Protect What You’re Thankful for This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year, which means it’s bound to go wrong in one way or another. Inevitably, there will be a casserole that gets burned, or a great-aunt who gets a little too excited about the homemade eggnog.
However, one accident that is avoidable is the destruction of your home, which often leads to unwanted insurance claims. To avoid an argument about who caused grandma to file a claim, follow these steps to keep your holiday safe:
Assign a family member to turkey prep: Before you start cooking your bird (or any raw meat!), ensure the meat is thawed thoroughly and dried of excess juice. Excess water can increase your risk of oil splattering and steam expansion, especially when frying. If you are deep-frying this year, make sure your turkey is no larger than 12 pounds. The larger the bird, the more you risk splashing oil and burning yourself. Smaller birds also taste better from the fryer!
Timing is key: Ensure that whatever you are cooking up, whether it be in an oven or an outdoor grill, you (or another loved one) keep track of the timers used. One missed timer on grandpa’s favorite casserole can lead to a house full of smoke!
Keep your friends close, and your fire extinguisher closer: Check the date of your fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detectors ahead of your family celebration, and make sure your guests know their locations in case of emergencies as well.
Beware of risks outside the kitchen: If you’re hosting this year, it’s important to note the risks outside of cooking. Homeowners can be liable for non-cooking-related mishaps, such as slips and falls inside the home. To mitigate risk, review your homeowner’s policy ahead of the holiday to ensure you have ample coverage, and family-proof your home to prevent accidents.
You would much rather gossip with your siblings about family drama than an impending insurance claim. By taking the time to be careful, you can avoid these common Thanksgiving mistakes and potential risks.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Iowa Insurance Institute!
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