Are you ready to ease out of hurricane season and into Thanksgiving? We sure are! With so many interesting events from tropical storms to sudden cold fronts, it is time to wind down with the family with the biggest feast of the year. Up here in the Gulf Coast, it gets a little chilly. You’d be surprised how many people are excited to start wearing long sleeves in the Sunshine State! While you’re preparing for an amazing display of holiday joy, we wanted to check in and provide you with the latest safety tips for this special holiday.
Thanksgiving is one of the most inclusive holidays for all families. With so much to be thankful for and many new perspectives gained from the last few years, we want you to enjoy a happy, healthy, and fun Thanksgiving with some vital information to be mindful of:
1. Protecting Your Home
There are two sides to this coin. Many people travel out of their neighborhood while others host the event.
If you are leaving your area
Double check all of your personal belongings and/or lock them up in a safe. Believe it or not, burglary rates do spike on holidays, and thanksgiving sees an uptick in home robberies. Please review your homeowners insurance to make sure things like this are covered.
If you are hosing the holiday gathering
Be aware of everyone coming and going from your home. There may be a lot of action going on, but it is always important to be on top of it as you are inviting a multitude of liability risks into your home. Injuries, no matter if its children or adults, can happen. It is always wise to tidy up the property. Both outside and
inside areas should be cleared of any clutter, especially the kitchen.
2. Drinking & Driving
We all love to celebrate with a nice glass of wine or a beer for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving. One thing to always remember is to be responsible. If you have driven to the gathering this year, please be careful with alcohol consumption. It is a great idea to give yourself some extra time if you had a bit too much to drink. There are always ride sharing options available so take the time to arrive safely and cherish the time spent with the whole family.
3. Avoid Cooking Fires
Since cooking is the highlight of this Holiday, it is important to remember that there is an increased risk of fires that are associated. Many times, cooking fires may be reported within an insurance claim due to a sudden fire. Always be prepared if…
You’re deep frying a turkey:
It is an irresistible cooking method which brings out some of the juiciest meat but please make sure to deep fry outside. Many fires have happened due to performing this cooking method inside the home. Also remember to fully thaw out the bird as ice and oil may create an overspill effect.
Deep fryers were responsible for the highest death rate for every 1,000 home cooking fires (5.4), according to the NFPA. They are also responsible for the second-highest average claims for home cooking fires ($27,200) and the fourth highest injury rate for every 1,000 home cooking fires (25.9). These numbers are no joke.
You are out of the kitchen:
Always set timers to make sure your time out of the kitchen isn’t too long. Many times, fires can start if someone steps out of the kitchen and doesn’t return on time. Luckly, many people have smoke detectors and fire alarms in case there is something in the oven for a little too long.
Thanksgiving Day is by far the No. 1 Day in the U.S. for home cooking fires. It is crazy because it is nearly four times the average! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s 2018 Home Cooking Fires report, 1630 cooking fires happen on the day of thanksgiving which is 250% above the country’s cooking fire daily average. See the chart below for more information.
| HOLIDAY | HOME | ABOVE |
| Thanksgiving Day | 1,630 | 250% |
| Christmas Day | 740 | 59% |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | 740 | 59% |
| Easter | 670 | 43% |
| Christmas Eve | 650 | 40% |
| National Average | 470 | |
| Source: National Fire Protection Association, based on fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2018 |
As your friendly insurance agency, we always have your back by providing you tips and tricks, but we’re also realistic by diving into more serious risks. Don’t worry, we’re not here to scare you, but remember that many claims are filed on the most joyous of occasions.
If you have additional questions regarding the holiday season, Thanksgiving day claims information, and your current insurance policies, we’re here to help. Please call us 850.244.2111 to speak to your agent. You can also email us at service@harrisinsurance.com.
Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble! 🦃
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.
