Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is the first Holiday of the season where family you haven’t seen in a while, gather, celebrate, and eat. Although it’s a joyous and happy time, Thanksgiving is one of the worst days of the year for home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (USFA), the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is three times as high than any other day of the year.

Stovetops and Ovens

Sometimes cooks can be distracted by their guests, cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:

• Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop, and oven. Always start cooking with a clean stove and oven.
• Always stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking, don’t get distracted by trying to entertain your guests.
• Stay inside while cooking a turkey, set a timer, and check on it often.
• Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder, or lid nearby to smother any flames.
• Keep children away from the stove. It is recommended to use the back burners.
• If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Turkey Fryers

Never use a turkey fryer on a covered patio, garage, or indoors because it’s a fire hazard risk. Fryers can easily tip over, spilling scalding, hot oil onto anyone nearby, leading to fires, burns, or other serious injuries. Never overfill the oil in a fryer, many turkey fires happen while the oil is being heated. Here are some safety tips for using a turkey fryer:

• Always read and follow the manufacturers guidelines.
• Completely thaw the turkey.
• Neve leave the fryer unattended.
• The oil will remain dangerously hot for hours, so keep children and pets away from the fryer.
• Only use the oil that is recommended. Different types of oil have different ignition temperatures.
• Allow two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts, wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
• If oil starts smoking, immediately turn off the gas supply.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never use water to extinguish a fire.

Enjoy spending time with family this Thanksgiving and remember to be thankful. Also remember these safety tips so you and your family can have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.