. If you’re into DIY projects there is plenty of free information and videos online that explain how to install it. However, if it looks too intimidating, it may be best to get it professionally installed.
• Switch out the hardware.
  Replacing the knobs and handles on your kitchen cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to give your kitchen a new look! There are tons of different colors and styles to choose from; you can visit your local hardware store to see what your options are or search online.
• New window treatments.
  Giving your windows a more polished look can really complete the look of your kitchen. There are certain styles that are popular for kitchens right now and will be sure to make a statement in the room whenever you have guests over. Window treatment styles to consider are: Roman shades, faux wood blinds, wood shutters and roller shades.

We hope some of these suggestions fit into your budget and give you the motivation to get started. Good luck on your DIY journey!

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the notion that "bigger is better." Contentment always seems to be tragically unreachable whenever cravings for more and more consume us. We want more so-called "friends" on social media. We want more closet space for an ever-growing pile of clothing that we rarely wear. "Why yes, I'd like to supersize my meal!" we chant in a frenzy at our favorite fast food joints. Our appetites never seem to be satisfied.

OK, perhaps I'm making hasty generalizations and exaggerations, but we can all at least admit to occasionally being tangled in the chaos and busyness of life. Everyone has their own tedious tasks to take on and along with them come bills to pay, relationships to build and hours of sleep to never completely catch up on. Organizing, compartmentalizing and managing all of the overwhelming "stuff" that accumulates in life can make one weary and stressed. From this perspective it's easy to see why we have the tendency to think that more money, more space, more tools, more time — more everything — will help us solve all of our problems.
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However, there is a group who has found contentment in having less; satisfaction in the simple life; and freedom in letting go of materialistic burdens. These unique and inventive individuals are the ones who are driving the rising tiny house movement.

The tiny house movement refers to the social and architectural movement that encourages living simply, efficiently and sustainably in small homes. Just how tiny are these homes? Typically containing a living area, sleeping loft, kitchen and bathroom, these homes rarely exceed 400 square feet. Some of them are built on permanent foundations, but many of them are on wheels and are easily portable.

Architect and author, Susan Susanka, is often credited with starting the movement in 1997 when she published The Not So Big House. Since then, the idea that bigger doesn't always equal better in home building has continued to grow. There are many strong advocates for the movement, like Jay Shafer, who founded the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. Schafer's manufacturing company builds customized tiny houses and ships them to customers who are eager to pursue a simplified lifestyle.

In an interview with Shareable, Schafer explains that the movement is about people not wanting to consume more than they have to. "It boils down to efficiency," he remarks. When asked about what qualifies a home as part of the tiny house movement, he states, "Any house in which all the space is being used well."

Indeed, the idea of living an efficient, self-sufficient and simplified lifestyle has attracted many to the movement. The appeal of environmental consciousness is also a large contributing factor: tiny houses require much less energy and greatly reduce one's ecological impact. Lastly, tiny houses are much less expensive when it comes to building, heating and maintenance, so the more economically-balanced lifestyle that is offered through tiny house living is more than enough to draw interest.

Tiny houses are capturing the attention of the public and, for many, are becoming a legitimate housing alternative. The movement is gaining increased media coverage. TV shows like Tiny House Nation, Tiny House Builders and Tiny House Hunters celebrate the exploding movement by offering building tips and spotlighting unique tiny houses and their owners. In addition, nonprofits like the American Tiny House Association and groups like the Tiny House Community are working to promote the tiny house as a formally acceptable dwelling option and are sponsoring workshops, fairs and conferences that bring together builders and enthusiasts. Online communities like Living Big in a Tiny House, Small House Society, The Tiny Life and Tiny Home Builders create opportunities for people to connect and share advice and stories from their tiny house lifestyles.

Though living in a tiny house may not be for everyone, there is definitely something we all can learn from the movement. Learning to share, adapting more efficient and sustainable practices and choosing to live freely and fully by slowing down and taking the time to refocus on what's truly important in life are certainly all commendable endeavors.

Foremost offers solutions for insuring tiny houses. If the unit is on permanent foundation and attached to permanent facilities, it is eligible for a Dwelling Fire or Specialty Homeowners policy. If the unit is RVIA approved, with the wheels still intact, it is eligible for a Travel Trailer policy.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/Understanding-the-Tiny-House-Takeover.asp

You may tend to overlook your roof, but it's actually the most important component of your home - and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but roofs don't last forever!

I didn't really think about the importance of roofs until recently when my friend and her husband bought their first home. It was built in the late 40s, and since she moved in she's been saying how badly her roof needs replacing. Of course, that was five months ago, and work has still yet to be done. I then thought to myself, is putting off the project really going to affect you that much?

The answer is, yes!

So — I began to research how one would go about replacing or repairing a roof.

The first order of business: understand the relationship between the age of your roof and its life expectancy. According to the Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 20-30 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 or crazy rain.
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If your roof is getting close to its 30th birthday, keep your eyes open for warning signs that tell you it's time for a revamp. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Loose shingle tabs
• Cracks in shingles
• Broken or missing tabs
• Buckling or curling shingles

• Shingles covered in moss or algae
• Majority of granules worn off tabs
• Sunlight is shining through the attic
• Extensive leaking

I am guessing I'm not the only one who doesn't want to share their home with eight-legged strangers. When I see those creepy spiders crawling across my floor I immediately feel like I need to check under every chair, table and rug for the rest of their families. Of course, in the part of the country I live in, the spiders are harmless, but that doesn't stop me from feeling just a little uneasy when crawling friends start taking over my home.

It's starting to get warmer out and that means that my home is beginning to be infiltrated with spiders! Because of that, I feel the need to share some tips and tricks for keeping those creepy, crawly creatures out of our homes:

Outside:

• Seal and cover cracks. Walk around your house and think like a spider. Cover the gaps around the house and especially around doors. Check whether screens and windows are repaired. Air vents need to be covered in hardware mesh and cracks sealed in the foundation.
• Clean up the perimeter. Clean up or move any leaves, woodpiles, or other debris next to your house. Spiders don't like wide open spaces, but they love dark nooks and crannies.
• Get rid of their paths. Trim any shrubs or stray branches that are touching the sides or roof of your home. These are a direct path for spiders.
• Spraying isn't the answer. According to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program, pesticide control is difficult and rarely necessary. Spiders are very resilient and you've practically got to fire the spray right at them. Instead, just clean up anything around the base and sides of your home.

Inside:

• Clean up your act. Allowing things to build up, like a stack of newspapers or a pile of shoes make perfect homes for spiders. Try to hang up or put away whatever you can.
• Vacuum their hiding places. Vacuuming up webs and dust leaves little room for spiders to feel comfortable. Spiders love hiding in webs and dust.
• Caulk. Caulk around doors and windows to keep the spiders outside and you safe and warm inside.

Whether or not you have eight-legged roommates trying to move in, it won't hurt to follow the above steps to deter any little creatures from trying to make your home their home!

After what felt like an endless winter, everything is slowly starting to thaw out and melt. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year, and as a new homeowner, I am starting to observe new things on my home that I need to inspect, and projects I want to tackle this summer. I purchased my home in the dead of winter with snow piled up on the exterior, so I couldn't fully see everything as much as I would have liked. Now that I have a clear view, it's time to start my spring maintenance checklist and inspect for any damage sustained during winter.

• Examine your roof. Inspect your shingles to see if any blew away or were damaged during winter. Shingles that are loose, cracked or buckled need to be replaced. If you come across any of these issues, call a professional to assess the damage.
• Check the gutters. Grab your gloves and clean out all of the leaves and debris in your gutters and downspouts. Then, inspect your gutters and make sure they aren't sagging. Make sure the downspouts are facing away from the foundation for proper draining.
• Inspect your driveway and other areas with concrete. Look over your driveway and sidewalks for any sign of cracks or movement. If you see any, you can fill them in with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.
• Check the outside faucets and hoses. Turn on the water to make sure it's still running properly and place your thumb over the opening. If this stops the water flow, the water pressure may be too low and one of your pipes may be damaged. Call a professional for further assistance.
• Inspect windows and doors. Check for bent or broken hinges, and any cracks or holes. Depending on how serious the damage is, you can either replace or repair your door. If you have a screen door, you can usually buy a repair kit to fix any holes or tears so bugs can’t sneak through. If your windows look good, take the opportunity to wipe down the interior of the window sills if there is any dirt or mold present.
• Inspect your deck and fences. If you have a wooden fence, repair or replace any loose slats or rotted sections. For your deck, look for any signs of water stains or discoloration. Remove any loose or rusty nails, and make sure the railings and stairs are secure.
• Run your in-ground sprinkling system. Turn your sprinklers on to make sure they are working properly. Also look for any leaks or broken sprinkler heads, and readjust them if needed.
• Inspect your AC unit. Clean up any leaves or branches around the cooling unit, and change the filters. If you want a professional cleaning or a tune-up, you can call a qualified heating and cooling contractor.

Good luck and happy spring!