Thanksgiving is supposed to be a joyful occasion, but simple mistakes can turn your celebratory feast into a disaster. Every year, 2,400 fires are reported on Thanksgiving day, which can be even more dangerous with a house full of loved ones. Below are a few tips to keep your Thanksgiving festivities safe and avoid costly fire damage restoration later.

5 Tips to Avoid Needing Fire Damage Restoration for Thanksgiving

1. Check the Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they’re working properly. Before the holidays, test smoke alarms and change out their batteries, which should be done every year.

2. Never Leave the Stove Unattended

Whether you have a gas or electric stove, the burners are always a fire hazard. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking on the range, and have someone keep an eye on the cooking if you need to step out of the room.

3. Keep Children Out of the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house when you’re cooking with hot surfaces and sharp knives. Children running and playing in the kitchen can knock pans off the stove, starting a fire and potentially injuring themselves, so keep them out of the kitchen until the meal is ready.

4. Keep the Floors Clear

The house can get cluttered during the holidays, which presents tripping hazards. During Thanksgiving, keep your floors clear of bags, toys, and anything else that can cause an accident in the kitchen.

5. Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready

Every house should have a functioning fire extinguisher ready to go, or more than one if your home is especially large. Have your fire extinguisher checked every year, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.

If a fire does break out this Thanksgiving, the fire damage restoration experts at the locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Kailua North / Laie in Kaneohe, HI, have the tools and specialized training to repair your home. When you call for their 24-hour emergency services, they’ll walk you through their process onsite as they review the damage. Visit their website for more on their fire damage restoration services, and call (808) 235-5015 to request a quote.