Be save on Thanksgiving

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer Blazing Up

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires annually in the United States?   The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Cooking is often a relaxing and fun task that brings family and friends together, and it provides a great way to showcase your creativity and love of good food.   Safety in the kitchen is always important even more so when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

1. Stay in your kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.
4. Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
8. Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.
9. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test them by pushing the test button.