As we approach the holiday season, many of us look forward to preparing and sharing special meals with our families. As children return home with friends and visitors pass through a revolving door, it’s easy to feel distracted. You may run into the kitchen to warm up some hot apple cider for your guests and turn your head away from the flame when the phone rings repeatedly.
In an instant, disaster can strike. A hungry flame can lap up a kitchen towel, which you left on the counter near the burner. As the fire grows in seconds, you may watch in terror as it races through your home.
Peak Day for Home Cooking Fires
According to the National Fire and Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Analysis & Research Division, Thanksgiving is a prime holiday when cooking fires and related deaths occur. Here are some of the findings:
- In 2013, Thanksgiving Day (November 28) was the leading date for home cooking fires with 1,550, 230% above the average number of fires per day.
- Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
- Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
- Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and associated civilian injuries and was the third leading cause of home fire deaths.
NFPA Kitchen and Home Fire Safety Tips
Here are some kitchen safety tips from the NFPA, so you can protect your family during the holidays—and every day:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop, so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure that children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
The following are some additional precautions to take in the kitchen and elsewhere in your home:
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children—up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
To learn more about Thanksgiving fire safety, you can watch this NFPA video.
Fire Damage Restoration in Bentonville, AR
NWA Restore It, Inc. has shared these tips with the hope of keeping your family safe during Thanksgiving—and each day of the year. Despite efforts to follow these precautions, you may find that you need help after an unexpected fire. In these frightening situations, you can call NWA Restore It, Inc. for reliable services and support 24/7.
