Commercial Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership

How Can I Prepare And Cook Enough Food Safely For Company During the Holidays?

Preparing and cooking enough food safely for company during the holidays involves planning, organization, and following proper food safety guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that your holiday cooking goes smoothly and safely:

  1. Plan Your Menu in Advance
  • Choose recipes you can make ahead of time: Consider making dishes that can be prepped a day or two in advance to reduce last-minute stress.
  • Consider dietary restrictions: Ask guests about any food allergies or preferences (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
  • Make a shopping list: List all ingredients for each recipe and check your pantry to avoid duplicate purchases.

 

  1. Calculate Portions
  • Estimate Servings: A good rule of thumb is to allow around 1 to 1.5 servings per person for main dishes, an ½ to 1 serving for appetizers and sides.
  • Don’t forget dessert: Plan enough to offer a variety of sweet treats and extra servings.

 

  1. Food Safety: Thaw and Store Properly
  • Thaw frozen foods safely: If you’re preparing dishes in advance, be sure to thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. If cooking in bulk, consider using a cooler or refrigerator space to store items.
  • Cool leftovers quickly: After the meal, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth. Divide large quantities into smaller containers for faster cooling.
  1. Use Separate Utensils and Cutting Boards
  • Avoid cross-contamination: Have separate cutting boards for raw meats and other ingredients (like vegetables) to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Wash hands frequently: Wash your hands after touching raw meat, seafood, or eggs, and before handling ready-to-eat foods.
  1. Cook at the Right Temperatures
  • Use a food thermometer: This ensures that your meats and poultry are cooked to safe temperatures. The following are minimum safe temperatures:
    • Poultry (whole or ground): 165°F (74°C)
    • Ground meats (beef, pork, lamb): 160°F (71°C)
    • Beef, lamb, or pork steaks/roasts (medium rare): 145°F (63°C)
    • Fish and seafood: 145°F (63°C)
    • Casseroles and leftovers: 165°F (74°C)
  • Don’t partially cook meat: If you're preparing food ahead of time, fully cook it, and then reheat safely later.
  1. Serve and Store Leftovers Safely
  • Keep hot foods hot: Use chafing dishes, slow cookers, or warming trays to keep hot food at 140°F (60°C) or above.
  • Keep cold foods cold: Ensure cold dishes stay at 40°F (4°C) or below, using coolers or ice packs if necessary.
  • Label leftovers: Clearly mark containers with the date, and consume them within 3-4 days. If you won’t use them quickly, freeze them.
  1. Time Management
  • Cook in stages: Prepare as much as possible the day before. For example, chop vegetables, make sauces, or assemble casseroles. On the day of the gathering, focus on cooking the main dishes and heating up pre-prepared sides.
  • Use your oven space wisely: If you need to cook multiple dishes in the oven, consider cooking items at different temperatures that can be adjusted without compromising the dish (like 350°F for most items).
  1. Have Plenty of Storage and Serving Containers
  • Invest in food storage containers: For storing leftovers or keeping dishes organized for reheating. Label and date them for easy identification.
  • Consider disposable serving trays and platters: These can help reduce cleanup, especially if you’re cooking for a large group.
  1. Delegate if Possible
  • Ask for help: If you have family or guests who enjoy cooking, ask them to bring side dishes or appetizers. This can reduce the workload on the day of the event and help ensure a variety of flavors.
  1. Keep a Clean Work Area
  • Clean as you go: This helps avoid cross-contamination and keeps your kitchen safe and tidy. Make sure to wipe down surfaces after prepping raw ingredients like meat.
  1. Be Prepared for Unexpected Issues
  • Have backups: If you're preparing multiple dishes, have a backup plan in case something doesn’t turn out as expected.
  • Be ready for emergencies: Keep a first aid kit on hand, and know how to handle burns, cuts, or other kitchen mishaps.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your holiday meal is prepared safely and that your guests will enjoy a delicious, stress-free feast.

 

Read more

What Should My New Year’s Resolution Be With Regard to My Insurance?

The coming new year is always a time when people feel inspired to assess their accomplishments of the previous year and to see how they can make improvements to their moving forward. From traveling more to getting into the best physical shape of your life, the ideas certainly can make up a long list. But, when was the last time you thought about your insurance coverage? Are you sure that you have enough in place? What if something disastrous happens? Will you be covered? Are your current coverages sufficient enough to cover the damages? Now may be a good time to consider giving us a call!

  1. Review and Update All Policies
  • Why: Over time, your life circumstances (new job, home purchase, family changes) may affect your insurance needs.
  • Action: Make it a habit to review your auto, home, life, and health insurance policies annually. Ensure that your coverage amounts are still appropriate and that you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage.

 

  1. Increase Your Deductibles to Save Money
  • Why: Higher deductibles generally result in lower monthly premiums.
  • Action: If your financial situation allows for it, consider increasing your deductibles to save on premiums. Just make sure you can afford the higher deductible in the event of a claim.

 

  1. Add or Review Supplemental Insurance
  • Why: Sometimes, basic coverage isn’t enough for certain needs.
  • Action: Look into adding supplemental policies like disability insurance, critical illness insurance, or an umbrella policy if you think additional protection is needed.

 

 

  1. Ensure You Have Enough Life Insurance
  • Why: Life insurance should reflect the current needs of your family and dependents.
  • Action: If you’ve had major life changes (e.g. marriage, children, or a home purchase), review your life insurance policy to ensure it’s adequate.

 

 

  1. Focus on Preventative Health Measures
  • Why: Good health insurance can be more affordable and valuable when used for preventative care.
  • Action: If you have health insurance, make sure you take advantage of preventative care benefits. Staying healthy can help reduce overall healthcare costs and premiums.
  1. Set a Goal for Claims-Free Status
  • Why: Maintaining a claims-free status can lead to discounts and fewer premium increases.
  • Action: Try to minimize accidents or damages, and avoid unnecessary claims to keep your rates low.

 

  1. Read and Understand Your Policies More Thoroughly
  • Why: Knowing the ins and outs of your coverage will help you make informed decisions.
  • Action: Take time to carefully read your policy documents and learn about your coverage limits, exclusions, and claims process.

 

  1. Consider an Umbrella Insurance Policy
  • Why: It offers extra liability coverage beyond your home and auto insurance, which can be beneficial for unexpected situations.
  • Action: Research whether an umbrella policy fits your needs for an extra layer of financial protection.

 

  1. Assess Your Auto Insurance Coverage
  • Why: Driving habits, the type of car you own, and even the area in which you live can influence how much coverage you need.
  • Action: Reevaluate your auto insurance limits, considering factors like commute distance, vehicle value, and driving history.

 

Making a resolution to stay on top of your insurance ensures you’re both financially protected and not overpaying for your insurance.

Read more

How To Protect Your Small Business From Winter Hazards

Protecting your small business from winter hazards is essential to ensure smooth operations, safeguard employees and customers, and minimize financial losses. Here are some key steps you can take:

  1. Winterize Your Building and Property
  • Inspect Insulation: Ensure your building’s insulation is adequate to prevent pipes from freezing, reduce heating costs, and maintain comfort.
  • Check Heating Systems: Service your heating system to ensure it’s working properly. Replace filters, check for leaks, and keep thermostats at appropriate temperatures.
  • Clear Gutters and Roofs: Prevent ice dams by cleaning gutters and downspouts. If your building has a flat roof, ensure it’s cleared of heavy snow to prevent collapse.
  • Seal Windows and Doors: Caulking or weather-stripping doors and windows can help keep cold air out and reduce heating costs.

 

  1. Prepare for Slips, Trips, and Falls
  • De-Ice and Salt Walkways: Stock up on salt, sand, or other de-icing materials and regularly apply them to your walkways, parking lots, and stairs.
  • Keep Pathways Clear: Ensure that pathways around your business are clear of snow and ice, especially near entrances, parking lots, and loading docks.
  • Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats at entrances to reduce indoor slipping hazards. Consider using anti-slip mats in areas prone to moisture.
  • Warning Signs: Post signs warning customers and employees about slippery surfaces.

 

  1. Prepare for Power Outages
  • Backup Power: Consider installing a generator, especially if you rely on equipment that could be affected by a power outage (e.g. refrigeration, lighting, heating).
  • Emergency Lighting: Make sure you have backup emergency lighting for your business in case of power failure.
  • Power Surge Protection: Protect your electronic equipment and computers with surge protectors to prevent damage from power fluctuations.

 

  1. Review Your Insurance Coverage
  • Winter Storm Damage: Make sure your business property insurance covers snow, ice, and wind damage, such as roof collapse, water damage, or broken windows.
  • Liability Insurance: Review your liability insurance to ensure it covers injuries from slips and falls on your property.

 

  1. Prepare Employees for Winter Conditions
  • Snow Day Policy: Set clear expectations for employees on how to handle snow days or late arrivals due to weather conditions, and communicate how closures or delays will be handled.
  • Dress Appropriately: Encourage employees to dress warmly if they work outside, and ensure they have access to protective gear like gloves and boots.
  • Training on Hazard Prevention: Provide training on how to recognize and avoid potential winter hazards, including how to clear ice, drive safely in snow, and handle equipment in cold temperatures.

 

  1. Maintain Inventory and Equipment
  • Stock Up on Essentials: Ensure you have enough de-icing materials, fuel for heating or generators, and any other winter-specific supplies for your business operations.
  • Check Equipment: Make sure all equipment, including snowplows, heaters, and backup generators, is in good working order.
  • Protect Outdoor Equipment: If you have equipment stored outside, make sure it’s properly covered or stored indoors to prevent damage from snow and ice.

 

  1. Communication and Customer Service
  • Notify Customers of Closures or Delays: Keep your customers informed of any changes to business hours or closures due to winter weather via your website, social media, or email newsletters.
  • Provide Remote Service Options: If possible, offer online services or remote customer support if bad weather affects in-person visits.

 

  1. Plan for Winter-Related Emergencies
  • Emergency Kits: Keep an emergency kit on hand with basic supplies like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, non-perishable food, and water.
  • Emergency Contacts: Have a list of contacts for emergency repair services (e.g. plumbers, electricians, snow removal services) to address issues quickly.

 

By taking these proactive measures, you can help ensure that your business is prepared for the challenges that winter may bring, keeping your employees safe and your operations running smoothly.

Read more

What Are Anti-Discrimination Laws & Why Should Business Owners Be Familiar With Them?

Anti-discrimination laws are regulations designed to prevent unfair treatment of individuals based on certain protected characteristics. These laws typically cover areas such as employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. The protected characteristics can include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and sometimes sexual orientation or gender identity, depending on the jurisdiction.

Here’s why business owners should be familiar with these laws:

Legal Compliance: Adhering to anti-discrimination laws helps businesses avoid legal penalties, fines, or lawsuits. Understanding these laws ensures that your business practices are in line with legal requirements.

Fair Treatment: These laws promote fairness and equality in the workplace. By complying with them, you create an environment where all employees are treated with respect and have equal opportunities, which can lead to higher employee satisfaction and productivity.

Reputation Management: A business known for fair treatment and adherence to anti-discrimination laws often enjoys a better reputation. This can attract top talent and loyal customers who value ethical practices.

Diverse Workforce: Embracing and supporting diversity can lead to a more innovative and dynamic work environment. Familiarity with anti-discrimination laws helps in creating policies that support diversity and inclusion.

Conflict Avoidance: Understanding these laws helps in proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate into disputes or legal claims. It also equips you to handle any complaints or conflicts that arise in a manner that is fair and legal.

Overall, knowing and implementing anti-discrimination laws is essential for maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally compliant business environment.

Read more