If your mobile home already has a fireplace or wood stove, it's a good idea to go look over these safety guidelines to confirm that it was installed correctly. If you plan to install a fireplace or wood stove, follow these safety guidelines carefully.

First, don't try to tackle this project yourself. While installation manuals usually provide all the instructions necessary for a manufactured home owner to install a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove, the consequences of a mistake are so disastrous, it's a task best left to experts.
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It's a good idea to first check with your insurance company for their guidelines before installing these items. Your insurance policy may not cover damages if a fireplace or wood stove was not professionally installed. Plus, the manufacturer's warranty on the fireplace or wood stove may not apply unless the unit is installed by a professional.
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Make sure you and the installer follow these safety requirements to prevent problems:

• If the fireplace or wood stove will be installed on a combustible floor, build a non-combustible hearth to protect the floor underneath the unit and in front of the opening.
• The hearth extension in front of the fireplace or wood stove needs to be made of noncombustible material. It should be extend at least 16 inches in front of, and at least 10 inches beyond each side of the unit.
• Equip the fireplace or wood stove with a built-in ash guard and spark-resistant screen, as well as metal or glass doors.
• Before you select a location for your fireplace or wood stove, consider the normal traffic pattern through the room, the location of doors and windows, and any construction obstacles above and below the unit.
• A corner might be the most economical location for your fireplace. Because of the slanted sides, a corner-installed fireplace takes up less floor space than one installed against a flat wall and projected into the room.
• Do not install the wood stove closer than 36 inches to any unprotected combustible wall. The adjacent walls should never feel uncomfortably warm.
• If you would like the wood stove to be closer than 36 inches to a wall, you may be able to reduce the clearance to 12 inches if you protect the wall with an approved, ventilated, non-combustible wall protector. Your insurance company may need to approve it as well. When installing the wall protector, space it out from the wall with screws and spacers. Make sure these spacers are placed so that they don't conduct heat directly into the wall stud.
• Supply the fireplace or wood stove with air from outside the home. It's important that a combustion air inlet provide this outside air. Make sure the inlet damper is located above the snow level. Also make sure the combustion air inlet does not drop ashes, which could be hot, under your home.
• Determine what type of stovepipe will be connected to your wood stove. It should be a double-wall steel stovepipe, which means the chimney pipe is shielded by another stovepipe at least two inches larger in diameter. A triple-wall pipe is even safer. If you use a double or triple-wall pipe, or if the wall is protected by an approved, ventilated, non-combustible protector, place the stovepipe at a minimum of 9 inches from the wall.
• It's important that your fireplace/wood stove flue pipe extends higher than all other combustion pipes and vents on your home's roof. The chimney must be at least 3 feet higher than that roof, and at least 2 feet higher than everything else within a 10-foot radius.

The National Fire Protection Association also makes these installation recommendations for manufactured homes:

• Install all fuel-burning appliances so the combustion system is completely separated from the interior atmosphere of the manufactured home. Combustion air inlets and flue gas outlets must be listed or certified as components of the appliance. The required separation should be obtained by either:
• Installing direct-vent system (sealed combustion system) appliances.
• Installing appliances within enclosures to separate the combustion and venting systems from the interior atmosphere of the home. The enclosure must not have any door, removable access panel, or other opening into it from the inside of the home. Any opening for ducts, piping, wiring and others must be sealed.
• Equip the fireplace or wood stove with an integral door(s) or shutters designed to close the fire chamber opening. It must include a complete means for venting through the roof, a combustion air inlet, a hearth extension and a way to securely attach the fireplace or fireplace stove to the home structure.
• Use a listed, factory-built chimney designed to be directly attached to fireplaces and wood stoves. The chimney needs to be equipped with a termination device and a spark arrester.
• A fireplace or wood stove, the air intake assembly, hearth extension and chimney must be installed according to the terms of their listings and the manufacturer's instructions.
• Make sure the combustion air inlet conducts air directly into the fire chamber and is designed to prevent material dropping from the hearth onto the area beneath the home.
• Do not install the fireplace or wood stove in a sleeping room.
• Have the hearth extend over the entire surface beneath a fireplace or wood stove, or beneath an elevated or overhanging fireplace.
• The label on the fireplace or wood stove should read: “FOR USE WITH SOLID FUEL ONLY.”

Once your fireplace or wood stove is operational, follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Never use a flammable liquid to start a fire.
• An even-burning fire is preferable to a heavily stoked fire. Hardwoods seasoned for one year are recommended for use in fireplaces.
• Keep the area next to the fireplace free of easily ignited materials, such as newspapers, cardboard, fabrics, carpet or drapes.
• Between fires, allow ashes to cool, shovel into a metal can and dispose of properly. Watch out for ashes that are cool on the top and hot inside. Removing ashes allows the fireplace to burn cleaner and helps it heat more efficiently.
• Don't build a roaring fire just before going to bed. Plan the fire so it's nearly burned out by the time you're ready for bed. Check to see if the coals are still hot. If they are, leave the flue open for the fumes to escape.
• If your fireplace or wood stove does not have glass or metal doors, seriously consider adding this feature. Not only will this greatly improve the energy efficiency of your unit, it will also stop sparks from igniting surrounding materials. At the very least, you should have a metal screen in front of the fireplace or wood stove.
• Have the chimney and chimney pipes checked annually for creosote buildup. If necessary, have them cleaned. Creosote buildup is a major cause of chimney fires.
• Make sure you have a smoke detector located in the same room as the fireplace or wood stove, and test it regularly.

​Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/installing-a-fireplace-or-wood-stove.asp

​If your mobile home is shaking, it might be because it's not leveled properly.

Your mobile home is prone to coming out of level, simply because of how it’s built. Here are a few things that may indicate your home is not properly leveled:

1. The floor shakes when you walk on it.
2. The siding or roofing is starting to buckle.
3. Your windows are difficult to open or close.
4. Cabinet doors stay open, or they're hard to close.
5. You're starting to see signs of erosion and tipping.
6. Your tie-downs and anchors are loose (if they are, here’s how you can properly install them ).

Here are a few things that can cause your home to come out of level:

1. Your home was not installed properly.
2. There is leftover damage from an earthquake.
3. Water has loosened the soil below your home.
4. The ground below your mobile is moving upward (aka heaving).

What can you do if your mobile home is not leveled properly?

If your home is still under warranty, you might be able to have the manufacturer and installer re-level it for free.

If your warranty has expired, it might be best to hire a professional.

Other things that can cause your mobile home to shake:

1. There’s a lot of wind outside.
2. There’s an earthquake happening.
3. There’s a lot of road traffic where you live.
4. Your washing machine is on, and it’s pretty strong.

You may or may not be able to stop those things from shaking your mobile home.

When it comes to the weather and other things going on outside, all homes may experience shaking from time to time.

The only difference is, you can perceive that shaking a lot more in your mobile home because of how it’s built.

While you may not be able to permanently eliminate the shaking, these things might help minimize it:

1. Upgrade the quality of your floor covering.
2. Reinforce the floor under your washing machine.
3. Check your tie-downs and anchors three or four times a year.

Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a comprehensive guide. These are a few reasons your mobile home could be shaking, and a few possible solutions.

Form number: 9025745

Sources:
https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/why-my-mobile-home-shaking.asp
https://architecttwocents.com/why-mobile-home-shake/
https://freedomresidence.com/why-your-mobile-home-is-shaking-and-what-to-do-about-it/

ATVs and other off-road vehicles are adaptable to many situations. With that being said, you can't always predict what will happen on off road adventures. If you need to perform emergency maintenance, it will help to be equipped with the proper tools. To prepare yourself in advance, Foremost® Insurance recommends keeping the following items in your ATV emergency kit.

1. Air pump and tire repair kit. When traveling off road you're more likely to encounter various bumps in the road, like rocks or even holes, that can flatten your tire. If you have a tire repair kit handy, you should be able to patch small holes. Many repair kits come with air pumps, but it may be a great idea to bring an extra one just in case.
2. Tool kit. It helps to have a tool kit handy if you can. If you need to remove a tire or access a part of the vehicle that's enclosed under something else, you may need more than just your hands to get the job done.
3. Duct Tape. While we don't recommend using duct tape for any serious repairs, it may be able to temporarily patch a leak in a water hose or radiator bottle, for example, which can buy you enough time to get to a repair shop. Additionally, duct tape can be useful if you or someone else falls off a vehicle. We highly recommend seeking professional medical attention in this situation, but if someone twist their ankle, using duct table can help to stabilize it until you get to a medical facility.
4. A knife. A knife can be useful if you or someone you're with has an injury, as it can be used to cut bandages and wrapping torniquets. Whether you opt for a Swiss army knife or a regular pocket knife is up to you. A Swiss army knife may apply to more situations overall, but in terms of practicality, a pocket knife may be enough.
5. Jumper cables. Of course, jumper cables will be useful if you or someone else's vehicle loses battery power. We recommend always keeping these with you.
6. First aid kit. First aid kits can be useful for treating minor scratches and bruises. With the unpredictable terrain of off-road adventures, you never know when you'd need these.
7. Bug spray. It's not uncommon to encounter bugs when you're off roading. If you don't want those pesky creatures bothering you, keep some bug spray in the vehicle. This way if you forget to put some on before you head out, or if it wears out, you'll always have some to reapply.
8. Spare tire. While we do advise keeping a tire repair kit, they don't work in every situation. There may be times when a tire is damaged beyond repair. In this case, you'll need a spare tire.
9. Spare parts. You should keep a spare of the following parts: belt, spark plug, tie-rods, and ball joints. While these require a bit of handy work to replace, if you don't have any spares on hand, you may become stranded.
10. Tow strap. If you do become stranded, you will need someone to tow your vehicle to a safe place. We advise you to keep a tow strap on hand in case this happens.

To lessen your changes of having emergency situations, please ride safely.

If you're looking for ATV insurance, UTV insurance, or insurance for another off-road vehicle (ORV), you can get a quote with Foremost today!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/atv-trail-riding-survival-kit.asp

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

There have been times in my life when I've felt severely unprepared. I remember starting drivers training and getting behind the wheel for the first time with my instructor, nervously thinking to myself, We've only talked about driving in the classroom—I don't think I'm ready to be on the roads! And during my time as a college student, I've known the horror of being caught off guard by spontaneous pop quizzes. I've even found myself at the starting line of a 25K road running race, regretfully wishing that I had spent more than just two weeks training for the event.

Recalling these experiences makes me glad I was not negligent my first time riding an ATV. This time, I felt prepared. I had carefully learned the rules of riding safely, I was wearing the proper gear, and I was on trails designated for off-road vehicles with other experienced and responsible riders. This preparation gave me confidence and allowed me to relax and enjoy the ride. It was an absolute blast!

Riding an ATV can be thrilling, but also dangerous, so it's important to brush up on how to ride safely before you hit the trails. Whether you are a new rider learning for the first time or an ATV veteran in need of a quick refresher, here are ten tips for being prepared and staying safe on your off-road adventures:

1. Wear protective gear.
   
   Helmets, goggles, boots and gloves are essential. There are no seatbelts or windshields on ATVs, so you need to be prepared in case of falling, flipping, or getting hit with rocks, branches or bugs.
   
   
2. Conduct a pre-ride inspection.
   
   Before jumping on your ATV for a joyride, check the tires and rims for damage, ensure all cables are intact, examine the chain for worn links, and ensure there's enough lubrication where there needs to be.
   
   
3. Never ride alone.
   
   Crashing, getting lost, running out of gas, and other accidents happen, so it's always a good idea to have other riders with you. You should also be sure to carry a cell phone or walkie-talkie so you can call for help in emergency situations.
   
   
4. Don't drive under the influence.
   
   Drinking and driving isn't safe in a car or on a motorcycle, and it's not safe on an ATV either. Alcohol impairs your reaction time, thinking process and judgment, so never operate any vehicle after you've been drinking.
   
   
5. Take a break when tired.
   
   ATV riding requires strength and mental acuity. If you begin to feel fatigued while riding, don't push yourself. Take a break, rehydrate, and eat some food to reenergize before your next ride.
   
   
6. Allow only one rider at a time.
   
   Most ATVs are designed for only one rider at a time, so inviting passengers to jump on with you is extremely dangerous. Always choose to ride solo because the weight of two or more people will make the ATV unstable and more difficult to control.
   
   
7. Ride in appropriate settings.
   
   ATVs are not designed to be driven on concrete or asphalt, so avoid roads and streets. It's best to seek out designated riding areas because riding on improper terrain could cause damage or increase the likelihood of rolling your ATV.
   
   
8. Be aware of the surroundings.
   
   Don't be oblivious to potential hazards. Take time to learn about your location by memorizing where steep hills, bumps, sharp turns and other tricky areas are. Also be attentive and focused on steering clear of other riders.
   
   
9. Ride the right size.
   
   Don't attempt to ride an ATV that seems either too big or too small. If the size isn't a good fit, you could either have great difficulty controlling the vehicle or increased chances of flipping and falling off.
   
   
10. Don’t attempt tricks or stunts.
    
    There's no need to show off or test the limits of what your off-road vehicle can do. ATV tricks and stunts are very dangerous for both you and those around you, so never ride beyond your ability or try anything you know isn't safe.
    ​

Before you take off on an adrenaline-filled and action-packed off-road adventure, remember to make safety your priority. Putting these tips into practice will help you to be prepared, prevent accidents, and make the most of your ATV experience.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/off-road-adventures-staying-safe-on-your-atv.asp

Golf Carts look quite easy to drive, but they sure handle differently than other vehicles. When I was 14, I thought I could just hop on one and drive it like a pro. Well I drove it … right into a tree. I learned the hard way that I should’ve taken things slow and let someone else teach me how to drive it. Now I know how to drive one – without crashing – and so can you! Here are some Golf Cart safety tips to read up on before you hit the gas and make the same mistake I did.

1. Check your state-specific laws for age and license requirements.
2. If it's someone else's Golf Cart, have them show you how everything works. They'll know how it runs and how you should safely handle it. If it's yours and you're riding for the first time, read the owner's manual, take things slow and practice.
3. Keep all body parts in the vehicle and wear seat belts if available.
4. Carry no more than the designated amount of passengers (or the total number of seats).
5. Never drive any vehicle under the influence.
6. Golf Carts can tip quite easily, so take turns, inclines and declines slowly.
7. Avoid distractions, such as using your phone while driving.
8. Don't allow anyone to stand in/on the vehicle while in motion.
9. Obey all traffic laws.
10. Use hand signals if the cart isn't equipped with turn signals.
11. Yield to pedestrians.
12. Check your blind spots.
13. Look behind you before backing up.
14. Don't leave keys in the Golf Cart.
15. Avoid driving if you see lightning.

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Review your manufacturer's guide for other warnings and safety guidelines!

To protect your Golf Cart, insure it with Foremost®! Don't let your fun get cut short because you didn't get the right coverage for your ride. Luckily, an agent can help you choose the right policy for your Golf Cart. 
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Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/golf-cart-safety-15-tips-to-avoid-injury.asp

Dental implants are commonly used to replace a broken tooth or a tooth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a root canal or crown. About 1.9 Americans have one or more dental implants each year. Before getting an implant, find out whether it’s the best dental treatment option. Here are five questions to ask your dentist.


1. How will a dental implant benefit my oral health?
A dental implant is designed to fill in for a missing tooth and should feel and function like a normal tooth. After a tooth is pulled and the oral tissue heals, an implant screw, made of titanium or other materials, is inserted into the jawbone. Once the screw adheres to the bone, it’s capped with a crown and looks similar to other teeth.

Titanium implants, invented over 40 years ago, have significantly improved dental treatments reports the American Dental Association. Previously, dentists replaced a missing tooth with a partial denture or a bridge, designed to look like a tooth, that is attached to neighboring teeth. While both options still are used today, dentures and bridges can be uncomfortable, weaken the jawbone, and require periodic replacement.

2. What happens if a missing tooth is not replaced?
When a tooth is lost and not replaced, people may experience difficulty chewing foods, and their jawbone may deteriorate faster, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease and losing neighboring teeth. The remaining teeth may shift, causing bite problems, and the facial skin may sag and create an uneven smile.

3. How long do implants last?
Research shows that 95 percent of implants on average have lasted 13 years or more. Implants today are made of newer materials and designed to fit better, so the jawbone heals faster.

4. How much do implants cost?
Although implants have become a popular dental treatment, many dental insurance plans do not cover the cost. In some cases, medical insurance may pay some of the expense. Depending on the location and dentist, an implant, crown and related dental work can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Ask the dentist to provide a written treatment plan outlining all of the costs, appointment schedules and follow up checkups. Also, ask about the type of implant used and why it’s the best choice for your needs.

5. What is the dentist’s experience with implants?
Before scheduling an implant procedure, find out the dentist’s experience, such as: What is their training with implants? Are they board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics or prosthodontics, or have they received special training? How many patients have they treated with dental implants?


Daily tooth brushing and flossing can help prevent the need for dental implants. Read this blog to learn more.
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Source: https://www.ameritasinsight.com/wellness/dental/dental-implants?_ga=2.172222371.1425065861.1623757121-1035993497.1623278577 
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Dental Association
Boston Magazine
Medical Xpress

Whether you're taking a road trip or taking the family camping, driving with a trailer can be a challenge. According to eTrailer.com, when you add a trailer to your vehicle, the overall handling and rules of driving dramatically change. Using your hitch to tow your favorite travel trailer means you should give yourself more time to slow down and turn corners. It's important that drivers of all experience use trailer brakes to decrease speed evenly with the added weight that's being towed. And, because trailers don't follow the exact path as the vehicle on turns, always remember to safely swing out wider when traveling around bends and corners.
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Here are some do's and don'ts of towing to keep you safe on the road.

Do's

• Gradually reduce speed
• Travel at an even, moderate speed
• Steady the steering wheel — sudden turns can cause more sway
• Be cautious of potholes and large bumps
• Use a lower gear over large hills or down gravel roads
• Avoid slamming on the brakes — jackknifing could occur

Don'ts

• Consistently stay in overdrive and/or in a high gear
• Attempt to steer out of trailer sway
• Forget to add sway control or a weight distribution system
• Be afraid to safely stop and reload trailer in case of engine problems, sway, flat tires, etc.

Foremost wants you to tow and travel safely!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/the-dos-and-donts-of-driving-with-a-trailer.asp