Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Stovetops, Ovens and Fryers 

Thanksgiving is the day where American families come from all over to be together and celebrate the most important thing there is- love for each other. With the influx of family, cooking can become dangerous if you allow it. The National Fire Protection Association displayed in a national study that the number of cooking fires is three times higher on Thanksgiving than any other day in the year.  Jammed stovetops and crowded kitchens aren’t the only potential dangers, turkey fryers and candles are elevating fire risk more and more each year.  

Remember to always keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it.  

Whomever is cooking can easily become distracted by preparing dishes while also trying to entertain guests. Preventing fires is simple when following some basic guidelines:  

• It’s always a great start to the holiday when you begin with a clean oven and stove. Removing buildup from old food and grease on your burners and in your oven can save you from a holiday disaster. 
• Don’t get distracted by guests and leave food cooking unattended.
• Always make sure someone is in the home and keeping a close eye on the kitchen if you do have to step away. 

Pro Tip: Setting a timer when cooking a large turkey can make the difference in holiday cheer and holiday oh dear.  

• Keep children away from the kitchen, if you do have young ones running around- try to only utilize the back burners if possible. 
• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and immediately close the oven. 
• Have working smoke alarms and have an emergency evacuation plan in place. 

Turkey Fryer Pro Tips  

Never use a turkey fryer inside the home, in the garage or even under a covered patio. Don’t overfill the oil in the fryer, as it can easily tip over. Most turkey fires due to a fryer happen when the oil is being heated, but turkey fryer accidents can be avoided when following the following turkey fryer safety tips: 

• Always read the fryer instruction manual.
• Make sure turkey is completely thawed out before throwing it into the fryer.
• Don’t overfill the oil in the fryer. Before filling up the fryer with oil test it out with water. Place the turkey in the fryer and fill it with water until the turkey is covered. Mark the water line and then repeat the process with your frying oil. 
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer and never leave your fryer unattended. 
• Only use oil that is recommended by the brand of fryer you’re using. 
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the gas supply off. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and NEVER use water to try and extinguish an oil fire. 

Final Pro Tip: According to the USFA, candles are responsible for an estimated 15,600 residential fires a year, causing 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in property damage. More than half of candle fires are a result of a candle being placed too close to flammable holiday decorations. Always keep children in mind when decorating. 

If a fire does occur, give us a call at SERVPRO® at 706-750-0200 and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."®