10 Thanksgiving Fire Prevention Tips for a Safe Holiday

Nov 21

4 min read

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and enjoying delicious meals, but it’s also a time when fire risks increase. With all the cooking, decorations, and festivities, it’s essential to be mindful of fire safety. Follow these tips to keep your home and loved ones safe this Thanksgiving:

1. Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking on Thanksgiving

Cooking fires are the most common cause of Thanksgiving fires. Always stay in the kitchen when you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to leave, turn off the stove or oven to avoid accidents. Keep an eye on your cooking, especially if you’re using high heat like a deep fryer.

2. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat

Many household items are highly flammable. Towels, wooden utensils, and food packaging can easily catch fire if they get too close to hot burners or ovens. Always keep these items away from cooking surfaces, and use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.

2 pictures in one. 1st picture is a timer on a phone. The other is a smoke detector

3. Use Timers and Check Smoke Detectors

Timers are incredibly helpful for keeping track of cooking times. Set them for everything you cook, and if you have multiple dishes in the oven, check on them regularly. Test your smoke detectors before the holiday and make sure they’re working properly. It’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared.

4. Be Cautious with Deep Fryers

Deep fryers can be incredibly dangerous if not used correctly. They operate with high temperatures and large amounts of oil, which can quickly ignite. Never overfill the fryer, and always heat the oil gradually. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the fryer unattended. Consider using a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature and avoid overheating.

A picture of people cooking and preparing food

5. Dress Safely While Cooking

Loose clothing is a major fire risk in the kitchen. Long sleeves, flowing aprons, and dangling jewelry can catch fire if you get too close to an open flame. Opt for fitted clothing while cooking, and tie back long hair to avoid accidental fires or burns.

6. Keep Kids and Pets Away from the Kitchen

Children and pets are naturally curious, but the kitchen is not a place for them to be while you’re cooking. Establish a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove. Keep hot pots and pans away from the edges of counters and tables, where small hands or paws can reach them. Teach older children about fire safety and the dangers of cooking appliances.

2 pictures in one. 1st picture is a overloaded electrical outlet. 2nd one is a outlet on fire

7. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

With all the extra lights and appliances running during Thanksgiving, it's easy to overload electrical outlets. Be mindful of the power you’re drawing, especially with decorative lights and kitchen gadgets. Avoid plugging too many items into a single outlet or power strip, as this can cause overheating and increase the risk of a fire.

8. Extinguish Candles Before Leaving the Room

Candles add a cozy atmosphere to any holiday gathering but can easily cause a fire if left unattended. Never leave a candle burning when you leave the room, and always blow them out before going to bed. Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces away from flammable materials like curtains and paper napkins.

9. Monitor Alcohol Consumption During Cooking

While it’s common to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while cooking, consuming too much alcohol can impair your judgment and increase the risk of accidents. Make sure everyone in the kitchen is alert and aware of potential hazards, especially when working with hot oils, stovetops, or open flames.

A picture of a man using a fire extinguisher on a oven fire

10. Keep Fire Extinguishers Nearby

Having a fire extinguisher on hand is essential for quickly addressing small fires before they become larger disasters. Ensure your extinguisher is easily accessible, especially in the kitchen or near cooking appliances. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it properly. If you're unsure, consider taking a short fire safety training course to familiarize yourself with how to handle small kitchen fires.

Why Choose Clean Way Restoration for Fire Damage?

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If a fire breaks out in your home, Clean Way Restoration is here to help you restore your property. Our team of experts provides quick, effective fire and smoke damage restoration services.

A image that has 4 pictures in it showing Clean Way Restorations Fire and smoke restoration services

We offer:

Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup: We start by assessing and removing soot, smoke, and odors from affected surfaces. Our team also addresses any structural damage, ensuring safe, effective repairs. With advanced techniques, we restore your home to its pre-fire condition while prioritizing safety and air quality throughout the process.
Water Damage Mitigation: If your fire was fought with water, we quickly address any water damage.
Complete Restoration Services: We repair structural damage, remove hazardous materials, and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.
Insurance Coordination: We work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process.
Why Clean Way Restoration: With over 30 years of experience, our award-winning services are trusted throughout Georgia. As a family-owned business, we are committed to providing personalized, hands-on support. We are proud recipients of the prestigious "Best of Georgia" award.