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. In 2022, Pennsylvania ranked #3 for claims reported (State Farm). 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.
In 2022, State Farm paid over $196M for 2,210 grease/cooking fire claims. November and December were the top months for grease/cooking fire claims. This is an increase in claims compared to 2021, where State Farm paid over $163M for 2,240 grease/cooking fire claims. The average claim in 2022 was $71,000.
Top 10 states for claims filed:
- Georgia – 225
- California – 204
- Pennsylvania – 176
- Illinois – 169
- North Carolina – 158
- Michigan – 152
- Alabama – 149
- Texas – 148
- Ohio – 145
- Tennessee – 113
What you should know about home cooking safety:
- Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying/grilling/boiling/broiling food 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 your 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.
