A Merry Christmas to All! Be Safe and Enjoy!

Planning to travel this holiday season? Most people are! Your loved ones may be scattered about and during this special time of year most of us like to see them all.  Here’s some safety tips for your road trip:

-Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.  Check your tires and fluids and make sure all of your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date before you hit the road.
-Map your travel route in advance and be prepared for heavy traffic. 
-If you are carrying valuables or cash, store these items in the trunk and out of view
-Have your insurance ID Cards and roadside assistance contact information on hand in case of emergency
-Keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times also in case of an emergency

Traveling means you’ll be leaving your home unattended for some time.  Don’t let your home be open to the dangers of severe temperature drops, burglary or fire. 
-Protect outdoor pipes from below freezing temperatures by wrapping them heavily and turning off your water source before leaving
-Do not leave holiday lights or lit decorations on when absent for long periods, even if used on a timer
-Do not dispose of boxes for electronics in your front yard. This is like advertising that you just purchased a new TV.
-Be sure someone is collecting your mail. Overflowing mail broadcasts you're away.
-Do not store anything outdoors that can be easily accessed by a burglar to use as a tool to break into your home such as stacked firewood, ladders, tools, etc...
-Do not post about long term absences on social networking websites. It is always best to share the adventures of your vacation after you return home rather than while you're away.

Cooking a feast? Be sure to follow these important tips for safe food preparation!
-Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after handling food
-Wash all surfaces that raw food comes in contact with after prepping each food item
-Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly
-Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature
-Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
-Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave-never at room temperature. 
-Cook thawed food immediately

Most importantly, enjoy your loved ones during this special time and ensure all of your safety so that you can enjoy these memories for years to come.  SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wishes all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to serving you in 2014.  Please be sure to share your good advice with us and our readers and follow our blog for more useful information throughout the year!

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Farewell 2013 - What Have YOU Learned This Year?

It's hard to believe we are in the final days of 2013.  It has been an action packed year with so much happening in all of our lives and in the economy as well.  It has definitely been a roller coaster ride and some of us are eager to say "Farewell, 2013!"  But let's not be too hasty, because with all farewells we want to be prepared for the journey that lies ahead.  Are you ready? 

Let's review some of the important items we've discussed with you throughout the year.  With so many changes in the industry and in the economy, it's good to brush up on the facts!

Why did your home insurance rates increase in 2013? Weather related catastrophes have been steadily increasing and the expenses to repair a home has also been steadily increasing.  These repair costs can be associated with the current state of the economy, such as the price of fuel to import/export building supplies.  We are insurance agents, not scientists, so we can't truly verify any of the theories as to why weather related catastrophes have increased, but we can verify that studies used for claims modeling have supported the rate increases in the cost of insurance. 
 
These increases have prompted many consumers to shop their insurance policies, which is always a wise decision, but many consumers are not insurance specialists and could be making a mistake.  Are you comparing apples to apples? SouthGroup Insurance Services is focused on not only saving you money but also recognizing your personal insurance protection needs to find what coverages are best suited for you as an individual.  Saving money is not the most important factor in protecting yourself or your loved ones, even though it may feel like it in this current economy.  A few things you want to consider when shopping your insurance coverages aside from savings are; What is the financial rating for the new company you are considering? Is the coverage you are considering adequate for your needs? Is your quote correctly rated or will you be facing a premium increase after you sign on the dotted line? Before you make an important decision regarding your future and your protection, we recommend you schedule a full insurance review at one of our 3 convenient coastal locations free of charge and without obligation.  Now is the time!
 
This year we have seen many consumers clumping mortgages and insurance policies together, however, in reality these are two very different animals even though they usually walk hand-in-hand in the jungle! Here are some important things to remember about the relationship between your mortgage and insurance policies; If you re-finance, it is your responsibility to make sure the mortgage clause is up-to-date on your insurance policy.  Your insurance agent will follow through with any instructions provided by your new mortgage holder with your authorization, however if the re-finance fails for any reason, they are not obligated to contact your insurer or your agent, and this creates an issue with incorrect information on your insurance policy.  Many mortgage companies have been selling their accounts to other companies, and often the insurer is not informed in a timely manner which can cause gaps in insurance coverage due to non-payment.  Often, consumers don't even know their mortgage was sold.  We recommend you contact your mortgage holder within 2 months of your insurance policy renewal to verify if anything has changed.  Many mortgage companies will wait until the end of the month to pay premiums, even if the due date was 2 weeks before.  Unfortunately, this causes insurance policies to lapse and leaves consumers without coverage for a period.  To avoid periods without coverage, when you receive your copy of your insurance policy renewal billing, you should follow up with your mortgage company to verify they intend to pay in a timely manner.  In 2013, we saw a huge increase in this problem and learned that consumers have to be aggressive in getting premiums paid by mortgage companies. 
 
How much do YOU have to lose? In today's litigious society, how do you know if you have enough insurance coverage to protect you and your assets in the event of a lawsuit? This is an important question to ask yourself any time of year and is the heart of the insurance industry's relationship with you! A Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy may be the answer you're looking for when you have a lot to lose as it protects your assets and future income in addition to your primary insurance policies.  It is not the same as excess insurance and only goes into effect when your underlying policies are fully exhausted, which is very common in lawsuits today.  A typical umbrella policy premium averages $135/year.  Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage above the limits of your home, auto and boat insurance policies and sometimes may be used to provide coverage for claims which may be excluded from your primary insurance policies.  To learn more about Personal Umbrella Insurance, give us a call.  In fact, you may not be able to afford not to!
 
These are just a few of the informative and important topics we've discussed with you in 2013.  We invite you to re-visit our blogs from this year by checking our blog archive.  Remember, a new year is always a fantastic time to review your finances and your insurance.  We are eager to assist you and look forward to working with you in 2014.  Give us a call at 228-466-4498 to schedule an appointment, but remember walk in clients are always welcome also.  Thank you for a fantastic year! We appreciate you and your business!
 
Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

EEK! Home Alone! and the Burglars are watching!

With the Christmas Holidays fast approaching, statistics show home burglaries peek during this period. Having a centrally monitored security system is always recommended, however some of us cannot afford to have such or other circumstances may prevent it. We've all seen "Home Alone" and wish that we were as skilled at boobie traps as the young lad in that Holiday Classic, but here are some logical tips to protect your assets instead:

1-Do not dispose of boxes for electronics in your front yard. This is like advertising that you just purchased a new TV.

2-If you're traveling for the Holidays, be sure someone is collecting your mail. Overflowing mail broadcasts you're away.

3-Burglars tend to head straight to the master bedroom where homeowner's keep their most valuable possessions. They also tend to avoid children's rooms or guest rooms which appear to be vacant. Store your cash, jewelry and other valuables in these rooms.

4-Keep your car keys by your bed. If you hear a suspicious noise, press the panic button on your keys to cause a disturbance.

5-Keep your purse and other important keys in your bedroom too. Leaving your purse on the kitchen counter allows a burglar to dash in and grab it quickly.

6-We're a little out of season on this good advice, but when springtime comes consider planting thorny bushes and shrubbery outside your windows that aren't in view to deter burglars.

7-Do not store anything outdoors that can be easily accessed by a burglar to use as a tool to break into your home such as stacked firewood, latters, tools, etc...

8-Any time you have a stranger in your home such as a repair man, yard worker, etc... be sure to follow their tracks to make sure they did not unlock your bathroom window for later entry.

9-Even though you may not have a security system, the decals can be purchased to place on your windows as a deterrant.

10-Safety deposit boxes are an inexspensive way to protect your jewelry and other small collectibles at your bank of choice.

11-Get to know your neighbors and exchange contact information so they will report any suspicious activity to you.

12-Set your lights on timers so your home appears active even if it is vacant.

13-Do not post about long term absences on social networking websites. It is always best to share the adventures of your vacation after you return home rather than while you're away.

14-And don't let someone burglarize your credit score! Credit card offers double during the holidays so be sure to destroy all offers including your personal info before disposing of the paperwork.

15-When you attend a large festivity, be sure your car is securely locked. Another popular target for burglars during the holidays is parking lots for special events. Lock your purse or wallet in your trunk if you will not be carrying it inside.

We hope this information is useful to you and we welcome you to share any other useful tips with us that you may have. Our goal is to protect you and while we hope you will never have to make a burglary claim on your insurance, we welcome you to call any of our 3 local offices to discuss your policy details regarding theft.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Life Happens-Can you afford it? Minimum auto insurance is the wrong answer!

You may think you’re paying too much for auto insurance or that you’re paying for coverage you don’t need, but the truth is you may be paying too little.  You may not have enough coverage for your protection.  You can’t afford not to be covered properly!

Liability is the most expensive coverage on an auto insurance policy.  Does this frustrate you because you consider yourself an excellent driver? Does this lead you to want only a minimum amount of liability coverage on your policy so that you can save money? Here are some factors to consider; the average vehicle on U.S. highways today is valued at $21,000 and the average medical bill for one individual in a vehicle accident is $68,000.  That’s just the averages!  Life happens, whether we like it or not.  The average person is involved in 1 vehicle accident every 15-17 years they are driving.  The National Safety Council states there are an average of 10 million car accidents per year ranging from minor to fatal. 

Today we are bombarded with auto insurance advertisements promising better rates, but we must also look at the amount of coverage they are offering for these rates.  Rates are not always be cheaper with the minimum coverage limits and, while minimum coverage is better than no coverage at all, these days it is simply not be enough.  The average legal minimum of liability insurance that most U.S. states require citizens to carry is $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. 

When you look at these figures, you may be wondering what they mean.  To translate, these are your liability coverages.  The first number represents up to $25,000 in coverage per injured person, while the second figure represents $50,000 in coverage as a maximum payout for medical bills for all persons injured by your vehicle.  The final number provides $25,000 maximum in property damage.  Remember, the average medical bill for one individual in an accident is $68,000.  What this means to you is; if you are at-fault in an accident which resulted in injuries to one other party, you could be facing a lawsuit for the gap in coverage ($68,000-$25,000=$43,000).   Can you afford to fill that gap?

The difference in premium from having minimum liability coverage to the next step up of 50/100/50 can average anywhere from $5-$20 in additional premium per month.  Basically, it will take you 215 years or more in insurance premiums to equal the additional $43,000.  So, the question is; are you really saving money?  The recommendation is that you carry enough liability coverage to protect your assets – so add up the value of your home and autos and investments, and be sure you are carrying at least that level of liability coverage to protect yourself from the very real probability of needing to pay for someone else’s injuries and damage to property.  The higher limits are a minimal cost to you by comparison of legal fees and medical bills.  As you increase your assets, you should also increase your liability protection.  The right coverage for you at age 20 is likely not the right coverage for you at age 30.   Also, let’s hope you don’t have an accident with the ever popular E-Class Mercedes currently averaging $52,000 in value or a $43,000 Dodge Charger.  Remember, with minimum coverage you only have $25,000, and the remaining balance is your responsibility. 

If you are at fault in an accident, even though you can’t imagine you would be, you are looking at an average legal responsibility of $132,000 total.  If your insurance doesn’t cover the full amount (or you don’t have insurance) you will have to pay for your own legal representation in court and could be forced to liquidate your assets (possibly including your property and bank accounts) as well as facing your wages being garnished. 

If you are still concerned you’re paying too much for auto insurance, we recommend you review your policy with your Trusted Choice insurance agent, who is able to offer options for coverages and companies.  There are other ways to save money, such as higher deductibles, which would be a safer decision. 

Southgroup Insurance Gulf Coast is a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, which means we have the option to shop several auto insurance carriers for you and find the best coverage for you at the best rates available.  As a Trusted Choice Agency, we deal with only top rated insurers enabling our agency to offer superior protection to our clients.  Visit one of our 3 coastal locations today for your free auto insurance review, and find out if you’re prepared to face the averages!

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,
FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Avoiding Halloween Horrors --- EEK!!!

Halloween is a great holiday for both young & old to celebrate together. It can be exciting and entertaining, but it also requires responsibility to keep it safe. Safety needs range from decorations to costumes to the candy children collect door-to-door. There’s never a dull moment with Halloween, but even though spooks are part of the tradition it doesn’t have to be a dangerous holiday!

When decorating for Halloween (or any holiday for that matter) you want to be sure of the following:
-When using a ladder or climbing on your roof to decorate, make sure that you are secure and that your ladder is stable. Do not work on this project alone.
-When using candles in your macabre decorations, make sure candles are fully extinguished when you plan to leave this unsupervised.
-Only use electrical lights that have been tested for safety and check each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, loose connections or other damage. Do not use damaged lights. Make sure lights are approved for outdoor use.
-Never exceed 3 strands of lights on an extension chord.
-Never string electrical lighting on metal items as the metal can become charged with electricity.
-Make sure that all electrical decorations are checked for safety and displayed according to the directions of the item including but not limited to if it is acceptable for outdoor use.
-Make sure all hanging decorations are secured to avoid falling and injuring people or property.

When costuming for Halloween here are some valuable tips:
-Be sure costumes fit correctly to avoid trips, slips and falls.
-Make sure eye holes in masks are large enough to avoid blocking any vision.
-Note that flame resistant costumes are safer>
-Do not wear decorative contact lenses without seeking advice from an eye care professional first.
-If the costume is dark, make sure reflective tape or vest is added so that you or your child can be seen in the dark to avoid any accidents.
-Test face paint before applying to be sure there isn’t a reaction and be sure to wash off all face paint completely at the end of the evening.

And, of course, there are many issues with taking candy from strangers but here are a few suggestions that will help you:
-Don’t allow children to snack on their treats until after trick-or-treating is complete
-Give all contents of their treats a full inspection and anything that is unwrapped or in a suspicious wrapping should be discarded
-Discard any commercially wrapped candy that appears to have been tampered with (such as discoloration, pin holes, tears)
-Check with your local Police Department to see if your city is offering free security scans of candy
-Avoid home made treats unless they are from trusted friends or family
-Inspect any toys given for hidden dangers and wash toys before use
-Inspect any fruits given thoroughly for pin holes, discoloration or other signs of tampering

Always remember when trick-or-treating to stay in a group, carry flash lights and make sure all members of the group are accounted for from house to house. Halloween is a fun time to enjoy family and friends for all ages. Follow these safety tips and don’t be haunted by Halloween horrors!

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,
FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

GIRLS ONLY!!! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!

Breast Cancer Awareness month is now upon us, but you should be checking your breasts every month! According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a self exam on a regular basis is very important.  While mammograms can detect cancer before you feel a lump, self exams help you to be familiar with your breasts' look and feel so you can be aware of any changes. 

Naturally, you shouldn't rely on self breast exams only though.  Doctors recommend women over 40 should also get yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams.  Mammography can detect tumors before they can be felt.  A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional trained to recognize any abnormalities or warning signs. Clinical breast exams are important because an experienced professional can notice a suspicious place on the breast that you may not recognize. 

If your test results are abnormal, remember that 8 out of 10 abnormalities found are not cancerous.  However, the only way to be certain any discoveries are cancer free is through further testing such as ultrasounds or MRIs.  If a mass is found to be solid, your radiologist may recommend a biopsy. 

Currently, the best way you can fight breast cancer is to have a plan that helps you detect the disease in its early stages.  Create your plan by setting yourself reminders to do self exams and to schedule clinical exams and mammograms based on your age, health history and history of cancer in your family.  Remember, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in woman in the United States.  All women are at risk for breast cancer, but when breast cancer is caught early and treated, survival rates can be near 100%.  Visit www.cancer.org/remindme to start your plan in motion. 

Please watch our page for more tips and information throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  And, please contact SouthGroup Insurance Services Gulf Coast for your free health insurance quote today.  Statistics from 2011 reveal that many women went untreated and unaware they had breast cancer because were without health insurance.  Be sure health insurance is part of your prevention plan!

YourTrusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on your insurance --- and we save you time!  But remember, when it comes to insurance one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisor, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,
FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We can write coverage in 40 different states. 

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

 

 

Let's Get Physical -- and go CAMPING!!

Fall is in the air.  Summer and family vacations are almost behind us, but we are falling into the best season for camping.  Camping is a financially reasonable and refreshing way to spend quality time with your loved ones.  Fall is a good time of year to camp as it's not usually too hot or cold and can be quite comfortable out.  With the changing economy in the last few years, tourism has seen a spike in camping activity because it's such a great way to enjoy family time without the hassle and expenses of hotels and restaurants.  On the Mississippi Gulf Coast there are several great places to camp not too far from home. Of course, you can venture further into the nation to find thousands of wonderful camp grounds available. 

A family camping trip can be an enjoyable experience with little preparation.  Take time to plan ahead.  Here are a few tips that can aid your planning:
-Pack foods in tight, waterproof containers and keep them in an insulated cooler.
-Pack comfortable hiking shoes for everyone who plans to trek
-If you intend to swim, pack life jackets
-Pack an adequate supply of water for each individual on the trip (2-3 liters per person per day)
-Pack weather/activity appropriate clothing, including light full coverage clothing for bed time
-Pack insect repellant
-Regardless of the time of year, always pack SPF 15 or more sun screen.  The sun's rays   don't change even though the seasons do! 
-Pack adequate bedding
-Pack a flashlight
-Pack a well packed first aid kit, including ointments for rash or insect bite relief
-Keep a close watch on the weather to be sure the trip will be safe and that you have packed everything you need for certain conditions

Camping is a great way to get physical and enjoy the outdoors.  Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or grilling and sharing stories around the campfire are just a few ways to enjoy yourself on a camping trip.  But, remember the do's and don'ts of camping to be sure you and your loved ones can enjoy yourselves without any problems:
-DO wash hands and surfaces often - use alcohol based sanitizer when water is not available
-DO separate raw foods from cooked foods and keep all food at the proper temperatures to avoid spoiling
-DO cook foods to proper temperatures (for instance, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees)
-DO wear weather/temperature appropriate clothing
-DO keep foods well stored and out of the reach of wild animals
-DO make sure any family pets along for the trip are vaccinated and keep a close eye on them--be sure to check them often for ticks also and have enough water and food packed for them too!
-DO apply insect repellant OFTEN
-DO apply sunscreen OFTEN
-DO shower before and after swimming
-DON'T go near any poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak or sumac.  (You may want to familiarize yourself with photos of these plants before you leave)
-DON'T use fuel burning equipment for heat inside of your tent--it can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up
-DON'T pet or feed wild animals--watch only from a safe distance
-DON'T swim or hike alone
-DON'T leave a campfire unattended-be sure to fully extinguish the fire

Do your research if you're inexperienced.  Always prepare for the unexpected.  Research the campground you plan to visit in advance.  Enjoy quality time with the ones you love and make memories!

YourTrusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on your insurance --- and we save you time!  But remember, when it comes to insurance one size does not fit all.
We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisor, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,
FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !
We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We can write coverage in 40 different states. 
Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!