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.
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Thanksgiving – that joyous and exciting holiday that kicks off the season – often means not only an abundance of food but as an increase in the number of people in your home. Whether you are hosting the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, you are providing a place for out of town guests to bunk or both, taking a few minutes to evaluate your home from the eyes of someone who is unfamiliar with it can help prevent an accident and smooth the way for a pleasant holiday.
Light it Up
Before your guest arrive, make sure that your house number is sufficiently illuminated to help people who are unfamiliar with your home avoid missing it. Ensure that the walkway or sidewalk to your front door is well lit and that your front porch has plenty of lighting as well.
Keep Steps and Railings in Good Repair
Repair any loose or crumbling steps or bricks that could cause guests to fall. Fix railings firmly to limit wobbling and ensure that any decorations, such as garland, do not keep guests from using the railings to steady themselves as they enter your home.
Watch for These Hazards Inside Your Home
If you plan to use folding or card tables that you do not typically use in order to accommodate extra family members, be sure that they are in good repair before the big day. Keep colorful candies out of reach as they might be a choking hazard for small children. Secure any loose rugs that might cause your guest to trip over them.
Make sure that hallways and stairwells are free of hazards such as toys and pets, and that they are well lit at all times. Ensure that the bathroom is uncluttered and fully stocked for the comfort of your guests whether they are just visiting for a few hours or they are staying overnight.
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According to the National Retail Insight Center report, this year’s Halloween spending will average about $77 per person. This means we are likely to see an increase in trick-or-treaters at our homes. For many homeowners, this is not generally a problem but there are some common things that occur every Halloween that you should be aware of.
The dreaded dog bite
If you have a family dog, keeping him in a closed room can help prevent this calamity. Dogs are naturally territorial and when there are strangers pouring into your yard and ringing your doorbell, chances are your dog will get overly excited and could potentially harm a child. Before Halloween, check with your insurance agent about your coverage for this type of injury.
Children fall all the time
Children can be clumsy and when they are walking into unfamiliar yards, they can be even more clumsy. Combine this natural tendency with garments that are not always well-fitting and you have a potential recipe for disaster. Chances are if a child slips and falls on your property whether it is a tumble off the porch or tripping over cast-off toys or garden tools, you will be responsible for any medical bills the parent incurs.
Some surprising facts about homeowners insurance
Most people are unaware of some of the items their homeowners insurance covers. For example, Halloween is a night of pranks and if your home is egged, a headstone you own is toppled or your home is vandalized because you are not at home, these items may be covered. Before you pay for cleanups, repair a headstone or grave marker or repair home vandalism, check with your insurance company to see if any of these items are covered.
Halloween is meant to be a fun evening for adults and children alike. Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Do not assume you have all the insurance coverage you need, check with your insurance representative before it is too late.
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As a homeowner you have a responsibility to those people who visit your home. Not only do you have to ensure that invited guests are safe, but, when Halloween comes around, you need to be aware of the potential dangers to young trick-or-treaters and the hazards outside your home. In addition, you also need to ensure your family stays safe.
Hidden dangers in decorations
We all love to make sure our home puts on a show for are trick-or-treaters. This often means decorations that you probably have not used since last year. Before you start decorating your home keep some things in mind:
- Open flame hazards – it is fun for children to see a jack-o-lantern all lit up on the porch of a home they are visiting. Often, we use candles in these to provide a spooky welcome to children. Instead of using traditional candles, consider the battery-operated type to avoid potential burns to visiting children.
- Electrical hazards – strings of orange lights may look great outside or inside your home but if you have not used these lights since last year you may want to carefully inspect all cords. Worn cords should be thrown away to avoid a fire hazard.
- The little things – you may not think about dog toys, children’s toys or garden tools laying around your yard. However, these all can pose a risk to visitors who are unfamiliar with your home. Keep everyone save by carefully checking all walkways and surrounding areas for items that could cause falls.
Adults and children alike can enjoy the fun and excitement of Halloween if proper safety precautions are taken. Taking the proper precautions such as making sure your home is well lit, making sure your family pets are indoors where they cannot be hurt or frightened by trick-or-treaters and making sure you have prepared for your visitors will help make sure everyone has a safe and happy experience.
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Let’s talk about chimney fires
We’ve been discussing home improvement tips before the winter season come. We have discussed the importance of maintaining your home, cleaning out your gutter, and a general list of other to-do’s this fall. Now we are going to discuss about the importance of taking care of your chimney.
Why do I need my chimney inspected?
Creosote is what gets left behind after burning wood, and it’s highly flammable. Pine wood is notorious for leaving a lot of creosote behind. If your chimney has too much creosote (or under the right conditions) you could find yourself in the middle of a chimney fire.
How often should I get my chimney inspected?
It’s a good idea to get your chimney inspected annually. Most chimney sweeps will not only check for built up creosote, but will also check to make sure that everything is working properly. It’s not a bad idea to get your chimney cleaned out each year. It’s a good preventive measure to save you and your family.
By calling a chimney sweep and getting your wood stove, pellet stove, or fireplace inspected, you are maintaining your home and ensuring the safety of your family. Plus, you’re also meeting the maintenance requirements for your homeowner’s insurance policy.
For more information about your homeowner’s insurance policy, contact the friendly agents at Scurich Insurance Services.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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Your homeowner’s insurance policy probably won’t cover any damage from your pipes if investigations prove negligence or poor maintenance. We have a few tips for you to use to winterize your pipes this fall.
- For all outdoor watering hoses and sprinklers, disconnect them and drain out the water. Store them in a dry place.
- Make sure your shutoff valve is working properly.
- Check for broken windows or cracks where your pipes are located. If cracks and/or broken windows are found, seal them up to prevent your pipes from freezing up.
- Make sure heat can evenly circulate throughout the house, especially around the pipes and water meters.
- If you have interior pipes, wrap them up with insulation.
- Don’t close your cabinet door. Leave the cabinet doors open that are home to pipes so the heat can get to them.
- You may want to consider allowing your water run a little slower this winter. It may cost a little more on your water bill, but when you compare the cost of repair your pipes, you’ll find that it’s worth it.
This winter, make sure that your pipes are well maintained and taken care of. For more information about your homeowners insurance policy, feel free to contact Scurich Insurance Services.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Source: http://www.mainewater.com/Customers/~/media/Files/Bill%20Inserts%20and%20Fact%20Sheets/Winterizing%20Tips.pdf
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