(Simple, real-life tips to protect your home, your guests, and your peace of mind)
The holidays are busy. You’re juggling food, family, travel plans, school events, and a to-do list that never seems to end.
In the middle of all that, the last thing you want is a kitchen fire, a guest slipping on the front step, or a post-holiday surprise when you realize a claim isn’t covered the way you thought.
Think of this as your friendly holiday safety and insurance check-in from our team to you. Grab a coffee for five minutes, walk through this list, and you’ll be in a much better place for the season.
1. Kitchen & Cooking Safety (The Big One)
Let’s start where most holiday trouble begins: the kitchen.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., responsible for nearly half of reported home fires and home fire injuries. Thanksgiving and Christmas are consistently the peak days for home cooking fires, with fire departments responding to well over 1,500 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day alone in recent years - around four times the daily average.
A few simple habits go a long way:
Holiday Cooking Checklist
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Stay in the kitchen when you’re frying, grilling, or broiling. If you have to leave - even “just for a minute” - turn the burner off.
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Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away from the stove and hot surfaces.
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Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove so they can’t be knocked off.
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Keep oven mitts, dish towels, packaging, and wooden utensils away from open flames or hot burners.
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Avoid loose, flowing sleeves while cooking.
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Set a timer on your phone or smart speaker as a backup if you’re juggling multiple dishes.
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Never use water on a grease fire. If a pan catches fire, carefully slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
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Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen and that everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
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If you’ve been drinking or you’re exhausted after a long night, skip the “late-night cooking” and reach for leftovers or a snack that doesn’t require the stove or oven.
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Test your smoke alarms before the holiday rush—especially near the kitchen and sleeping areas.
How insurance fits in:
If a cooking fire damages your kitchen, homeowners insurance can typically help with repairs and damaged property, after your deductible. But no policy can undo injuries or the stress of a fire, so prevention is always the priority.
2. Lights, Candles & Holiday Décor
Holiday lights and candles create that cozy atmosphere we all love—but they also add extra risk.
Décor & Electrical Safety Checklist
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Inspect light strings for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections. Replace damaged sets. Hippo+1
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Don’t overload outlets or power strips. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on how many strings you can safely connect.
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Turn off indoor and outdoor lights before bed or when you leave the house.
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Keep extension cords away from water and never run them under rugs.
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If you use a real tree, place it away from fireplaces, heaters, and candles, and keep it well-watered to reduce fire risk. FSR+1
Candle Safety Checklist
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Use sturdy, heat-resistant holders on flat surfaces.
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Keep candles at least 12 inches away from curtains, decorations, wrapping paper, and other combustibles.
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Never leave a burning candle unattended—extinguish it before you leave the room or go to sleep.
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Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
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Consider switching to LED “flameless” candles in high-traffic areas or around kids and pets.
How insurance fits in:
If faulty lights or a candle cause a fire, homeowners insurance can generally help with fire and smoke damage to your home and belongings, subject to your deductible and policy limits.
3. Guests, Parties & Liability
When you open your home to friends and family, you’re not just hosting—you’re also taking on a bit more liability risk.
Hosting Safety Checklist
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Clear walkways, stairs, and entry areas of clutter, leaves, ice, or trip hazards.
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Make sure exterior lights are working so guests can see steps and paths.
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Secure loose rugs or remove them in high-traffic areas.
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Keep pets in a separate room if they’re nervous with visitors, kids, or noise.
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Clean up any spills quickly to avoid slips and falls.
Where liability coverage comes in:
If a guest is injured on your property—say they slip on a wet floor or trip on a loose step—your personal liability coverage under your homeowners policy may help with their medical bills or related legal costs, up to your policy limit.
The holidays are a good time to make sure your liability limit still feels right for your situation. Many homeowners choose to pair their home policy with a personal umbrella policy for extra protection.
4. Gifts, Break-Ins & Social Media
With more deliveries arriving and wrapped gifts piling up, the holidays can be tempting for thieves.
Insurance companies often see more theft and burglary claims during the holiday season, as criminals target homes with visible valuables or signs that no one is home.
Theft & Privacy Checklist
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Keep gifts and new electronics out of sight from windows and doors.
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Break down boxes for TVs, gaming systems, or other big-ticket items and place them inside recycling bins rather than leaving them visible at the curb.
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Consider using a smart doorbell camera or delivery lockers for high-value packages.
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Be cautious about what you share on social media. Posting photos of expensive gifts—or announcing you’re out of town—can alert the wrong people that your home is an easy target.
How insurance fits in:
If gifts or other belongings are stolen, personal property coverage under your homeowners or renters policy can help replace them, after your deductible, up to your limits. Some categories—like jewelry, watches, or collectibles—have special limits, so it’s smart to review those if you’re gifting or receiving something valuable.
5. Traveling for the Holidays? Don’t Forget Your House.
If you’re heading out of town, a little prep can keep small issues from turning into big problems while you’re gone.
Travel & Empty Home Checklist
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Lock all doors and windows, including the garage and any outbuildings.
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Use timers or smart lights to make the home look occupied.
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Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on the property, bring in mail, and move packages out of sight.
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If the weather is cold, keep the heat on (typically at least 55°F / 13°C) to help prevent frozen pipes, and open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate.
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Consider shutting off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for an extended period (unless you have a fire sprinkler system).
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Arm your security system and make sure contact numbers are up to date.
How insurance fits in:
Some policies have conditions about how long a home can be unoccupied before certain coverages are limited. If you’re planning a long trip, it’s worth a quick call to confirm how your policy treats extended absences.
6. Your Quick Holiday Insurance Checklist
Here’s a simple, once-a-year review you can do before or during the holidays:
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✓ Check your dwelling limit. Does your coverage still feel in line with current rebuilding costs in your area?
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✓ Review personal property limits and special items. Think about electronics, jewelry, art, and any new high-value items. Consider scheduling important pieces individually if needed.
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✓ Confirm your liability limit. Hosting more people and events? This is a good time to make sure your liability coverage and any umbrella policy still fit your life.
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✓ Ask about extra protections. Things like water backup, equipment breakdown, or service line coverage can make a big difference when “bad timing” strikes over a holiday weekend.
We’re Here If You Want a Second Pair of Eyes
We know you have plenty on your plate this time of year. Our goal with this checklist isn’t to add stress—it’s to help you feel a little more confident that your home, your guests, and your coverage are in a good place.
If you’d like us to walk through this checklist with you, ask questions about your current policy, or explore options for better protection:
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Give our team a call, or
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Request a quick review or quote on our website
From all of us at Thumann Insurance Agency, we hope your holidays are safe, warm, and full of good memories—and we’re truly thankful that you trust us to help protect your home.