Fry your turkey, not your home

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more home cooking fires occur in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day than any other day during the year. Because many families and friends engage in cooking during the holidays, it is important to follow some basic safety tips to keep you, your family and your home safe.

 Top 10 states for paid claims in 2023:

1.       California - $17.8M

2.       Georgia - $17.8M

3.       Illinois - $17.7M

4.       New York - $11.9M

5.       Michigan - $11.3M

6.       Texas - $10.6M

7.       Ohio - $10.4M

8.       Pennsylvania - $9.7M

9.       Tennessee - $9.1M

10.     Alabama - $9.1M

What you should know about home cooking safety

• Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying/grilling/boiling/broiling and check the food regularly.
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.

 If you have a cooking fire

• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water ​on the fire.
• If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of the home. Call the fire department from outside. 
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• When in doubt, get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.