5 Ways To Avoid an Insurance Claim This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday celebrated with delicious food, family, and friends. However, it can also come with its own set of risks and accidents. Here are five tips to help you stay safe this Thanksgiving:

1. Never leave your oven or stove unattended

Avoid letting guests distract you while you’re cooking. Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

If a fire starts on your stovetop, turn off the burner and quickly cover the pan or pot with a lid to smother the flames.
Avoid throwing water or flour on stovetop flames, as this can cause the fire to flare up or spread. Instead, use baking soda to help extinguish the flames.
If a fire occurs in your oven, turn it off and keep the door closed. Opening the door can provide oxygen to the flames, potentially causing the fire to spread
Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher within easy reach and opt for a Class K extinguisher for the best firefighting safety.
If you cannot safely extinguish a fire, prioritize your safety and evacuate your home. For any significant flare-ups, call 911 and wait outside for the firefighters to arrive. Remember, possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot.

2. Adhere to proper food safety guidelines

Food poisoning is not the Thanksgiving memory you want to create for your family and friends. Wash your hands frequently while cooking, and handle ingredients properly to safeguard your loved ones from foodborne illnesses.

Clean and disinfect utensils and cutting boards, especially after handling raw meat. Keep raw foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
Never reuse meat marinades for sauces unless you boil them thoroughly beforehand.
Use a reliable probe thermometer to check your turkey. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Store uncooked meat on the lowest shelf to avoid drips and prevent cross-contamination.
If you’re serving a buffet-style meal, be sure to monitor the USDA-recommended temperatures for hot and cold food storage.
Inquire about food allergies among your guests and adjust your food preparation as needed. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), 33 million Americans have food allergies, and more than half of adults, along with one in 13 children, have faced a severe allergic reaction.

3. Protect your guests and pets

The joyful bustle of a holiday home can be overwhelming and stressful for pets. Even typically gentle dogs may bite when they’re anxious or scared, and you could be held legally responsible if a guest is injured in your home. Serious dog bites may require medical attention and could result in lawsuits, potentially leading you to file a homeowners claim for these expenses.

Create a designated space where pets can retreat, such as a quiet guest room, and make sure they have access to plenty of food and water.
Keep the Thanksgiving feast out of reach of your pets. Fatty human foods can be difficult for animals to digest, and poultry bones can pose a choking hazard. Additionally, some desserts contain ingredients that are toxic to pets; for instance, dogs should never consume chocolate.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a local emergency pet clinic right away. You can also reach out to Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, though a consultation fee may apply.

4. Avoid overserving alcohol

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, often featuring cocktails. Social host liability laws allow victims of drunk driving to sue the host who served the alcohol, and these laws vary by state. As a host, you could be held responsible for any alcohol-related incidents that happen during or after your Thanksgiving gathering.

Provide nonalcoholic beverage options and consider stopping alcohol service toward the end of the gathering.
Encourage your guests to use a designated driver or provide them with rideshare or taxi gift cards. If you’re uncertain, call for a ride or invite them to stay overnight. Impaired driving can lead to accidents, tickets, fines, jail time, or worse.
Consider getting host liquor liability insurance to protect your party. While most renters and homeowners policies cover general mishaps, alcohol-related incidents may be excluded. Be sure to discuss the specifics with your insurance agent, who can assist you further.

5. Refrain from sharing your travel plans on social media

You never know who might be reading your social media posts. Sharing your travel plans or stating that you’re out of town can be an open invitation to potential theft.

Some burglars monitor social media to identify potential targets. If you want to share about your trip, that’s fine—just wait until you’re safely back home to post.
If you will be away for an extended period, remember to set your security alarm, use timers for your lights, and arrange to have your mail and newspapers held.
You can also inform trustworthy neighbors about your return date so they can report any suspicious activity to the police while you’re away.

Celebrate safely this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays, and for good reason! It’s a time for gratitude and cherishing what matters most. However, you decide to celebrate, prioritize safety and enjoy your time with friends and family!