With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it’s time for our annual safety reminders. Thanksgiving remains one of the most cherished holidays of the year—a moment to gather with friends and family, share gratitude, and enjoy plenty of delicious food. However, the holiday also brings a number of risks that can turn a joyful day into a stressful oWith Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it’s time for our annual safety reminders. Thanksgiving remains one of the most cherished holidays of the year. It is a moment to gather with friends and family, share gratitude, and enjoy plenty of delicious food. However, the holiday also brings a number of risks that can turn a joyful day into a stressful or dangerous one. As we head into the 2025 season, here are the most common Thanksgiving hazards and how you can prevent them.
Host Liability & Liquor Liability
If you’re opening your home to guests this Thanksgiving, it’s important to understand the liability exposures that come with hosting, especially when alcohol is involved. Should a guest consume alcohol at your gathering and later cause an accident, you as the host may be held liable by the impaired guest or by any third party injured.
While homeowners insurance may offer some protection, it often does not provide full coverage for host liquor liability. Reviewing your policy ahead of the holiday can help ensure you’re properly protected.
Read our blog on host liquor liability for more information.
Tips for a Safer Gathering
- Be mindful not to overserve guests.
- Offer plenty of food, water, and non-alcoholic options.
- Arrange safe transportation such as rideshares, designated drivers, or overnight accommodations so no one drives impaired.
For a deeper dive, check out our previous blog post on Host Liquor Liability.
Cooking Mishaps & Kitchen Fire Risks
Thanksgiving remains the number one day of the year for home-cooking fires. Long hours in the kitchen, crowded homes, and holiday distractions all contribute to the heightened risk. National fire agencies continue to report a dramatic spike in cooking-related incidents each Thanksgiving.
Protect your home with these kitchen safety tips:
- Stay within view of your cooking area. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
- Keep children and pets away from stoves, ovens, and hot surfaces.
- Avoid loose or long sleeves that could catch fire.
- Move towels, mitts, and anything flammable away from burners.
Deep Fryer Dangers
Deep-fried turkey remains popular and risky. Each year, turkey-frying incidents cause dozens of injuries and millions in property damage.
If you plan to deep fry your turkey:
- Never fry a frozen or partially thawed turkey.
- Follow your fryer’s instructions exactly.
- Check your town’s rules on outdoor frying.
- Have safety equipment and a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Keep kids and pets far away from the equipment.
Watch our “Thanksgiving Safety: Deep Frying Your Turkey” video featuring Tom Skelly for more tips.
Car Accidents, Travel Hazards & Drinking and Driving
Thanksgiving week continues to rank among the busiest travel periods of the year. Millions of people hit the road, creating congestion and increasing the likelihood of auto accidents. If you’re traveling this year, take extra precautions: buckle up, stay alert, avoid distractions, and be patient with the heavier traffic.
Alcohol-related accidents also spike around Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Eve remains one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year and historically one of the deadliest for drivers.
Stay safe on the road:
- If you’re hosting, ensure no guest who has been drinking gets behind the wheel.
- If you’re attending a gathering and plan to drink, arrange a rideshare or sober driver.
- Encourage responsible choices among friends and family.
Be Prepared This Season
Before the holiday rush begins, take a moment to review your insurance coverage. Making sure your policies are up to date can provide peace of mind during the busiest and sometimes riskiest time of year.
Call Deland, Gibson today to ensure you’re fully prepared for the 2025 holiday season.
Stay safe, enjoy the time with your loved ones, and have a Happy Thanksgiving.