THANKSGIVING SAFETY

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and feasts. This may mean you will be spending more time than usual in the kitchen. Cooking is the main cause of home fires any time of the year but it is especially common on Thanksgiving. The average number of home fires in residential buildings on this day is often double the number of home fires throughout the rest of the year.

THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.

  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.

  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.

  • 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.

  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.

  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

As the holiday nears, take simple precautions that can help ensure the holiday remains fun and fire safe:

Please take a moment to view this video from the NFPA for Thanksgiving Safety Tips to keep you safe!

TURKEY FRYERS

Turkey fryers that use cooking oil are not safe.

Turkey fryers that use cooking oil are not safe. Turkey fryers use large amounts of oil at high temperatures, which can cause devastating burns. If you want a fried turkey for your Thanksgiving meal, purchase it from a grocery store, restaurant or buy a fryer that does not use oil. Also, consider purchasing an infared fryer, air fryer or electric turkey fryer, that has been listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

  • High risk of fire: One of the primary safety concerns with turkey fryers is the high risk of fire. When you submerge a turkey in hot oil, any water or ice on the turkey can cause a violent reaction, resulting in splattering oil and potentially igniting a fire. Even a small amount of water can lead to a significant oil flare-up.

  • Hot oil handling: Handling large quantities of hot oil can be hazardous. If the fryer is not properly secured or if the turkey is lowered into the oil too quickly, the oil can spill, causing burns and injuries.

  • Lack of thermostat control: Many turkey fryers lack precise temperature control, making it challenging to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. This can lead to overheating and potentially starting a fire.

  • Stability and tipping: Turkey fryers are often top-heavy, and the weight of a large turkey can make the fryer unstable. If the fryer tips over, it can cause hot oil to spill, leading to severe burns and fire hazards.

  • Inadequate oil level monitoring: Monitoring the oil level in a fryer is crucial to prevent overfilling, which can lead to oil spills and fires. Inexperienced users may not know how much oil to use or how to properly measure it.

  • Lack of safety features: Some turkey fryers may lack safety features such as automatic shut-off systems or overheat protection, increasing the risk of accidents.

  • Limited safe cooking area: Turkey fryers are often used outdoors, which can expose them to wind, rain, and other weather conditions that can affect their stability and safety.

Red Hawk Fire Protection wishes you a warm, safe Thanksgiving!

For more information visit the NFPA Thanksgiving Safety Website