Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. But with all the joy, there’s also potential for mishaps. Whether it’s a kitchen fire, food poisoning, or a pet accident, the holiday can bring its own risks. Here are five tips to keep your Thanksgiving safe and claim-free:
- Don’t leave the stove or oven unattended.
With all the cooking going on, it’s easy to get distracted by guests or other holiday preparations, but kitchen fires can start in an instant. If a fire breaks out on the stovetop, don’t panic. Turn off the burner and use a lid to smother the flames. For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Never use water or flour to put out a fire – this can make it worse. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and for anything more serious, call 911 and evacuate your guests. - Practice good food safety.
Nobody wants their Thanksgiving feast to end with food poisoning. Wash your hands frequently, especially when handling raw meat, and use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods. Use a food thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches 77°C, and don’t leave leftovers sitting out for too long – refrigerate them as soon as the meal is done to prevent bacteria from growing. - Keep pets and guests safe.
Holidays can be stressful for pets with all the commotion. Set aside a quiet space where they can retreat and make sure they have plenty of food and water. Also, be cautious of what they eat. Turkey bones and fatty foods can be harmful, and ingredients like chocolate are toxic to pets. Even the most well-behaved dogs can act unpredictably under stress, and a bite could lead to a homeowner’s claim. If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, contact your vet right away. - Be cautious about sharing your travel plans.
If you’re leaving town for Thanksgiving, resist the urge to share your travel plans on social media. Burglars often use social media to target empty homes. Wait until you’re back to post about your trip. In the meantime, make sure your home is secure – set alarms, put lights on timers, and have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on things. - Don’t drink and drive.
Alcohol often plays a role in holiday gatherings, but make sure your guests stay safe. Offer non-alcoholic drinks, encourage guests to designate a driver, or call a cab for them. Impaired driving can lead to severe consequences, including accidents, legal trouble, or worse. Keep everyone safe by promoting responsible drinking and ensuring your guests have a safe way home.
Give Thanks Safely
While Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and joy, it’s also a time to be mindful of potential risks. From kitchen mishaps to break-ins, there’s plenty that could go wrong. Now is a great time to review your insurance policies with your broker to ensure you’re protected.
Bulger Insurance can help you navigate your coverage and keep you safe this holiday season. Contact us today for more information!
