According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires. In 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving.
With proper planning and caution, families can ensure that this holiday remains joyous. Follow these Thanksgiving safety tips to avoid common mistakes:
DO:
- Inspect Fire Alarms: Ensure they are working by replacing batteries once a year and testing them monthly. Test your alarms before Thanksgiving to ensure they can alert you if needed.
- Check Food Regularly: Use timers to remind you when to inspect and finish cooking items, especially if working on multiple dishes.
- Keep Children Away: Maintain a safe cooking area free from children.
- Clean Surfaces: Regularly reduce grease buildup, as accumulated grease can ignite if a fire starts.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Quickly douse flames if a fire breaks out to minimize loss and damage.
- Turn Off Equipment: Ensure all cooking equipment, including ovens, stoves, fryers, and small appliances, is turned off at the end of the day.
DON’T:
- Never Leave Food Unattended: Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling, or baking. If you must leave, turn off the stove.
- Avoid Loose Clothing: Wear proper clothing while cooking to prevent spills or fire hazards.
- Keep Flammables Away: Avoid placing potholders, oven mitts, food packaging, and wooden utensils near heat-generating appliances.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips:
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to your turkey fryer’s guidelines to avoid accidents.
- Never Overfill Oil: Prevent spills and potential fires.
- Ensure Turkey is Thawed: Avoid using a partially frozen turkey.
- Do Not Stuff Turkey: Only deep fry unstuffed turkeys.
- Use Outside Unless Designed for Indoors: Only use indoor turkey fryers inside.
- Avoid Wooden Decks and Patios: Fry turkeys in open, flat areas away from fire hazards.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Maintain a safe distance from the fryer.
- Turn Off Burner When Handling Turkey: Safety first when placing or removing the turkey.
- No Ice in Hot Oil: Oil and water don’t mix.
- Wear Safety Gear: Protect yourself with goggles and heavy-duty mitts.
- Avoid Touching Hot Fryer: Use protection when handling the fryer.
- Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Be prepared for any grease fires.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can help avoid any accidents this Thanksgiving. If you need our services this holiday season, remember that we are here for you 24/7/365 as the leading provider of disaster restoration services in the Chicago land area. Call us (847) 957-9746
We hope you have a wonderful time with your close friends and family during this holiday season!
