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

1. 1. 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. It's also wise to keep children and pets out of the kitchen while cooking to prevent injuries.
   2. 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.
   3. Secure your house: Hosts aren't the only ones who need to watch out for their properties on Thanksgiving. Break-ins always increase around the holidays because burglars know that homeowners are less likely to be home. Whether you're hosting or going to a family member's household, you must protect your property. If you will 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.
   4. Opt for outdoor deep-frying: If you are planning to have some deep-fried turkey this year, then it's advisable to set up everything outside and away from your house and vehicle. Before frying the turkey, make sure that it is thawed and dried off.  Never splatter grease or start a fire without keeping a fire extinguisher handy.
   5. Keep your home clean: You might have many guests at your house this Thanksgiving. So make sure that your home is as clean as possible. Ensure that the floors are clutter-free, the toys picked up, and pathways well lit. Remove any tripping hazards such as loose rugs that may cause your visitors to slip and fall. Look for any small items that children may swallow while visiting your house.
   6. Take care of your family: After making sure that your home is safe for entertaining guests, make it your priority to take care of your family. Keep an eye on your children and ensure that they don't get injured while playing around the house.
   7. Insure your home: Buy adequate homeowners insurance coverage to protect yourself from potential losses in case some mishap happens like fire or burglary. Having home insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the event of unfortunate accidents.

   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 can relax and have fun with your loved ones!

   When you're ready to secure quality homeowners insurance coverage, talk to the friendly experts at Jack Stone Insurance Agency. We serve Antioch, Brentwood, and surrounding cities in California. Contact us today to get started!