Thanksgiving brings family, friends, and fantastic food together, but it’s also the peak day for home cooking fires. Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is essential, especially when the heart of the home is bustling with activity. By following a few simple tips, you can enjoy the holiday safely and avoid any unwanted surprises.

Thanksgiving Fire Statistics

Thanksgiving sees more home cooking fires than any other day of the year. The numbers tell a compelling story:

• In 2022, U.S. fire departments reported 1,610 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day—a 399% increase over the daily average.
• Cooking causes 52% of all home fires, and it is the leading cause of fire-related injuries and a significant cause of home fire deaths (17%).
• Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in these incidents.
• Thanksgiving Day has three times the average daily number of home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

Simple Steps to a Safer Thanksgiving

When everyone’s pitching in to prepare a holiday feast, distractions are common. Here’s how to stay safe:

In the Kitchen

• Stay present: Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and check on your turkey frequently if it’s in the oven.
• Kid-free zone: Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and hot food to avoid burns.
• Mind hot items: Steam, splashes from boiling liquids, and hot dishes can cause severe burns—make sure kids steer clear.
• Cut safely: Keep knives and other sharp tools out of children’s reach.
• Secure cords: Ensure electric cords from appliances like mixers or coffee makers don’t dangle off counters.

Fire and Burn Prevention

• Matches and lighters: Store them in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children.
• Candles: Never leave them unattended, and keep them away from children and flammable items.
• Clear pathways: Avoid trips and falls by keeping the kitchen floor clear of toys, bags, or other clutter.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Before the big day, ensure your smoke alarms are functioning. Test them by pressing the test button and replace batteries if needed.

Why Fire Safety Matters

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially during holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cookies, Thanksgiving is a time to create memories—not fire emergencies. Taking small but crucial precautions can make all the difference.

Enjoy your feast, stay safe, and let the only thing heating up this Thanksgiving be the turkey!

Check out these downloadable PDFs 

• Thanksgiving Safety
• Cooking Safety
• Turkey Fryer Safety Infographic

View this video on the Dangers of Turkey Fryers