Thanksgiving Fire Safety: Protect Your Home, Your Family, and Your Peace of Mind

Thanksgiving is a day filled with warmth, laughter, and the mouthwatering aroma of roasted turkey — but it’s also one of the most dangerous days of the year for house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving ranks as the No. 1 day for home cooking fires, with incidents more than doubling the daily average.

It’s easy to see why. Between guests arriving, multiple dishes going at once, and distractions piling up, even the most careful cooks can find themselves facing a smoky situation. Fortunately, most Thanksgiving kitchen fires are preventable — and a few smart precautions can keep your holiday safe, stress-free, and claim-free.

Here’s how to celebrate safely and protect your home from potential fire hazards this Thanksgiving.

1. Never Leave Cooking Unattended

It sounds simple, but unattended cooking is the leading cause of Thanksgiving fires. Whether you’re simmering gravy or roasting the main event, stay in the kitchen while food is cooking.

If you need to step away, turn off the burner or ask someone else to keep an eye on things. Distractions — from doorbells to football games — are the perfect setup for kitchen mishaps.

Insurance insight: If a kitchen fire starts due to negligence (like unattended cooking), your homeowners insurance may still cover the damage, but you’ll be responsible for the deductible — and possibly higher premiums later. Prevention really pays off.

2. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Sources

Dishtowels, oven mitts, paper napkins, and wooden spoons might seem harmless until they’re too close to a burner. Keep anything that can catch fire at least a few feet from your stovetop, oven, or fryer.

If you’re cooking with kids or pets nearby, create a “no-go” zone around the cooking area — three feet is a good rule of thumb.

3. Double-Check Smoke Alarms Before the Big Day

Test your smoke alarms at least a few days before Thanksgiving. It only takes a moment to press the test button, and those few seconds can make all the difference in an emergency.

If your smoke detectors are older than 10 years, replace them entirely. And while you’re at it, make sure you have a fire extinguisher rated for grease and electrical fires (Class B or C) easily accessible in your kitchen.

4. Be Smart About Deep-Frying Your Turkey

Deep-fried turkeys may be a Southern favorite, but they’re also one of the top causes of Thanksgiving-related fires. Hot oil and open flames don’t mix well — especially outdoors near dry leaves or wooden decks.

If you’re committed to frying:

• Always do it outside on a flat, nonflammable surface — never in a garage or on a porch.
  
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before lowering it into the oil. (Even a bit of moisture can cause the oil to splatter violently.)
  
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to extinguish a grease fire with water.
  

Insurance note: Fire or property damage from outdoor cooking accidents is typically covered under homeowners insurance, but only if it’s accidental and not due to misuse or neglect. Practicing safe frying habits could save more than just your dinner.

5. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

From slow cookers to electric carving knives and coffee makers, holiday meals often mean more appliances plugged in at once. Overloaded outlets or damaged cords can quickly overheat and spark fires.

Before the big day:

• Check cords for fraying or cracks.
  
• Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets instead of power strips.
  
• Unplug anything you’re not actively using.
  

6. Keep Your Oven and Stove Clean

Built-up grease and food particles can ignite unexpectedly when you turn up the heat. Give your oven and stovetop a quick clean before cooking, especially if it’s been a while since your last deep clean.

If something spills over while baking, wait for the oven to cool and wipe it up before continuing. A small mess today could prevent a bigger problem tomorrow.

7. Dress for the Occasion (Safely)

Long sleeves, loose sweaters, and dangling scarves may be festive, but they can easily brush against a burner or catch fire. Choose snug-fitting clothes or roll up sleeves while cooking.

For hosts and helpers, this tip isn’t just about safety — it’s about comfort too. No one wants to spend Thanksgiving fanning out a singed cuff!

8. Keep Kids and Pets Out of the Kitchen

Between hot surfaces, sharp knives, and splattering oil, the kitchen can be a dangerous place for little hands and paws. Set up a safe play area away from the cooking zone or enlist older kids to help with safer prep tasks, like setting the table or decorating.

Not only does this minimize distractions, but it also keeps everyone safe while you focus on the meal.

9. Know What to Do If a Fire Starts

Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. Here’s what to do if one does:

• Stovetop fire: Turn off the burner and cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames. Never move it or use water.
  
• Oven fire: Turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and wait until the fire goes out.
  
• Grease fire: Use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a metal lid — never water or flour.
  

If the fire spreads or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and call 911. Your safety and your loved ones’ safety always come first.

10. Review Your Home Insurance Before the Holidays

The holidays are a great time to review your homeowners insurance coverage. Fire damage is typically covered under most standard policies, but coverage limits and exclusions can vary.

If your kitchen is remodeled or you’ve made upgrades since you last reviewed your policy, now’s the time to make sure your coverage reflects your home’s current value.

You may also want to check for additional living expense (ALE) coverage — this pays for hotel stays or temporary housing if a fire makes your home unlivable during repairs.

Keep Your Thanksgiving Joyful, Not Smoky

Thanksgiving should be about family, gratitude, and good food — not emergency calls or smoke alarms. With a few preventive steps, you can keep your celebration safe and protect the home you love.At TGS Insurance Agency, we understand that peace of mind is the best side dish on your Thanksgiving table. Our team can help you review your homeowners policy and make sure you’re fully protected — this season and all year long.