MMA Blog

Don’t Fry Your Festivities: Holiday tips to protect your loved ones, guests + pets

The holidays are a time of celebration and connection, and along with all the festivities and extra effort, the season brings its own risks. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, homes are bustling, kitchens are in overdrive and decorations are everywhere. Here are five tips to ensure your holidays are memorable for all the right reasons — not for accidents or liability concerns.

1. Hosting Duties: Understand your liability risks

Welcoming family and friends into your home is one of the joys of the season, but hosting comes with responsibilities. For example, if a guest slips on your icy driveway or trips over decorations, you could be held liable for their injuries.

What to do:

  • Clear walkways of snow and ice and ensure your home is free of tripping hazards.
  • Keep an eye on alcohol consumption during gatherings to prevent accidents caused by overindulgence.

Insurance to consider:

  • Homeowner’s insurance typically covers guest injuries but ensure your policy limits are high enough to protect your assets.
  • An umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability coverage for unexpected claims.

Special event consideration:

  • If hosting a large holiday party with an extensive guest list, catering or live entertainment, consider special event insurance that will cover property damage, injuries or cancellations. It’s an affordable way to get extra peace of mind.

2. Kitchen Safety: Save your fingers and prevent fire

The kitchen is the heart of holiday gatherings, but it’s also a hotspot for injuries. Sharp knives, hot stovetops and crowded spaces can create risks for chefs and helpers.

What to do:

  • Use sharp knives carefully and always cut on a stable surface. Dull knives are more dangerous because they require more force.
  • Keep pot handles turned inward and away from the edge of the stove to avoid spills.
  • Never leave cooking food unattended to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.

Insurance to consider:

  • Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers accidental fires or injuries caused during holiday prep.

3. Pet Safety: Protect their health and your budget

Pets are family. It’s tempting to share the holiday feast with them, and it’s tempting for pets to consume the extra indulgences around the house. But certain holiday foods can be dangerous for pets, including chocolate, onions, grapes and bones.

What to do:

  • Stick to pet-safe treats and keep trash bins, stockings and food gift boxes out of reach to avoid curious noses.
  • Be mindful of holiday decorations like tinsel, which pets may try to ingest.

Insurance to consider:

  • Pet insurance can help cover emergency veterinary care if your pet accidentally ingests something harmful.

4. Ladder Safety: Decorating without drama

Whether you’re hanging lights or adding the traditional tree topper, ladders are often part of holiday preparations. Misusing them can lead to serious injuries.

What to do:

  • Always place ladders on level ground and ensure they’re locked securely before climbing.
  • Have a spotter hold the ladder steady.
  • Avoid overreaching — move the ladder instead.

Insurance to consider:

  • Injuries sustained while decorating could lead to liability claims. Make sure your homeowner’s and umbrella policies offer sufficient protection.

5. Protect your holidays with the right coverage

The holiday season is the perfect time to review your insurance policies to ensure unexpected accidents don’t dampen your holiday cheer. If you’re unsure whether your current coverage is adequate for your holiday plans, contact us to review your policies or explore new options. We’re happy to work with you to keep you, your loved ones and your pets safe this holiday season.

Erika Close is a business development coordinator with MMA, specializing in personal lines and offering advice for individuals and families’ unique needs. To connect with Erika, please email erika.close@marshmma.comor call 406-327-6587.

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