Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for most of us, that means a time of joy and to be grateful for what we have. It also signifies the start of the holiday season with good food and quality family time. While this year has affected so many of us in so many different ways, now is the time to be thankful for all the good. Unfortunately, this joyous holiday turns out to be disastrous for so many homeowners and their loved ones. With all the cooking, socializing, and drinking that happens in the same place, tragic accidents can occur every year on this otherwise great holiday. Learn how to protect your home when the festivities start with these Thanksgiving safety tips.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Homeowners
- Prevent cooking fires
Nothing stops the festivities like a fire in the house. Unsurprisingly, cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving. Make sure you don’t leave cooking food unattended, avoid wearing long-sleeve tops and loose-fitting clothing, move flammable items away from the oven, and check your smoke alarms beforehand to ensure they’re in good working condition.
- Consider injury risks
Burns, cuts, and falls are all likely when cooking for the masses. Be mindful when cooking not to burn or scald yourself, and leave yourself plenty of time to cook so that you aren’t rushing. Also, be cautious of which family members have been drinking, and be prepared to discreetly reduce the flow of alcohol if they appear to have had more than their share. Remove candles and sharp knives from the table when small children are around. These may sound like obvious warnings, but knife and alcohol-related accidents are two of the biggest reasons for emergency room visits on Thanksgiving.
- Secure your home before travel
Whether you’re hosting or going to a family member’s household, it’s essential you protect your property. If you’re going to be gone for a few days, set your burglar alarm, put lights on timers, and let trustworthy neighbors know when you’ll return so they can report any suspicious activity to the police. As a host, remember to lock windows and doors so that strangers cannot enter the house unknowingly.
- Protect pets
Although we want our pets to enjoy the festivities, it is not recommended that they share our Thanksgiving meal. Avoid sneaking your pet stuffing, herbs, bones, bread dough, or any other scraps from the table as these could not only be harmful but fatal. Instead, serve up a pet-friendly Thanksgiving dinner that your cat or dog can enjoy with you on the day.
- Keep kids safe
There is a good chance that your Thanksgiving celebration will include kids of all ages. It’s best to keep an eye on the kids and keep them out of the kitchen at all costs. Make sure that knives, sharp objects, and candles are placed high and out of their reach.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends. These useful safety tips can help you enjoy the day without worry. What’s more, as long as your home is covered with a good homeowners insurance policy, you should relax and enjoy the fun with your loved ones! From our family to yours, we hope that you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Finding affordable homeowners insurance that adequately protects your property doesn’t have to be difficult. For quality policies, turn to the professionals at AimPro Insurance, serving Phoenix and surrounding neighbourhood in Arizona.
