Thanksgiving is here—a time for family, friends, and amazing food! This holiday often brings extra excitement (and chaos) with kids running around, adults busy preparing food, setting tables, and countless distractions. The kitchen becomes a gathering spot for taste-testing, baking, and holiday prep, but it’s also a hot spot for potential hazards.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving holds the record for the most home cooking fires, with over three times the daily average. In 2021 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, a staggering 297% above the daily average.
As your trusted local security provider, we’ve put together a Thanksgiving safety checklist to help protect your home, family, and holiday guests.
Grease Fire
When cooking oil gets too hot, a grease fire can break out—and it can spread fast. Follow these steps to put out a grease fire and keep your family safe:
- Turn off the heat and cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet.
- Leave the cover on until everything has completely cooled.
- Use salt or baking soda to smother a small fire in the oven. Do not use flour or baking powder, as they can make the fire worse.
- Never use water on a grease fire—it can cause the fire to spread.
- Do not try to carry the burning pan outside. This can spill the grease and spread the fire in your home.
- If the fire gets out of control, get everyone out and call 911 immediately.
Kitchen Safety & Cooking Fires
Preparing a Thanksgiving feast while spending time with loved ones is a wonderful but often distracting experience. With little ones running around and multiple dishes on the stove, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Make sure children stay at least three feet away from the stove, hot foods, and liquids unless they’re supervised by an adult.
- Before you start cooking, check that your smoke detectors are working. Push the test button, and replace batteries if needed.
- Keep your cooking area free from clutter, tripping hazards, and flammable items.
- Keep knives and electrical cords out of reach and away from counter edges.
Deep-Frying Turkey
Deep-frying a turkey is a popular Thanksgiving tradition, but it comes with some serious safety risks. Here’s how to stay safe while frying:
- Set your turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface, and do not move it once it’s in use.
- Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home—avoid using it under a roof, patio, or on a deck.
- Do not overfill the pot, as oil will spill when the turkey is added.
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before placing it in the pot.
- Avoid leaving fryers unattended, especially if they don’t have thermostat controls. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if needed.
- Wear protective clothing, including well-insulated oven mitts and long sleeves to shield yourself from splatters.
Custom Alarm is Grateful for You
We’re thankful for each of our customers who trust us to protect their homes, businesses, and loved ones all year round. Our team is here to make sure your Thanksgiving—and every holiday—is memorable for all the right reasons. With 24/7 monitoring every day of the year, you can enjoy your time with friends and family, knowing you’re always protected.
Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Custom Alarm!