Keep Your Home – and the People in it – Safe Over Thanksgiving
The holidays are fast approaching, with Thanksgiving right around the corner. A time for lavish feasts and get-togethers with family and friends, your home often plays a starring role in these festivities. As one of your most valuable investments, you want to protect it against costly damages while protecting yourself against potential liability. As your neighborhood law firm, our experienced New York real estate attorneys at Cavallo & Cavallo have some tips that can help.
Protecting Your Home Over Thanksgiving
Enjoying holiday traditions while spending time with family and friends is one of the best things about having a home. However, any time you are busy decorating, cooking, and entertaining a crowd, there is always the potential for mix ups and accidents.
Fires are one of the biggest dangers in the home over the holiday, resulting in close to 2,000 fire department calls each year on Thanksgiving. Follow these tips from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help prevent them:
- Remain in the kitchen while you are cooking and keep an eye on the stove at all times;
- Keep children out of cooking areas as much as possible, and keep handles on pots and pans turned in just in case;
- Keep floors clear, to prevent tripping;
- Be cautious with burning candles and never leave them unattended;
- Avoid long flowing sleeve, which can easily catch fire when reaching for things;
- If you intend to use a turkey fryer, do so outside and carefully follow all manufacturer instructions.
In addition to preventing fires, be careful during Thanksgiving set-up. Putting up holidays lights, moving furniture to accommodate guests, and getting your yard or other areas ready can increase your risk of accidental injuries. In addition, if you are going out of town, do not forget to make sure your home is secure before you leave.
Protecting Yourself Against Liability
Though it is not likely to be the first thing on your mind, inviting guests to your home does leave you open to potential liability. Guests who are hurt or suffer damages while on your property and due to unsafe conditions could be entitled to compensation through your homeowner’s policy. In addition to raising your rates, it could also increase your odds of being sued in the event your coverage is not enough to cover damages.
According to Allstate, most policies cover costs such as medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and legal fees. To avoid this scenario, take the steps now to protect yourself and your guests:
- Make sure walkways are clear and level;
- Keep your driveway and sidewalk well lit;
- Trim bushes and remove low hanging branches;
- Make sure decorations do not present obstacles;
- Use trip guards on stairs and make sure railings are tight.
Contact Us Today for Help
At Cavallo & Cavallo, we are here to help in whatever life throws your way. For legal guidance and answers to your questions about insurance and homeowner liability, contact our New York real estate attorneys to request a consultation in our Bronx or Westchester office today.
Resources:
nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Seasonal-fires/Thanksgiving-safety
allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/what-does-home-liability-cover.aspx
