As we approach the festive season of Thanksgiving, filled with the warmth of family gatherings and the aroma of delicious meals, it's vital to remember the importance of safety in our celebrations. As professional public adjusters, we are committed not only to assisting you in the aftermath of property damage but also in helping you prevent it. Here are some crucial cooking and safety tips to ensure your Thanksgiving is both joyful and secure.

Understanding the Risks

Statistics reveal that Thanksgiving is one of the peak days for home cooking fires. The hustle and bustle of preparing a feast can sometimes lead to distractions and oversights, increasing the risk of accidents in the kitchen.

Essential Safety Measures

1. Vigilant Cooking

Stay in the Kitchen: Always remain in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short period, turn off the stove.
Child and Pet Safety: Establish a safe zone to keep children and pets away from cooking areas. This precaution prevents accidental burns and spills.

2. Proper Use of Cooking Equipment

Check Smoke Alarms: Ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning correctly.
Use Cooking Timers: This simple tool is invaluable in keeping track of cooking times, especially for dishes that require prolonged cooking.

3. Mindful Cooking Practices

Clear the Area: Keep flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, and food wrappers away from the stovetop.
Deep Frying Safely: If you're deep frying a turkey, do it outdoors, away from structures, and never leave it unattended.

4. Emergency Preparedness

Fire Extinguisher Accessibility: Ensure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it.
Reacting to Fires: In case of a grease fire, smother it with a lid and turn off the burner. Never use water on grease fires.

In Case of an Incident

If an unfortunate incident occurs, here are the steps to follow:

Prioritize Safety: Ensure everyone's safety first. If necessary, evacuate the area.
Report the Incident: Contact the fire department immediately.
Document the Damage: Take clear photos and videos for insurance claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider promptly.
Hire Globe Midwest Adjusters International: Expedite and optimize your claim settlement.

Conclusion

By adhering to these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents during your Thanksgiving cooking. Remember, safety is paramount in ensuring that your holiday remains a joyful occasion. Globe Midwest Adjusters International is here to support you, not only in recovering from property loss but also in helping you safeguard your home and loved ones during these special moments. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!

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About the Author

Stuart Dorf, JD, CPAU | Executive Vice President

Stuart Dorf, JD, CPAU, Executive Vice President at Globe Midwest Adjusters International, is a licensed public adjuster, appraiser, umpire, and attorney who specializes in securing fair insurance claim settlements for property and business owners. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, law, and marketing, he holds licenses in multiple states, actively participates in legal associations, and has a strong entrepreneurial background. He earned his law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law and graduated with honors from Tulane University.

sdorf@globemwai.com | 248.915.0399