October 13, 2017

Did you know Thanksgiving is a peak day for home-cooking fires? Right behind it is Christmas Day and Eve according to the National Fire Protection Association. As we all know, the holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, and we often find ourselves congregating in the kitchen. With your loved ones in close quarters, it’s very important to keep fire safety in mind when cooking.

Here are a few simple tips to follow:

• Check your smoke alarm(s) by pressing the test button and making sure the batteries don’t need a replacement.

• When cooking on the stove top or in the oven, always stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on the food. Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor to cooking fires and deaths in 2015.

• If your family has small children running around, be sure to keep them at least 3 feet away from the stove where hot liquids can spill/splash and cause serious burns. Also, always remember to turn pot and pan handles inwards to keep hot liquids from getting knocked off the stove and spilled.

• The same goes for knives. Keep sharp objects out of reach of children.

• If lighting candles around your table or home, keep them clear of anything flammable and stay in the same room when the candles are lit.

If you're planning to deep fry your turkey this year, read more about deep fryer safety. Sticking to these simple tips can help ensure you have a safe and festive Thanksgiving in your home with your loved ones.