According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day sees more home cooking fires in the United States than any other day of the year. With many families and friends gathering for holiday cooking, it is crucial to adhere to safety guidelines to protect homes and loved ones.
The NFPA advises keeping a close watch on food while cooking, frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling. It is important to remain alert and avoid using the stove if feeling sleepy or after consuming alcohol. Items that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains should be kept away from stovetops. Additionally, having a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby is recommended along with ensuring smoke alarms are functional.
In case of a cooking fire, always cook with a lid beside the pan. If a fire occurs, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner without removing the cover to prevent reignition. Allow the pan to cool completely and never throw water on the fire. If unable to extinguish the fire or uncomfortable doing so, evacuate everyone from the home and call emergency services from outside.
For an oven fire, turning off the heat and keeping the door closed is advised. In any uncertain situation during a fire incident, leaving immediately and closing doors behind can help contain it before contacting 9-1-1 or local emergency numbers.
The top ten states for paid claims related to home cooking fires in 2023 were California ($17.8M), Georgia ($17.8M), Illinois ($17.7M), New York ($11.9M), Michigan ($11.3M), Texas ($10.6M), Ohio ($10.4M), Pennsylvania ($9.7M), Tennessee ($9.1M), and Alabama ($9.1M).