Thanksgivings in Frisco and Plano are filled with family, great food, and watching football on TV. Whether you are traveling for Thanksgiving or are hosting guests, it is a time to celebrate with your loved ones. What you may not know, however, is that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays for house fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, you are 3 times more likely to experience a home cooking fire than any other day throughout the year. Fires are devastating and will lead to costly damages as your valuables are being restored. In order to avoid fire hazards and fully enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, follow our cooking safety tips for another great family feast.

Stoves and Ovens

No matter where you are cooking this holiday season, the stove will be running all day to provide your family and friends with the perfect holiday meal. Unfortunately, using the stove and oven consistently is very hazardous. Check out some of our stove and oven safety tips to prevent dangerous house fires:

• Clean the stove and oven before use to get rid of grease buildup
• Always stay in the kitchen when cooking
• Don't leave home when something is in the oven cooking
• Use backburners whenever possible to keep out of the reach of small children
• Keep flammable items away from cooking surfaces
• Use flame-resistant potholders to put out flames
• If a fire breaks out in the oven, keep the door closed and turn off the appliance

Turkey Fryer

Using a deep fryer to cook your turkey provides delicious, crispy skin and a juicy center. However, deep fryers are extremely dangerous because the hot oil is very flammable. Fryers are the culprit of hundreds of fires every Thanksgiving. If you use a turkey fryer, be sure to follow all the directions, including only using it outdoors. Here are some other tips to consider:

• Do not use it on a wooden deck
• Do not use too much oil or the wrong oil – this can overheat and catch on fire
• Never fry a frozen turkey
• Never walk away from the fryer while in use
• The fryer gets very hot so keep children and pets at a distance
• Make sure there is ample space between the burner and the propane tank
• Protect yourself from oil spatter by using safety goggles and oven mitts
• Do not use water to extinguish a fire – always have an all-purpose fire extinguisher

Open Flames

Many families enjoy decorating their homes and tables with candles during the holidays. The open flames of candles are also a potential fire hazard, especially if they are too close to children or Thanksgiving decorations. In fact, the USFA reports that over 15.5 thousand fires begin with candles leading to 1270 injuries, 150 deaths, and over $500 million in damages. Here are ways to avoid problems with candles and other open flames.

• Keep lighters and matches away from children. The best place is in a high cabinet or behind a locked door.
• Do not allow children to play with an open flame.
• Do not leave children unattended near an open flame.
• Never walk away from a lit candle
• Blow out candles before going to bed
• Make sure the candle flame is not too close to flammable objects like decorations, curtains, or paper products
• Make sure candles are on a solid, flat surface

Helpful Tips

Before a big holiday like Thanksgiving, there are a few other tips that will make your day safer. These include:

• Make sure smoke alarms are installed properly and in the proper locations
• Test all smoke alarms on a regular basis and before family gatherings
• Have all-purpose fire extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, and second floor of your home
• Know how to use the fire extinguishers you have
• Have a fire escape plan that is known to all house guests

Following these basic precautions can prevent a fire from ruining your Thanksgiving. But remember, if a fire breaks out, call 9-1-1 immediately. If things do not go as planned and your family suffers from a fire this holiday season, immediately contact Mr. Restore. Our experienced technicians will work to get you and your home back to normal. Mr. Restore has over 50 years of experience dealing with fire damage, we will walk you through the entire process!