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Halloween Food Safety Tips

- Monday, October 26, 2020
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Halloween Tips

Even though it’s not an official holiday, Halloween is much beloved by children and adults alike. What could be more fun than trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, or costume parties?

To make sure treats are safe for children, follow these simple steps:

Snacking: Children shouldn’t snack on treats from their goody bags while they’re out trick-or-treating. Give them a light meal or snack before they head out – don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Urge them to wait until they get home and let you inspect their loot before they eat any of it.

Safe treats: Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Food Allergies: If your child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Do not allow the child to eat any home-baked goods he or she may have received.

Choking hazards: If you have very young children, be sure to remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.

Bobbing for apples is an all-time favorite Halloween game. Here are a couple of ways to say “boo” to bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present on apples and other raw fruits and vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

Try this new spin on apple bobbing from FightBAC.org: Cut out lots of apples from red construction paper. On each apple, write activities for kids, such as “do 5 jumping jacks.” Place a paperclip on each apple and put them in a large basket. Tie a magnet to a string. Let the children take turns “bobbing” with their magnet and doing the activity written on their apple. Give children a fresh apple for participating.

If your idea of Halloween fun is a party at home, don’t forget these tips:

Beware of spooky cider! Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties.

No matter how tempting, don't taste raw cookie dough or cake batter that contain uncooked eggs.

“Scare" bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. These include finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings.

Bacteria will creep up on you if you let foods sit out too long. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for more than two hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90°F).

fda.gov


Fall Bucket List 2020

- Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Lallis and Higgins Insurance - Fall Bucket List 2020

Here are 8 fun, safe and socially distanced ideas for your family to drive, hike, and experience across New England this fall

1). BELKIN FAMILY LOOKOUT FARM- Natick, MA.

The closest Apple picking location to Boston. Besides just picking apples, Lookout Farm offers Train rides, farm animals, Cider Donuts, and Crafted beer for the adults. Outdoor dining is available by reservation only on the Resy App.

2.) ZOO NEW ENGLAND: BOSTON LIGHTS

Panning the 72 acres of Franklin Park Zoo, Boston Lights will impress visitors of all ages with more than 50 large scale displays comprised of hundreds of colorful lanterns. This spectacular event is sold out until November. Be on the lookout for available tickets.

https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/boston-lights-member-tickets/

3.) FENWAY PARK

Though you can’t enjoy sitting down for a game, Fenway park still offers plenty to enjoy and look at. Take a walk down Landsdowne Street and enjoy the outdoor memorabilia and outdoor dining.

4.) MOHAWK TRAIL

One of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts- Mohawk trail is an Instagram- worthy fall must have experience. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods. It is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Pack a lunch, eat outside and enjoy the foliage - It’s worth the trip (and the photos)

5) PLYMOUTH ROCK

With more than 30 acres to stroll, outdoor living history exhibits, and gardens to enjoy, a visit to Plymouth is a fall essential! The staff have adjusted their protocols to meet physical distancing requirements while still providing engaging programs, and presentations.

6) C.N SMITH FARMS

This place is by far the best for picking your own pumpkins. They are currently booking by reservation only- So be sure to go to their site to schedule in before you take the drive.
https://cnsmithfarminc.com/

7) BARRETTS: SCREENS AND SCREAMS

Due to health and safety requirements, Barrett’s will be presenting an all new drive in experience starting this weekend. Bringing a double feature of horror on screen from old school classics to modern day favorites. Food is provided and delivered to your car by Abington Ale house. Go to their sites for available tickets.

http://www.bhmansion.com/buy-tickets/


October is Crime Prevention Month

- Monday, October 12, 2020
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Crime Prevention Month

In 1984, October was designated as Crime Prevention Month. Since then, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has been working with local law enforcement, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses, and other organizations to help them spread the word about crime prevention and personal safety. With shrinking law enforcement budgets across the country, the role that each of us can play in preventing crime is more important than ever.

Each week in October has a distinct crime prevention theme.

Week 3: Working Together to Reduce Violent Crime

NCPC is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Officer Safety Initiatives (NOSI) Program to help keep communities safe from the damaging impacts of violent crime.

NCPC is devoting Week 3 of Crime Prevention Month to reminding communities and individuals that driving down violent crime is a responsibility shared by all. You can support violence prevention efforts by helping NCPC educate people young and old about the steps we can all take to protect ourselves and our neighborhoods – because everyone’s safety depends on it.

For more information on protecting your home and belongings, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: www.ncpc.org/


What You Need to Know About the New Hands-Free Law

- Monday, October 05, 2020
What You Need to Know About the New Hands-Free Law in Weymouth, MA

The Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law takes effect on February 23, 2020. Until March 31, violators of this law will receive verbal warnings. After March 31st, citations will be issued. It is still illegal to compose or read texts, emails, or social media; or watch videos or use the camera function on your phone. Drivers under 18 are banned from all phone use.

Fines and Penalties:

  • First offense - $100
  • Second offense - $250 and the driver is required to take a distracted driving education course
  • Third offense - $500 which is surchargeable to your insurance

What you Need to Do:

  • If you find that you need to use your phone while driving, it must be affixed to the dashboard, center console, or windshield. You cannot hold the phone in your hand.
  • Only one touch or one swipe is allowed to activate GPS or to make or receive a call.
  • You can no longer manually dial a phone number or enter a GPS location while driving.

What We Recommend:

  • Program your GPS before you drive.
  • Call or text anyone before you depart to let them know you'll be driving and won't be using your phone.
  • If you have an iPhone, go into settings and enable Do Not Disturb While Driving. If you have an Android, download the DriveMode app. These features will silence incoming calls and texts and will send an automatic response to let people know you are driving.


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