How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Most of us take our health for granted. However, as soon as the sniffles or coughing fits begin, we realize how vital it is to stay in good shape. Unfortunately, the holiday season can bring many different challenges that will put your health to the test. 

Colder temperatures, holiday stress, and germs getting passed around like candy are just a few of the ways that illness can derail your holiday plans. At Bob Johnson Insurance, we want to make sure that you avoid getting sick so that you can enjoy the season, rather than suffer through it. 

Get a Flu Shot

If you want to be more proactive about avoiding the flu this season, you should go in for immunization. In some cases, you may feel a little under the weather after the shot, but you should be good to go for the rest of the winter. 

Get Plenty of Rest

The end of the year can be hectic and stressful, which is why you need to make sure that your sleep schedule doesn’t suffer as a result. Yes, you may have more on your plate, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your Z’s in the process. Even a few extra naps can help mitigate illness. 

Eat Healthily

For many of us, the holidays are the perfect excuse to forgo our diets for a few weeks (or months). However, overeating unhealthy food can wreak havoc on your insides, so you want to do so in moderation. In between celebrations, be sure to gorge on fruits, veggies, and other healthy snacks. 

Protect Yourself Mentally

While our physical health is essential, so is our mental health. The stress of the season can exacerbate underlying issues like depression, which is why you need to be aware of any emotional changes that happen. If necessary, talk to someone about how you feel and see what you can do to alleviate the problem. 

Stay Active

Yes, it may be getting cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid activity until spring arrives. Whether it’s going to the gym or taking the stairs at work, be sure to include some physical activity this season. Your body (and your mind) will thank you. 

This winter, don’t let the weather bring you down. Follow these tips, and you’ll make it through unscathed (although we can’t do anything about that ugly Christmas sweater). Here at Bob Johnson Insurance, we wish you a very happy time during the entire holiday season!

Helpful Tips for Deep-Frying Your Turkey This Thanksgiving

Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey

Although Thanksgiving usually gets overshadowed by the holidays surrounding it (i.e., Halloween and Christmas), the fact is that it’s still one of the most important days of the year. Celebrating with family around the dinner table is an excellent way to give thanks for the season, and the food you prepare will be integral to your festivities. 

In Knoxville, one of the most popular recent trends has been to deep-fry the turkey. While there are many different ways to prepare this succulent bird, frying has become a ritual, all thanks to the crispy, tender results it offers. 

Unfortunately, though, this process is not that simple. In fact, many people get injured when trying to deep-fry their turkeys every year, so we at Bob Johnson Insurance want you to stay safe this holiday season. 

So, with that in mind, here are five tips to follow. 

#1 Create a Safe Space for Cooking

If you’ve never deep-fried a turkey before, you should know that you need a lot of clearance. It is very important that your deep fryer is placed a good distance from your house and anything flammable.  Since you have to heat so much oil, you need space to allow the heat to dissipate. Also, you want to be careful of any spatter that may come from the fryer. Ideally, you’ll have about 10 feet of clearance or more, and the ground will be flat to avoid tipping. 

#2 Use a Smaller Bird that is Thawed

While it may be tempting to fry a 30-pound turkey, the fact is that it can be too much meat to handle. If it’s your first time, you want to start small so that you don’t create a dangerous situation. Typically, about 12 pounds should be ideal. 

In addition, be sure that your turkey is completely thawed.  Wonder why? Check back here tomorrow for a video!

#3 Use Less Oil

One reason why deep-frying can be so hazardous is that you have to heat the oil to a high temperature.  When deep frying, the oil can erupt into flames for several reasons if you’re not careful. Research the smoke point of different oils and use one that won’t get close to burning. 

To test how much oil you need, put the turkey in your fryer and fill it with water until the whole bird is covered. Also, be sure to dry it out completely afterward, as water and fryer oil can create even more of a hazard. 

#4 Be Cautious With Every Step

Typically speaking, when you put the bird into the oil is when the situation can go south. So, make sure that you have more than enough clearance, and move carefully when dropping it in. Also, pulling it out can be tricky, so it helps to practice that as well. Wear protective clothing so that hot oil splatter won’t burn your skin or eyes. 

Check back here tomorrow for a video about why you should never deep-fry a frozen turkey!

#5 Be Prepared for Anything

Should the worst happen (your fryer tips over, the oil catches fire, etc.), you want to be ready. While we hope that nothing bad occurs, it’s better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard. As stated previously, position your fryer away from the house in an area that is free from anything flammable.  Keep a fire extinguisher handy (one designed for oil fires), and keep the area around the fryer as clean and empty as possible. Also, be ready to call the fire department if necessary. 

Frying a turkey can be a delicious way to spend the holiday, but don’t forget that safety is always a priority! At Bob Johnson Insurance, we’re committed to helping you and your family stay safe this season. 

5 Dos and Don’ts for Black Friday

5 Dos and Don'ts for Black Friday

Although Black Friday is an excellent day for shopping and saving money, it can also be more than a little stressful. With so many people and the hectic atmosphere of everyone searching for the same discounts, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and let the stress get to you. 

However, although you may be justified in being less than cordial on this day, we at Bob Johnson Insurance want you to enjoy the holiday, not be miserable. So, with that in mind, let’s go over some do’s and don’ts for this upcoming Black Friday. 

Write Down Your Parking Location

Depending on how long you plan on spending out and about, it’s easy to forget where your car is, and that’s the last thing you want to deal with after a full day of shopping. Make a note of where you park so you can find your car easily.  You might write it down on a note or snap a photo of the location. Some maps apps for your smartphone will let you drop a pin and will guide you right back to your car.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings, Including Other Shoppers

Even if you’re calm and collected, that doesn’t mean other people will be, too. Now is the time to stay vigilant and keep an eye on everyone else to avoid any altercations or stressful situations. 

Keep Your Cards or Money Handy

Ideally, you’ll only bring a single card so that it’s easier to keep track of throughout the day. Also, make sure to have one place you keep it in so that it doesn’t get lost. 

Have a Plan

If you’re shopping with friends or family, it’s easy to get separated as you’re all searching for your next deals. Thus, you want to set a rallying point for everyone, as well as a time to meet so that no one gets lost or left behind. 

Keep Your Keys Handy

It’s easy to lose track of personal items when you’re so busy throughout the day, so make sure that you check on your keys throughout the day, as well as any other valuables (i.e., your phone). 

Black Friday should be a safe and enjoyable holiday, and we hope that you spend it having fun, not fighting crowds and feeling miserable. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and get Black Friday shopping tips all through the month.

Happy shopping!

Help Your Pets Travel Safely for the Holidays

Help Pets Travel Safely During the Holidays

For many of us, our pets are family. So, when it comes time to leave Tennessee and visit relatives out of state, it’s only natural to want to bring your fur babies along for the adventure. While you could keep them cooped up at home with a sitter, having them share the holiday with you is so much better. 

So, with that in mind, let’s go over some travel tips that will enable your pets to come along for the ride. 

Make Sure Your Pet is Up to the Challenge

Some animals can have a hard time traveling, which can make the experience all the worse for both you and them. If you’re not sure, then try taking your pet on an extended car ride and see how they hold up. If they’re a nervous wreck by the end, it may be better to leave them home this season. 

Check With Your Travel Arrangements

Many airlines, trains, and other travel services have strict rules about pets. In some cases, they may not allow them at all. Usually, though, you will have to keep your animal in a separate compartment, which can be more than a little stressful. 

Thus, before you pack your bags, talk to your travel company and see what regulations they have in place, and consider the impact it will have on both you and your pet. 

Pack a Travel Bag

As with humans, pets will need to be cared for along the way. Bathroom stops, snacks, and water breaks are necessary, so it helps to bring a travel bag along with the rest of their belongings. If you can keep your pet nearby during the trip, be sure that you’re prepared for anything, including accidents that need to be cleaned up. 

Overall, bringing your pet along for the holidays can be a fun and rewarding experience. As long as your fur baby doesn’t get too nervous about traveling, the process shouldn’t be too complicated. 

From us at Bob Johnson Insurance, we wish you and your pets a safe and enjoyable holiday season. 

Traveling Safe This Holiday Season in Tennessee

Traveling Safe This Holiday Season in Tennessee

The holidays are about spending time with family and friends, which means that many of us will be traveling. However, winter weather can bring a variety of challenges, especially when driving to your next destination. Whether it’s in Knoxville or you’re going out of state, we at Bob Johnson Insurance want to help you stay safe. 

So, with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of travel tips and tricks that will ensure you spend the holidays with family, not in the hospital. 

Inspect Your Vehicle

While you probably get the oil changed and monitor the engine regularly, now is the perfect time to get a full diagnostic of your car’s internal systems. For example, how are your wiper blades? What about the tread on your tires? It’s better to inspect and repair these items now before you’re stuck in bad weather on the road. 

In addition to getting your car tuned up for the holiday season, you should pack it with some emergency gear just in case. Jumper cables, blankets, snacks, flares, and water are all essentials if you get stuck somewhere, so you want to be prepared. Remember, a flat tire or a dead battery can leave you stranded just as much as flooding or heavy snowfall. 

Prepare for Travel

Even if you’ve made the trip dozens of times before, it doesn’t hurt to have a plan in place beforehand. If you’re going through some rural areas, maybe bring along a map in case your GPS can’t get a signal. Look at the weather conditions along the road, so you know what to expect. Also, make sure that people know which route you’re taking, just in case something happens. 

Be Ready for Anything

While Tennessee doesn’t get much snow and ice compared to some locations, if you’re planning on driving out of state this winter, you want to be prepared for any kind of weather coming your way. Rain and thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere, and driving in snowy conditions can be more than a little nerve-wracking. 

Be careful on the road and drive slow if necessary. Having all-wheel or four-wheel drive helps, but it won’t prevent you from slipping or skidding on ice or wet roads. Remember safe driving tactics, like avoiding braking too sharply and maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel. 

What if the Worst Happens?

If you do wind up stranded on the side of the road, don’t panic. If you have an emergency kit, you should be good shape until help arrives. Hopefully, you’ll have cell service and can call someone, but if not, it’s best to wait by your car and try to flag someone down. Flares and lights can also make you more visible, especially if the weather is treacherous. 

Staying safe this holiday season is all about preparation. Hope for the best, but the more you can plan just in case the worst happens, the better off you’ll be and the more peace of mind you’ll have. Happy holidays!

5 Questions to Ask to Stay Safe on Halloween

Halloween Safety Tips

For many people, Halloween is the best time of year, all thanks to dressing up as your favorite character and getting free candy (what’s not to like?). However, while trick-or-treating comes with a lot of perks, it can also be a little unsafe, especially if you’re not prepared. 

At Bob Johnson Insurance, we want you to spend more time receiving and eating candy than worrying about your ghouls and goblins, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top questions to ask yourself before heading out this year. 

#1 Are We Visible? 

Since trick-or-treating usually happens at night, you want to make sure that you’re not going to run into any problems. While most streets will be sufficiently illuminated, some may be darker than others. Bring some flashlights or reflectors, just in case. 

#2 Are Our Costumes Safe?

One of the most prevalent issues with costumes is that they can obstruct your vision. If you have little ones wearing masks, you want to make sure that they won’t trip or fall along the way. Also, keep in mind that your clothes may be flammable, so stay away from candles or jack-o-lanterns as much as possible. Finally, check on your accessories to ensure that they won’t be a hazard. 

#3 Where are We Going? 

Having a route planned ahead of time will be the best way to spend the evening. Not only will this ensure that you don’t get lost, but it will help you make your night more efficient. Wandering around aimlessly usually doesn’t get as much candy, so avoid it as much as possible. 

#4 What are My Kids Eating?

While most reports of unsafe Halloween candy are overblown, you do want to be careful of your little one’s eating habits. Check candy before eating it. Make sure wrappers are still sealed. Too much sugar can be risky, and if your child suffers from food allergies, you have to be more vigilant than usual. 

#5 How are My Pets?

If you have a dog or cat that freaks out whenever someone comes to the door, then Halloween will be more than a little nerve-wracking for both them and you. If possible, you will want to sequester your pets for the night and try and make them as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Check on them from time to time and give them food and water as necessary. Also, allow potty breaks so that they don’t mess up your floors. 

Halloween is one of the most fun nights, so make sure to stay safe this season. With these tips, you can be enjoying candy in no time. 

Stay Fun and Safe This Football Season

Stay Fun and Safe This Football Season

With the fall underway, that means three things – changing leaves, colder temperatures, and football! Football in Knoxville is always a great time, which is why so many people look forward to this time of year. 

At Bob Johnson Insurance, we want to make sure that your time following your favorite team is both enjoyable and safe, which is why we’re offering some tried and true tips for your next outing. 

Consider Cleanliness

While tailgating is fun for the food and the camaraderie, it can also bring massive messes. From a sloppy grill to paper cups and plates everywhere, you could spend just as much time cleaning up afterward as you did cooking and eating. 

Thus, be sure to plan ahead when thinking about tailgating. Bring plenty of garbage bags, and try to minimize the mess as you go so that it doesn’t pile up too much once it’s all over. Also, avoid glass containers, as they can be a safety hazard if they fall and break. 

Be Travel Smart

Seeing a game live is an excellent way to cheer your team, but getting to and from the stadium can be a pain, especially when it comes to traffic and parking. Instead, plan a different way of getting there, such as with a carpool or public transportation. Also, memorize your route so that you don’t get lost. 

Dress Appropriately

Although Knoxville weather isn’t as crazy as other parts of the country, it can get brisk. Of course, you’ll be wearing your team’s colors and jersey, but be sure to bundle up too if you’re going to be outside for a long time. 

Only Bring Essentials

If you like to get a little wild at the game or your favorite sports restaurant, then do yourself a favor by leaving valuables at home. There’s nothing worse than having to retrace your steps because you lost something (i.e., a credit card). Also, keep an eye on your smartphone, as those can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. 

Check Your Insurance 

Most people don’t think about their insurance policies too much unless something terrible happens. However, now is the perfect time to check in and make sure that you have the right coverage. Some helpful hints:

Roadside Assistance – If you break down on the way to the game, will you be able to get towed? 

Umbrella Coverage – Having friends over to watch the game is great, but what happens if things get a little rowdy and someone gets hurt? 

Auto Coverage – Leaving your car unattended can always be a risk. Make sure you’re protected from accidental vandalism or theft. 

This football season, it helps to be practical. Give BJI a quick call or click here to contact us just to make sure your coverage is adequate. Planning ahead and having the right mindset will ensure that you can relax and enjoy the game more easily. From all of us at Bob Johnson Insurance, go Vols!

Seasonal Household Safety Tips

Seasonal Household Safety Tips

When the weather changes, so do our habits. Now, instead of spending time lounging in the sun and trying to stay cool from the Tennessee heat, we have to start bundling up and preparing for colder nights and brisk fall days. 

While the season brings plenty of fun activities (like football games), it can also bring some unexpected hazards. At Bob Johnson Insurance, we want to make sure that you’re prepared for anything this fall, which is why we’re offering some household safety tips this year. 

Check and Inspect Your Heating Sources

Since Knoxville isn’t known for being chilly during the spring and summer, your heater and fireplace are not going to get much use during the warmer months. However, being inactive for so long can cause problems if you’re not careful. 

So, with that in mind, you want to make sure that you inspect all of your heating sources before you use them. Fireplaces can collect flammable debris, and the chimney could become a massive fire hazard. 

Space heaters can pose a threat if they’re old and don’t have modern safety precautions. Your furnace can also be a hazard if it hasn’t been inspected in months. 

Keep Your Home Fire Resistant

Throwing some logs in the fireplace or lighting candles can make the chilly autumn nights more accommodating, but you want to be sure that you’re not putting yourself or your family at risk. 

When lighting any fires in your home, make sure to check the surrounding area for anything flammable. Keep candles away from the walls, and don’t let them burn all night while you sleep. Even a smoldering fire in the fireplace can emit sparks, so extinguish all flames before heading to bed. 

Pay Attention Outside

The fall season is time to bring out the holiday decorations, as well as prepare your plants for winter. Exercise caution when climbing up on the roof, cleaning your gutters, or pruning leaves. Falls and other accidents can happen fast, so you have to stay vigilant at all times. 

Also, keep in mind that the ground can get slippery as the weather changes. Rains and cold temperatures can create hazards, which is why you want to wear quality shoes with sufficient grip whenever you’re outdoors. 

Be Prepared in Case You Need to Use Your Insurance

Following these safety tips will ensure that your holiday season only creates fond memories for you and your family.   Our hope is that your holiday season is filled with family fun and making new memories. It’s good to be prepared just in case something happens that involves your insurance.  Give us a call at 800-624-3339 or click here to contact us. It only takes a few minutes to check your policies to ensure your coverage is adequate.

10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall

10 Ways to Prepare your Home for Fall

Summer has turned to Autumn in Knoxville, and it is time to get ready for the colder winter months (if you haven’t already). While preparing for holiday parties and celebrations should undoubtedly be on the list, we also want to make sure that your home is ready as well. 

So, with that in mind, here are 10 tips to prep your home for the season. 

Check Your Roof

As leaves and other debris start to collect on your roof and in your gutters, you want to make sure that they won’t pose any threat. Also, as the temperatures drop, critters will use any holes in the roof to get into your home. 

Inspect Your Basement

Just like your attic, bugs and vermin love to hang out in basements and crawlspaces. If you’re worried about an infestation, now is the time to call pest control and ensure that no critters will set up shop during the winter. 

Look for Leaks

Whether it’s through window cracks, door jambs, or other seals around your home, heat will invariably escape. Unfortunately, that means that your utility bills will be higher during the colder months. Now is when you want to locate and fill any of these leaks. 

Check for Water

Metal pipes can degrade over time, especially when the temperature drops. Hoses, faucets, and any other water systems outdoors are particularly susceptible to leaks, so check them first. 

Clean Your Filters

Since you’ll be spending more time indoors during the fall and winter, you want to make sure you’re breathing clean air. If you haven’t checked your filters in a few months, now’s the time. 

Inspect Your Walkways

Driveways, sidewalks, and stone pathways can develop cracks, which will only worsen as the weather gets colder. Take care of them now before they become a problem. 

Call in the Pros

Your home’s heating system, furnace or otherwise, has been out of action for most of the year. Getting it inspected by a professional will ensure that you don’t experience problems when it’s time to get warm and toasty. 

Check Your Chimney

It’s probably been a while since you’ve had a fire in your fireplace. If your chimney is dirty or clogged, it can be a significant hazard. 

Inspect Your Extinguishers

If there is a fire in the home, you want to be sure you can put it out. Extinguishers go bad over time, so check them out before you need them. 

Test Your Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can also wear down over time. While they will alert you if you need to change the battery, it helps to inspect them further, just to be safe. 

Although these 10 tips are useful, don’t forget to go over your homeowner’s insurance policy as well. It only takes a few minutes on the phone to make sure that you have the coverage you need to be safe this season.  Give us a call at 800-624-3339 or click here to use our contact form.