Thanksgiving is a joyous time to spend with friends and family. However, it is one of the year’s most dangerous days for house fires and burn injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on Thanksgiving Day 2022 there were 1,610 home cooking fires reported, a 399% increase over the daily average. In this blog, our Quad Cities burn injury attorneys offer tips for avoiding common Thanksgiving fire hazards and what to do if you are injured.
Top Thanksgiving Fire Hazards
Busy kitchens, house guests, and colder temperatures are all catalysts to the top Thanksgiving fire hazards, including:
- Kitchen fires from unattended cooking: The most common Thanksgiving fire hazard can be attributed to unattended cooking and kitchen fires. Ovens, hot liquids, and stovetops are all hazards that can lead to burns and fires.
- Fires from turkey fryers: Frying turkey is a Thanksgiving tradition for many. However, the hot temperatures and oil can lead to catastrophic injuries.
- Heaters: During the colder months, heating appliances like space heaters and fireplaces become essential. Improper use, frayed wiring, malfunctions, and placing them too close to flammable objects can lead to fires.
- Electrical fires: If you have more people around during the holiday, the increased use of electricity, power strips, and overloaded outlets quickly become Thanksgiving fire hazards. Along with burn injuries, electrocution is also possible.
- Flammable decorations: Holiday decorations create a cozy atmosphere, but they become a fire hazard if positioned near open flames, stovetops, or heating elements. Using real candles and dried seasonal decorations can be especially dangerous.
Ways to Prevent Fires and Burn Injuries This Thanksgiving
Knowing the top Thanksgiving fire hazards is the key to preventing injuries or even a wrongful death. Here are a few ways to prevent fires and burn injuries this Thanksgiving:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking
- Use timers when cooking to keep track of what’s in the oven and on the stove
- Keep oven mitts, dish towels, paper towels, napkins, and other flammable items away from heat sources
- Avoid an overcrowded kitchen and keep an eye on children and pets during cooking
- Be careful when handling hot liquids
- If using a space heater, place it away from the wall, rugs, and other flammable objects
- Before plugging in your space heater, make sure there are no frayed wires or damaged parts
- Always turn off a space heater when leaving the house
- Before turning on your heat, schedule an HVAC inspection to ensure the unit is working properly
- Use a fireplace screen to prevent escaping embers
- Get your fireplace inspected regularly to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
- Make sure your smoke detectors are functioning correctly and have fresh batteries
- To stop a grease fire, avoid using water; instead smother it with a lid, baking soda, or a fire blanket
- If you’re frying a turkey, make sure that the fryer is placed outdoors on a flat surface away from the house
- Thaw the turkey completely before placing it in the fryer
- Monitor the oil temperature so it doesn’t get too hot
- Avoid plugging too many items into a single outlet or power strip to prevent overheating
- Only use heavy-duty extension cords that can handle the electrical load
- Always unplug appliances when not in use
- Only use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords for your outdoor decorations
- Avoid using real candles or dried items for decor; opt for battery-operated candles and flame-resistant holiday decorations
- Always have a fire extinguisher ready, and make sure your guests know where it is
Steps to Take after a House Fire or Burn Injury
Even if you take precautions to avoid Thanksgiving fire hazards, accidents can still unfortunately occur. Knowing what to do after a fire or burn injury can help keep you and your family safe. These actions will also protect your legal rights if you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
- If a fire occurs, contact 911 if it cannot be controlled with the use of a fire extinguisher.
- To treat burns, cool the affected area with water (not ice) and then cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage. Seek immediate medical care for any severe burn injuries.
- If and when it is safe, take photos and videos of the fire damage, injuries, and the fire hazard itself.
- Track all medical treatments, costs, and associated expenses to be used as evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Report the incident to your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
- If the negligence or recklessness of another caused your fire or burn injury, contact our team of Quad Cities injury attorneys for a free case consultation.
Injured By One of These Thanksgiving Fire Hazards? Contact WKC Law
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving, free of fires and burn injuries. No matter what, there is always a risk of accidents due to these top Thanksgiving fire hazards. If you or a loved one suffer from a burn injury or a fire due to negligence, such as a defective product, landlord negligence, or another party’s actions, one of our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys is ready to review your case. They will determine if you are eligible for compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact [cta type=”text” layout=”form”
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.