Thanksgiving is a time for joy and gratitude, but it also comes with increased risks in the kitchen. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), cooking fires triple on Thanksgiving Day compared to an average day, posing a significant threat to households. With nearly 150,000 cooking fires annually, it’s crucial to prioritize safety measures in your kitchen.

Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during this festive season and throughout the year.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers that the threat of fires in the kitchen triples on Thanksgiving Day. From 2009 through 2011, there was an average of about 1,300 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. This is more than three times the average daily rate from 2009 through 2011 of about 400 cooking fires a day.

When it comes to fires in the home, cooking fires are number one. They accounted for nearly 150,000 fires (more than 40 percent of all annual unintentional residential fires) each year from 2009 through 2011. Unattended cooking is the top cause of cooking fires. Cooking fires also caused the most home fire-related injuries, with an estimated annual average of nearly 27 percent, or 3,450 injuries yearly.

Overall, CPSC estimates an average of 362,300 unintentional residential fires, 2,260 deaths, 12,820 injuries, and nearly $7 billion in property damage attended by the fire service occurring each year between 2009 and 2011.

Tips for Safe Cooking

Never Leave Your Pan If you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen, and don’t leave your cooking unattended…be sure to stand by your pan! Follow this advice to avoid disaster on Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

Don’t Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing To stay safe in the kitchen, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves near ranges or ovens.

Keep Kids Away from Stove Watch children closely, so they don’t come into contact with cooking food or hot stovetops. Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove to prevent kids and others from spilling a pan’s scalding contents onto themselves.

Cover a Pan with a Lid to smother the flames. Never pour water or flour on a fire.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

In the event of a fire, Call 911.

Read Other Blog Posts

Murphy’s Law Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy’s Law: Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy Insurance is now the official sponsor of Murphy’s Law—because if anything can go wrong, it probably already has. To mark the occasion, we’re rolling out a tongue-in-cheek lineup of “coverage” for life’s most ridiculous moments, from lost socks to seagull snack theft. While these faux policies are just for fun (for now), our real team is always here with real coverage for life’s unpredictable turns. Happy April Fools Day from Murphy Insurance—when Murphy’s Law strikes, call Murphy Insurance.
Auto Insurance in Hudson MA

Auto Insurance in Hudson, MA: What You Need to Know

If you live in Hudson, MA, or the surrounding areas, securing the right auto insurance is essential. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a first-time driver, having the appropriate coverage ensures protection on the road and compliance with Massachusetts’ legal requirements.
Car close-up

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

When you’re involved in a vehicle collision and the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information, this is commonly referred to as a hit-and-run. Review the following guidance to understand what information to collect and who to contact following a hit-and-run incident.
Pest Prevention Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pest Prevention | Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks, making proactive prevention essential since home insurance doesn’t cover pest-related damage. Key prevention tips include proper food storage, maintaining outdoor vegetation, regular home inspections, and keeping living spaces clean to minimize pest attraction. For persistent issues, professional pest control may be necessary, and Murphy Insurance is available to provide guidance on home protection and insurance coverage.
Stairs

How to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job—especially on staircases. In order to determine whether there are fall hazards within your home, be sure to ask yourself these key questions.
Outdoor Maintenance: Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Outdoor Maintenance | Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Regular outdoor maintenance not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also prevents costly damage and potential insurance issues. Key tasks include cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, maintaining landscaping, power washing exteriors, and ensuring outdoor structures like fences and decks are in good condition. Staying proactive with seasonal upkeep helps protect your home, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain insurance coverage eligibility.
Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot tubs offer relaxation but come with safety and liability risks, including potential injuries, health concerns, and insurance coverage gaps. Key precautions include supervising children, maintaining proper water chemistry, setting safe temperature limits, and enforcing responsible usage to prevent accidents. Homeowners should review their insurance policies and consider additional coverage, such as a personal umbrella policy, to ensure financial protection while enjoying their hot tub safely.
Car keys

Avoiding Problems When Buying Used Vehicles

While buying a used vehicle will save you money in purchase price and help you avoid depreciation costs, it is important to do your research before you purchase one. To avoid buying a car with hidden problems, consider these purchase precautions.
Contractor

Avoiding Contractor Fraud

It’s important to stay informed when dealing with contractors to reduce the risk of contractor fraud. Use these tips to avoid contractor fraud concerns.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. We aim to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.