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.

​
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. 
​
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.
​

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.
​
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

Most bikers have ridden at night. Sometimes you can’t avoid it, or maybe you just enjoy it! It can be pretty, with city lights or starry skies and the open road – but it can also be extremely dangerous. Night riding is not impossible, you just need to make smart choices and be cautious on the night roads. 
​
The number one cause of nighttime accidents is a lack of visibility. Beyond the obvious lack of sunlight, riders experience impaired depth perception vision impairment due to fatigue. When riding with decreased visibility, try the following: 

• Lower Speed. Slow down. Follow the night riding common rule-of-thumb: never outride your headlights. For example, if your headlights shine to the tree line, make sure you can stop before you pass the tree line. This will prevent you from riding too fast into an unseen object or hazard.
• Adaptive Headlights. Standard headlights provide minimal illumination. Adaptive LED headlights provide a brighter view of the road with an intuitive mechanism that compensates for turns. The angle of the headlight shifts to illuminate the lane in front of you, not the other side of the road.
• Visor Wipes. Smudges, dead bugs and dirt on your helmet can cause obstructions in your vision when riding, especially at night. The debris on your visor will refract the light of oncoming traffic, inhibiting your eyesight. Keep a travel size pack of wipes on your bike so you can clean your visor. You never know when you might need to ride and night.

There are other hazards to consider when riding at night. If you live in the country, animals such as deer are more likely to make an appearance at night. Be cautious and watch out animals crossing the road. Country and city riders alike should be vigilant for inebriated drivers, especially on the weekend. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "Forty-eight percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2018 occurred on weekends, and those deaths were more likely to occur after 6 p.m. compared with weekdays." Proactive driving, additional lighting and slower speeds will help keep you safe when riding your motorcycle at night.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/tips-for-riding-at-night.asp

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.
​
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)

When traveling in an RV, you may find it helpful to have a vehicle available for a run to the store or a short excursion without having to pack up all your gear and maneuver your rig through crowded city streets. Many experienced RV owners tow a car or truck for the convenience of having a more compact vehicle on hand. Here are the different options for towing and tips on how to do so safely.


Four Wheels Down (Toading, Dinghy Towing or Flat Towing)

This is the most popular method for towing a vehicle behind an RV, which involves attaching a tow bar and letting your vehicle roll behind the RV on its own four tires. Benefits of this method include minimal, if any, impact on the gas mileage, handling, and wear and tear of your RV; the equipment needed to attach a car by a tow bar is cheaper than purchasing a dolly or flatbed trailer; and you don’t need a separate trailer license. However, there are a few drawbacks. Not all vehicles are equipped to be towed on four wheels so check the owner’s manual, manufacturer’s guidelines and mechanical capabilities of your vehicle before investing in this option. In addition, though this shouldn’t add miles to your car’s odometer, it will cause wear on the car tires.

Two Wheels Down (Dolly Towing)

For this method of towing, a dolly attaches to the back of your RV and the vehicle rides with two tires up on the dolly and the other two tires down on the road. Any front-wheel-drive vehicle can be towed this way. Plus, you won’t damage your car’s transmission or increase mileage while it’s in motion. The downsides of this method is that a quality dolly trailer is expensive; you may need a separate license for the dolly; it could be difficult to store at a campsite; it puts wear on the two car tires that are down; and it adds weight to the capacity of your RV. If you’re thinking about choosing this option, calculate what the overall weight will be (before purchasing the dolly) to ensure your RV will be able to handle it.

Four Wheels Up (Flatbed Trailer)

The third option for towing a vehicle is with all wheels up on a flatbed trailer that’s attached to the RV. Any vehicle can go on a flatbed trailer as long as it can be secured and as long as the trailer is built to handle the weight of your specific vehicle. Before purchasing a trailer, decide what vehicle you’re going to bring with when traveling and then compare trailer options based on the amount of weight they can haul. Similar to dolly towing, the drive shaft is off the ground so you won’t rack up mileage. Also, with this method, your tires won’t endure any wear and tear. Disadvantages of four wheels up is you’ll have the extra cost of the trailer; you may run into storage issues at campgrounds; and the weight of a flatbed trailer will use up a lot of the weight your RV can carry.

Whichever method you choose, it’s important to take extra precautions when you tow a car behind an RV. Here are some basic safety guidelines to follow:

• Practice driving while towing the vehicle before you go on a long drive for the first time.
• Inspect all wire, cable and chain connections every time you make a stop.
• Obey the speed limits for towing in each state.
• Check for road construction and plan your route in advance.
• Avoid towing in deep sand and gravel, or in icy or snowy conditions.
• Keep a minimum five-second interval between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Check your tire pressure often.
• Avoid tight turns as it puts pressure on the tow bar.

If you’re new to towing, hopefully this gives you a better idea of what method to choose for your next adventure. Have a safe and happy trip!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/options-for-towing-a-vehicle-behind-your-rv.asp