Fire safety officials have long known that Thanksgiving is, by far, the most dangerous day of the year for house fires. To add, the recent NFPA news release urges caution for home cooking on Thanksgiving day. During this time of year, Fire Departments and officials ramp up in preparation for a series of home fire calls and emergencies. The vast majority of these fires are caused by cooking, followed by space heater fires. With the holiday season coming up, spirits are high, but that doesn’t mean we should lower our guard. Make sure to practice fire safety to make sure everyone is safe from home and kitchen fires during this holiday season. With that said, here are some tips to keep yourself and your family safe!
Cooking multiple dishes while hosting guests can lead to distractions. Information from the U.S. Fire Administration indicates that many Thanksgiving day fires occur between noon and 3:00pm. Thus, make sure the kitchen isn’t busy or crowded while cooking, and make sure children and pets stay at least 3 feet away from cooking equipment. Prevent cooking fires by starting with a clean stove and oven. Remove grease buildup, keep burners attended, and avoid distractions from guests.
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Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in your kitchen or your garage. Always make sure to use turkey fryers outdoors, and at a safe distance away from your home or any combustible materials. A good rule a thumb is at least 10 ft. away from your home, including the space under your roof. Another common mistake made with turkey fryers is overfilling them with oil. This can cause the oil to spill once the turkey has been submerged, putting you at risk for fires or burns.
Make sure you defrost and dry frozen turkeys before frying to minimize oil splatters, which may cause fire or burns. The USDA recommends thawing in the refrigerator, so the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. Make sure to begin thawing your Turkey in the refrigerator several days in advance to ensure it is adequately defrosted. If the fryer does catch fire, the best thing you can do is turn off the gas and wait for the fryer to cool down.
In addition, make sure your turkey fryer is on a sturdy, level surface to prevent the fryer from tipping over after it has been filled. Also, never to touch the sides, lid, or handles of the fryer with your bare hands, as this may cause burns, or other injuries. Instead, use protective oven mitts and also keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fryer at all times.
Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop, and avoid wearing loose, long clothing that may catch fire. (Ex. paper towels, wooden utensils, oven mitts, towels, and curtains)
Don’t use an extension cord for microwaves and other large appliances.
Stay alert while cooking. Excessive heat may cause fires. If you notice smoke or boiling grease, immediately turn off the burner.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump into them or pull them over. Opt to use the back burners whenever you can.
If you do decide to fight a small fire, cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet to suffocate the fire or use a fire extinguisher. If the fire has grown out of control, evacuate everyone from the home and call the fire department.
In the event of an oven fire, switch off the oven and leave the door closed until it cools. Have it checked by a certified technician before using it again.
Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from stoves, fryers and other cooking equipment.
Keep your turkey fryer 10 ft. away from your home and not under roof eaves.
Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are active and functioning correctly.
Source: United States Fire Administration - FEMA
Thanksgiving is a time to gather and celebrate, but it’s also important to remain vigilant about fire safety in the kitchen. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of fire and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe holiday. Whether you’re cooking up a feast or deep-frying a turkey, remember that fire safety is crucial for peace of mind during the festivities.
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