Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. Probably thanks in no small part to the fact that turkey is one my favorite foods. Needless to say I will be getting my fill in the coming days.
However, the Thanksgiving Holiday has one of the highest counts of home fires than any other day of the year. Statistics show that home cooking fires are 3 times more likely to happen on Thanksgiving than any other day.
Below are some quick tips to reduce your chances of a home cooking fire this Thanksgiving…
- Never leave your food unattended while cooking.
- Use a timer and routinely check whatever you’re cooking.
- If frying or deep-frying, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, and free from moisture.
- Never use a glass casserole or lid on the stove or burner, as it may explode from the heat.
- Ensure that pot holders and food wrappers are a safe distance— at least 3 feet—from warmed surfaces.
- Position pot handles to the back of the stove to avoid anyone bumping into them.
- Avoid dangling accessories or loose clothes while cooking.
- The stove will be hot, keep children 3 feet from the stove at all times.
- Be sure electric cords from electric knives, coffer makers, plate warmers, and mixers are not dangling off the counter in reach of children.
- Never douse a grease fire with water, as the fire can thus spread. Turn off the burner, smother the flames with a lid, or douse with baking soda or a fire extinguisher if it’s getting out of hand.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, and know how to use it.
- Ensure your smoke alarms are connected and working.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday!
Gobble! Gobble!
Pamela