Thanksgiving is coming soon—a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy great food, and celebrate the season. But with all the excitement (and inevitable hustle and bustle), the holiday also brings increased safety risks. Kids are running around, adults are juggling cooking and hosting, and the kitchen becomes the go-to spot for prepping, baking, and sampling; making it the center of both fun and potential hazards.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving sees more home cooking fires than any other day of the year—over three times the national daily average. In 2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day alone—297% above the norm.

As your trusted local security provider, we’ve put together a Thanksgiving safety checklist to help keep your home, family, and guests protected.

Grease Fire Safety

Grease fires ignite when cooking oil gets too hot—and they escalate quickly. If one occurs, follow these critical steps:

• Turn off the heat and cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet.
• Keep the cover on until everything has completely cooled.
• For small oven fires, use salt or baking soda to smother the flames; never flour or baking powder.
• Do NOT use water on a grease fire; it can cause the fire to spread.
• Never attempt to carry a burning pan outside, as this may spill grease and accelerate the fire.
• If If the fire becomes unmanageable, evacuate immediately and call 911.

Kitchen Safety & Cooking Fires

Preparing a Thanksgiving feast is a joyful but often distracting experience. To keep your kitchen safe during the rush:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.

• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and hot foods unless actively supervised.

• Test your smoke detectors before cooking; replace batteries if needed.

• Clear your cooking area of clutter, tripping hazards, and flammable items.

• Keep knives and electrical cords secure and away from counter edges.

Deep-Frying a Turkey: What You Need to Know

Deep-frying turkey is a popular Thanksgiving tradition, but it comes with serious risks. Follow these precautions: 

• Set your fryer on a sturdy, level surface, and never move it once in use.

• Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home and avoid using it under a roof, patio, or deck.

• Do not overfill the pot; displaced hot oil can quickly ignite.

• Ensure the turkey is fully thawed and dry before lowering it into the oil.

• Never leave a fryer unattended, especially models without built-in thermostat controls. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

• Wear protective clothing, including insulated oven mitts and long sleeves, to guard against splatters.

Custom Alarm is Grateful for You

During this season of gratitude, we want to express our sincere thanks to every customer who trusts us to protect their homes, businesses, and loved ones year-round. Our team is committed to making your Thanksgiving, and every holiday, safe, comfortable, and memorable.

With 24/7 monitoring every day of the year, you can relax and enjoy the holiday knowing that your home is protected.

Wishing you a safe, warm, and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Custom Alarm!