Year after year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) releases its research regarding the top causes of fire loss in the United States. And, each year, cooking-related fires top the list of fires originating in the home. Thanksgiving is right around the corner – a time where the threat of having a fire in the kitchen triples. After all, Thanksgiving is probably the busiest day for most home kitchens, as it’s likely loaded with people trying to help and multiple dishes being prepared at the same time. And, let’s face it, there’s also a good amount of stress that comes along with creating a memorable and beautiful holiday for you and your loved ones.

It can be easy to get distracted with all of the holiday bustle, but please remember these cooking fire safety tips while you’re preparing your big feast:

  1. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on stovetops. If you leave the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  2. When cooking turkey – stay home and check on it often.
  3. Keep anything that can catch fire – Thanksgiving decorations, potholders, utensils, food wrappers or curtains – away from the stove top.
  4. Make sure sleeves are out of the way when cooking. Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves.
  5. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food is prepared or carried.
  6. Turn the handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents.
  7. Have a fire extinguisher available not more than 10 feet from the stove, on the exit side of the room. Make sure that you know how to use your fire extinguisher.
  8. Keep floors clear so you don’t trip over toys, shoes, bags, etc.

Harrington Group hopes that you find these tips useful. For even more tips, please check out the Thanksgiving Safety tip sheet from NFPAor the video below: