Thanksgiving Safety Tips and Fire Facts

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving Safety Tips and Fire Facts

The kitchen is the heart of the home for most people, especially around the holidays. Everyone appreciates being a part of the preparations, from testing family recipes to creating cakes and pastries.

When there's a lot of activity and people at home, it's crucial to keep fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this festive but chaotic time. As you begin to plan your holiday schedule and prepare a large family meal, keep in mind that by following a few easy safety tips, you can spend time with your loved ones while also keeping yourself and your family safe from fire.

Safety Tips 

• While you're cooking, stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on the food.
• The stove will be very hot, so children should keep at least three feet away.
• Keep children away from hot foods and beverages. Vegetables, gravy, or coffee steam or splashes can cause significant burns.
• Make sure that no electric wires from a coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are dangling off the counter or within easy reach of a child.
• Matches and utility lighters should be kept out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave a lit candle alone in a room unattended. 
• Check to see if your smoke detectors are working. By using the test button, you can put them to the test.

Thanksgiving Fire Facts

• Thanksgiving Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve are the most common days for home cooking fires.
• On Thanksgiving Day in 2018, U.S. fire agencies responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires, the busiest day for such disasters.
• Cooking that was left unattended was by far the most common cause of cooking fires and fire deaths.