With Thanksgiving around the corner, many are looking forward to spending some quality time with friends and family. Most people are especially excited about this year’s celebration. Last year, restrictions kept people apart and most were only able to spend time together virtually.
While the turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce should be the top priority in planning the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, keep in mind the space you are welcoming guests in. Making sure both visitors and the apartment are safe will help everyone feel comfortable and in the best mood to celebrate.
Here are a few tips for a relaxed and safe Thanksgiving feast:
- Keep an eye on all open flames during cooking. While cooking a bountiful meal might require several dishes being prepared at the same time, it is vital to always be aware of all pots or pans and never leave cooking food unattended. If you’re leaving the kitchen, turn off the stove. According to a National Fire Protection Association report, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires across the country.
- Check your smoke alarm. Expanding on the open flame precaution, preparing for the worst-case scenario is always a must when welcoming guests to your apartment. Damage to your personal belongings by fire or smoke is covered by renters insurance, but the insurance will not cover the cost of repair of your physical apartment building or dwelling. So, acting fast in case of a fire is still key.
- Clear the clutter. Aside from the usual deep clean before hosting a special event, you should pay extra attention to the objects in their space. While you might be used to avoiding the large rubber plant next to the coffee table or carefully stepping over the extension cord in the living room, guests will not. Storing away non-essential items can prevent accidents and investing in renters insurance will cover the costs of medical assistance.
- Keep the decoration simple. Paper turkeys, dried leaves garlands and wheat centerpieces are all important elements for a vibrant Thanksgiving table, but they should be kept away from candles. Additionally, be mindful of where you place larger pieces so that they don’t get knocked over by mistake.
