Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips:Never Leave Food Cooking on the Stovetop UnattendedCooking fires are the leading cause of home fires, especially on Thanksgiving. Avoid fire damage by staying in the kitchen while food is cooking. A simple distraction can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Don’t Leave the House While the Turkey Is in the OvenWhile the turkey roasts, remain at home and check on it periodically. Leaving cooking food unattended is a primary cause of home fires. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to check on it. Frying a Turkey? Be Aware of the Fire HazardsDeep frying a turkey can be a festive way to prepare your holiday meal, but it poses serious fire risks. If using a turkey fryer, always do so outside, away from any flammable surfaces, to prevent potential fire damage. Keep Children and Pets Away from the KitchenThanksgiving cooking activities can lead to crowded kitchens, which increase the risk of accidents. Keep a safe distance for children and pets from hot surfaces, sharp utensils, and open flames to avoid fire hazards and injuries. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby When cooking, having a fire extinguisher nearby is essential for safety. Ensure it’s a Class B extinguisher (for grease fires) or a multi-purpose one. Knowing how to use it properly can prevent a small fire from escalating into a large disaster. If You Have a Grease Fire, Cover It with a Lid – Don’t Move or Use Water In the case of a grease fire, never attempt to move the pan, and never pour water over the flames, as it can make the fire spread. Instead, carefully place a lid over the pan to smother the flames, and turn off the heat. Only Burn Wood in Your Fireplace Remember to burn only seasoned wood in your fireplace as you cozy up for the season. Other materials, such as paper or leftover wrapping, can cause dangerous flare-ups and cause severe fire damage. Always use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping into the room. Never Leave Your Home or Go to Sleep While a Fire Is Burning Before leaving or going to sleep, make sure the fire in your fireplace is completely out. A small, smoldering ember can rekindle and cause significant fire damage, especially if left unchecked. Inspect Fire Alarms Before Thanksgiving Day Working smoke alarms are vital for early fire detection. Test and replace batteries in your smoke alarms before the holiday. It’s a simple step that could prevent extensive fire damage and save lives. Extinguish All Candles After Guests Leave Candles can add a warm glow to your Thanksgiving table, but they’re also a fire hazard. Ensure all candles are out before leaving the room or going to bed. If you’re busy with guests, consider using flameless, battery-operated candles to eliminate the risk. | 