Fire Chief Robert Lay is encouraging those celebrating Thanksgiving to prepare their turkeys and feasts safely. There are more home fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. These fires are preventable if people become educated on the safe ways to consume the main part of the meal.
Aside from making sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, also inform guests of the safest ways to exit in case of an emergency. This way in case of an emergency, everyone can exit safely.
Keep matches and lighters away from children, and keep them out of the cooking area, if possible. Using common sense safety strategies allows for a safe and enjoyable holiday celebration.
Safety Tips:
- Do not leave the turkey or other parts of the meal to fry, boil, or broil alone; remain in the kitchen.
- If baking or roasting, set a timer, but do not leave the house with the oven on.
- Keep flammable objects away from the cooking surfaces.
- To respond to a stovetop fire: put a lid on it and turn off the heat.
- To respond to an oven fire: keep the doors closed and turn off the heat.
- Wear tight fitting clothing so they will not catch fire.
- Keep a 3-foot “child-free zone” around the stove to keep children away.
Groveland Fire Department Stresses Thanksgiving Cooking Safety