The holidays are right around the corner and you are probably already thinking about that delicious turkey that will be gracing your Thanksgiving table.
If company is coming, are you also thinking about your homeowners insurance coverage?
As silly as it might seem, it is something that homeowners insurance agencies recommend be reviewed before this busy time of year, especially if planning to deep-fry that holiday bird.
It certainly is a delicious technique yet also a dangerous one that has left more than a few families turning to their home owners insurance policy to cover related accidents.
Deep Frying A Turkey Is Hazardous
While deep frying might be a favorite cooking method to get that holiday turkey perfectly cooked, it's also one that homeowners insurance agencies find can lead to many home owners insurance accident claims.
Believe it or not, homeowners insurance claims related specifically to deep-frying turkeys are estimated at about $15 million annually between home damage and personal injury claims.
Turkey fryers are also responsible for more than 50 serious injuries and 5 fatalities per year.
Cooking Accidents Increase During the Holidays
Homeowners insurance companies report that cooking accidents, including those related to frying turkeys, happen much more frequently once the holidays draw near.
Both inside and outside the home, grease fires are a very common cause of home fires that cause substantial home damage and personal injury as well as the filing of homeowners insurance claims.
Deep Fryer Damages - Who Is Liable?
Most accidents of any nature are due to carelessness which is considered to be negligence no matter how unintentional it was on the part of the responsible party.
Turkey fryer accidents usually fall under this category because many homeowners are careless with them.
When a visiting friend or family member suffers an injury as a result, the homeowner may be found liable.
Practice Deep Frying Safety When Preparing Holiday Turkeys
If planning on making a delicious deep-fried turkey over the holidays, practice these important safety tips to prevent accidents and avoid making claims to your home owners insurance policy:
- Read and follow all directions on the deep fryer carefully and avoid overfilling the oil.
- Always use fryers outdoors on a stable flat surface and in an open area that is well-ventilated and far enough away from any structure to prevent a fire should grease splash or the burner flame up.
- Wear gloves for protection from oil splatters.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed, drained, and patted dry before submerging it in the oil to prevent hot oil and boiling water from splattering.
- If possible, use an updated deep fryer model that has a sealable lid to contain the oil and prevent splattering.
- Keep children, pets, and anyone not involved in the frying away from the deep fryer to reduce the chance of hot grease burns.
- Never ever leave the fryer unattended.
- Always have close by a fire extinguisher for grease fires.
- Consider adding an umbrella policy to your homeowners insurance to cover unexpected accidents and injuries if you routinely make deep-fried turkeys for the holidays.
Fry That Holiday Turkey Safely!
There is no doubt that a deep-fried turkey is considered by many to be a highly-anticipated and welcome part of Thanksgiving celebrations.
Don’t let achieving that amazing dinner turn into a home owners insurance nightmare.
Practice safe use of the deep fryer to reduce the chance of an accident and consider checking with with your homeowners insurance agency to discuss liability, coverage, and how to have a safe holiday cooking season!
