Thanksgiving Cooking Safety: Protect Your Home from House Fires
11/20/2024 (Permalink)
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. As kitchens fill with the aroma of roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie, it’s also a time to prioritize safety. With the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking, the risk of house fires increases significantly. At SERVPRO of Rocky Mount, we want to ensure your Thanksgiving is memorable for all the right reasons—not because of a fire incident.
In Nash and Edgecombe County, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating house fires can be. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday and protect your home and loved ones.
Top Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips
1. Stay in the Kitchen
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Whether you’re frying, grilling, or broiling, it’s crucial to stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. If you need to leave, turn off the stove.
2. Keep Flammable Items Away
Avoid placing oven mitts, dish towels, or wooden utensils near open flames or heat sources. A clutter-free kitchen is a safer kitchen.
3. Use a Timer
With multiple dishes cooking, it’s easy to lose track of time. Set timers for each dish to prevent overcooking or burning, reducing fire hazards.
4. Be Cautious with Frying
Frying a turkey is a popular tradition, but it’s also a common source of Thanksgiving fires. If you’re deep-frying, do so outdoors on a flat, non-flammable surface and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Never fry a frozen turkey—it can cause the oil to splatter and ignite.
5. Check Your Smoke Alarms
Ensure all smoke alarms in your home are working properly before Thanksgiving Day. A functioning alarm can give you early warning in case of a fire.
6. Keep Kids and Pets Safe
The kitchen can be a dangerous place for little ones. Establish a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and oven to avoid accidental burns or spills.
7. Know How to Extinguish a Fire
- For a grease fire, never use water—it will cause the fire to spread. Instead, smother the flames with a lid or baking soda.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and ensure you know how to use it.
What to Do After a Fire
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If your home experiences a fire this Thanksgiving, SERVPRO of Rocky Mount is Here to Help®. Our highly trained technicians specialize in fire damage restoration, including soot cleanup, odor removal, and structural repairs. We work efficiently to restore your home to its pre-fire condition, minimizing the disruption to your life.
Give Thanks, Stay Safe
Thanksgiving is about creating cherished memories with family and friends. By prioritizing safety in the kitchen, you can ensure your holiday is filled with joy and laughter—not emergency calls.
If you need assistance with fire damage cleanup or restoration, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Rocky Mount at 252-977-9444. We’re here 24/7 to make it "Like it never even happened."
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at SERVPRO of Rocky Mount!