The Shapiro Administration is urging Pennsylvanians to heed safety advice for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. 

“This holiday, as we gather to celebrate with loved ones, safety for yourself, your family, and your home should be a top priority,” said Pa. Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “In the event of an unfortunate accident, homeowners insurance and renters insurance will cover certain damages, but it is best to follow safety guidelines to ensure that the worst does not happen in the first place. We urge you this holiday to use caution when cooking to avoid potentially dangerous situations, prevent costly repairs, and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the average number of fires in residential buildings on all other days.

An average of 2,300 house fires occur nationwide on Thanksgiving, causing fatalities, injuries, and $26 million in property loss. 

Here are some tips to keep families, guests and property safe:

  • Read the turkey fryer owner’s manual thoroughly for proper set up and safety tips
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying (hot oil and ice/water do not mix)
  • Use the correct amount of oil; overfilled fryers increase the likelihood of oil spilling out of the pot and hitting the burner causing flames to engulf the entire unit
  • Never leave the fryer unattended; many fryers lack thermostats to prevent overheating
  • Do not deep fry your turkey inside your garage, on your porch or deck, or inside your home
  • Have an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby; never use water to extinguish an oil fire
  • Keep children and pets away from all cooking surfaces
  • Use proper hand protection; lids and handles of the cooking pot get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards
  • Ensure full attention is dedicated to cooking; do not consume alcohol while cooking

More information on Thanksgiving safety can be found here.