Protecting Homes from Fire & Smoke Damage
Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, gratitude, and gathering—but it’s also one of the highest-risk days for home fires. With stoves, ovens, and fryers working overtime, even a small lapse in attention can lead to significant fire or smoke damage.
At ConstrucTEAM, we specialize in fire damage restoration, smoke damage cleanup, and helping homeowners recover when the unexpected happens. To keep your holiday focused on family and gratitude—not on cleanup and repair—here’s your guide to celebrating safely.
Why Fire Risk Increases During Thanksgiving
Cold weather encourages more indoor cooking and the use of space heaters, candles, and other potential hazards. On Thanksgiving Day, kitchens are often busier than any other time of year, and appliances are pushed to their limits.
Fryer fires are among the most dangerous. They often result from dropping a partially frozen turkey into hot oil, setting up the fryer too close to a structure, or leaving it unattended while it overheats. These situations can cause flash fires that spread quickly and produce heavy smoke damage throughout the home.
When fire or smoke damage occurs, the impact goes far beyond burned surfaces. Odors, soot, and heat can affect insulation, ductwork, and air quality—often requiring professional restoration to make the home safe again.
Smart Cooking Starts With Safe Habits
Follow these tips to ensure your Thanksgiving feast goes off without a hitch:
1. Choose your cooking method carefully.
Traditional oven roasting is generally the safest option. If you do use a fryer, make sure it’s designed for outdoor use and equipped with proper safety features.
2. Set up in a safe location.
Keep cookers and fryers at least ten feet away from your home, deck, or any flammable materials. Avoid using them under porches or in garages.
3. Thaw your turkey completely.
Never place a frozen or partially frozen turkey into hot oil. Ice and moisture cause oil to expand rapidly and overflow, leading to dangerous flare-ups.
4. Stay present while cooking.
Unattended cooking remains one of the most common causes of home fires. Keep an eye on your stove, oven, or fryer at all times, and turn off appliances if you need to step away.
5. Test your alarms and be prepared.
Smoke damage can affect your home even if a fire doesn’t spread. Ensure your smoke alarms are working, and have an emergency plan in place just in case.
What to Do If Fire Damage Occurs
Even with care and preparation, accidents can still happen. If you experience a fire or significant smoke damage in your home:
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Evacuate immediately and contact emergency services.
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Avoid trying to clean or repair the damage yourself. Smoke and soot can be toxic and often penetrate deep into walls and materials.
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Contact a trusted fire damage restoration partner—like ConstrucTEAM. Our team handles everything from smoke and soot cleanup to odor removal and structural drying.
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Review your insurance coverage. Many policies cover damage from grease and cooking fires, but proper documentation is essential.
A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, let the only thing sizzling be your meal—not your kitchen. With smart safety habits and preparation, you can enjoy your holiday confidently, knowing your home and family are protected.
From all of us at ConstrucTEAM, have a safe, warm, and memorable Thanksgiving—filled with laughter, great food, and peace of mind.
