Tips from Your Personal Lines Insurance Team
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and great food — but it’s also one of the busiest days of the year for home insurance claims. Between cooking fires, slips and falls, and extra guests in the home, accidents can happen quickly. A few simple precautions can help keep your holiday safe and claim-free!
1. Keep an Eye on the Kitchen
Thanksgiving is the number one day for cooking fires in the U.S. — most often caused by unattended food.
Stay safe by:
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Staying in the kitchen while cooking.
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Keeping towels, oven mitts, and packaging away from heat sources.
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Never using a turkey fryer indoors or on a wooden deck.
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Keeping a fire extinguisher within reach.
A quick reminder: Home insurance covers accidental fires, but prevention keeps your premium — and your stress level — low.
2. Avoid Holiday Injuries
Sharp carving knives, hot pans, and crowded kitchens can lead to cuts and burns. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area, and carve your turkey slowly and carefully.
If a guest does get hurt, your homeowners policy typically includes medical payments coverage to help with minor injuries — but a little caution helps everyone enjoy the day.
3. Make Walkways Safe for Guests
As family and friends arrive, make sure your home is easy to navigate.
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Clear leaves or debris from walkways.
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Turn on outdoor lighting before dark.
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Wipe up spills quickly indoors.
Liability coverage on your homeowners policy can protect you if someone is injured on your property, but it’s best to avoid the accident altogether.
4. Practice Fire-Safe Decorating
Candles, extension cords, and space heaters can all add risk.
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Keep candles away from anything flammable.
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Unplug decorations before bed.
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Check lights and cords for frayed wires.
Small steps like these can prevent big problems — and big claims.
5. Traveling for the Holiday?
Thanksgiving weekend is one of the heaviest travel times of the year. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is ready and your auto insurance is up to date.
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Check tires, fluids, and wipers.
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Leave early and drive defensively.
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Confirm you have roadside assistance coverage.
6. Take a Minute to Review Your Coverage
The holidays are a great time to make sure your homeowners and auto policies reflect your current needs. Have you renovated, purchased valuables, or added a new driver this year? Let us know — we’ll help ensure you’re fully protected.
From all of us at Gallen Insurance we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and peace of mind!
