HARRISBURG, PA — With Thanksgiving this week, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner are issuing strong reminders to residents about the importance of safe cooking practices. The holiday, known for its festive meals and gatherings, also brings an alarming surge in residential fires, endangering lives and property.
According to data from the U.S. Fire Administration, the number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day is more than twice the average reported on other days. From 2017 to 2019, an average of 2,300 such fires were recorded annually on Thanksgiving Day. These incidents resulted in an estimated five deaths, 25 injuries, and nearly $26 million in property damage each year.
“Thanksgiving should be a time for celebration, not tragedy,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “While insurance can provide a financial safety net in the event of an accident, prevention is always better. We urge Pennsylvanians to prioritize safety when cooking this holiday season to avoid dangerous and costly situations. And remember, one of the easiest safety measures is simply not dropping a frozen turkey directly into the fryer!”
Insurance Protections and Responsibilities
For homeowners, insurance policies can offer coverage in case of accidents, including those related to fires. Home insurance policies typically provide financial compensation for structural damage, personal belongings, and even liability protection if guests are injured on the property. However, homeowners are still responsible for meeting their policy deductibles.
Commissioner Humphreys emphasized the importance of renters understanding their unique coverage needs as well. While a landlord’s insurance policy will cover the structure of the property, renters’ personal possessions are not included. Renters insurance fills this gap, providing coverage for possessions damaged by fire and often covering additional living expenses if the apartment becomes uninhabitable. Just like homeowners insurance, renters insurance also provides liability protection in case guests are injured.
Fire Safety Tips to Avoid Holiday Disasters
State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook underscored the importance of preparation and vigilance. “A few simple precautions can make all the difference in avoiding a fire and keeping your family safe this Thanksgiving,” he stated.
To help prevent fire incidents, residents should adhere to these key recommendations provided by officials and fire safety experts:
- Install and Check Smoke Alarms – Ensure all smoke detectors are functioning properly before Thanksgiving.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby – A fire extinguisher can be an indispensable tool in managing a small fire quickly. Residents should inspect extinguishers regularly to confirm readiness.
- Use Caution When Frying Turkeys – Turkey fryers should only be used outdoors and away from flammable structures. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the turkey is fully thawed before frying.
- Track Cooking Times Carefully – Use kitchen timers or alarms to avoid overcooking food or forgetting items on the stove or in the oven.
- Know How to Use an Extinguisher – Use the PASS method to tackle small fires. Pull the pin, aim at the fire’s base, squeeze the handle, and sweep the nozzle side-to-side.
Residents are also reminded never to use water on grease or oil fires. Attempting to extinguish these types of fires with water can cause the flames to spread, increasing the risk of injury and property damage.
What to Do in Case of a Fire
When a fire becomes unmanageable, immediate evacuation is critical. Officials strongly urge residents to leave the property, call 911, and remain outside once safely evacuated. Never reenter a burning building under any circumstances.
Guidance for Filing Insurance Claims
Should an accident occur, the PID recommends filing insurance claims promptly to ensure timely assistance. Pennsylvania law requires insurance companies to provide claimants with necessary forms within 10 business days of being notified of a claim.
To facilitate the process, consumers should follow these steps when filing a claim:
- Maintain comprehensive records of all interactions with the insurer, including names, dates, and times of communication.
- Photograph and catalog damaged items for documentation purposes.
- Save all receipts for temporary repairs.
- Avoid discarding damaged property until the claims adjuster has given approval.
- Make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage, waiting for the insurer’s inspection before beginning permanent restorations.
Failure to follow these procedures or making unapproved permanent repairs before the adjuster’s review could result in claim denial.
Protecting Your Family and Property This Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, but the risks posed by cooking-related fires should not be underestimated. By adopting vigilant safety measures and understanding their insurance coverage, Pennsylvanians can enjoy a safer and more secure holiday.
Commissioner Humphreys and State Fire Commissioner Cook collectively stressed the importance of preparation, urging residents to act responsibly to safeguard against unnecessary accidents. With the right precautions, residents can ensure a season of celebration without calamity.
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