As you prepare for Thanksgiving, you must know that aside from it being a beloved holiday, it is also the peak day for home-cooking fires. In addition, cooking remains the leading cause of home structure fires, as reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The kitchen is the center of activity this Thanksgiving season. To keep your celebrations safe and enjoyable, it’s best to look out for potential fire hazards and do something about them before they cause something serious. We have some safety tips for you!
ServiceMaster of the Upstate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your Spartanburg fire damage needs. We’re on standby in case water, fire, or mold ruin Turkey Day for you!
Cooking Fire Statistics
- Within a two-year period (2017 to 2019), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 187,500
cooking fires in residential buildings each year. - The NFPA reports that home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than in any other room in your home.
- According to the U.S. Fire Administration, unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires.
Thanksgiving Cooking Safety
For cooking with oil:
- Never leave frying food unattended. Stay in the kitchen until all cooking activities are finished.
- Heat the oil slowly when frying or sautéing.
- A smoking pan means that the oil is too hot. Turn off the stove and carefully remove the pan to prevent a grease fire.
- When a grease fire occurs, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the heat source. Wait until the pan cools before removing the lid.
- Lower food and ingredients gently to prevent splashing or spilling the oil.
- Never throw water, baking powder, flour, or a plate over a grease fire. Use baking soda for small flames.
- Use a Class K fire extinguisher as a last resort. When the fire gets uncontrollable, leave your home and call the fire department immediately.
When deep-frying turkey:
- Make sure that your turkey is dry and properly thawed before frying.
- Follow ALL instructions in your turkey fryer’s manual.
- DO NOT stuff a turkey you plan to deep fry.
- Put just enough oil in a turkey fryer. Never overfill.
- Put your safety first. Wear protective mitts and goggles when frying or touching the fryer.
- To be on the safe side, use a turkey fryer outdoors. Never use it on a surface that could easily catch fire, such as a wooden deck or patio.
- Fry turkeys in an open environment and away from flammable items and other hazards.
- Keep your turkey fryer away from children and pets.
- Keep a Class K fire extinguisher nearby.
Call Us for Cooking Fire Damage Restoration in Spartanburg, SC
We want your Thanksgiving to be special, so leave any fire and smoke damage to us. ServiceMaster of the Upstate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (864) 310-7891 for Spartanburg fire and smoke damage restoration. You can also schedule an appointment through our online contact form.
Why Choose ServiceMaster of the Upstate?
- Management and monitoring of insurance restoration
- Emergency and callouts 24/7, 365
- Service standard excellence and quality checks
- South Carolina’s most experienced and qualified technicians
- Comprehensive, accurate, and fast reporting
- Disaster management expertise and logistics
- Exceptional customer service and satisfaction
- Restoration consultants and advisory services
We remove uncertainty and concern through the way we communicate and the way we service our customers. At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we are proud to restore property and peace of mind. Contact us today.
