Thanksgiving Safety: Simple Steps to Keep Your Holiday Fire-Free

A Holiday Built Around Togetherness — and the Kitchen

Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, gather with loved ones, and reflect on what matters most. Homes are filled with family, food, and tradition. But while Thanksgiving is centered around comfort and connection, it also brings a significant increase in fire and emergency calls.

In fact, Thanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest days of the year for fire departments, with cooking-related fires being the number one cause. Volunteer fire departments across Pennsylvania and the country respond to thousands of preventable incidents during the holiday.

The good news is that most Thanksgiving emergencies can be avoided with simple safety precautions.

Cooking Safety: The Biggest Thanksgiving Risk

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day. Distractions, crowded kitchens, and long cooking times all contribute to increased risk.

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips

• Never leave cooking food unattended

• Keep flammable items away from the stove

• Turn pot handles inward to avoid spills

• Wear short sleevrs or tight-fitting sleeves while cooking

• Keep children and pets out of cooking areas

• Stay alert even during long meal preparation

If a small grease fire occurs, never use water. Turn off the heat if possible and smother the flames with a lid. If the fire grows, get out immediately and call 911.

Deep-Fried Turkey Safety: High Risk, High Reward

Deep-fried turkeys have grown in popularity, but they also create serious fire hazards when not done correctly. Many Thanksgiving fires occur when turkey fryers are used improperly.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

• Always fry turkeys outdoors, far from buildings

• Keep fryers away from decks and overhangs

• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry

• Never overfill the oil

• Never leave the fryer unattended

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby

Turkey fryers should never be used in garages, on porches, or near flammable materials.

Preventing Burns and Injuries

Burn injuries are common during Thanksgiving, especially when multiple people are cooking in tight spaces.

Burn Prevention Tips

• Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves

• Open oven doors carefully

• Allow hot cookware to cool before handling

• Keep hot beverages away from edges and children

A moment of caution can prevent painful injuries and emergency room visits.

Fire Safety Beyond the Kitchen

While cooking is the top risk, Thanksgiving fire dangers don’t stop there. Candles, decorations, and temporary lighting can all increase fire hazards.

Thanksgiving Fire Prevention Tips

• Use flameless candles whenever possible

• Never leave candles unattended

• Keep decorations away from heat sources

• Turn off decorative lighting before leaving the house or going to bed

• Make sure smoke alarms are working before guests arrive

Holiday decorations should enhance your celebration, not create danger.

Heating Safety as Colder Weather Arrives

Thanksgiving often marks the start of colder weather and increased use of heating equipment.

Heating Safety Tips

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable

• Never leave space heaters unattended

• Turn off heaters before going to bed or leaving home

• Make sure fireplaces are clean and clear before use

• Never burn materials not designed for fireplaces

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the fall and winter months.

Travel and Vehicle Safety

Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents.

Travel Safety Tips

• Allow extra time when driving

• Avoid distractions behind the wheel

• Never drive impaired

• Make sure your vehicle is prepared for cold weather

• Be mindful of increased traffic during peak hours

Volunteer fire departments frequently respond to vehicle accidents during holiday travel.

Why Thanksgiving Safety Matters to Volunteer Firefighters

Volunteer fire departments rely on community awareness to reduce preventable emergencies. Holiday-related incidents can significantly increase call volume, stretching limited volunteer resources.

When residents follow safety guidelines:

• Fire calls decrease

• Emergency responders stay available for critical incidents

• Communities remain safer

• Volunteers face less burnout

Fire prevention is one of the greatest ways to support volunteer firefighters.

What To Do in an Emergency

If a fire or emergency occurs:

• Call 911 immediately

• Get everyone outside quickly

• Stay outside until help arrives

• Never re-enter a burning building

• Follow the dispatcher's instructions calmly

Quick action and cooperation help emergency responders do their jobs safely.

A Safer Thanksgiving Starts With You

Thanksgiving is about gratitude,  and one of the best ways to show appreciation for your family, neighbors, and first responders is by making safe choices.

When homes are safe, families can focus on what truly matters: time together, shared meals, and lasting memories.

Support Your Local Volunteer Fire Department This Holiday

As you enjoy Thanksgiving, consider supporting the volunteer firefighters protecting your community by:

• Sharing fire safety information

• Attending local events

• Thanking first responders

• Exploring ways to volunteer or support your local department

JoinTheFD helps connect individuals with volunteer fire departments across Pennsylvania and beyond, whether you’re interested in serving or simply staying informed.

Celebrate With Gratitude — and Safety

With a few simple precautions, Thanksgiving can remain a time of warmth, comfort, and joy.

Stay safe, look out for one another, and help ensure everyone has a happy and fire-free Thanksgiving.

Visit JoinTheFD.com to learn how you can get involved and help protect the community you call home.