From our table to yours: A recipe for a safe and fire-free feast
- Thanksgiving sees more than three times the daily average of home cooking fires — unattended cooking is the leading cause.
- Stay vigilant in the kitchen and test smoke alarms to prevent accidents while preparing holiday feasts.
- Deep frying turkeys? Fry with care outdoors and keep a fire extinguisher handy to avoid a disaster.
Thanksgiving is a time to gather and give thanks — but for some, it’s also a day of chaos in the kitchen. While the day is meant for feasting and family, it’s also the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2022 alone, fire departments across the United States responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day, a whopping 399% increase over the daily average. With cooking causing half of all reported home fires, these statistics underscore the importance of kitchen safety.
The good news? A few thoughtful precautions can keep your clients’ holiday happy and hazard-free. By sharing these Thanksgiving safety tips, you’ll not only protect their homes but also help keep their holiday safe and stress-free.
Related: Thanksgiving safety tips for personal lines clients
Keep your focus where the fire is
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Whether frying, grilling or baking, here’s how to reduce risk:
- Stay in the kitchen: If you’re boiling, frying or broiling food, don’t leave it unattended. For dishes that require simmering or roasting, set timers and check them regularly. If you need to step away, turn off the stove.
- Clear the stove: Keep flammable items like oven mitts, towels or food packaging far from burners.
- Stay alert: Avoid cooking if you’re sleepy or have been drinking alcohol — it’s not worth the risk.
Create a “kid-free zone”
Kitchens may be the heart of the home, but they’re not always kid friendly. The NFPA recommends establishing a zone of at least three feet around hot appliances where children aren’t allowed. Here are some additional tips:
- Keep sharp objects, matches and lighters out of reach.
- Use the back burners on the stove and turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
- Encourage kids to participate in non-cooking activities like setting the table or mixing ingredients.
Cook your bird without the burn
Deep-frying turkeys may deliver crispy perfection, but it’s a high-risk cooking method. Overfilled or overheated oil can lead to burns and fires. If clients insist on frying their turkey, remind them:
- Fry turkeys outdoors, away from structures and on a flat, non-flammable surface.
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed to avoid oil splatters.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby.
For a safer alternative, suggest oven-roasting or using oil-less fryers.
Don’t forget about hot liquids
Hot gravy, soups and beverages can cause burns if spilled. Use potholders and transport hot liquids with care.
Double-check smoke alarms
This one is simple: test smoke alarms before the big day by pushing the test button. A working alarm provides critical seconds to act in case of a fire. Encourage clients to install alarms in every bedroom and on every level of their home.
Related: Over the River and Through the Woods to a Happy Thanksgiving
Prepare for the worst
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Equip clients with these fire response tips:
- Small grease fires: Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s completely cooled.
- Oven fires: Turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
- If in doubt, get out: If the fire feels unmanageable, evacuate and call 911.
Safeguard the season
Thanksgiving should be a day of joy, not emergency calls. By sharing these tips — and perhaps some of the startling statistics on cooking fires — you can empower your clients to take precautions. Not only will they appreciate your guidance, but you’ll also help them avoid preventable claims, reinforcing your value as a trusted partner.
Here’s to a Thanksgiving where the only thing heating up is the turkey — not the kitchen.
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