Mercury Insurance Offers Ways to Keep Thanksgiving Celebrations Safe and Joyful

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Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) on Nov 13, 2025 issued Thanksgiving safety guidance focused on reducing kitchen fires and protecting families and homes.

Key data: the National Fire Protection Association reported 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day 2023, a 388% increase over the daily average. Mercury emphasizes unattended cooking as the leading cause and recommends practical steps: never leave food unattended, keep a three-foot kid-free zone, wear close-fitting sleeves, store flammables away from heat, keep a lid handy to smother grease fires, verify smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and use turkey fryers outdoors per manufacturer instructions.

Tips to Protect Your Loved Ones and Home 

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanksgiving fills homes with food, family and gratitude — but a busy kitchen working overtime to get dinner on the table between football games and growling bellies also means a higher risk of cooking fires. Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) wants the day to end with celebration, not cleanup, and is sharing simple tips to help keep every kitchen safe.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported on Thanksgiving Day in 2023 — a 388% increase over the daily average. Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor to Thanksgiving Day fires and fire deaths.

"These simple precautions can keep your annual Thanksgiving celebration from turning into a tragedy," said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of National Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. "Taking a few easy steps can help make the day one of celebration and family togetherness."

In addition to never leaving cooking food unattended and establishing a three-foot kid-free zone, Mercury offers these fire and burn prevention tips:

• Avoid wearing loose clothing. Wear short or close-fitting sleeves to prevent them from catching fire.
  
  
• Keep flammable items away from heat. Store oven mitts, towels and paper bags away from the stove and oven.
  
  
• Always cook with a lid besides your pan. If a small grease fire starts, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Do not remove the lid and let the pan cool.
  
  
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms ready. Make sure they're installed, working properly and that you know how to use them.
  
  
• Be extra careful with turkey fryers. Use them outdoors, far from your house, and follow all manufacturer instructions.

It's easy to get distracted during Thanksgiving with family, friends and multiple dishes cooking at once, not to mention the football games. However, these distractions can quickly lead to a dangerous situation during what should be a joyful holiday.

"These tips are intended to protect the things that matter most: your loved ones and your home," continued Lee. "A few precautions ahead of time will help keep everyone safe."

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com.

Interested media can follow Mercury and receive notifications about new press releases at the new Mercury Insurance Newsroom at https://newsroom.mercuryinsurance.com/, follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook or email us at Newsroom@MercuryInsurance.com.

 

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SOURCE Mercury Insurance

FAQ

What safety tips did Mercury Insurance (MCY) publish for Thanksgiving on Nov 13, 2025?

Mercury advised never leaving cooking unattended, keeping a three-foot kid-free zone, storing flammables away from heat, using lids to smother grease fires, checking smoke alarms and extinguishers, and using turkey fryers outdoors.

How many home cooking fires occurred on Thanksgiving Day 2023, according to the NFPA cited by MCY?

The National Fire Protection Association reported 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day 2023, a 388% increase over the daily average.

Does Mercury Insurance (MCY) recommend specific precautions for turkey fryers?

Yes; Mercury recommends using turkey fryers outdoors, well away from the house, and following all manufacturer instructions.

Will following Mercury Insurance (MCY) Thanksgiving tips reduce fire risk on the holiday?

Mercury says simple precautions—attending the stove, removing flammables, using lids, and having working alarms/extinguishers—can help prevent Thanksgiving cooking fires.

How can homeowners prepare smoke alarms and fire extinguishers for Thanksgiving, per MCY guidance?

Mercury advises confirming smoke alarms are installed and working and ensuring you know how to use a fire extinguisher before cooking begins.