Well, of COURSE, there is! 

With Thanksgiving a few days away, it’s a good time to remember some important safety tips to make sure your holiday is a safe and happy one.

In this country, Thanksgiving has a high emphasis on food. Lots of food. And, all too often during the holiday cooking and festivities, tragic accidents happen. According to claims data, there are more fires related to deep fryers on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, with grease and cooking-related claims more than doubling on that day. Deep fryer fires cause $15 million in property damage every year, with most incidents happen on Thanksgiving, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Some sobering facts from the American Red Cross … 

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day and of home fires and home fire injuries in general.
• Cooking fires nearly double on Thanksgiving Day, occurring more than twice as often as on any other day.
• Thanksgiving Day home fires cause more property damage and claim more lives than home fires on any other day.

Here are some Thanksgiving cooking safety tips that can help keep you safe during their holiday:

• Don’t leave your cooking unattended whether you’re frying, grilling or broiling your food.
• If simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home while cooking, and use a timer so you don’t forget the stove or oven is on.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire such as potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains away from your stovetop, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
• If you use a turkey fryer, make sure it is outdoors and in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures that could catch on fire, and away from moisture that can cause serious burns from steam or splattering hot oil. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Smoke alarms DO save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen and use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
• After your guests leave, have someone perform a safety check to make sure all candles and smoking materials are extinguished.

For a safe and happy holiday, it’s hard to go wrong with the “ounce of prevention” method.  If we can assist you with anything insurance, please let us know.  We’re easy to reach!  EMAIL us at info@BentonWhite.net or TEXT or CALL us at 615.377.1212.  We are always ready to earn your business!