Safe and Sound: Preventing Thanksgiving Fires in Your Home

10/13/2023 (Permalink)

Wishes for a Very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving from our SERVPRO of Inglewood Team!

Safe and Sound: Preventing Thanksgiving Fires in Your Home

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and feasting. But did you know that it's also the #1 holiday for house fires? Cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes, and the Thanksgiving holiday is no exception. To ensure your holiday remains a time of celebration and not a disaster, here are five safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Check Your Smoke Alarms: Prior to the holiday festivities, take a moment to test your smoke alarms by pressing the "test" button. Make sure they are in good working condition to provide you with early warnings in case of an emergency.

2. Don't Leave the Kitchen Unattended: Never leave your home while the turkey is roasting or any cooking is in progress. Always ensure that all stovetop burners and ovens are turned off before you leave the house. If you're hosting, assign someone to keep an eye on the cooking while you step away.

3. Keep a Clean Cooking Area: A clutter-free cooking space helps prevent accidents. Keep your kitchen tidy to avoid unintentional mishaps and spills.

4. Child Safety: Keep children at least three feet away from the stove at all times. This simple measure can help prevent burns and accidents.

5. Candles and Open Flames: Never leave candles burning unattended. Candles are responsible for over 15,000 house fires annually. Ensure they are placed away from flammable materials and extinguish them when not in use.

The leading causes of home fires on Thanksgiving typically involve unattended cooking equipment, accidental equipment left on, or flammable cooking materials (like oven mitts) placed too close to heat sources. If you plan to use a turkey fryer, exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines.

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, keep these safety tips in mind to protect your home and family. And remember, if any problems arise, you can count on SERVPRO of Inglewood to help. Call us at (424) 223-4153 for assistance, and enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving season.