Between deep fryers, busy kitchens, and crowded roads, accidents tend to spike during the holidays, often turning a day of gratitude into a day of 'oh no.' The good news? A few simple precautions can help keep your home safe, your guests happy, and your insurance deductible untouched.
Let’s make sure your Thanksgiving is memorable for the right reasons.
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Don’t Let Your Turkey Turn into an Insurance Claim
It’s no surprise that Thanksgiving is a big day for home cooking fires in the U.S. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to thousands of incidents each year involving overzealous ovens and overly confident deep fryers.
Quick kitchen safety reminders:
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep dish towels, oven mitts, and decorations away from open flames or hot surfaces.
• Avoid using turkey fryers too close to your house, garage, or wooden deck.
Pro tip: If you’re deep-frying your bird, make sure it’s completely thawed and dry before putting it in the oil. A frozen turkey meeting hot oil can (literally) cause an explosive reaction.A small kitchen fire can cause thousands in damage, so staying vigilant is one of the easiest ways to keep your Thanksgiving claim-free.
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Keep Guests (and Pets) Safe and Sound
Hosting family and friends is one of the joys of the season—until someone slips on the patio or trips over a dog toy, that is. Homeowners insurance typically includes liability coverage for accidents, but prevention beats paperwork every time.
A few quick fixes:
• Clear walkways and driveways of clutter or wet leaves.
• Make sure outdoor lighting is bright enough for guests arriving after dark.
• Keep pets in a quiet, safe space if large crowds make them anxious.
Dog bites, falls, and other mishaps are common Thanksgiving-day liability claims, but they are preventable. -
Check Decorations and Candles
Nothing evokes cozy holiday vibes like flickering candles and string lights, but these festive decorations can overheat. Thanksgiving and Christmas see some of the highest rates of decoration-related fires, especially from unattended candles and faulty lights.
Before you deck the dining room, do a quick safety check:
• Inspect light cords for cracks or fraying.
• Use LED candles instead of open flames.
• Keep real candles far from drapes, centerpieces, and wandering kids.
• Test your smoke detectors—bonus points for checking your fire extinguisher too.
Small details go a long way in preventing a very unfestive call to your insurance agent. -
Practice Safe (and Sane) Holiday Driving
Thanksgiving weekend is an extremely busy travel time, and Florida’s roads are no exception. Between long-distance travelers and distracted drivers, auto claims tend to spike.
To avoid filing your own auto claim:
• Put the phone away—hands-free means hands free.
• Allow extra time for traffic and unexpected detours.
• Stay alert for out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with Tampa’s roads.
• Don’t drive drowsy. The post-turkey nap can wait until you’re home.
A little extra caution can save you from a fender bender and an unwanted conversation with your claims adjuster. -
Protect Your Home if You’re Traveling
Heading out of town for the long weekend? Empty homes are prime targets for break-ins and water damage.
Before you leave:
• Set timers or smart plugs for your lights.
• Lock all doors and windows (including the back patio).
• Pause mail and package deliveries, or ask a neighbor to collect them.
• Avoid posting travel plans or location tags on social media until you return.
Burglary claims rise during the holidays, but with a few smart steps, your home can stay secure while you’re away. -
Review Your Coverage Before the Feast
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to appreciate your home and family than by making sure they’re protected? Take 15 minutes before the holidays to review your home and auto insurance policies:
• Confirm your dwelling coverage is up to date with current rebuild costs.
• Check your liability limits (especially if you’re hosting guests).
• Verify that your comprehensive auto coverage includes protection for theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
• If anything looks outdated or unclear, your local ARCW agent can help you make sure you’re fully protected before the holiday chaos begins.
Gratitude Meets Preparedness
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, reconnect, and reflect on what really matters—not worry about potential claims. With a few small precautions, you can focus on the good stuff: family, friends, and a perfect slice of pumpkin pie.
From all of us at ARCW, we’re thankful for the trust you place in us to protect your home, your car, and your peace of mind. Here’s to a safe, happy, and claim-free Thanksgiving!
