How to Reduce the Risk for Thanksgiving Kitchen Fires

The beeping of smoke alarms can be irritating, but remember that these devices can save your life during a fire. Keep smoke alarms operational at all times and avoid removing batteries or disabling them while you're cooking, as per Cookset.

To minimize false alarms yet remain safe, position smoke alarms 10 feet away from kitchen appliances and opt for models designed for kitchen use. Following these guidelines can greatly decrease your chances of experiencing a cooking-related fire.

1. Stay Focused

With the excitement of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and kids running around, staying focused in the kitchen can be challenging. However, McKelvey emphasizes the importance of keeping a close eye on your cooking.

"Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention," she says. "When cooking a turkey, stay in your home and check on it regularly. Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times."

2. Dress Wisely

While you might prefer loose clothing while enjoying your meal, it's crucial to wear form-fitting clothes while cooking. According to Cooksey, loose or billowy fabrics can easily ignite from an oven burner or other heat sources. If your outfit includes long sleeves, be sure to roll them up to avoid any accidents.

3. Say Farewell to the Fryer

advises against using turkey fryers, as they pose risks of burns, injuries, and property damage. If you want a deep-fried turkey, consider purchasing one pre-fried from grocery stores, food retailers, or restaurants, McKelvey suggests.

4. Don’t Overwhelm Your Outlets

Avoid overloading wall outlets or power strips, as this can lead to electrical fires, warns Cooksey. Additionally, check cords for fraying or exposed wires, which can also be fire hazards.

McKelvey advises following the NFPA's recommendation of using one cord per outlet. This is essential if you're juggling multiple slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes along with various appliances like toaster ovens, blenders, or hand mixers.

5. Keep the Kitchen a Pet- and Kid-Free Zone as Much as Possible

Thanksgiving kitchens are often bustling with activity—from mixing cocktails to assembling cheese boards and baking bread. However, it's important to keep the kitchen as clear as possible, McKelvey advises. Ensure that decorations, papers, food packaging, and cleaning supplies are at least three feet away from cooking areas.

This "safe zone" is also crucial for children and pets. Cooksey notes that curious kids and pets can accidentally turn on stove knobs or knock over pots and pans, with nearly 1,000 home fires annually started by pets. If keeping them out of the kitchen is not feasible, Cooksey suggests turning pot handles inward to prevent accidents and closely monitoring stove knobs and hot appliances.

6. Pre-Clean Your Equipment

Before diving into your Thanksgiving preparations, McKelvey advises ensuring your oven and other cooking appliances are clean and in good working condition.

Cooksey recommends giving your oven a deep cleaning, including your toaster oven, indoor grill, griddle, slow cooker, air fryer, or pressure cooker to remove crumbs and grease. Also, verify that you have a kitchen fire extinguisher on hand and are familiar with its use. Always keep it located behind you as you cook to avoid reaching over flames should the need arise.

7. Keep Cool if a Fire Does Break Out

If you notice a fire inside the oven, do not open the door. Instead, turn off the oven and wait for the contents to cool before cleaning it.

"If flames do escape the oven, evacuate your home and call 911 immediately," Cooksey says. "In the event you have a grease fire on the stove, don't move the pot or pan. Extinguish it in place. Ideally, use a kitchen fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames, but if you don't have one, use a lid or cookie sheet to safely smother the flames and don't remove it."

Once contained, switch off the burner and allow the pan to cool down completely. Never use water on a grease fire, as this can exacerbate it. Contrary to traditional advice, avoid using flour, sugar, or salt. Baking soda is effective but can require getting too close to the flames to be safe. If the fire can't be contained, evacuate your home and call 911 immediately.

Fire risks aren't limited to the kitchen as the colder weather sets in, Cooksey adds.

To further improve home safety, have your fireplace cleaned and inspected annually and keep flammable items clear of it. A yearly furnace inspection is also a smart choice. December sees a spike in candle-related fires, so if candles are used, position them away from anything flammable, children, and pets, and extinguish them before leaving a room. For maximum safety, Cooksey suggests switching to flameless candles.