Simple Steps for a Safer Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Hawaiʻi brings families and friends together for celebrations filled with food, gratitude, and local traditions. Whether you're hosting a backyard potluck-style feast or gathering indoors around the TV for the big game, the holiday creates special memories that we look forward to all year. Taking a few simple safety precautions can help ensure your celebration remains joyful and incident-free. This guide provides practical steps to protect your home, guests, and community during the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Fire Prevention and Kitchen Safety 

Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to more than three times the daily average of cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day [1]. These incidents can result in property damage, injuries, and disrupted holidays. 

When preparing your Thanksgiving meal, remain in the kitchen while cooking and stay alert. Keep flammable items like dish towels, paper bags, and curtains away from the stovetop. If you plan to deep fry a turkey, always do so outdoors on a flat, stable surface away from your home and any structures. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried before placing it in hot oil, as ice or water can cause the oil to splatter dangerously [2]. 

Turkey fryers pose unique risks that many Hawaiʻi residents may not consider. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when cooking and never leaving hot oil unattended. If a grease or oil fire occurs, never use water to extinguish it. Water causes the burning oil to splatter and spread, making the fire significantly worse and potentially causing severe burns [2]. Instead, turn off the heat if safe to do so, cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames, and get everyone out of your home [2]. 

Before the holiday, test your smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed. If a cooking fire occurs, have an evacuation plan ready and know when to call 911 rather than attempting to fight the fire yourself. 

Travel Safety for the Holiday 

Thanksgiving weekend brings increased traffic to Hawaiʻi's roads as families travel to gatherings across the islands. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation reports higher traffic volumes during holiday periods, particularly on major routes connecting different parts of each island [3]. 

Before traveling, check your vehicle's condition. Ensure your tires have proper tread and inflation, brakes are functioning correctly, and all lights work properly. These basic maintenance steps can prevent breakdowns and accidents. If you're driving to your celebration, check weather patterns and plan extra time for your journey to account for heavy traffic. 

Hawaiʻi law requires all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts, and children must be in appropriate car seats based on their age and size [4]. Even for short trips to a relative's home, these safety measures remain important. If possible, avoid peak traffic times, which typically occur late morning and early evening on Thanksgiving Day. 

Consider alternative transportation if you plan to consume alcohol at your gathering. Rideshare services operate throughout the islands and provide a safe way home. Planning your transportation in advance removes the pressure to make risky decisions later in the evening.  

Smoke Alarm Testing and Maintenance 

Before hosting your Thanksgiving celebration, take time to test your smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association reports that three out of five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms [5]. This simple maintenance task takes only a few minutes but can save lives. 

Test each smoke alarm in your home by pressing the test button until you hear a loud beep. If the alarm does not sound or sounds weak, replace the batteries immediately. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas [6]. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace the entire unit, as sensors degrade over time. 

Hawaiʻi's humid climate can affect smoke alarm performance. Dust and moisture buildup can cause false alarms or prevent proper function. Gently vacuum around your smoke alarms to remove dust, and wipe them with a dry cloth. Never paint over smoke alarms, as this blocks sensors. 

Consider upgrading to interconnected smoke alarms, which trigger all units in the home when one detects smoke. This system provides earlier warning throughout your property, giving you and your guests more time to evacuate safely. Some newer models include both smoke and carbon monoxide detection, offering additional protection. 

Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family before the holiday. Identify two exits from each room if possible and establish a meeting place outside. When hosting guests, take a moment to show them exit routes. These preparations feel awkward to discuss, but they can make the difference in an emergency. 

General Guest and Home Safety 

Beyond fire safety, several other considerations can help your Thanksgiving gathering run smoothly. If you have guests with food allergies, clearly label dishes and be prepared to discuss ingredients. Allergic reactions can be serious, and transparency helps guests make safe choices. 

Create designated spaces for children to play away from cooking areas and hot surfaces. If you have pets, be mindful that many Thanksgiving foods are toxic to animals. Chocolate, grapes, onions, and foods containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener) should be kept out of reach [7]. The stress of hosting can also affect pets, so consider providing them a quiet space away from the gathering. 

Hawaiʻi's weather remains pleasant in November, but if you're hosting an outdoor gathering, have a backup plan for rain. Check weather forecasts and ensure outdoor electrical connections are safe and properly grounded. Keep walkways well-lit to prevent trips and falls as guests arrive and depart after dark. 

Have emergency contact numbers easily accessible, including the nearest hospital and poison control. In Hawaiʻi, the Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 and provides immediate guidance for various emergencies [8]. 

Insurance and Emergency Preparedness 

Understanding your homeowners or renter's insurance coverage provides peace of mind when hosting gatherings. Most policies include liability coverage that may protect you if a guest is injured on your property. However, coverage limits and specific terms vary, so reviewing your policy before hosting large gatherings is wise. 

If you plan activities that might increase risk, or are unsure what is covered in your existing policy, call your insurance agent to discuss your coverage. Being proactive about your insurance helps you avoid financial stress if an unexpected incident occurs. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Island Insurance  

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to plan for safety alongside your menu planning. Your preparation allows everyone to relax and enjoy the holiday with confidence. 

We wish you and your ʻohana a safe and happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, warm company, and cherished memories. 

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information only and should not be considered professional advice or a recommendation for specific coverage. Insurance needs vary based on individual circumstances. Readers should consult with qualified insurance professionals for personalized guidance. This content does not constitute an offer to sell insurance or guarantee coverage availability. 

Sources 

1. National Fire Protection Association. "Thanksgiving Safety." Available at: https://www.nfpa.org/thanksgiving 

2. National Fire Protection Association. "Cooking Safety." Available at: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/cooking 

3. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. "Traffic and Road Information." Available at: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/ 

4. Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §291-11.5 and §291-11.6. "Mandatory Use of Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems." Available at: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291/ 

5. National Fire Protection Association. "Smoke Alarms." Available at: hhttps://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/smoke-alarms-in-us-home-fires 

6. National Fire Protection Association. "Installing and Maintaining Smoke Alarms." Available at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Smoke-alarms/Installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms 

7. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Toxic and Non-Toxic Foods." Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants 

8. Hawaiʻi Poison Center. Available at: https://www.hawaiipoisoncenter.org/