Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips to Help Seven Meadows Families Cook with Confidence This Holiday
Thanksgiving is almost here, and for many families in Seven Meadows, that means a busy kitchen, a full house, and a lot of time spent preparing the perfect meal. But along with all the traditions and celebration, it’s also the leading day of the year for home cooking fires—and it’s not even close.
According to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA), more than 1,400 cooking fires were reported across the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. That’s nearly four times the daily average. The top cause? Unattended cooking.
“Thanksgiving is a hectic holiday with multiple dishes cooking and baking at the same time, and along with guests, entertaining, and other distractions, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s on the stove or in the oven,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.
Whether you’re hosting for a crowd or just cooking for a few, here’s what every Seven Meadows household should keep in mind to help prevent fire-related accidents and injuries.
Stay in the Kitchen
It sounds simple, but it’s the most effective way to prevent a fire. If you’re frying, boiling, or sautéing—stay in the kitchen. If you’re baking or roasting, stay home and check the food regularly. Use a timer as a reminder, especially with longer cook times.
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Watch What You Wear and Where You Cook
Keep oven mitts, towels, packaging, and anything else that can catch fire at least three feet from your cooking area. Avoid wearing long, loose sleeves. And be sure all cords from appliances like electric knives or mixers are out of reach of children and not hanging off the counter.
Be Prepared—Just in Case
If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, turn off the burner, and leave the lid on until everything is completely cool. Never try to move the pan or pour water on a grease fire. If it’s an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door shut. When in doubt, leave the house and call 911.
Keep Kids and Pets at a Safe Distance
Establish a kid-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and anywhere you’re handling hot food or drinks. Scald burns from hot gravy, coffee, or even microwaved soup can happen in seconds.
Don’t Use Turkey Fryers That Involve Oil
NFPA strongly recommends against using traditional turkey fryers with oil, which have caused countless burn injuries and house fires over the years. Instead, consider purchasing a pre-fried turkey or using an infrared or electric fryer tested by a certified lab.
Appliance Safety Reminders
If you’re using a pressure cooker, air fryer, or hot plate, make sure it has enough space for ventilation. Don’t leave the house while these appliances are in use, and always unplug them once they’ve cooled completely. Check cords for damage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Microwave ovens also carry burn risks, especially when heating soups or baby bottles. Open microwaved items slowly and away from your face, and never use metal or foil inside the microwave.
Before You Start
Make sure your smoke alarms are working by pressing the test button. Keep matches and lighters locked away and never leave candles burning unattended.
This Thanksgiving, let’s focus on good food, great company, and staying safe. A few extra precautions in the kitchen can go a long way in protecting your home and your loved ones. For more safety information, visit nfpa.org/education or fpw.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
