Thanksgiving has more than doubled the number of home cooking fires than an average day according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day.
SAFETY TIPS
- Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of Thanksgiving Day home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
- Keep anything that can catch fire -- potholders, wooden utensils, food wrappers, towels or curtains-- away from your stove top. Make sure your sleeves are out of the way when cooking. Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Never hold a child while cooking, drinking or carrying hot foods or liquids.
Remember these tips and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!
