For many families, Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and create lasting memories with loved ones. But with multiple dishes cooking, guests arriving, and distractions competing for your attention, holiday celebrations can also increase the risk of home fires. The good news? A few simple precautions can go a long way toward helping you enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday. Use these Thanksgiving fire safety tips to help protect your home, your family, and your celebrations this season.

Key takeaways

• Thanksgiving cooking can increase fire risks, so staying alert and never leaving food unattended is essential.
• Test smoke alarms, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and review your home escape plan before guests arrive.
• Keep cooking areas clean, organized, and free of flammable materials like towels, packaging, paper napkins, and decorations.
• Create a kid- and pet-free zone around hot appliances and keep sharp utensils, candles, matches, and lighters out of reach.
• Use extra caution with turkey fryers and know how to respond safely to grease fires.

Why fire risks increase during Thanksgiving
Preparing a large holiday meal often means spending more time in the kitchen than usual. With ovens, stovetops, slow cookers, and other appliances working overtime, it's important to stay alert and make safety a priority throughout the day. Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to review these fire prevention tips.
 

1. Test your smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms are one of the most important safety features in any home. Before Thanksgiving arrives:

• Test all smoke alarms using the test button.
• Replace batteries if needed.
• Check the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement dates.
• Ensure alarms are installed on every level of your home.

A properly functioning smoke alarm can provide valuable time to react in an emergency.
 

2. Start with a clean kitchen. Grease and food buildup can increase the risk of fires. Before cooking:

• Clean your stovetop and burners.
• Remove excess grease from cooking surfaces.
• Clear clutter from countertops.
• Wipe up spills that could create slipping hazards.

A clean cooking space is a safer cooking space.
 

3. Never leave cooking unattended. Unattended cooking remains one of the leading causes of home cooking fires. When preparing Thanksgiving dinner:

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, sautéing, or grilling food.
• Check on food regularly while it's baking or roasting.
• Avoid leaving the house while appliances are in use.
• Set timers to help keep track of cooking times.

Even stepping away for a few minutes can create unnecessary risk.
 

4. Create a kid- and pet-free zone. Children and pets can easily become distracted or accidentally get too close to hot surfaces. Consider creating a safety zone of at least one metre around:

• Stovetops
• Ovens
• Air fryers
• Slow cookers
• Hot serving dishes

Keep sharp utensils, hot liquids, candles, matches, and lighters out of reach.
 

5. Watch out for flammable materials. Kitchen fires can spread quickly when flammable items are nearby. Keep these items away from heat sources:

• Dish towels
• Oven mitts
• Food packaging
• Wooden utensils
• Paper napkins
• Decorative items

When cooking, avoid loose sleeves, dangling accessories, or clothing that could accidentally come into contact with a burner or flame.
 

6. Don't forget about stove safety. With multiple dishes cooking at once, it's easy to lose track of what's happening on the stovetop. Make it a habit to:

• Double-check burners when finished using them.
• Turn pot handles inward.
• Remove unnecessary items from the stovetop.
• Keep cooking areas organized.

A quick safety check before guests arrive can help prevent accidents later.
 

7. Use turkey fryers with extreme caution. Deep-frying a turkey can create significant fire risks if proper precautions aren't followed. If you plan to use a turkey fryer:

• Only use it outdoors.
• Place it on a level, stable surface.
• Keep it well away from buildings, decks, and vehicles.
• Never leave it unattended.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.

If you're unsure, consider purchasing a professionally prepared deep-fried turkey instead.
 

8. Save alcohol for after the cooking is done. Cooking a large meal requires focus and attention. If you're preparing the meal, consider waiting until the cooking is finished before enjoying alcoholic beverages. Staying alert can help you notice and respond quickly to potential hazards.

9. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Every kitchen should have easy access to a fire extinguisher. It's also important to remember:

• Never use water on a grease fire.
• If safe to do so, place a lid over a small grease fire to smother the flames.
• Turn off the heat source if possible.
• Evacuate and call emergency services if the fire cannot be controlled immediately.

Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can make a big difference.
 

10. Review your home escape plan. A fire evacuation plan isn't just for everyday life. It can be especially important when additional guests are visiting your home. Take a few minutes to:

• Identify two ways out of each room.
• Confirm everyone knows where to meet outside.
• Ensure exits remain clear and accessible.
• Discuss emergency procedures with family members.

Preparation can help everyone react more confidently in an emergency.

Enjoy a safe and memorable Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is about spending time with the people who matter most. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce fire risks and allow you to focus on what really counts: enjoying a memorable holiday with family and friends. While preparation can help prevent many accidents, unexpected events can still happen. Reviewing your home insurance coverage regularly can help give you peace of mind, knowing you're protected when the unexpected occurs.

If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-494-0090 to review your existing home insurance policy. If you're not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-888-892-4935 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!