Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, share a delicious meal, and create special memories. But with festive fun comes liability risks. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking at home is responsible for 53% of all reported home fires, and 38% of home fire injuries. In fact, Business Insider adds that it’s the second leading cause of fire deaths.
With a large amount of home-related injuries on Thanksgiving Day, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. Whether you’re the usual holiday host or new to the job, taking simple steps can help you avoid Thanksgiving injury claims and ensure a fun and worry-free holiday. Let’s check out 10 simple tips to protect you, your guests, and your home!
Protect Your Home This Thanksgiving with 10 Tips to Prevent Costly Liability Claims
1. Entryway Safety: Your First Step to Avoid Thanksgiving Injury Claims
The entryway is where your guests step foot, so make it welcoming and safe! Clear any clutter, like shoes, garden tools, or decorations, that could cause tripping. If you live in a colder climate, like here in Washington, make sure walkways are free of snow, ice, or wet leaves. A sturdy doormat helps prevent slips, while good lighting ensures guests won’t stumble as they arrive! Plus, you can assign a “designated greeter” for new arrivals, they can assist by collecting their coats and shoes while ensuring a smooth entrance.
Pro Tip: Falls are one of the most common home injuries, and preventing them is the first step to avoid Thanksgiving injury claims.
2. Kitchen Safety 101: Preventing Fires and Burns
Thanksgiving and cooking go hand in hand, but the kitchen can be a hazardous area when you’re multitasking with a dozen dishes. Here’s some simple tips to keep in mind when you’re in the kitchen.
· Keep pot handles turned inward.
· Watch out for stray towels near the stove.
· Never leave cooking food unattended.
If you’re frying a turkey, do it outdoors, away from the house, and always keep a fire extinguisher on hand! Ensuring everyone on cooking duty knows how to use the fire extinguisher is key. Plus, purchasing a fire blanket to keep along with your fire extinguisher is always a great idea. A fire blanket can be used with less mess and act as your plan B if your extinguisher malfunctions. Taking these important steps can help you avoid Thanksgiving injury claims that may happen in the kitchen!
Quick Fact: Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires! According to NFPA, more than three times the daily average cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving day.
3. Secure Your Pets to Prevent Holiday Mishaps
Pets always make the holidays better, but they can also add risks you may be unaware of. If your pets aren’t used to crowds, consider setting up a quiet, comfortable space for them away from guests. Even friendly pets can become overwhelmed, leading to nips or jumps that could surprise a guest or child.
It may also be a good idea to let little ones in the home know your pet’s boundaries, like no tugging on their ears, tail or getting too close to your pet’s face – which can be easy to do if the little one is the same height! Managing your pets and informing your guests is a simple way to avoid Thanksgiving injury claims that could turn into a lawsuit.
Insurance Insight: While our beloved pets are worth the hassle, pet-related claims, especially dog bites, are common. Double-check your homeowner’s policy to ensure it covers pet incidents. If it doesn’t, you may want to inform your insurer that you own a pet and secure coverage. Finding out too late is never fun!
4. Clear the Clutter: Make It a Trip-Free Zone
With guests moving from room to room, a clutter-free space is crucial. Cluttered floors increase the chance of trips and falls, especially in high-traffic areas. Make sure hallways, entryways, and any gathering spots are clear of shoes, bags, toys, or decor items. Arranging furniture to create a clear path can also help you avoid Thanksgiving injury claims! If you have a designated “guest greeter,” assign them the task of keeping the entrance and walkways clear of shoes, purses, coats, etc. Using a guest room or closet to put guest’s personal items in would be a great addition to your trip-free safety plan.
Helpful Hint: Slips and falls account for thousands of insurance claims annually. Decluttering before guests arrive can prevent costly accidents.
5. Check Your Deck and Outdoor Spaces for Hazards
If you plan to use outdoor spaces, such as a deck or patio, give them a quick safety check. Look for loose boards, railings, or icy patches that could cause a fall. Adding lighting can help guests see where they’re stepping, especially if they’re moving between indoors and outdoors after dark. Checking outdoor areas is another important step to avoid Thanksgiving injury claims.
Safety Check: Many injuries occur in outdoor areas, so it’s best you don’t overlook your outdoor space when preparing for guests.
6. Child-Proof (and Adult-Proof) Your Home
If you’re hosting families with young children, child-proofing is essential, even if you don’t have small children yourself. Lock away cleaning supplies, sharp kitchen tools, and any fragile items. A baby gate is a great idea if you have stairs or if or can close your kitchen entrance with it. Also, you’ll want to store breakables and valuables out of reach! Child-proofing is an important way to avoid Thanksgiving injury claims by helping to prevent little ones from getting hurt.
Tip for Hosts: Most homeowner policies cover accidental damages, but a proactive approach keeps everyone safe and worry-free!
7. Food Allergy Awareness: Protect Guests with Safe Food Practices
The last thing anyone wants is an allergic reaction at Thanksgiving. Food allergies can be serious, if not deadly. When preparing the menu, ask your guests if they have any allergies. Are your guests bringing guests? Ensure you are hitting all the bases when preparing the menu. Label common allergens if you’re serving buffet-style, and keep separate utensils for allergen-free dishes. Allergy awareness is a thoughtful way to avoid Thanksgiving injury claims and can be a life-saving preventative measure.
Did You Know? Some homeowner policies cover liability claims for accidental food allergies, but being proactive is the best prevention.
8. Review Your Home Insurance Coverage Before Guests Arrive
Before hosting a holiday gathering, take a moment to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure it covers common guest injuries, pet incidents, and fire damage. In Washington, basic policies usually cover guest injuries, but coverage limits can vary. Reviewing your policy can help you avoid Thanksgiving injury claims and handle any unexpected events confidently.
Insurance Insight: Liability insurance is key when hosting guests. If a guest is injured, your coverage can help with medical bills and legal fees if needed.
9. Create a Safe “Kid Zone” or Activity Area
With so many guests, creating a designated play area for children helps keep the holiday calm and organized. Set up a spot with board games, crafts, or a cozy movie setup where kids can gather. This area allows adults to socialize without worrying about kiddos running underfoot or near potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and helping you avoid Thanksgiving injury claims.
Pro Parenting Tip: A dedicated “Kid Zone” keeps young ones entertained and away from the kitchen or other risky areas.
10. Prepare for Emergencies with a First Aid Kit and Contact List
Even with the best preparations, accidents can happen. Be prepared with a first aid kit, emergency contact list, and check out the location of the nearest urgent care. Let guests know where the first aid kit is, just in case. A little readiness can ease everyone’s mind and help you avoid Thanksgiving injury claims by addressing minor mishaps quickly.
Stay Prepared: Common Thanksgiving injuries include cuts from carving, burns, and slips. A ready-to-go first-aid kit can help you stay prepared. Plus, ensure you know which guests are first aid certified and can perform the Heimlich Maneuver.
Avoid Thanksgiving Injury Claims and Keep the Holiday Fun!
Managing your thanksgiving stress with these safety tips will help you be a fantastic host while taking steps to avoid Thanksgiving injury claims. Creating a safe and welcoming environment can help you, your friends and your family focus on what matters, enjoying each other’s company and savoring every bite of that delicious feast!
Take a few simple precautions, and you’ll ensure your Thanksgiving is full of gratitude instead of guest mishaps. Cheers to a safe, happy, and worry-free Thanksgiving!
About Associated Agents Group
At Associated Agents Group, we understand the importance of protecting your home and loved ones, especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or preparing for any unexpected emergencies, we offer comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free home insurance review and quote, ensuring your home is protected so you can enjoy a worry-free Thanksgiving! Give us a call at 509-928-7528 or fill out our online contact form. We hope to hear from you soon!
