Don't Let A Fire Gobble Up Your Holiday: Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Maryland Homes ... And A List Of Local Restaurants That Are Open On Thanksgiving (Just In Case...)
Don’t Let a Fire Gobble Up Your Holiday: Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Maryland Homes
*Thanksgiving is the ultimate feast, but it’s also the riskiest day for cooking fires. Let’s ensure your holiday is memorable for the right reasons.
As we gather around the table with family and friends, Maryland homes are filled with love—and a little bit of danger. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, Thanksgiving has more than three times the daily average of cooking fires, making it the most fire-prone day of the year. Don’t let a mishap turn your celebration into a disaster! With a little preparation, you can enjoy a safe and delicious Turkey Day.
Here are my top safety tips for Maryland homeowners this holiday season.
1. Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Cooking
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of Thanksgiving fires.
It’s easy to get distracted when guests arrive, kids are running around, or the football game is on. However, leaving the stove unattended is the fastest way to turn a joyful gathering into an emergency. Always stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. For simmering, baking, or roasting, set timers and check on your dishes regularly.
Pro Tip: Assign a "kitchen buddy" to help monitor dishes while you socialize. Two sets of eyes are better than one!
2. Keep the Kitchen Clutter-Free
Disorder in the kitchen is a recipe for disaster.
With so many moving parts, kitchens can quickly become chaotic. Make sure oven mitts, dish towels, and other flammable items are kept far away from the stovetop. Avoid overcrowding your workspace with unnecessary items, especially around open flames or heating elements.
Quick Stat: The NFPA reports that two-thirds of cooking fires start because something flammable was too close to the heat source. Keep a three-foot "safe zone" around your stove.
3. Deep-Fry Turkeys with Caution (or Not at All!)
Deep-fried turkeys are delicious—but they’re also notorious fire hazards.
If you plan to deep-fry your bird, do it outside, away from your home, and on a flat, non-flammable surface. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before placing it in hot oil, as frozen turkeys can cause violent flare-ups. And never, under any circumstances, leave the fryer unattended.
Did You Know? Deep fryer fires can reach temperatures of 1,000°F in seconds. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
4. Test Your Smoke Alarms Before the Big Day
Working smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a fire emergency.
Before Thanksgiving, check all smoke alarms in your home to ensure they’re functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed and test the alarm’s sound to make sure it’s loud enough to alert everyone in your household. In Maryland, it’s the law to have interconnected alarms that can notify the whole house.
Actionable Tip: Make a fire escape plan with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
5. Don’t Forget About the Kids (and Pets!)
Little hands and paws can cause big trouble in the kitchen.
Keep children and pets out of the cooking area to avoid accidents like burns, spills, or fires. Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and hot appliances. Enforce this rule with clear boundaries and distractions, such as coloring books or snacks in a separate area.
Fun Fact: Keeping kids occupied isn’t just safer—it also gives you time to focus on perfecting that pumpkin pie.
If you're having kitchen appliance problems on Thursday, or you just want to avoid the hassle of cooking (and cleaning up), click here for a list of some local restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving.
My Final Thoughts: Make Safety a Priority This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and fantastic food—but none of that matters if your home isn’t safe. By keeping a watchful eye on your cooking, decluttering your kitchen, and practicing good safety habits, you can avoid any holiday disasters. Remember, a little caution goes a long way toward keeping your home and loved ones safe.
And hey—if you’re thinking about upgrading to a home with a bigger kitchen for next year’s feast, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit! Or, if you know someone who needs help buying or selling their home, I’d be thankful for your referrals. Let’s make your real estate dreams as golden as your turkey!
Happy Thanksgiving, Maryland! Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.
Source: Perry Hall Patch
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Dan McDevitt
Cummings & Company Realtors
Team Leader, Realvolution Homes Group
