Thanksgiving Fire Safety: State Farm Urges Caution in Holiday Cooking

As Americans gear up for Thanksgiving, State Farm Insurance, in collaboration with government and non-profit organizations, is sounding the alarm about the heightened risk of home cooking fires during the holiday season. The insurance giant issued a press release this week, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to ensure a safe and joyous celebration.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day stands out as the peak day for home cooking fires in the United States. State Farm, citing NFPA data, urges Americans to pay attention to basic safety tips to mitigate the risk associated with holiday meal preparations.

In 2022 alone, State Farm paid out over $196 million for 2,210 claims related to grease or cooking fires. November and December emerged as the peak months for filing such claims, reflecting a concerning trend from the previous year when the total claim amount was $163 million for 2,240 cooking fire claims. The average claim paid by the company for these incidents in 2022 was a staggering $71,000.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) further underscores the severity of the issue, reporting that there are three times more home fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. Unattended cooking is identified as the leading cause of these incidents.

While Thanksgiving takes the top spot, the NFPA reveals that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day follow closely as the second and third days of the year with the highest occurrences of home cooking fires. On these days, reports of fires spike to nearly twice the daily average.

One specific concern highlighted by both State Farm and government agencies is the use of turkey fryers that utilize cooking oil. These devices, while popular for preparing the holiday centerpiece, pose a significant fire risk and can cause severe burns.

State Farm offers practical advice for home cooks to ensure a safe Thanksgiving feast. Recommendations include staying attentive to cooking processes, avoiding the use of stoves or stovetops when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, and keeping flammable items away from cooking areas. The company also advocates for the presence of a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

In the event of a pan fire, State Farm advises keeping a lid nearby to quickly cover the pan, turning off the burner, and leaving the lid on to prevent reignition. Attempting to extinguish a grease fire with water is strongly discouraged. If a fire persists or if one feels uncomfortable handling it, State Farm recommends evacuating the home and calling the fire department from a safe location.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the message is clear: prioritize safety in the kitchen to ensure a holiday filled with gratitude rather than fire alarms. State Farm’s reminder to “when in doubt, get out” emphasizes the importance of quick and decisive action to protect lives and property during this festive season.