Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate traditions, but it can also bring an increased risk of accidents and liability concerns. From kitchen mishaps and slippery sidewalks to festive drinks and friendly football games, homeowners face a range of potential hazards during the holiday season.
Agents can play an important role in helping clients prepare by reviewing their coverage, emphasizing safety precautions, and ensuring that protection is in place before the first guest arrives. With the right preparation, the focus can remain on family and celebration, rather than on claims and costly surprises.
Cook Up Safety This Thanksgiving
Before carving the turkey and raising a glass this holiday season, it’s important to remember that Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, incidents more than triple the daily average, with cooking responsible for half of all reported home fires. To help clients keep safety top of mind, agents can share the following tips to ensure a happy, healthy, and claim-free holiday:
- Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
- Be sure the turkey is not frozen and is free of any excess juice before beginning cooking.
- Always have a fire extinguisher ready and on hand in case of emergency.
- Don’t forget to set the cook timer and regularly check items in the oven and on the stovetop.
- If frying a turkey, cook outside and on a flat surface, away from flammable items such as potholders, towels or paper products.
- Use extra caution when lowering or raising the turkey from the pan.
- If frying the turkey, be wary of overfilling the fryer with oil.
- If you’re not sure whether you can safely put out a kitchen fire that has started, leave your house and call 911.
While homeowners’ insurance can help repair or rebuild after a fire, prevention is what truly keeps Thanksgiving safe and memorable. A few simple precautions can help families protect their homes, enjoy their traditions, and focus on giving thanks for what matters most.
Clear the Way for a Safe Celebration
Fires are not the only risk associated with hosting Thanksgiving gatherings. Wet weather, fallen leaves, or icy steps can quickly turn a cheerful gathering into a costly accident. To help prevent slips and falls, spread pet- and child-safe ice melt on all walking areas to keep ice from bonding to surfaces, and apply it to icy spots as needed. Homeowners should also be reminded to salt their walkways and clear any icicles that may have formed along gutters, as these could potentially fall on guests.
If a guest is injured and the homeowner carries personal liability coverage, medical and legal expenses are typically covered. However, not every homeowner’s policy includes this protection. Agents should review their clients’ coverage to ensure they are fully protected, since a lack of adequate liability insurance could leave a homeowner personally responsible for an accident on their property.
Raise a Glass, But Keep Liability Low
Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating with family and friends, and the festivities often include one (or more) cocktails. In fact, Americans increase their drinking by 100% between Thanksgiving and the New Year, according to Beveragedaily.com.
Homeowners can help prevent alcohol-related risks by arranging for rideshares, designating sober drivers, or inviting guests to stay overnight. Since alcohol can increase the risk of falls, property damage, or altercations, it is essential for hosts to verify that their policies include adequate host liquor liability coverage.
Defense Wins Championships, and Protects Clients
Thanksgiving gatherings often extend beyond the dining table. Playing catch is a great way for fans to get excited before the Thanksgiving Day games, but in the unfortunate event that a guest trips and is injured, it is the homeowner who may be held responsible for medical expenses.
Most homeowner insurance policies have liability limits, and a serious claim can easily exceed those. An umbrella policy provides an additional layer of protection for unexpected situations that exceed standard coverage. Taking time to review clients’ needs before the holidays can help them celebrate with confidence, knowing they have the right protection in place.
The right protection can mean the difference between a joyful celebration and an unexpected financial headache. Before clients open their doors to guests or start preparing the big meal, encourage them to take a moment to review their homeowners, liability, and umbrella coverage. With a little foresight and guidance from their agent, homeowners can host with confidence and focus on what the holiday is really about: sharing gratitude, good company, and peace of mind.
Rachel Switchenko
Vice President of Customer Solutions at Plymouth Rock Home Assurance
Ms. Switchenko has been the Vice President of Customer Solutions at Plymouth Rock since 2023 and is responsible for both customer service and underwriting for the Home group. Prior to her current position, she directed customer care for Plymouth Rock’s Independent Agent auto business.
