Happy Thanksgiving
“As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
~John F. Kennedy~
Thanksgiving, one of the busiest and most anticipated holidays, is right around the corner. While everyone is undoubtedly focused on the food, football and shopping that are the highlights of the long weekend, it is also important to keep safety at the forefront of your mind as well. Staying safe starts at home. Being aware of some basic safe cooking practices can make your holiday both tasty and safe.
Caring for the Turkey
The star of the dinner table, the turkey, demands special care and attention. If it is frozen, it must be thawed using one of three methods: in the refrigerator, in the microwave or in cold water. Never thaw the bird on the countertop as that could allow harmful bacteria to multiple unabated. Regardless of the method that you use to thaw your turkey, it should be cooked immediately to prevent the multiplication of that bacteria.
Stay Clean
Cleanliness is of utmost importance any time during cooking. It is particularly important, however, during Thanksgiving due to the volume of food that is typically prepared. The large size of the turkey also can make it difficult to handle.
Be sure to start with a clean work surface as well as clean hands and utensils. Keep raw foods – particularly meats – away from other foods to avoid contaminating cooked foods. Always wash everything raw foods touch – work surfaces, your hands, utensils – before using them with other foods.
Cooking Basics
When cooking foods – especially the turkey – keep the oven temperature at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or above. In order to ensure even cooking throughout, make sure the turkey is completely thawed. The internal temperature when checked on the meaty parts of the bird – the thigh, wing joint and breast – should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to refrigerate foods within two hours of being cooked to avoid an abundance of harmful bacteria that could sicken everyone.
With the passing of Halloween, the majority of Americans will begin to plan their festivities and travels for the upcoming holiday season. While many look forward to the joyous tune in the winter atmosphere, few realize the need to be extra careful when traveling in terms of insurance coverage. A few days away from the house can translate into fires, burglaries, and even damage from the weather. The awesome trip through the woods to Grandmother’s house can turn into a nightmare without proper auto insurance, and of course, the winter makes you more likely to become ill during your holiday travels. Before you plan out what you’ll be doing for Christmas and Thanksgiving, take the time to evaluate your insurance policies.
Auto Insurance
Although state laws require that all drivers maintain liability insurance for at-fault accidents with other drivers, you need to be aware that uninsured drivers will be on the road with you. If you have an accident, you may be stuck with a repair bill or injury that is not covered. Before taking the care across country for the holidays, consider purchasing underinsured or uninsured motorist protection. Uninsured motorist protections cover you if the other driver’s financial responsibility falter or don’t exist.
Homeowner’s Insurance
What goes together better than cookies and hot cocoa? Burglars and empty homes. When you travel this holiday season, remember that your home could be the next target of a break-in. While it’s beneficial to purchase a home security system or service, you need to have an insurance policy to cover your belongings as well as your home. In addition, the risk for fires increases during the winter, so check to see if your current homeowner’s policy covers house fires.
Health Insurance
Sledding all day is a fun and exciting thing to do while visiting friends or relatives away from your home, but what happens if you, your children, or your spouse get sick? Check to see if your health insurance policy will cover visits to emergency centers, hospitals, or other clinics in whatever state or city you will be traveling to. Furthermore, make sure you are up-to-date on your immunizations prior to holiday travel.
If you’re planning a trip this holiday season, you need to take some special considerations in regards to your insurance policies. Make sure your home, vehicle, and the health of yourself and your family will be covered if something happens during your holiday travel.
Your grandparents love you. After all they let you have dessert before dinner, take you shopping and get you anything you want, and dote all over you. They even grab your cheeks and make cute noises. Okay, so maybe they don’t do that anymore (and if they do, you may want to have a nice chat with them), but they still love you unconditionally. Which is why you should celebrate them.
September 8th is National Grandparents’ Day and we have put together a list of ideas for you to use to celebrate with them.
This Grandparents’ day, make it special for them. Love on them and celebrate, after all they didn’t tell your mom that you spilled the grape juice on her new white outfit.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1st this year. In observance of the holiday, Scurich Insurance Services offices will be closed on Monday. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd.
Not sure how you want to make the most out of your Labor Day weekend? Here are a few suggestions:
Whatever you decide to do this Labor Day weekend, we hope it’s a fantastic one! Be safe!
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-ideas-for-labor-day-family-fun/#slideshow=slide2 and http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-watsonville-california
Every year, the city of Watsonville puts on a special parade, called the Spirit of Watsonville for the 4th of July. The parade is filled with tractors, fire engines, classic car clubs, antique cars, and non-profit organizations.
The parade encompasses the spirit and pride of Watsonville. Nothing short of a wonderful display of our community getting together to celebrate our independence.
The parade begins at 2:00 pm in Downtown Watsonville. We hope to see you there!
From all of us here at Scurich Insurance Services, we wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!
Our office will be closed Friday, July 4th.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://cityofwatsonville.org/visitors/spirit-of-watsonville
Scurich Insurance Services
Phone: (831) 661-5697
Fax: (831) 661-5741
Physical:
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Suite7,
Aptos, Ca 95003-4700
Mailing:
PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
E-mail address:
[email protected]
Available 8:30am - 5:00pm