For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holiday season. From preparing favorite family recipes to decorating cookies and cakes, everyone enjoys being part of the celebration.
While the holidays are a joyful time, they can also be hectic. With increased cooking activity and more people at home, it is important to keep fire safety top of mind. As you prepare your holiday meals and family gatherings, following a few simple precautions can help keep your loved ones safe.
Cooking Safety
Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries?
By following these safety tips, you can help prevent cooking-related fires.
Top 10 Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
1. Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay home while cooking a turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and other hot cooking areas.
4 Keep children away from hot food and liquids. Steam and splashes from items such as vegetables, gravy, and coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Store knives out of the reach of children.
6. Ensure cords from electric knives, coffee makers, mixers, and other appliances do not hang over countertops where children can reach them.
7. Keep matches and utility lighters in a locked cabinet and out of children's reach.
8. Never leave children unattended in a room with a lit candle.
9. Keep floors clear of toys, bags, pocketbooks, and other items that could create tripping hazards.
10. Make sure smoke alarms are working properly and test them regularly using the test button.
Thanksgiving Fire Facts
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires.
Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving follow closely behind.
In 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day.
Unattended cooking was the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and cooking-related fire deaths.
Cooking equipment is involved in nearly half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries and remains the second-leading cause of home fire deaths.
Turkey Fryer Safety
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends not deep-frying turkeys due to the significant fire risk. If you choose to use a turkey fryer, be sure to follow all manufacturer safety instructions and operate it outdoors, away from structures and combustible materials.
Source: NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division
Happy Thanksgiving from the Iselin Chemical Hook & Ladder Volunteer Fire Company. Stay safe and enjoy the holiday with family and friends! |
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