From Mr. Kitty’s stocking on the mantle to themed doggie sweaters and chew toys under the tree, no holiday is complete without our beloved pets. The more meows (and zoomies), the merrier!
As you start decking the halls and crafting your holiday cooking list, remember there are some foods, décor, and holiday novelty items that may put your pet at risk. Check out these tips to keep them safe, happy, and healthy during all your seasonal festivities.
Tree Safety
Traditional Holiday trees and their trimmings can pose an array of safety and health threats to pets. Here are some common ones to be aware of.
Tinsel is irresistible to many pets, and if ingested, can cause intestinal blockages. Ditch the traditional silver stuff and look for pet-friendly alternatives.
Avoid glass and other ornaments that are sharp. Cats especially will be tempted to swat them off the tree, where they can break and cut paws.
Flocking and artificial snow can be toxic if consumed in larger amounts, so it’s better to avoid them altogether.
Keep ornaments on the upper parts of the tree, out of reach.
Tree water often contains chemicals that extend the life of the tree. These chemicals, in addition to any fertilizers, insecticides, bacteria, and flame retardants, can make the tree water dish a toxic soup. Cover the stand with a tree skirt, aluminum foil, or other material to block off access from pets.
If your pet is partial to chewing pine needles, which can cause intestinal upset, consider a faux tree.
Anchor your tree with a sturdy base, and perhaps even fishing line attached to eye bolts in the ceiling or wall for added stability, to prevent a climbing-and-toppling hazard.
Don’t put gifts under the tree that contain food, as these might be too tempting and sicken a curious (or food-driven) dog.
Consider using a baby gate to keep pets away from the tree.
Decorations and Seasonal Plants
Take care in selecting decorations and plants around your home by keeping the following in mind.
Poinsettias, pine needles, mistletoe, and holly can cause gastrointestinal upset and other problems, and lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Silk and other faux plants make great alternatives.
Glues and adhesives can be toxic, so keep them out of reach.
Watch out for yarn, string, and ribbons, which are often attractive to pets and can cause intestinal blockages.
Switch out live candles/flames for LED lights, which add plenty of holiday warmth without the risk of fire or injury.
Potpourri often contains oils that can be toxic to pets if eaten.
Chewing on electrical cords can cause harm or even death. Unplug cords when not in use and spray them with anti-chew solutions such as Bitter Apple. Check out pet-proof extension cords as well.
Food Dangers
Some pets will go to great lengths to sneak food. In the best cases, this means a holiday dish goes missing; in the worst cases, it can mean sickness or even death of a pet. Stay one step ahead of would-be food thieves with these precautions.
Keep chocolate and other sweets well away from pets – preferably in a cupboard, the fridge, or somewhere else that’s secure.
Do not leave food or alcohol unattended; stealthy pets can swipe them in no time and experience harmful effects.
Avoid bringing home leftovers for pets. Human food – often containing fatty, spicy, or bones – can be hazardous to your pet. Some top offenders include chocolate, coffee, citrus, onions, grapes, nuts, coconut, dairy, and yeast dough.
Being careful doesn’t mean you have to leave your pet out of the festivities – there’s plenty of store-bought or homemade options for special pet treats. Stock up on those for the holidays so they can join the fun.
Entertaining
If you’re planning to host a few guests, remember that get-togethers can stress pets out or upset their routine. Here are some ways to keep them safe and calm.
Give pets a room or space of their own, where they can retreat to if feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Stock it with fresh water, a bed, and their favorite toys.
If celebrating at New Year’s, keep loud noises to a minimum.
Animals sometimes will take advantage of the commotion or act out by getting into cabinets they don’t usually disturb, so be sure to hide away any medications, which can be extremely dangerous to animals.
Keeping your pets safe this season just takes a little creativity, forethought, and a new habit or two. And happily, the pet industry makes all kinds of pet-safe products and novelty items, so keeping the holidays safe for all family members should be easier than ever. Happy holidays!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Although many of us won’t be able to visit friends, family, or loved ones this holiday season, that doesn’t mean we can’t still bring them joy or spread the Yuletide cheer!
Check out these 20 great holiday gift ideas for everyone in your life – no matter where they are.
1. Printable Coupons – Flex your creative muscles by making personalized coupons that can be printed out and redeemed later – for hugs, virtual family time, happy hour or anything, really! For a handmade touch, draw or paint them and send via snail mail or a digital photo.
2. Streaming Service Subscription – These days, there is no shortage of streaming service choices. Would anyone on your list like a subscription for movies, shows or music?
3. Gaming Subscription – Gamers can never get enough gaming time. Make sure you know which app or platform the gamer in your life uses before purchasing.
4. Audiobook Membership – Audiobooks are a great gift for book lovers for several reasons: they can “read” on the go, listen to master storytellers bring books to life, and have access to unlimited audiobooks (for most subscription platforms).
5. Donation – For those who have everything, donating to a cause you know they care about will give them some extra good feels for the holidays.
6. Museum Pass – Many people assume museums are closed, but in fact many have done a ton of work to go virtual. Get your favorite art lover a pass and help them get their art groove on.
7. Online Grocery Shopping Service – Help loved ones stay safe and give them some extra time in their day by gifting a subscription to their favorite grocer.
8. Food Delivery – Go one step beyond groceries and send a subscription for a food delivery service in their area. No dishes to clean, and a hot cooked meal delivered straight to their door? – yes, please!
9. Meal Delivery Kit – Halfway between groceries and food delivery, meal kits take the guesswork out of dinner prep, and will be much appreciated by any home chef.
10. Wine Subscription – Wine lovers on your list will look forward to new arrivals all year long. For those who aren’t partial to wine, check out subscriptions for beer, cheese, olive oil or other specialty foods.
11. Coffee or Tea Subscription – Broaden your favorite coffee or tea drinker’s horizon by getting them something new for their morning ritual.
12. Magazine or Publication Subscription – There’s a publication for everyone – all depending on their interests. Have a friend or family member who’s been wanting a digital newspaper subscription? How about a magazine all about one of their hobbies or interests? A google search for “online newsstand” should spark a ton of ideas.
13. Virtual Yoga or Gym Membership – Taking care of our own health is often last on the to-do list. Keep your loved ones healthy and help them lower their stress by getting them the gift of health.
14. Meditation App – Who couldn’t use a little calm and peace right now? Check out the many meditation apps available and find the perfect ones for your favorite people.
15. Online Learning Subscription – Have any curious, knowledge-thirsty folks in your circle? Send them a subscription for language courses, higher education classes or another online learning opportunity.
16. Subscription For Creative Arts – Creative projects can help keep us inspired and motivated during the long winter months. For the creatives in your life, look into crafting subscriptions, online painting classes, virtual music lessons, and other right-brain endeavors.
17. Virtual Scrapbook – Send friends or family a reminder of great times together (pre-Covid!) by assembling a virtual scrapbook of favorite memories. The great thing about an online versus paper version is that you can include videos in the mix of photos.
18. Makeup or Beauty Subscription – Someday we’ll have a reason to go out again, but in the meantime, receiving a regular beauty box can give a boost to those on your holiday list.
19. Membership – There’s an association or club for just about every passion, hobby or interest. Birding? Definitely. Fishing? Yep. Quilting, classic cars, sculpture? – there’s a club for that!
20. Professional Membership – Give a loved one a career boost by getting them a membership to a professional association in their field.
No doubt – this holiday season looks different than all the years past. But with some flexibility and creativity, we can still connect and celebrate with our loved ones. And surprise them with the perfect gifts! Happy holidays to all!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, snow and ice are soon to follow. If you live in a snow-prone area, it’ll soon be time to pull out the shovel, gloves, and boots and prep yourself for the snow shoveling season.
Here are some tips to stay ahead of the snow, protect yourself from injury, and make this necessary chore a little less taxing.
Before Shoveling: Prepare & Plan
Warm-up – Do some basic stretches to limber up and prevent injury.
Wear layers – Layers will keep you warm while allowing for full movement.
Start early – Shovel new snowfall before it melts and refreezes into a slipping hazard.
Make a plan – Before removing the snow, figure out where you’re going to move it to.
Choose the right shovel – Make sure your shovel fits your hands and frame. Choose from ergonomically-designed models that can reduce bending and strain.
Consider wax – Coating your shovel blade with wax (car wax is fine) will prevent heavy snow from sticking and freezing to the blade. This works best on metal shovels.
While Shoveling: Technique & Habits
Push, don’t lift – Pushing snow is easier on your body than lifting it. In times where lifting is unavoidable, be sure to:
Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Position your feet hip-width apart and use your legs for leverage.
Avoid twisting with a loaded shovel.
Keep your shovel close to your body — This will help prevent injuries.
Keep it bite-sized – Shovel smaller loads rather than large ones. Also, focus on the powder rather than heavy ice.
Change up your grip – To prevent blisters and strain, switch up left- to right-handed shoveling. Also change it up with palm under/ palm over.
Take breaks – Especially if the snow is wet, be sure to hit pause every 20 or 30 minutes.
Stay hydrated – In cold weather, it’s easy to forget to hydrate, so be sure you have water available and remember to drink it.
Shovel snow while it’s falling – You’ll lighten your workload if you periodically remove snow while it’s falling.
Managing the Yard
While shoveling, keep your yard and home exterior happy by keeping these tips in mind.
Don’t let snow pile up – If branches are weighed down with snowdrifts, gently brush the snow off to prevent branches from bending under the weight and snapping. And when you’re shoveling near them, remember to not dump the snow on plants.
Make a windbreak – If it works for your yard, you can deposit each shovelful of snow to form a barrier that shields shrubs and plants from wind damage.
Clear snow from the dryer vent – A blocked dryer vent is a fire hazard and can put your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your vents are clear of snow build-up.
Keep the fire hydrant clear of snow – If you have a fire hydrant at the front of your yard, make sure part of your maintenance is to keep it clear in case fire crews need to locate and use it.
If you park in the driveway – Clear a path to the driver door first, so that you don’t have to trudge through the snow to get to it.
As long as there’s snow, there will be snow shoveling. By using the tips above, you can make this task a bit easier and prevent injuries in the process.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Did you know that cooking fires in residential buildings happen more often on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year? Or that peak timing for fires is from 10am – 4pm — right when everyone’s preparing their turkey day feasts?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is by far the number one contributing factor of cooking fires and fire deaths.
The following tips from NFPA will help you avoid the common pitfalls and serve up a holiday full of delicious dishes, happy memories, and a safe celebration.
Remember to:
Stay in the kitchen when cooking as much as possible:
If you’re frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food and need to leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn the stove off until you return.
If baking, simmering, or roasting, check it regularly, stay in your home, and use a timer to remind you when it’s close to done.
While cooking turkey, check on it frequently, and do not leave your home.
Test your smoke alarms a few days before the holiday to make sure they’re working.
Keep oven mitts, food packaging, towels, and any other flammable materials away from your stovetop.
Keep the kitchen floor free of tripping hazards.
Don’t use the stove or stovetop if you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
Be mindful of children:
Keep them at least 3 feet away from the stove.
Make sure knives, electric cords, and matches/lighters are out of reach.
Ensure they stay away from hot food and liquids.
Never leave them alone in a room with a lit candle.
Prevent a Fryer Fire
Deep frying turkeys is all the rage — and unfortunately causes plenty of fires and injuries every year. If you plan to fry this year, follow these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:
Only use a unit specifically made for frying turkeys — don’t try to adapt cookware you already have.
Only use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface that is a safe distance from anything flammable. Remember that fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil. Maintain a 3-foot zone free of kids and pets to protect against injuries.
Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before frying it — a partially frozen bird will cause hot oil to splatter.
Ensure that you use the correct amount of oil. An overfilled fryer will spill over when the turkey is placed inside.
Do not leave the fryer unattended. A 15-pound turkey will take about 45 minutes to cook, so prep in advance so that you can stay outside the whole time.
Use gloves and have extra potholders and supplies nearby. The pot, lid, and handles of the fryer can get very hot.
In Case of Emergency
A small grease fire can erupt suddenly — even despite best efforts at prevention. Here are some basic steps from the NFPA if one erupts on your watch.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If on the stovetop, smother flames by putting a lid or baking sheet over the pan, taking it off the heat, and turning the burner off. Leave the pan covered until completely cooled.
Do NOT pour water on a grease fire — it will make it worse or even spread the fire. A lid or cooking sheet is best; pouring baking soda or salt on small flames can also help extinguish them.
When in doubt, get out of the house. Close the door behind you and call 911.
The holidays are busy. Between cooking and hosting time and focus can feel scant. To let you focus on cooking — safe cooking, that is — enlist the whole family to help. Tasks such as shopping, decorating, and cleaning can be delegated. While in the kitchen, make sure someone else is on point for entertaining and taking care of things in the rest of the house. Finally, prepare activities (games, puzzles, books, etc.) ahead of time for children so that they’re occupied and out of the kitchen.
And most important: enjoy that precious time with your family — over a delicious, beautiful meal!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
All across America, people are missing their extended families – and now even more so with Thanksgiving and the holidays quickly approaching. What we’ll miss most this November are the warm hugs, embraces, and cheek kisses; passing dishes around the table; and piling on the couch with overstuffed, yet happy, bellies.
Many are skipping large gatherings this year, in favor of smaller dinners with only household guests. If you’re hosting a small family dinner this year, you may be wondering how to balance safety with the traditions that make Thanksgiving so special.
See the tips below for striking that balance and answering some common safety questions.
Can I have a Normal Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving may look a bit different this year for many different families. States all across the country have enforced strict guidelines limiting gatherings of more than 10 people and encouraging families to cancel their plans. However, millions of people still flocked to the airport this weekend to travel in preparation for the holiday.
So, should your Thanksgiving look normal this year? Yes and no. For some it is best to cancel, for others who don’t want to break tradition, it is best to limit your gathering to just immediate family (those in your household) or at least keep it under 10 people and have a small Thanksgiving. However, that will not change the food, or the laughs, or the memories you will make. Encourage relatives that are staying home and cooking their own meals this year to Facetime or Zoom in, so you can all still enjoy the holiday “together” while staying safe.
How Can I Keep My Small Gathering Safe?
For those who are making the decision to continue on with a small gathering, hosts will be doing more work this year- that’s for sure. But with some planning and attention throughout the evening, you can serve a meal your guests will love and keep everyone safe in the process.
“Small Gathering” Must Mean Small Gathering. Only immediate family or no more than 10 people.
Lay the Ground Rules. As the host, you’re the one who sets the tone about safety. Remember that having safety measures doesn’t mean your holiday needs to be any less warm or wonderful.
Plan Ahead. If you are including a few family members outside of your household, send safety expectations ahead of time, to give people time to plan and adjust. Make sure everyone knows and agrees to the rules. Remind them that the precautions are meant to protect them and those they love, and if they would not like to follow them, they can stay home.
Sanitize Ahead of Time. Disinfect surfaces in bathrooms and common areas. Provide disposable paper towels instead of cloth ones. Put out multiple bottles of hand sanitizer to remind people to use them.
No Ifs, Ands, or Buts. If anyone in your household becomes sick or is exposed to the virus beforehand, the dinner must be called off – this goes for you as host as well as for guests.
Social Distancing and Safety from the Get-Go. If you invite family outside of your household, remember to maintain social distance inside of your home and to avoid kissing, touching, and handshakes. Guests should also wear facemasks whenever possible (supply a box of surgical masks).
Be the Designated Server. To cut down on cross-contamination, hosts should serve all food and drink (and be masked while doing so). If dinner has to be served buffet-style, make sure everyone sanitizes before going through the line.
Go Compostable. Consider disposable and compostable paper plates, napkins, utensils, and cups to reduce the chances of transmission.
Dine Outdoors if Possible. By now we know that dining outdoors versus indoors greatly reduces the chances of transmission, so if possible, plan for that.
If Inside- Space Out. If circumstances necessitate an indoor event, plan your gathering in a large room, spacing tables, and chairs apart. Open windows (have lap blankets available) to bring the fresh air in. Or you can set up multiple tables and have relatives eat in different rooms.
Mind the Alcohol. We all know alcohol lowers inhibitions and can change behavior. If folks begin to mingle, bunch together, or wander the house, remind them about social distancing. Use markers for wine and cocktail glasses so everyone keeps their own glass. Hosts should pour/serve drinks rather than lots of people handling the bottles.
Should People Be Tested Beforehand?
One of the things that makes the pandemic so frustrating is the difficulty around knowing for sure whether any of us is carrying the coronavirus. Part of that is due to issues around testing: the time lag between test and results, the false negatives, and even the lack of available testing in some places.
If family members coming to your dinner (or children that have been away at school) would like to get tested beforehand- encourage them to. This way you can all have a little piece of mind when sitting down at the dinner table. Even if everyone tests negative, still emphasize masking, handwashing, social distancing, and other proven preventive measures you can take as host.
At the end of the evening, remember to load glasses and any ceramic dishes in the dishwasher on high heat and sanitize all surfaces, doorknobs, and handles.
Should I Feel Bad for Canceling?
And finally, don’t feel bad for canceling or having to uninvite guests that usually come to your Thanksgiving feast. If you have any fears at all, or become overwhelmed with stress/anxiety about the day- don’t be afraid to cancel. This is a very crazy time (to say the least) and family members will likely understand. The health and safety of you and your immediate family should always be your number one priority.
Stay safe and have a happy Thanksgiving.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Whether you’re making the trek to visit relatives for the holidays or finally taking that delayed summer getaway, you may be getting ready to hit the open road again.
Of course, a road trip during a pandemic is quite different from our carefree road trips of the past. But with some prep work, some new safety habits, and a go-with-it attitude, you can still make your trip memorable and safe.
Service and Prep Your Vehicle
You want to be comfortable and safe on your trip, so put your mind at ease by giving your car a little love before heading out.
Get it serviced. Schedule your car for a full service and inspection, which may include oil change, fluids check and top-off, tire check, brakes, etc.
Double-check the emergency kit. Add, update, and replace items as needed. Use our handy essentials emergency kit article as your guide. Make sure it includes a first aid kit.
Add Covid-specific supplies. Throw in extra masks, sanitizing wipes and gel (at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol), and disposable gloves into your kit.
Pack for comfort. Knowing you’ll be spending hours on the road, pack music, tablets, blankets, comfy shoes, and flip-flops, as well as jackets and easy-to-throw on layers. Sunglasses, stick-on sunshades, and sunscreen will help protect against all those UV rays (though not as hot in autumn, the rays can still do damage).
Limit shopping along the way. Bring along things from home that you know are not contaminated, such as snacks, bottled water, medicine, phone chargers, and trash bags.
Plan It Out & Prep Ahead of Time
A lot has changed in the last several months, which means you’ll need to do a little more legwork ahead of your trip.
Map out your route. Even if you’ve made this trip before, there may be unexpected closures along the way. Use a mapping app to get ahead of any problem areas.
Check states and counties for Covid-19 case counts. Avoid traveling through areas with high breakouts or infection rates.
Check travel restrictions for your destination and locations along the way. Some states and cities are requiring travelers from other areas to quarantine for 14 days upon entry (or are outright barring visitors).
Before setting out, download one or two payment apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Android Pay to limit the number of germy PIN pads you have to touch.
Have a plan in case you or a family member gets sick. This virus is wily, and sometimes sickness happens despite all your best prevention efforts. So have a contingency plan ready to go.
Have a Plan for Dining & Restaurants
Restaurants can be especially risky as hotspots for coronavirus transmission. Reduce yours and your family’s risk with these tips.
Bring your own stash of non-perishable food in case of restaurant closures or limited dining options.
Utilize drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curbside pick-up options if you want to reduce your exposure. Pack a family-sized picnic set (and blanket) ahead of time so you’ll have utensils and plates at the ready. Scout out parks or lakes where you and your family can eat.
If a restaurant offers outdoor seating, choose that over sitting indoors. Bring coats and lap blankets if it’s chilly.
If dining indoors, choose restaurants that maintain social distancing between tables indoors. Wear your mask as much as possible.
Know Your Game Plan for Hotels & Lodging
Because hotels are high-traffic areas, it’s important to take extra safety steps before, during, and after your stay.
Research hotels and reserve in advance.
Call ahead and ask about their policies on cleaning and disinfecting, as well as contactless check-in and check-out.
Whatever the hotel’s stated cleaning policies, make sure you swipe high-touch areas in your room with disinfectant wipes: doorknobs and handles, bathroom fixtures and counters, light fixtures, TV buttons, and remote control, and any surface where you might put bags, computers, purses, etc.
Ask the front desk to forgo housekeeping services, as it limits the number of people in your room.
Minimize use of high-traffic areas such as lounge areas, dining areas, saunas, fitness centers, and salons.
Must-Do’s for the Entire Trip
Make a habit of the following, and safety will soon become second nature.
Follow the basics at all times: Frequent handwashing, mask-wearing in indoor public spaces (and outdoors where you can’t socially distance), and 6 feet distance between you and others outside your household.
Limit the number of stops along your route.
Use contactless payments wherever possible.
Be cautious when touching fuel pumps – diligently use hand sanitizer after every use or use disposable gloves.
Use hand sanitizer every time you enter your vehicle (same goes for family members), which will keep your vehicle’s interior clean.
Wipe down your car’s interior every day – preferably multiple times. Especially germy surfaces include door handles, steering wheel, gear knob, stereo and temperature control dials, cup holders, and seatbelts.
Have your whole family make a habit of wiping down their phones multiple times a day – phones may well be our most-touched item.
While road trips in 2020 may be nothing like those of the past, yours can still be something you and your family look back on with fondness, good feels, and probably some laughs as well.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
