Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips
November 23, 2020
Thanksgiving is a joyous time for many families and brings people into the kitchen to help prepare the day’s meal. Thanksgiving is also the number one day for home cooking fires nationwide, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Use these tips from the Tallahassee Fire Department to keep the heart of your home safe this holiday season:
- Check to make sure your oven is empty before turning it on.
- Move flammable items, like paper towels and potholders, away from the stove.
- Turn pot handles inward over the stove.
- Create a three-foot safety zone around the stove, grill or fryer to help keep children and pets safe.
- Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
One dish idea that has been on the rise in recent years is deep fried turkey, which can be both delicious and dangerous. If you choose to fry your bird this year, keep safety top of mind. Place the fryer on a non-flammable, flat surface far away from structures, such as houses, sheds and decks. Thaw the bird completely before placing it in the fryer, and don’t overfill the oil in the fryer.
Even in the most safety conscious homes, accidents can still happen. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure your smoke alarms are working. Remember to stop, drop, cover and roll if clothing ignites. The best way to respond to a stovetop fire is to put a lid on it and turn off the heat. The best way to respond to an oven or broiler fire is to keep the oven doors closed and turn off the heat. If the fire is not quickly snuffed out, leave the house and call 9-1-1 from outside.
For more fire safety information, visit Talgov.com/Fire.
Contact Information
Sarah Cooksey, TFD PIO, 850-508-0730