Ensure a Safe and Joyful Thanksgiving with Mercury Insurance's Helpful Tips

Safety Tips for a Joyful Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. However, it also brings a significant increase in cooking activities, which can lead to potential hazards in the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2023, a staggering 388% rise compared to a regular day. With so much happening, it can be easy to forget safety protocols, but Mercury Insurance is here to help you keep your holiday celebrations safe and joyful.

Bonnie Lee, Vice President of National Property Claims at Mercury Insurance, emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to avoid turning the festive occasion into a disaster. Here are some simple tips that can help ensure both your loved ones and home are safe this Thanksgiving:

1. Stay Attentive While Cooking: The leading cause of Thanksgiving Day fires is unattended cooking. Always keep an eye on what’s on the stove and avoid distractions from family and friends.

2. Establish a Kid-Free Zone: To keep children safe, create a three-foot radius around hot stoves and cooking areas where kids aren’t allowed to venture.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Loose clothing can easily catch fire. Opt for short or fitted sleeves to stay safe while cooking.

4. Keep Flammable Materials Away: Store oven mitts, paper towels, and other flammable items at a safe distance from the stove and oven.

5. Use Lids When Cooking: If a small grease fire occurs, quickly smother it by sliding a lid over the pan to cut off the oxygen supply, then turn off the burner. Never remove the lid until the pan has cooled.

6. Have Fire Safety Equipment Ready: Ensure that fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are in working condition and easily accessible. Familiarize yourself on how to operate them before you begin cooking.

7. Exercise Caution with Fryers: If you plan to use a turkey fryer, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use it outdoors, away from your home.

Amid the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, it’s critical to remain vigilant about these safety tips. Family gatherings should be memorable for joyous reasons, not emergencies. Mercury Insurance provides these recommendations with the aim of ensuring your holiday is one filled with warmth and love rather than cleanup and worry.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance has been a reliable provider of various insurance products since 1962, primarily focusing on personal auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance through independent agents across several states. Their commitment to pairing affordable rates with stellar customer service has earned them high ratings, including an 'A' from A.M. Best and recognition as a top automobile insurance company by Forbes. With over 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents, Mercury continues to evolve and protect what matters most to its clients, all while offering peace of mind during significant occasions like Thanksgiving.