Thanksgiving is a time for family and holiday traditions including taste tested, Thanksgiving recipes. It's also a time where family members may want to join in the food preparation so fire safety is important. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey, the irresistible flavor, and juiciness that results, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving tradition for some. But turkey fryers have the potential to cause fire and serious injury, which is why organizations like Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association advises against using them. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer, and take these precautions to protect yourself, your guests and your home, and avoid putting in a home owners insurance claim.

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

After your turkey is prepared, remember these Thanksgiving food safety tips to help ensure your family has a safe, enjoyable holiday. If you have any questions regarding a Homeowners Insurance Policy, click here to speak with an insurance professional.

​Happy Thanksgiving from the team at USA Mutual Insurance.

Business property insurance is something every company needs – whether you own your own building, lease or work from home.

One of the core coverages in a business owners policy (BOP), commercial property insurance protects your building and its contents, as well as exterior fixtures, such as a fence or outdoor sign.
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Commercial property insurance definition
Commercial property insurance protects your company’s physical assets from fire, explosions, burst pipes, storms, theft and vandalism. Earthquakes and floods typically aren’t covered by commercial property insurance, unless those perils are added to the policy.

How much does commercial property insurance cost?
Determining how much you’ll pay for commercial property insurance largely depends on the value of all of your business assets, including your building. Other factors that determine your premium are based on risk, including:

Location. Is the area prone to storms and other natural disasters? 
Construction. Is your building constructed with fireproof materials? Does it have new or upgraded electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC?

Occupancy. What is your industry? A realtor’s office generally carries less risk than a restaurant or repair shop.

Fire and theft protection. How far is the nearest fire hydrant and fire station? Does your business have a fire alarm and/or sprinkler system? How about a security system?

When shopping for commercial property insurance, make sure you have all the information you’ll need for a quote.

What does commercial property insurance cover?
Commercial property insurance covers your building, everything in it and just outside of it, including:

• Computers
• Furniture and equipment
• Exterior signs
• Fence and landscaping
• Important documents
• Inventory
• Others’ property

If you would like to know more about how USA Mutual can help protect your property, click here to speak with an insurance professional. 

Source: Nationwide