Thanksgiving is only two days away, and chances are you or a friend or relative will spend much of the day in the kitchen preparing the feast. While part of the fun is gathering around to cook and chat, the risk for fire is ever-present. In fact, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.
Here are a few safety tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable Turkey Day:
- If you have consumed too much alcohol or feel extra sleepy, do not use the stove or stovetop.
- Never leave food cooking unattended.
- Use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
- Keep flammable items, such as oven mitts, kitchen towels and food packaging away from the stovetop and oven.
- Make sure kids and pets stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven while in use – in fact, it is best that they stay in a different room altogether.
- If a fire does occur on the stovetop, turn off the burner and slide a lid over the pan – this will cut off oxygen to the flame, which will eventually dissipate and cool. Don’t remove the lid until completely cooled.
- If a fire occurs in the oven, turn it off and leave the door closed.
- If you are unsure of what to do or have doubts about fighting a fire, evacuate everyone from the home, close the door behind you and call 9-1-1 for assistance.
Courtesy of NFPA
