Back in 2018 we did a blog post on fire safety. At that time, we referred to indoor/house fires. We’ve been in a drought for months and under a burn ban for nearly as long, so today, let’s look at outdoor fire safety.
 
On August 14th, Gov. John Bell Edwards declared a state of emergency due to the impact of extreme heat and wildfires in Louisiana. The entire state is under a burn ban.
 
The four major wildfires in SW & Central Louisiana are still active and have burned nearly 50,000 acres combined.
 
For decades now, we’ve seen commercials with Smokey the Bear educating us on how to prevent forest fires. Seems those tips need to be uppermost in our minds until the fall rains appear and the drought is over.
 
So how can we do our part to prevent wildfires and help those fighting them?
 
*OBEY the burn ban! Even a “small” trash pile can become a raging fire with one tiny shift of wind. Do. Not. Start. One. PERIOD. According to officials those caught disregarding the burn ban will be fined or jailed or both.
 
*LISTEN to the news and remain vigilant of evacuation orders in your area should a fire erupt. Firefighters and law enforcement have enough to worry about in protecting homes. They do not need to be concerned with recovering bodies too. Homes can be replaced. Lives can’t.
 
*KEEP your own fire-fighting equipment on hand and up to date. Most of us have a fire extinguisher or two hanging around. Have them checked to be sure they are sufficient to use should the need arise. Water hoses and buckets of sand are quick and easy ways to put out a small fire. Once you extinguish the blaze, check often to be sure no embers or coals are still ignitable.
 
*BE CAREFUL while using gas-powered equipment such as tractors, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, edge trimmers, etc. Starting them can cause sparks. Hot mufflers can ignite dry grass. This goes for riding four-wheelers and other ATV’s in dried out fields.
 
*HAVE an evacuation plan and supplies ready. Just like leaving for a hurricane or another natural disaster, being prepared is your best option. Pack a couple of bags with clothing, personal items, medical and legal papers, nonperishable food, etc. and keep them in a place where you can grab them and go. Check out our previous tips for hurricane preparedness, moving and travelling for more ideas.
 
*BE CONSCIOUS of water conservation requests or requirements in your area. Watering lawns, filling swimming pools and the like are not smart when in a drought or during a fire emergency. Firefighting crews need all the help they can get to contain and control the flames.
 
*BE VIGILANT weather-wise. Although rain is much needed, lightning is one of the dangers of a storm system. Keep your eye on the sky and if you see lightning strike a tree or something, do what you can, but don’t try and be a hero. Call local authorities for back up.
 
Although the burn ban on grilling has been lifted in some areas do not leave your grill unattended and keep the fire-fighting equipment/items mentioned above handy.
 
I never thought I’d see fires like these burning up our state. Please be considerate, vigilant, and wise in everything you do to help ensure the safety of your family and neighbors.
 
Thank You,
Tommy Curtis and Staff

Although "Summer" isn't officially over until September 23rd (first day of Fall) here in SWLA and around the country many consider summer's end when school starts. That said, let's look at some things to stay aware of as we move into the end of 3rd and last quarter of 2023.

School is back in session in many states and communities so slow down and pay attention to your surroundings! Too many parents live the ultimate nightmare when their child is injured or killed while on his/her way to school or sports practice. Lots of teens get a license and/or new car which means more drivers on the road, many of them inexperienced.

​In this day and age where cancer of every kind imaginable is being diagnosed on a regular basis, I thought we’d take a look at the benefits of having a “Cancer” insurance policy.
 
First off, let’s make it clear that Cancer Insurance is NOT major medical. It is a supplemental policy that pays you cash to help with expenses while you are receiving treatment. Cancer Insurance was designed to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses and bridge the gap between what your primary insurance does and doesn't cover.
 
Here are some things to know when researching a Cancer Insurance Policy…

That their child is growing up fills parents with ​a mixture of pride and trepidation. True, having an extra driver in the home helps when it comes to extracurricular activities and quick trips to the grocery store, but the worry and fear of them on the road are real.

So, what are some things parents can do to prepare for their teen getting a driver's license?

​Spring is in the air and we’re almost through the first quarter of 2023. How are you holding up in respect to the resolutions and goals you set for this year?

In previous posts we’ve shared Stress Busters, ideas on Taking Control of Your Life and how Healthy Acts of Kindness Benefit You.

Today we’re going to share an article on creating balance in your life written by our former staff member Pamela S. Thibodeaux but before we do, we’d like to remind the ​Medicare Recipients out there that Medicare OEP (which allows you a one-time change in your MA plan) ends on March 31st so if you’re not happy with the Medicare Advantage plan you chose for 2023, contact our Medicare Agent, Connie Driskell today at: 331-310-2253. 
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Continue reading for Simple Ways to Create Balance in Your Life...

Because Medicaid eligibility is based on income in ratio to the number of family members, people roll on and off the plan accordingly—usually on an annual basis. However, due to the pandemic in 2020, our Government passed the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act which increased the federal share of states’ Medicaid costs. This helped to stabilize state budgets and offset the healthcare costs states incurred in response to the pandemic. This also allowed thousands of families to have health coverage that may not have had it otherwise.

​On December 29, 2022, Congress signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CCA) that ends the continuous enrollment provision set in 2020 effective March 31, 2023.

If you’ve been on Medicare for any length of time or have worked in the Medicare Insurance industry, you know that nearly every time Social Security has a Cost of Living Increase, your Medicare Part B premium goes up.

Well, not this year!

According to CMS.gov, the 2023 Medicare Part B premium will decrease from $170.10 in 2022 to $164.90. That’s $5.20 added to your Social Security check every month! ​