Fire Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Day

stovetop fire Thanksgiving results in three times the average number of house fires than a typical day. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this eating holiday is the most common day for house fires involving cooking equipment. While this holiday is a time to make treasured family recipes and make new memories, it’s important to keep the following fire safety tips in mind.

1. Never Leave the Kitchen Unattended

The NFPA further reports that unattended cooking has been the number one contributing factor in past Thanksgiving Day fires.

In response, always stay in the kitchen when the stove or oven is on, especially when the turkey is cooking – it should be checked often. If you have water boiling or side dishes warming on the stovetop, keep an eye on them to prevent spills.

2. Keep Children Away from Hot Foods

Holidays can be hectic, but it’s important to keep the children under control in the house. If kids are running near the hot stove or oven, there is a chance something could be knocked over or boiling liquids could splatter, causing burns. As the host, try to keep the kitchen clear when the meal is cooking.

3. Clear Your Cooking Area

We try our best to keep everything under control, but sometimes the stress of the holidays can lead to mistakes. Keep flammable items away from the cooking surfaces – kitchen towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils – to prevent them from catching fire. Place these items on the opposite side of the counter when not in use. Also, avoid shirts with loose sleeves.

4. Use a Deep Fryer with Caution

Although deep frying your Thanksgiving turkey has grown in popularity over the years, there are many dangers associated with this kitchen appliance. In particular, turkey fryers can easily tip over and spill hot oil everywhere.

Make sure the pot is not overfilled and keep the cord from dangling onto the floor. Always use oven mitts when handling the pot, lid and handles of your fryer, as they heat very quickly and can cause burns to bare skin. Never leave the fryer unattended either – continually monitor it for signs of overheating.

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