Wilton Insurance Company Offers Thanksgiving Safety Tips

WILTON, CT — One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen – more than any other place in the home. “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.,” says Wilton State Farm agent Karen O’Brien. “Also, data shows Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.”

In 2017, State Farm paid more than $130 million for nearly 2,700 cooking/grease fire homeowners claims across the U.S. The top five states for cooking/grease fire losses in 2017 were: Georgia, Alabama, New York, Maryland and Illinois (see attached photo for more information).

Connecticut ranks number 29 and the average paid cooking fire claim in the state was $83,857.

“We want your family to have a safe, enjoyable Thanksgiving Day,” says O'Brien. “The following cooking tips can help prevent a fire in your home.”

• Keep a lid beside the pan when cooking. If a fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never throw water on a kitchen fire.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, etc., away from your stovetop.Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Don’t forget to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

If frying a turkey:

• Size matters: Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before frying. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Cook outdoors on a flat level surface with a cleared radius of at least 10 feet. Don't use a turkey fryer on wooden structures, such as decks or patios.
• Be attentive when cooking and never leave the fryer unattended.

Photo via Shutterstock