Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude. But as we gather loved ones and tackle ambitious holiday cooking, a few common risks can pop up.
At Marshik Insurance Agency, we want to make sure your celebration is stress-free. Here are a few simple tips and insurance reminders to help keep your home, your guests, and your peace of mind protected this holiday season.
The Biggest Risk: Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is the heart of Thanksgiving–and the primary source of holiday claims. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.
- Never Leave Cooking Unattended: This is the most crucial rule. If you're frying, boiling, or broiling, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave the room, turn off the burner.
- Keep Things Clear: Move anything that can burn, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and dish towels, away from the stovetop.
- Handle Oil Fires Carefully: If you have a small grease fire, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, and then turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire.
- Fry Turkey Safely: If you use a turkey fryer, always do so outdoors and away from the house, garage, or any other flammable structures. Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before frying to prevent oil flare-ups.
Hosting Guests: Auto and Liability Reminders
Hosting a crowd brings extra risks, both on your property and on the road.
- Watch the Walkways: With extra traffic coming to your door, make sure pathways, steps, and driveways are clear of trip hazards. Promptly clean up anything that could cause a slip, such as debris, spills, or seasonal accumulation.
- Be Mindful of Impairment: If you are serving alcohol, be responsible. Your homeowners or renters policy contains personal liability coverage, which may respond if you are found responsible for a guest's injury on your property. However, many states have social host liability laws that could potentially hold you responsible if an impaired guest causes an accident after leaving your home. Encourage guests to use rideshare services or offer them a place to stay overnight.
- Traveling? Check Your Auto Policy: If you're hitting the road for the long weekend, ensure your auto insurance is up-to-date. If you rent a car, review whether your personal policy or credit card offers sufficient coverage before purchasing additional insurance at the counter.
Your Umbrella Policy Tip
If you host frequently or have significant assets, an umbrella policy can help provide an additional layer of liability protection above the limits of your homeowners and auto policies.
Giving Thanks for Protection
This Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to be thankful for more than just the food. Be thankful for the protection that allows you to fully enjoy these precious moments.
If you have questions about whether your current coverage is adequate for holiday hosting, travel, or any updates you've made to your home, please don't hesitate to reach out.
From all of us at Marshik Insurance Agency, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and peaceful Thanksgiving!