Thanksgiving Safety Tips
As we pile on the layers and spend more time indoors this holiday season, we reflect on what’s really important. No matter how you choose to spend Thanksgiving this year, it’s critical that you understand how to minimize risks that may lead to costly insurance claims. From focusing on fire prevention and home security to safe driving, there are many Thanksgiving safety tips that can help ensure that your Turkey Day is a safe, healthy, and joyous one.
At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we are committed to helping our clients meet their unique insurance coverage goals. Our customized insurance policies deliver peace of mind knowing that homes, cars, and other personal assets are covered from unforeseen circumstances.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, be sure to consider these tips and lower your chances of dealing with expensive holiday mishaps.
Home Security
Whether you’re going to be home or visiting with loved ones this Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep your home safe. Make sure that your home security system is operable and check the settings to ensure optimal protection when you’re out of the house — and during unexpected power outages. Close and lock all windows and doors at night and when the house is uninhabited. If you’re going to be away for days or weeks at a time, ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home and grab any mail or deliveries that may collect outside. Also, be sure you have adequate homeowners insurance to minimize the costly fallout of a break-in or property damage.
Fire Prevention
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports that the leading cause of all residential Thanksgiving Day fires in the U.S. is cooking, especially with deep fat turkey fryers. These are high-risk appliances that can easily overheat, tip over, or spill hot oil. Safe cooking practices are essential when preparing Thanksgiving dinner no matter what appliances you may use.
But, even before you begin stuffing the turkey, it’s important to test your smoke detectors and fire alarms. In the event of a fire, these devices will provide essential protection. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on proper testing protocols and always replace batteries on a recommended schedule.
Once you start preparing the meal, don’t leave the kitchen appliances, such as outdoor cookers or crockpots, left unattended. Keep children and pets away from hot cooking surfaces that may splash or splatter hot food and liquid. All flammable items such as oven mitts, towels, and long sleeves should be kept far away from your stovetop and other heat-enabled appliances.
Lastly, be sure a functional fire extinguisher is close by in case a fire starts. Remember that water should never be used to extinguish a grease fire because it can actually make it worse — or spread more quickly.
Safe Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 528 people lost their lives in car crashes during Thanksgiving weekend alone in 2017. In order to reduce your risk of causing or falling victim to a devastating accident, it’s important to take some safety precautions.
Always travel at a safe speed — especially in inclement weather during the colder months. Avoid driving under the influence of recreational substances to prevent unnecessary accidents, injuries, and deaths, and encourage friends and family members to do the same. Wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving an accident — in fact, the NHTSA has stated that 47% of passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in 2017 were not wearing a seatbelt.
At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we offer personalized insurance coverage to meet the needs of you, your family, and your business. Contact us to see how a comprehensive insurance policy can offer protection in the face of unknown circumstances. Schedule a personal consultation with one of our trusted agents today.