As you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Fire & Emergency Services wants to help keep you and your loved ones safe from any fire hazards.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during Thanksgiving. From testing family recipes to decorating delicious desserts, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.
As you begin prepping for this busy holiday season, there are a few simple safety tips you should follow to ensure your loved ones are safe from fire.
Safety Tips:
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Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
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Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
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Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and children should stay 3 feet away.
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Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
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Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over children, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
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Keep knives out of the reach of children.
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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.
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Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children, up high in a locked cabinet.
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Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
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Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
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If using a turkey fryer, they should always be used outdoors and a safe distance away from buildings and other flammable materials.
Thanksgiving by the numbers:
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Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
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Unattended cooking is by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
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Cooking equipment is involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
Children love to be involved in holiday preparations. It is recommended to have activities that keep children out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books can keep them occupied. Children can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.
Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Analysis & Research Division. For more information visit nfpa.org/education
For additional resources on fire safety topics call the MCLB Fire Prevention Section at 229-639-5610.