Thanksgiving is a time for food, family…and fires. The holiday boasts more home cooking fires than any other day of the year. Turkey fryers alone account for more than 900 destroyed homes and over $15 million in property damages annually.

Fires aren’t the only cause for concern during Thanksgiving weekend. Break-ins are just as likely during this time as any other season. Keep your family protected by following a few simple safety procedures. These tips will ensure that your family can enjoy a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Fire Prevention Tips

Watch the Stove (and the Fryer) Constantly

Stove fires are three times as likely on Thanksgiving than on any other day. Add to that fires and burns occurring from improperly handled deep fryers, and Thanksgiving has the potential to be a very hazardous holiday. You can keep the danger at bay by tending to the stove at all times. Follow all the deep fryer instructions carefully and keep children away from the area.

Check All Fire Alarms

Before you start your holiday cooking, make sure your fire system is working properly. This is also essential if you are going away for the weekend. Replace any old batteries and call your fire system provider if your alarm seems to be malfunctioning.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher and Baking Soda Nearby

If a fire does break out, be prepared. Baking soda can extinguish small grease fires by releasing carbon dioxide, suffocating the fire. Pour it directly on the flame and do not use water. A fire extinguisher will help put out larger fires, but do not put yourself or a loved one in harm’s way. If a serious fire breaks out, call 911 and leave the home. 

Monitor All Candles

Never leave a candle unattended. If you leave a room, blow out all candles and relight them when you return. Keep candles higher than children or animals can reach and place lighters and matches in child-locked cabinets. Candles should also be placed on fire safe surfaces.

Holiday Home Safety Tips

Install a Home Security System

The best way to keep your home safe during the holiday season is to install a quality home security system. A burglar alarm system will deter potential intruders and will alert you immediately to a break-in no matter if you are at home or away. Ensure that your security company guarantees fast response times so that you and your family never have to worry if you’ll have support when you need it most.

Keep Travel Plans Private

If you decide to head to another location for Thanksgiving, keep the information private. Social media is an information hub for would-be burglars. Post all the photos, videos, and status updates you want when you are back home, but don’t alert anyone to your absence before you go.

Use Video Surveillance

Video surveillance can stop break-ins before they start. You can link your surveillance system to your phone so that you can see if anyone is lurking on your property. The system will record your footage so you can watch it back if there’s a problem. This is an essential way to ensure your home is kept safe during the holidays and all year long.

Set Timers on Your Lights

If you know you’re going to be gone for Thanksgiving, set random timers on a few lamps in the home. This will make it look like someone is home and that there is movement in the house. Potential home invaders are looking for clearly vacant residencies to burgle. Light timers will confuse them and will likely cause them to leave your property alone.

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