A Guide to Holiday Hosting

The holiday season is fast approaching and whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving, your family’s annual Yankee Swap, or the countdown to the New Year, your celebration should be all about family and friends. Here at Bearingstar Insurance, we are all too familiar with how a gathering can quickly go sour, which is why we’re offering a few holiday hosting tips to keep everything festive and safe at your holiday parties.

The Decor

Decorations are a big part of the holidays. From your detailed table settings to your outdoor light displays, holiday decor helps everyone get in the spirit! These festive decorations, however, can put a damper on your gathering if safety isn’t made a priority. Here are some things to keep in mind when decorating your home:

• Don’t overload electrical circuits. Electronics that require a lot of energy should be plugged directly into the wall.
• Extension cords are for temporary use only. Be sure to unplug them after the party.
• Keep lit candles in a safe place where you can keep an eye on them and where no one will accidentally knock them over. A safe alternative are battery operated candles.
• If you are enjoying a lit fireplace, keep the fireplace screen closed at all times and clear the surrounding area of flammable items.
• Keep a watchful eye on little ones and remind them to stay away from candles and the fireplace.

In the Kitchen

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without everyone gathering around the kitchen table to enjoy a delicious meal together. But preparing appetizers, the main course, and of course dessert requires extra attention in the kitchen. While cooking up a storm, don’t forget to be mindful of these safety precautions:

• Keep a close eye on your stove as a common cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.
• Keep your cooking area clear of flammable items like kitchen towels or cloth oven mitts.
• Dress appropriately in the kitchen — avoid loose clothing which can create a fire risk.
• Keep children out of the kitchen. Small hands may feel the need to reach up and grab pot handles, utensils, and more.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case a fire does break out.

All About Your Guests

As the host of the party, it’s up to you to make sure your guests are having a good time, but it’s also your responsibility to keep them safe. The last thing you or anyone else wants is for someone to get hurt at your home. Follow these tips to keep your guests safe this holiday season:

• If you are welcoming children into your home, be mindful of hazardous objects like small items which can pose a choking risk, sharp items, or open flames.
• As colder weather rolls in, make sure your walkway and stairs are clear of snow and ice to prevent your guests from slipping and falling.
• During times of inclement weather, keep a towel or absorbent matt by your door to keep guests from tracking snow or rain indoors, minimizing your risk of a slip and fall.
• If you are serving alcohol this holiday season, keep an eye on how much your guests are consuming and make sure to offer food and non-alcoholic beverages options as well.
• In the event that a guest overindulges, never let them drink and drive. Offer to call a cab or allow them to spend the night.

No matter what your holiday traditions are, we want you to enjoy them safely. If you have any questions about protecting your home this holiday season, a Bearingstar Insurance agent is happy to help! Visit our website to connect with an agent near you: http://bit.ly/2Kdp2vm