Thanksgiving is fast approaching and safety should be at the top of the list as well as turkey and pumpkin pie. Studies by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in home fire and fire-related deaths. Approximately 38 percent of home fire injuries can be traced back to unattended cooking. The NFPA also found that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with a reported three times the daily average.
These tragedies can be avoided by making sure no cooking is left unattended and keeping fire safety at the top of your mind. Here are a few safety tips to consider:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking so you can keep an eye on the food and any potential hazards.
- Keep children away from hot food and liquids. Even the smallest splash from gravy, oil, or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Move flammable items away from the stove. Items include dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper, and curtains.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children and never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle. The same goes for pets, too.
- Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so no one can bump them or pull them over.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working and replace the batteries if they are not.
Keep you and those you love safe this Thanksgiving and all through the holiday season.