Holidays can be fun and exciting, but they are also a bit hectic. When there are a million things going on at once accidents tend to occur. To keep you and your guests happy this holiday season, we have gathered important holiday safety tips that even the Grinch would appreciate! 

1.    Safely Thawing & Cooking Your Turkey 

Yes, believe it or not there is a safe way to thaw your turkey. Bacteria can begin to grow again if not properly stored during the thawing process. Your turkey should be kept in the refrigerator or in cold water to safely thaw, never outside. Hot foods should be kept above 140 degrees and cold foods below 40 to avoid bacteria contamination. Always cook your turkey until it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees to avoid food poisoning. 

2.    Purchase a Safe Christmas Tree 

Even if you’re buying an artificial Christmas tree, you still need to take safety precautions when decorating. Look for a tree and lights that are flame-retardant. If you’re using old lights, check for damage like fraying or excessive wear. When purchasing a live tree, make sure it’s a good green color; you don’t want a tree with dry, brown needles. Water it daily and keep it at least 3 feet away from any heat source. 

3.    Safe Holiday Travel

Many of us don’t travel for a living, so when we head to the in-laws or to grandma’s house for the holidays, we aren’t always prepared. Have you checked your tires, do you need snow tires, do you have an emergency kit and blankets, and when was the last time you checked your oil and antifreeze? In case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have roadside service coverage with your auto insurance. You can contact The Weimer Group at (877) 791-1707 to learn how to add this coverage to your policy or to get an auto insurance quote. 

4.    Holiday Shopping

Whether shopping online or in store, you should always be cautious when making purchases with your bank or credit card. The holiday shopping season is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, and it is also a time when cyber and mall thefts are at a high. When shopping online, know the site you are buying from, look for the locked padlock icon that insures you’re on a safe site, and never use a public Wi-Fi connection while making purchases online. These tips can help prevent Identity theft, but even when we take precautions it can still happen. Learn how The Weimer Group and ERIE can help by adding Identity Recovery Coverage to your homeowner’s insurance policy. 

5.    Safe Holiday Home When You’re Not Home

Are you leaving your home empty this holiday season? Even if you live in a safe, quite neighborhood, you should take steps to make sure your home is secure while you’re away enjoying your holiday vacation. Lock your doors, windows, garage, and any vehicles you are leaving behind. You should also remove any valuables from your vehicle. Leave a light on and ask a friend or neighbor you trust to pick up your mail and check on things. Don’t post on social media that you’re going to be away or post pictures during your trip.