As we wind down from the last remnants of the 2023 Hurricane Season, it’s time to embrace the warmth of family and the joy of Thanksgiving. The food, the family and of course the fun! With this time off from work and school, it is nice to experience a relaxing and festive break!
With the Gulf Coast experiencing a “hint of chilliness” or more like a blast of cold weather, Floridians are excitedly donning long sleeves in the Sunshine State. You’d be surprised that we have winter clothes and frankly, so are we sometimes!
Amidst the preparations for this grand feast, let’s delve into some essential safety tips for a happy, healthy, and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
1. Review and Protect Your Home
Whether you’re leaving your neighborhood or hosting the gathering, safeguarding your home is crucial.
If you are leaving your area:
Before heading out, double-check and secure your personal belongings. Holidays, including Thanksgiving, sometimes see an uptick in home robberies. Ensure your homeowners insurance covers potential losses due to theft. While bringing up bad things during a festive holiday is not exactly what we’d like to talk about, it is important to be mindful of both good and bad situations that happen during the holiday!
If you are hosting the holiday gathering:
Be vigilant about who enters and exits your home, considering the multitude of liability risks associated with a festive gathering. Clear both inside and outside areas of clutter, paying special attention to the kitchen to avoid potential injuries.
2. Prevent Cooking Fires
As cooking takes center stage during Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to be mindful of the increased risk of fires.
If you’re deep frying a turkey:
While attempting this interesting cooking method, it is best to deep fry outside to avoid potential disasters. Thaw the bird thoroughly to prevent ice and oil-related accidents. If you are the turkey expert then this may not be new information to you, but if you are going to try this method in 2023, please make sure you are taking many precautionary steps to garner success!
Now on a quick side note, if you haven’t experienced a deep fried turkey then you must at some point. With its crisp skin outside and tender meat, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t before!
When stepping out of the kitchen:
Set timers to avoid prolonged absences, reducing the risk of fires. Thanksgiving Day holds the unfortunate title of being the No. 1 day in the U.S. for home cooking fires, nearly four times the average.
Thanksgiving Day Cooking Fires (Source: National Fire Protection Association, 2018):
- Thanksgiving Day: 1,630 (250% above the daily average)
- Christmas Day: 740 (59% above the daily average)
- Day Before Thanksgiving: 740 (59% above the daily average)
- Easter: 670 (43% above the daily average)
- Christmas Eve: 650 (40% above the daily average)
3. Drinking & Driving Awareness
Thanksgiving celebrations often include a toast, but it’s essential to celebrate responsibly. If you’ve driven to the gathering, be cautious about alcohol consumption. Allow yourself extra time or consider ride-sharing options to ensure a safe return home, cherishing the time spent with family. Cheers to health and life!
4. Have Fun and Relax!
As the delightful aroma of Thanksgiving feasts fills the air, there’s an extra sprinkle of joy knowing it’s time to gather with loved ones. Laughter echoes through the house, and the warmth of shared stories wraps around like a cozy blanket. From the joyous chaos of the kitchen to the comforting chatter around the table, it’s a day to savor the simple pleasures of family, fun, and gratitude. As we carve out moments of togetherness, let’s embrace the magic of Thanksgiving and create memories that sparkle with love and laughter.
As your trusted insurance agency, we’re here to provide tips and address serious risks. While we don’t aim to instill fear, it’s important to be aware that claims can arise even on the most joyous occasions.
For additional information on the holiday season, Thanksgiving Day claims, and your insurance policies, feel free to reach out. Call us at 850.244.2111 to speak to your agent or email us at service@harrisinsurance.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
