Thanksgiving is often considered the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season. During this time of year, your family and friends may revel in festive gatherings and decadent cuisine. However, even as you enjoy Thanksgiving and all the joy it may bring, you must also be mindful of potential risks and accidents that could occur in connection with the holiday. At Matt Roenker Insurance Agency, we proudly present these Thanksgiving safety tips and guidance regarding how suitable coverage may be essential.
Five Key Thanksgiving Safety Tips 
When preparing Thanksgiving dinner or otherwise hosting a gathering, be mindful of the following safety precautions:
- Ready your kitchen. Prepare your kitchen well before starting to cook. Clean and check the condition of all equipment and appliances. Additionally, ensure you have functioning smoke alarms and consider keeping a fire extinguisher in the room.
- Supervise responsibly. Never allow children or pets to be in a room alone with hot surfaces, sharp instruments, or while cooking equipment is used. Make sure an adult is present in these environments at all times.
- Avoid foodborne illness risks. Make sure you clean and disinfect all surfaces and utensils between uses. Additionally, meat, poultry, eggs, and fish should be stored separately from other foods to limit the risk of cross-contamination.
- Limit clutter. Clean your home thoroughly before company arrives. Pay particular attention to keeping flammable materials and substances, such as dish rags, away from cooking appliances and hot surfaces.
- Stay sober. Although Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings may be a time for revelry and celebration, hosts and cooks should be responsible about their alcohol consumption, as being impaired can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
How the Right Insurance Can Help
Your homeowners insurance can play a critical role in limiting the financial consequences of accidents that may occur at Thanksgiving. For example, if a fire breaks out in your kitchen, your insurance may help pay for damage to your home and belongings. Additionally, standard policies typically include liability coverage and medical payments coverage, meaning if a guest is injured or becomes unwell due to a foodborne illness, you may be able to receive aid for resulting medical expenses.
We’re Here to Help
Contact Matt Roenker Insurance Agency today to learn more about how homeowners insurance can offer financial protection during Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.