Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a peak day for home fires. During the holiday season, the kitchen is the most frequently used part of the home. From baking cookies to the perfect turkey, cooking in the kitchen can become hectic and crowded during the Thanksgiving holiday. As you begin to prepare your holiday feast, be sure to keep these five Thanksgiving cooking and fire safety tips in mind to help prevent fires and ensure your family and home are protected this holiday season.

1. Never leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking.

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S. according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Make sure to remain in the kitchen when cooking to keep an eye on it. If you are cooking a turkey, make sure to check the oven frequently and use a timer to help prevent an oven fire.

2. Keep children away from stove-tops, open fires, lighters, matches, and candles.

The NFPA recommends that you keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove while in use or cooking to help prevent any mishaps. Avoid any accidents or fires by letting them know the stove is hot and that it is important to be alert. Also, make sure to keep any lighters and matches locked in a high cabinet to avoid starting a fire.

3. Be careful of cords cluttering the kitchen.

Electric mixers, coffee makers, and plate warmers can be an electrical fire hazard due to the amount of electricity running through the outlets. Also ensure cords are not dangling off the counter within arm’s reach of children.

4. Test your smoke alarms.

Make sure to test your smoke alarms monthly, but especially before the start of Thanksgiving cooking season so you and your family are alerted in the event of a fire. Batteries should be replaced every six months or upgrade to our 10-year sealed battery alarms to eliminate the need for battery replacements and late-night chirps.

5. Have a fire extinguisher.

If a fire does happen, make sure to have a fire extinguisher easily accessible, especially in the kitchen during the holiday season. Remember, P.A.S.S. when operating. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side.

Follow these five Thanksgiving safety tips to help ensure you and your family are safe this holiday season.