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Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Homeowner Tips

happy Thanksgiving
Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, accounting for almost half of all US home fires…

According to the latest U.S. Home Cooking Fires report, American households are three times more likely to experience cooking-related fires  as compared to any other day of the year. The study, which was recently released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), shows that there were more than 1,600 reported home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2019, reflecting a 238 percent increase over the daily average. Unattended cooking was the leading cause of these fires.

“With people preparing multiple dishes, often with lots of guests and other distractions in and around the kitchen, it’s easy to see why the number of home cooking fires increases so dramatically,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Fortunately, the vast majority of cooking fires are highly preventable with a little added awareness, and by taking simple steps to minimize those risks.”

Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, accounting for almost half of all US home fires (49 percent) and reported home fire injuries (45 percent). Cooking is the second-leading cause of home fire deaths, accounting for 22 percent of all fire deaths. 

a kitchen fire

Follow these tips and recommendations for a safe Thanksgiving:

  • Never leave your kitchen unattended while cooking on the stovetop, especially while frying or sautéing with oil.
  • If you plan to cook a turkey, stay in your home and make routine checks.
  • Use kitchen timers to keep track of cooking times, especially for foods that require longer cook times.
  • Avoid keeping things that can catch fire like oven mitts,oven towels, and wooden utensils a minimum of three feet away from the cooking area.
  • Refrain from wearing long sleeves and hanging fabrics that could inadvertently make contact with a heat source.
  • Be sure to cook with a lid next to your pan. In the event of a fire, place the lid over the pan and turn off the stove. Removing the cover might allow the fire to start again, so let the pan cool for a long time before doing so. Additionally, never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.
  • For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out. If you have any uncertainties or concerns, be sure to contact the fire department for assistance.
  • Keep children a minimum of three feet away from the stove. 
  • Invest in a smoke detector and make sure your home security provider monitors your home for fire-related activity.

Following these steps will help minimize the risk of kitchen fires and keep you and your family safe.