Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and gratitude — but it’s also one of the most common days of the year for home insurance claims. With fuller houses, busy kitchens, and unpredictable weather, risks tend to spike. The good news? Most Thanksgiving-related losses are preventable with a little awareness and preparation.
Here are the top home insurance risks to look out for this Thanksgiving and how to reduce your chances of a claim.
1. Kitchen Fires — The #1 Thanksgiving Hazard
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. Frying foods, multitasking, and crowded kitchens all increase the risk.
Common causes include:
- Unattended stovetops
- Grease flare-ups
- Turkey fryer accidents
- Oven malfunctions
How to prevent it:
✔ Stay in the kitchen when cooking
✔ Keep flammable items away from heat
✔ Never use turkey fryers indoors or on decks
✔ Have a fire extinguisher easily accessible
2. Turkey Fryer Mishaps
Deep-frying a turkey can be delicious — and dangerous. Many insurers warn that turkey fryer fires cause millions in damages annually.
Risks include:
- Oil spills
- Overfilling
- Tipping
- Frozen turkeys causing oil explosions
How to stay safe:
✔ Always fry outdoors on flat, stable ground
✔ Keep kids and pets far away
✔ Use an infrared fryer (safer alternative)
3. Overloaded Electrical Systems
Holiday decorations, slow cookers, space heaters, and guests all draw power. Overloaded outlets or damaged cords commonly lead to electrical fires.
Prevention tips:
✔ Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords
✔ Inspect lights and cords for damage
✔ Use surge protectors
✔ Don’t plug space heaters into power strips
4. Slips, Trips & Falls From Guests
With more people in your home, the chance of someone tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor increases — and you may be liable.
Liability claims often come from:
- Uneven floors
- Wet entryways
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered walkways
Protect yourself:
✔ Clear walkways inside and outside
✔ Salt slippery steps if weather requires
✔ Add mats at entry points
5. Pet-Related Liability
Even the friendliest pets can get overwhelmed by noise and unfamiliar guests.
Risks include:
- Dog bites
- Scratches
- Allergic reactions
- Pets knocking someone down
Safety steps:
✔ Create a quiet space for pets
✔ Keep food and waste secured
✔ Supervise pets around children
6. Theft — Especially While Traveling
Many families travel over Thanksgiving weekend, making empty homes prime targets.
Reduce your risk:
✔ Use timers for indoor lights
✔ Avoid posting travel plans on social media
✔ Lock all windows and doors
✔ Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out
7. Weather-Related Damage
Depending on where you live, Thanksgiving may bring winter storms, high winds, or heavy rain.
Weather claims often involve:
- Roof damage
- Frozen pipes
- Tree limb collapse
- Flooding (not covered by standard insurance)
Protect your home:
✔ Insulate pipes
✔ Clean gutters
✔ Trim weak tree branches
✔ Consider flood insurance if needed
8. Candle and Decoration Hazards
Candles and decorations add holiday charm — but also fire danger.
Take precautions:
✔ Keep candles away from flammable items
✔ Never leave candles unattended
✔ Use LED candles for safer ambiance
9. Alcohol-Related Liability
Hosting guests means you could be held responsible if someone drinks at your home and causes harm after leaving.
Reduce risk by:
✔ Offering non-alcoholic options
✔ Encouraging designated drivers
✔ Monitoring alcohol consumption
10. Sewer or Drain Backup
Holiday cooking often means grease and food particles being rinsed down drains — a major cause of clogged pipes and backups.
Prevent it:
✔ Never pour grease down the drain
✔ Use sink strainers
✔ Run hot water after rinsing dishes
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving should be memorable for the right reasons. By understanding the biggest risks and taking a few preventative steps, you can keep your family, guests, and home safe — and avoid an unwanted insurance claim.
If you’re unsure whether your current homeowners policy provides enough coverage for holiday-related risks, it’s a great time to review your policy before the busy season starts.