We may have been cooking more at home ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but the days leading to the Thanksgiving holiday are when most of us spend the entire day in the kitchen preparing and cooking everything—from the glorious turkey to potatoes, pumpkin pies, and all the side dishes and desserts that make up our traditional feast.
While our gatherings might be scaling back this year due to health restrictions, we will still prepare and cook for Thanksgiving dinner. Safety, however, remains more important than ever—especially when it comes to kitchen fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of residential fires in the U.S., with over 1,600 home cooking fire incidents on Thanksgiving Day in 2019.
Here are seven important reminders to help protect your family and property this holiday season:
1. Prep and Clean Your Equipment
Before preparing any part of your Thanksgiving dinner, deep clean your oven, cooking appliances, and other equipment so they are free of crumbs or grease, especially if you’ve been cooking frequently. Also, make sure all appliances are in good working condition before use.
2. Don’t Overload Your Outlets
Overloading wall outlets or power strips—especially when using multiple kitchen appliances at once—is a recipe for electrical fires. The NFPA recommends using only one cord per receptacle. Check for frayed cords or bare wires, which also pose a fire hazard.
3. Make Sure Smoke Detectors and Alarms Are Working
Test all smoke detectors and alarms before cooking, even those not near the kitchen. Replace batteries in any non-functional devices to ensure potential fires are detected early.
4. Have Your Fireplace Cleaned and Inspected
If you haven’t already, have your chimney cleaned to prevent dangerous buildup. Keep flammable objects away from the fireplace to reduce fire risk.
5. Never Leave the Kitchen Unattended
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires. Never leave the kitchen while frying or grilling. For roasting, simmering, or baking dishes that take longer, stay in the home, check frequently, and use a kitchen timer.
6. Keep Flammable Objects Away From Hot Surfaces
Keep items that can easily catch fire—oven mitts, potholders, wooden utensils, hand towels, curtains, and food packaging—away from stoves, ovens, and other hot surfaces. Candles should be kept away from flammable objects, children, and pets, and never left unattended.
7. Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in the kitchen or dining area, but away from potential fire hazards. Learn how to properly use it and check the expiration date before the holiday cooking begins.
Happy Thanksgiving!
