It’s that time of the year again! In some parts of the country, leaves have been changing. In other parts, there has been some snow. Here in the Gulf Coast of Florida, we will see a small drop in temperature, but nothing compared to the north. With hurricane season almost 100 percent finished, we are happy to take a break and reconnect with our loved ones. Even with holiday travel, nothing beats sitting at the table and catching up with relatives, friends, and immediate family while having an endless supply of delicious food. While the year cannot be any stranger, there is a lot to be thankful for on any given day.
Whether you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, here are a few quick tips to make sure everything is safe and fun!
Stay fire-free:
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day is the number one day for home-cooking fires. To avoid this, please try to keep fire hazards away from the stove. Some examples of known fire hazards are wooden utensils, oven mitts, plastics of any kind, and towels. It is also wise to avoid leaving food that is cooking unattended for long periods of time without setting a timer. If you plan on deep frying a turkey, it is important to be outside when this is happening. Please make sure it is thawed out before submerging it in the hot oil. A half-frozen turkey will make the oil splatter, and that can cause serious damage.
Make sure smoke alarms are in working order:
Since we are about holiday cooking, please make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Smoke detectors chirp when the battery is running low. If this is happening, quickly change the battery and use the “test” button to make sure your equipment is in working condition. If you encounter smoke or fire, a smoke alarm’s chime can really save lives.
Keep your children safe:
Many times, we bring out a lot of old equipment for Thanksgiving Day. The old electric knife may be used once a year but please keep it away from children. They may wander through the house and kitchen from time to time. Unattended items such as a hot plate, electric carving knife, or lighters can put children in danger. It is also worth noting that dangling power cords should be kept out of reach as well.
While we never want to scare you, there are many risks involved with Thanksgiving festivities that need to be addressed. The last thing anyone wants is to call emergency services or insurance on their holiday break. We believe that your family’s safety is a top priority!
If you have additional questions regarding the holiday season and your insurance policies, we can offer some piece of mind. Please call us 850.244.2111 to speak to your agent. You can also email us at service@harrisinsurance.com.
Happy Thanksgiving, from our families to yours! 🦃
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.
