Here in Memphis, Thanksgiving is serious business. Whether you’re slow-smoking a turkey in the backyard, perfecting your grandmother’s cornbread dressing, or frying up a bird for the whole neighborhood, the focus is always on food, family, and gratitude.
However, amidst the chaos of the kitchen and the excitement, safety can sometimes take a back seat. As a local full service disaster restoration company, we have seen firsthand how quickly a holiday celebration can turn into an emergency.
To help keep our community safe this year, we are sharing vital safety guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). By following these expert resources, you can ensure your Thanksgiving memories are about the meal, not the fire department.
The Reality of Thanksgiving Fires
It might surprise you to learn that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the United States. According to data from the NFPA, there are more than three times the daily average of cooking fires on this specific holiday.
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of these fires. With guests arriving and side dishes vying for oven space, it is easy to get distracted. The NFPA reports that cooking causes half of all reported home fires and nearly two out of every five home fire injuries.
Essential Kitchen Safety Tips
To protect your home and your loved ones, we recommend following these “Top Safety Tips” curated by the NFPA:
- Stand by Your Pan: Stay in the kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. If you are baking or roasting a turkey, stay in the home and check on it frequently.
- Create a “Kid-Free Zone”: The stove will be hot, and the kitchen will be frantic. The NFPA advises keeping children at least three feet away from the stove.
- Watch the Liquids: Steam or splashes from vegetables, gravy, or boiling water can cause serious burns. Keep these out of reach of children and pets.
- Clear the Decks: With extra people in the house, it’s easy for bags, toys, and cords to pile up. Keep the floor clear to prevent tripping while carrying hot dishes.
- Check Your Alarms: Before the cooking begins, test your smoke alarms by pushing the test button. It is a small step that makes a huge difference.
The Truth About Turkey Fryers
Deep-fried turkey is a staple for many Memphis households. It’s delicious, but it is also dangerous. The NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers that use cooking oil. These devices use large amounts of oil at high temperatures, which can lead to devastating burns and property damage.
If you have your heart set on fried turkey, the NFPA suggests purchasing it from a local grocery store or restaurant, or using a fryer that does not require oil. You can read more about the specific dangers of turkey fryers here.
We Are Here to Help
We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy, great food, and zero emergencies. However, accidents do happen. If you experience smoke damage, a kitchen fire, or water damage from a cooking mishap, our team is ready to help you recover.
As your local Memphis specialists in full-service fire and water disaster restoration, we are committed to getting your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
From our family to yours, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
For more detailed safety information, downloadable tip sheets, and activities for kids, please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Thanksgiving Safety page.
