THE TAKEAWAYS
- On Thanksgiving, three times more cooking fire incidents occur than any other day of the year.
- Prevent cooking and fryer fires by staying attentive, using fryers outdoors safely, and maintaining a clutter-free cooking area equipped with a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors.
- If a cooking fire breaks out, act quickly by smothering flames, turning off the heat, and calling 911 if necessary, prioritizing safety over property.
- Hiring a Public Adjuster can increase your settlement, help you understand your insurance claim, and ensure all damages are properly accounted for and fairly compensated.
THANKSGIVING SAFETY: PREVENTING COOKING AND FRYER FIRES
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and a delicious feast. However, it’s also the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S., making it a critical time for fire safety awareness. As a Public Adjuster serving Dallas and Fort Worth, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation caused by house fires—and the financial struggles many face when trying to get fair compensation for their insurance claims.
True View Commercial is here to help you avoid some common mistakes and provide expert advice on managing an insurance claim should the worst occur.
THE ALARMING STATISTICS ABOUT COOKING FIRES
Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires in the U.S. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- Thanksgiving sees three times as many cooking-related fires as any other day of the year.
- In 2022 alone, cooking fires caused $1.2 billion in property damage nationwide.
- Deep fryer fires specifically account for significant damage, often because of improper use or overfilled oil.
With the average house fire claim costing upwards of $50,000, having a professional advocate, like a Public Adjuster from True View Commercial, can make a significant difference. Our expertise ensures that you receive fair compensation to cover repair costs, loss of belongings, and additional living expenses. Without expert help, navigating a house fire insurance claim can be overwhelming and may result in a lower settlement than you deserve.
PREVENTING COOKING AND FRYER FIRES
Preventing cooking fires begins with vigilance and preparation. First, stay present and prepared whenever you're cooking. Avoid leaving the stove or fryer unattended, even for a moment. If you need to step away, turn off the heat or assign someone else to monitor the kitchen. A good practice is to keep a lid nearby to smother small pan fires quickly if they arise.
When using a deep fryer, mindfulness is key. Fry outdoors on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from walls, decks, or other structures. Always measure oil carefully to avoid overfilling, and make sure the food you're cooking—especially turkeys—is completely thawed before immersing it in hot oil. The combination of oil and frozen food can lead to violent splatters and dangerous flames.
Lastly, it’s crucial to maintain a safe cooking space. Keep flammable items, like oven mitts, paper towels, or grocery bags, far from the stovetop or fryer. Equip your kitchen with a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires and familiarize yourself with how to use it. Additionally, smoke detectors near your cooking area should be functional and tested regularly to provide early warnings of danger.
By adopting these safety habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cooking fire this Thanksgiving and beyond.
Three Tips to Prevent Cooking and Fryer Fires
1. Stay Present and Prepared
- Never leave the stove or fryer unattended. Set a timer to remind yourself when to check on your cooking.
- Keep a lid nearby to smother small pan fires quickly.
2. Be Mindful with Deep Fryers
- Use the fryer outdoors on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from structures.
- Measure the oil carefully to avoid overfilling.
- Ensure that the turkey or food is fully thawed before placing it in hot oil.
3. Maintain a Safe Cooking Space
- Keep flammable items, like paper towels and oven mitts, away from stovetops.
- Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher rated for grease fires in the kitchen.
- Install smoke detectors near your cooking area and test them regularly.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE A COOKING FIRE
So, you’ve tried your best… but a cooking fire breaks out. What do you do next? If a cooking fire breaks out, acting quickly and safely is essential to minimizing damage and protecting everyone in your home.
For Stovetop Fires: the first step is to turn off the burner immediately. Then, smother the flames by covering the pan with a lid or a baking sheet. This can cut off the fire’s oxygen supply and prevent it from spreading. It’s important to remember never to use water on a grease fire, as this can cause the flames to spread uncontrollably.
For Oven Fires: keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat. The closed door will contain the flames and limit oxygen, which is critical to preventing the fire from spreading outside the appliance.
For Fryer Fires: resist the urge to move the fryer, as this can cause the hot oil to spill, worsening the situation. Instead, turn off the heat source and, if it’s safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher to douse the flames.
Call 911: If the fire grows out of control or you feel unsafe, evacuate the home immediately. Call 911 and wait for professional firefighters to handle the situation. Your safety and that of your family should always take priority.
Once the fire is extinguished and it’s safe to re-enter your home, it’s crucial to document the damage thoroughly. Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas, including any structural damage, burnt items, and smoke residue. This documentation will be invaluable when filing your insurance claim, helping ensure you have the evidence needed to support your case.
NAVIGATING A HOUSE FIRE INSURANCE CLAIM
If you’ve suffered a cooking or fryer fire, filing a house fire claim can be daunting. Many homeowners in Dallas feel pressured to accept a low settlement from their insurer or listen to an unlicensed contractor. This is where a Public Adjuster can help.
How a Public Adjuster Can Help You:
- Evaluate the Damage: A professional assessment ensures every aspect of the loss, including structural damage and personal property, is accounted for.
- Negotiate for a Higher Settlement: Public Adjusters work on your behalf to secure an increased insurance settlement, often far exceeding the initial offer from your insurer.
- Handle Complex Paperwork: From gathering evidence to filing documents, we manage the process, so you don’t have to.
PEACE OF MIND FOR TEXAS HOMEOWNERS
Thanksgiving should be a time for joy—not worry. By following our tips, you can reduce the risk of cooking fires and deep fryer accidents. And if disaster strikes, know that you don’t have to navigate your insurance claim alone.
If you need help with an insurance claim after a house fire in Dallas or Fort Worth, contact our team of Public Adjusters at True View Commercial today. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on what matters most: rebuilding your home and your life.
Protect your home this Thanksgiving. Stay safe, stay prepared, and reach out for expert support when you need it.
