Thanksgiving Fire Safety: Keeping Organizations Safe During the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and good food — but it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year for fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving consistently ranks as the leading day for home cooking fires in the United States. And while most incidents occur in residential settings, the same seasonal risks often extend to businesses, healthcare facilities, and other organizations.
As the holiday season approaches, workplaces often see increased foot traffic, decorated spaces, and kitchen activity — all of which raise the risk of fire. The key is to apply the same vigilance recommended for homes to commercial kitchens, staff lounges, and facility safety practices.
🔥 The Numbers Tell the Story
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Thanksgiving fires cause an estimated 2,300 reported fires each year in the U.S., resulting in around five deaths, 25 injuries, and $26 million in property loss. Cooking equipment is involved in nearly three-quarters (74%) of these fires.
Now consider the parallel risks in commercial or institutional settings — employee break rooms, catering services for staff events, or holiday gatherings in schools, hospitals, or offices. The same hazards apply: unattended cooking, overheated oil, faulty appliances, and cluttered kitchen spaces.
🧯 NFPA’s Core Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips — Reimagined for Workplaces
1. Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
In homes, that means keeping an eye on the oven. In workplaces, it means assigning responsibility — someone must monitor break room ovens, catering setups, or warming trays during events.
2. Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.
In a commercial kitchen or office break room, ensure towels, paper goods, packaging, and decorations are stored well away from stovetops, space heaters, or hot plates.
3. Maintain clear workspaces and exits.
Holiday events often mean crowded areas. Keep pathways and exits unobstructed — and make sure fire extinguishers and alarms remain easily accessible.
4. Test smoke and alarm systems before the holidays.
Just as homeowners are advised to test smoke alarms before cooking, businesses should verify that their detection, alarm, and notification systems are operational. Communication Company’s Emergency Monitoring Services can ensure fire alarm signals are properly routed for quick response.
5. Be cautious with portable cooking appliances.
Slow cookers, warming trays, and portable fryers are common for staff meals or catering setups. The NFPA warns that deep frying poses the highest risk — use only approved commercial equipment and never outdoors near flammable materials.
6. Supervise guests and temporary staff.
Seasonal employees, volunteers, or vendors may be unfamiliar with your facility’s fire safety protocols. Provide brief orientations or posted reminders about evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safe cooking practices.
7. Inspect electrical connections and cords.
Overloaded outlets and extension cords are common hazards during the holidays. Ensure appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets, and never daisy-chain power strips.
🏢 Beyond the Kitchen: Facility-Wide Fire Safety During the Holidays
Thanksgiving and the holiday season often bring decorations, candles, and electric lighting into commercial spaces. These can add festive spirit — and potential hazards.
Use UL-rated electrical decorations and inspect lights for frayed wires.
Avoid open flames; choose LED candles instead.
Keep decorations away from sprinklers and heat sources.
Confirm that fire doors and egress routes remain unblocked by displays or furniture.
Even minor lapses in compliance — such as a propped-open fire door or blocked hallway — can make a major difference in an emergency.
🛡️ Stay Prepared: Partnering for Prevention
Fire prevention is not a one-day effort. As facilities operate with reduced staff over the holidays, system reliability becomes even more critical. Communication Company partners with businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities to ensure life-safety systems stay functional when it matters most.
Through ComCare Managed Services, clients benefit from:
24/7 monitoring of fire alarms and emergency systems
Proactive maintenance and testing reminders
Integrated alerting and reporting for building safety compliance
Rapid service response in the event of an alarm or system issue
By combining proactive monitoring with strong on-site fire safety habits, your organization can maintain both safety and peace of mind through the holiday season.
🦃 Final Thought: Be Thankful — and Prepared
Whether in a home or a business, Thanksgiving safety starts with awareness. A single overlooked hazard — an unattended oven, an overloaded outlet, a forgotten alarm check — can lead to devastating consequences.
This year, let’s take a cue from the NFPA and make safety part of the celebration. Keep kitchens supervised, exits clear, and systems tested. A safe facility ensures that every team member, guest, and visitor can enjoy the season — with gratitude, not risk.
Sources:
