For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home—especially during the holidays. From testing out cherished family recipes to baking cookies with the kids, it’s where memories are made and laughter fills the air. But amidst all the joy and activity, it’s also important to keep fire safety top of mind.
With so much happening at once—multiple dishes cooking, guests chatting, and kids running around—it’s easy for distractions to happen. A few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping your loved ones and your home safe this holiday season.
Thanksgiving and Holiday Fire Statistics
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, with more than three times the daily average of incidents. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve follow close behind, each nearly doubling the average number of cooking-related fires.
Here are some key statistics to keep in mind:
- Unattended cooking is the top cause of cooking fires and related deaths.
- Cooking accounts for 52% of all reported home fires and 36% of home fire injuries.
- On Thanksgiving Day 2023 alone, an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments—388% above the daily average.
- Of Thanksgiving Day structure fires, 80% were caused by cooking, and 40% of resulting injuries came from those fires.
(Source: NFPA Research, 2019–2023 estimates)
These numbers serve as a reminder that even a brief lapse in attention can have serious consequences—but with awareness and a few proactive steps, you can prevent most cooking-related fires.
Top Holiday Kitchen Safety Tips
Keep your celebrations safe and worry-free with these practical fire safety guidelines:
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove so you can keep an eye on your food.
- Remain home while roasting your turkey and check it frequently.
- Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and any hot surfaces.
- Watch out for hot liquids and steam—gravy, coffee, or vegetables can cause severe burns.
- Store knives and sharp tools safely out of reach of children.
- Keep appliance cords secure—don’t let cords from coffee makers, electric knives, or mixers dangle off counters.
- Store matches and lighters up high, in a locked cabinet, away from kids.
- Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle.
- Keep the floor clear to avoid tripping hazards like bags, toys, or purses.
- Test your smoke alarms before the holiday rush to ensure they’re working properly.
A few moments of prevention can save your holiday from disaster—and more importantly, protect the people you care about most.
Peace of Mind from Hunter Insurance
At Hunter Insurance, we understand that protecting your home means more than just having a policy—it’s about protecting what truly matters. Our team is here to help you review your homeowners insurance coverage and make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.
This holiday season, take a moment to check your kitchen safety habits and your insurance coverage. Together, we can make sure your celebrations are filled with joy, not worry.
From all of us at Hunter Insurance, have a safe and happy holiday season!
Sources: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Research