Terence Francis • Deputy Fire Chief
Everyone loves to have the family over to enjoy this special day. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is also the leading day for home fires involving cooking. Here are some home safety tips to keep you and your family safe during this holiday.
The kitchen is the heart of home especially on Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in the preparation. However with all the cooks and distractions, the kitchen it may not be the safest place for them.
Children should keep kept at least three feet away from the stove, oven and food prep areas. Set up a safe observation area where the children can watch and be involved in the conversations during the dinner preparation. Steam or splash from cooking vegetables, gravy, or hot beverages could cause serious burns. Knives on the edge of the counter can be knocked over. If you drop a knife dont try to catch it, invariably youll grab the wrong end.
If you are cooking, stay in the kitchen so that you can keep an eye on the food. Distraction/inattention is the primary cause of kitchen fires. Do not cook the turkey while you are out of the house visiting friends. Oven timing features can and do malfunction.
Be sure electric cords for electric knives, coffeemakers, hot plate and mixers are not dangling off the counter within reach of a small child.
Candles should only be lit or extinguished by children under direct hands-on supervision of an adult. All matches and lighters should be stored up high where child cannot reach them or in a locked cabinet Fire is very unforgiving. All fires start very small.
Enjoy your families. Be safe, make it safe, and create some wonderful memories.
