Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful times of the year. Filled with family, food, and gratitude. But as Pennsylvania public adjusters, we also know it’s one of the busiest weeks for home damage claims. Between kitchen mishaps, overloaded outlets, and guests coming and going, the risk of fire, water, or accidental damage rises sharply.
At Property Adjustment Corporation, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a cozy holiday can turn into a costly disaster. Here are some real-world lessons and simple steps to keep your home and family safe this Thanksgiving.
- Cook with Care… The Kitchen is Ground Zero
Each year, fire departments across Pennsylvania respond to hundreds of kitchen fires over Thanksgiving weekend. We’ve handled claims where an unattended frying pan ignited grease and caused smoke damage throughout the home, just minutes before guests arrived.
Safety Tips:
- Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying or broiling.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet from the stove.
- Double-check that oven mitts, dish towels, and packaging are clear of burners.
- Have a working fire extinguisher nearby (and make sure everyone knows where it is).
If a small kitchen fire does occur, don’t panic. Extinguish it if you can safely do so and call professionals immediately. Smoke and soot damage can travel fast, even if flames are contained.
- Deep-Fried Turkey? Do It Outside and Far Away
We’ve inspected more than a few homes in Bucks and Montgomery Counties where a “fun new way to cook turkey” led to thousands in property damage. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spill hot oil, or cause flames to reach nearby siding or decks.
Safety Tips:
- Always fry outdoors on a flat, non-combustible surface. NEVER on a porch or in a garage.
- Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before submerging it in oil.
- Keep kids, pets, and distractions away while cooking.
A few moments of caution can save you from a claim that takes months to resolve.
- Check Electrical Loads Before You Plug In
Holiday lights and decorations bring warmth and fun, but overloaded outlets or frayed wires are a leading cause of electrical fires. We’ve seen fire claims start from a single old extension cord powering too many strands of lights.
Safety Tips:
- Inspect cords for damage before use.
- Avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords.
- Use surge protectors and LED lights, which run cooler and use less power.
- Turn off all decorations before bed or when leaving the house.
- Keep Walkways Clear for Guests
Slip-and-fall claims spike in late November, especially when walkways are wet or icy. A guest slipping on your front step could lead to both injury and liability.
Safety Tips:
- Clear leaves, ice, or debris from entryways before guests arrive.
- Use outdoor mats and good lighting.
- Inside, keep clutter and cords away from common walking paths.
- Know What’s Covered Before You Need It
If something does go wrong this Thanksgiving, your insurance policy might cover more than you think (or less than you expect). That’s where a public adjuster comes in. We work for you, not the insurance company, to make sure you receive a fair settlement.
For example, after a holiday kitchen fire in Bucks County last year, our team helped a homeowner recover funds not just for structural repair, but also for professional cleaning, odor removal, and temporary housing, items the insurer initially overlooked.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving without worry. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing the kind of accidents that can spoil a holiday.
If disaster strikes, Property Adjustment Corporation is here to help Pennsylvania homeowners navigate their insurance claims quickly and fairly.
Stay safe, stay grateful, and don’t be a turkey this Thanksgiving.
