October is the perfect time to prepare your home for the busiest holiday season of the year
Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, and while you plan your menu and guest list, there’s something even more important to consider: your safety. As appliance repair experts in New York and New Jersey, at Triple A Plaza we’ve seen firsthand the devastating results when appliances fail during the holidays.
The statistics are alarming: according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires, with 2.3 times more residential fires than any other day, according to FEMA. Approximately 1,500 home fires are reported on Thanksgiving alone. Most of these disasters can be prevented with a simple professional inspection before the holidays.
OVENS: The Silent Danger That Works for Hours
Frightening Numbers
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. (NFPA)
- Ovens running for 6–8 continuous hours vs. the daily average of 1–2 hours
- $6.9 billion in damages caused by home fires in a 5-year period (The Zebra 2025)
Warning signs:
- Uneven cooking
- Persistent smoke or burning smells
- Door not sealing properly
What You Should Do NOW
- Schedule a professional deep cleaning if you haven’t in 6 months
- Check and replace cracked door gaskets
- Ensure exterior ventilation is clear of obstructions
STOVES: Where 89% of Kitchen Fires Start
The Hard Reality
- 93% of kitchen fires happen in the cooking area (FEMA/USFA)
- Four burners running simultaneously for hours on Thanksgiving
- About 1,500 fires reported on Thanksgiving Day alone
Warning signs:
- Yellow/orange flames instead of blue (gas issue)
- Persistent gas smell
- Burners clicking without lighting
Critical Preventive Maintenance
- Deep clean burners and remove food residue
- Check that all gas connections are secure
- Make sure controls respond properly
LECTRICAL SYSTEMS: The Invisible Killer
Terrifying Statistics
- Cooking is the second leading cause of home fire deaths (NFPA)
- Electrical use increases 300–400% on Thanksgiving
- $6.9 billion in damages from reported home fires over 5 years
Warning signs:
- Breakers tripping
- Flickering lights
- Hot outlets or burning smells
Thanksgiving-Specific Risks
- Multiple appliances running at once
- Overloaded extension cords
- Old systems not designed for modern load
The Real Cost of Waiting “Until After the Holidays”
THIS WEEK (Late October):
✅ Book your pre-Thanksgiving inspection with Triple A
✅ Deep clean ovens and stoves
✅ Check all visible electrical cords
✅ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
1 WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING:
✅ Confirm all appliances are working properly
✅ Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen
✅ Plan escape routes in case of emergency
✅ Keep Triple A’s number handy for emergencies
THANKSGIVING DAY:
✅ Never leave appliances running unsupervised
✅ Keep towels and flammables away from heat
✅ Always have a responsible adult supervising the kitchen
The Choice Is Yours
You can:
- Ignore the warning signs and hope for the best (like many families who face holiday fires), or
- Take action now, schedule a quick inspection, and guarantee a safe, happy Thanksgiving.
📞 Call Triple A today. Protect your family, your home, and your holiday.