Thanksgiving Safety Tips for a Happy, Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and gratitude—but it’s also one of the busiest days for home accidents, especially in the kitchen. Whether hosting a big feast or keeping it cozy, these easy Thanksgiving safety tips will help you enjoy the holiday without any unexpected mishaps.

1. Stay Safe in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of Thanksgiving, but it’s also where most accidents happen.

• Stay in the Kitchen: Don't leave it unattended if something is cooking on the stove. Also, keep an eye on that turkey!

• Keep Kids & Pets Away: Create a “no-go” zone around the stove and hot surfaces. Little hands and wagging tails can cause accidents.

• Watch for Grease Fires: If a grease fire occurs, don’t use water—it can worsen the situation! Cover the flames with a metal lid or baking soda and turn off the heat.

2. Test Your Smoke Alarms

Thanksgiving is a big day for house fires, so ensure your smoke detectors work. Test them before the holiday to give yourself peace of mind.

3. Practice Candle Caution

Candles set the holiday mood but can also be a fire hazard.

• Place candles where they won’t be bumped or knocked over.

• Never burn a candle if you leave the room or go to bed.

4. Don’t Overload Outlets

With slow cookers, mixers, and festive lights, outlets get busy on Thanksgiving.

• Avoid plugging too many appliances into one outlet to prevent electrical issues.

• Use power strips if needed and keep cords out of walkways to avoid trips and falls.

5. Keep Decorations Fire-Safe

Thanksgiving decorations, like dried leaves or table centerpieces, can be flammable. Keep them away from heat sources like candles, fireplaces, or stovetops.

6. Prevent Slips and Falls

When guests come and go, please make sure the walkways are clutter-free. You can place rugs with non-slip backing near entrances to keep shoes and water from creating a hazard.

7. Deep-Frying a Turkey? Do It Safely

Fried turkey is delicious, but it comes with risks.

• Always fry your turkey outside, away from the house or anything flammable.

• Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before frying—it prevents dangerous splatters.

Thanksgiving should be about making memories rather than managing emergencies. With some planning and these simple safety tips, you can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday with your loved ones. From our family to yours, have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!