Thanksgiving is at your house this year and there are some simple steps you can take to make sure the weekend is a fun occasion for all. Laughter, stories, and great food will rule the day. But to keep the holiday joyful, it’s important to take a few safety precautions and make sure your home insurance provides the right protection.
Hosting family and friends means more people in the kitchen, more activity around the house, and more chances for small mishaps to occur. A little planning can go a long way toward preventing accidents, fires, or injuries. Let’s explore some Thanksgiving safety tips that help keep everyone and everything safe.
How Protection Policies Translate to Holiday Peace of Mind
Your Thanksgiving guest list probably includes a wide range of ages, from toddlers running around to grandparents relaxing on the couch. With so many loved ones sharing the same space, a busy household can quickly turn from cozy to chaotic.
That’s where your homeowners’ insurance comes in. While your policy provides coverage for property damage and guest injuries, preventing issues before they happen is the best way to protect your family. Taking sensible precautions will help you relax and focus on what really matters, spending quality time together.
Stay safe with the following holiday safety tips for homeowners, and you’ll have a Thanksgiving the whole family will remember for the right reasons.
Prevent Kitchen Fires During Thanksgiving Preparation
The kitchen is the heart of Thanksgiving and also where most holiday accidents start. With multiple dishes cooking, timers going off, and guests moving in and out, it’s easy to get distracted. Unfortunately, unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires every year.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S. In recent years, firefighters have responded to an average of 1,600 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day alone; more than three times the daily average. Most of these fires start with frying or roasting food left unsupervised.
To reduce the risk, follow these kitchen safety tips:
- Always stay in the kitchen when cooking — never leave the stove or oven unattended.
- Keep flammable items like oven mitts, towels, and paper packaging away from heat sources.
- Use timers or smart speakers to remind you when it’s time to check on food.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking surfaces.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
For added peace of mind, consider using smart-home technology such as smart smoke detectors, stovetop alarms, or motion sensors that send alerts to your phone if something overheats. These modern safety tools can prevent small mishaps from turning into full-blown emergencies.
And don’t forget about your home insurance; you can check the connection between home security systems and insurance discounts because some insurers offer discounts for installing fire-prevention devices like smoke detectors or sprinkler systems.
Deep-Fried Turkey Safety: Avoid Common Hazards
Frying a turkey may sound tempting, but it’s also one of the most dangerous holiday traditions. Both the NFPA and Underwriters Laboratories strongly advise against using traditional outdoor fryers due to the dangers of deep frying a turkey.
Hot oil can easily spill or catch fire, causing serious burns or property damage. If you really want that crispy skin, consider safer alternatives:
- Use a large, deep roasting pan in the oven or an electric fryer designed for indoor use.
- Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or canola oil.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before cooking to avoid oil splatter.
- Fry outdoors on a flat, open surface away from anything flammable.
Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and double-check your smoke alarms before you start cooking. By taking these precautions, you can focus on delicious food instead of a potential kitchen disaster.
Manage Guest Safety and Liability During Holiday Gatherings
Hosting loved ones is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, but it also comes with responsibility. If you’re serving alcohol, keep an eye on your guests and encourage moderation. Offer plenty of food and water, and if anyone has had too much to drink, help arrange a safe ride or a place to stay.
Before everyone arrives, take a few minutes to tidy up your space. Move cords, toys, or decorations that could cause trips or falls, and make sure walkways are clear. Small details like these can prevent injuries.
Your home insurance likely includes liability coverage, which can help pay for medical bills or legal expenses if someone gets hurt on your property. But it’s always better to avoid the common home insurance claims in Georgia by creating a safe, comfortable environment for your guests.
Stay Alert with Fireplaces and Candles
A crackling fire and warm candlelight set the perfect Thanksgiving mood, but they also add risk. Always use a firescreen to keep sparks inside the fireplace, and never leave a fire unattended. Make sure it’s fully extinguished before you go to bed.
Keep candles on sturdy surfaces and away from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains or clothing. If your home will be full of people or kids, consider switching to battery-operated LED candles for a safer glow. Don’t hesitate on protecting your home from fire.
Keep Pets (and Guests) Safe During Thanksgiving Festivities
Thanksgiving can be stressful for pets, especially if your house is full of new people, smells, and noises. If your dog or cat gets anxious around guests, give them a quiet room where they can relax with their favorite toys and bedding.
Be careful with what foods your pets can access. Certain Thanksgiving favorites are dangerous for animals, including turkey bones, onions, grapes, and chocolate. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues.
Remind guests not to feed your pets under the table. It might seem harmless, but those puppy-dog eyes can lead to a trip to the vet.
If your pet does injure a guest, most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for dog bites or other liability incidents. But keeping your pets comfortable and calm is the best way to keep everyone safe and happy.
Quick Response and First Aid Tips for Thanksgiving Emergencies
Even if you’re careful, accidents can still happen when you’re hosting a full house. Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and easy to find.
Your first aid kit should include:
- Gauze pads
- Antiseptic creams and wipes
- Burn ointment
- Aspirin
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Elastic and adhesive bandages and tape
If someone gets hurt, stay calm. For minor cuts or burns, clean the area, apply ointment, and cover it with a sterile bandage. If the injury seems serious or involves a burn, breathing issues, or loss of consciousness, call 911 right away.
Your insurance may help cover medical costs related to accidents in your home, but being prepared helps you act fast and confidently.