Thanksgiving Fire Safety: Keep Your Kitchen Fire-Free

Tips to Protect Your Home This Holiday Season and Beyond

The Thanksgiving holiday is all about family, friends, and, of course, great food. But with so much cooking going on, your kitchen can quickly become a fire hazard. 

Did you know that home cooking fires increase during the holidays? Thanksgiving Day is the peak day (followed by Christmas Eve). Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires, and these accidents can happen fast. 

“Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings at 74%…”  ~ U.S. Fire Administration

To keep your holiday fun and safe, we’ve gathered the most essential Thanksgiving fire safety tips to help you prevent accidents and protect your home—not just during the holidays but all year round!

7 Top Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

1. Never Leave Cooking Unattended

As mentioned above, unattended cooking is a top cause of house fires. Whether you’re frying, grilling, or using the stove, always stay in the kitchen to keep cooking fires at bay. If you’re using a turkey fryer, be extra cautious—hot oil can ignite quickly and cause a fire before you know it. Stay focused to prevent accidents that could ruin your holiday.

• Avoid home cooking fires. Stay in the kitchen when cooking. 
• Monitor deep fryers and turkey fryers closely.
• Use timers and smart alerts to avoid distractions and burning food.

2. Stay Organized: Tips to Remember While Cooking

Keeping your kitchen organized can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and fires. 

• Wear the Right Clothes: Roll up your sleeves and avoid loose fabrics that can easily catch fire near the stove or burner.
• Keep Combustibles Away from the Stove: Keep flammable items like towels, food packaging, and wooden utensils far from the heat.
• Clean As You Go: Grease and food spills can ignite, so clean your cooking area regularly.
• Use the Right Tools: Never use metal utensils in toasters or other electrical appliances.
  Turn Off Appliances When Not in Use: Double-check that the stove, oven, and turkey fryer are off once you’re done.
• Minimize Cords and Electrical Hazards: Avoid using extension cords in the kitchen. Plug appliances directly into wall outlets.

3. Oven Fire? Here’s What to Do

Oven fires happen more often when multiple dishes are being prepared. If one happens in your kitchen, knowing how to react quickly can save your home from serious damage.

• Keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat.
• Never use water to put out a grease fire—it can make the fire worse.
• If the fire spreads beyond the oven, call 911 immediately!

4. Must-Do Preparation: Smoke Alarms and Emergency Planning

Smoke alarms are lifesavers! Since home cooking fires peak during Thanksgiving, it’s essential to make sure your smoke alarms are working correctly.

• Install Smoke Alarms: Place them on every level of your home, especially near the kitchen and bedrooms.
• Test Monthly: Check alarms regularly and replace the batteries every six months.
• Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Make sure it is easily accessible in your kitchen. 
• Have an Emergency Plan: Make sure everyone in your home knows how to evacuate safely in case of a fire. Be sure to practice your plan.

Your Turn – You have a fire extinguisher, but do you know how to use it? Is it the right type for a cooking fire? Before the holidays, take a few minutes to make sure it’s in good working order and know how to use it! 

5. Stay Sharp in the Kitchen: Beware of Distractions

The holiday excitement is distracting. But not paying attention in the kitchen can cause accidents. Stay focused and avoid multitasking.

• Limit alcohol and other intoxicants while cooking—it’s easy to lose focus.
• Create a “no-go” zone to keep children and pets out of the kitchen. This helps keep them away from the stove, other hot surfaces and sharp tools.
• Be extra cautious when handling boiling liquids like hot oil and water. Always stir food away from your body to avoid a burn.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental bumps and spills.

6. Food Safety Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Meal

Fire safety is important, but so is making sure your Thanksgiving meal is safe to eat. Keep your feast delicious and safe with these smart food safety practices.

• Use a Food Thermometer: Make sure your turkey and other meats reach a safe internal temperature. This helps avoid foodborne illness.
• Use Separate Cutting Boards: To prevent cross-contamination, use one cutting board for raw meat and another one for other items. 
• Handle Hot Foods Safely: Be careful when carrying hot dishes, and use oven mitts to avoid burns.

7. Share Safety Info with Children and Guests

Safety isn’t just for the cook—everyone in the home should be aware of potential risks, especially when a lot of people are gathered in the kitchen. Be sure to share these fire safety tips this holiday season. 

• Teach children about fire dangers, hot surfaces and appliances.
• Keep a phone nearby for emergencies. Make sure everyone knows how to call 911, including how to unlock your phone or how to use the emergency call feature.
• Take a moment to share your fire evacuation plan with family and guests. Practice fire drills with your kids before the celebrations begin.

You might also like: Fire Safety Tips for Your Home During the Fall Season and 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety for Kids and Families

Celebrate Safely with These Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips 

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family and celebration, but safety comes first. Use these fire safety and food safety tips so you can ensure a safe holiday season, without home fires, for you and your loved ones. Keep your home protected, and focus on what truly matters—making memories with family and friends.

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