Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires?
- In most cases, patterns of fire incidence on Thanksgiving Day differ substantially from the national fire profile. In order to prevent fires and associated loss on this particular holiday, we need to be aware of how fire incidence differs from the overall fire profile in the United States.
- For each year from 2011 to 2013, an estimated 2,100 residential building fires were reported to fire departments in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day and caused an estimated 10 deaths, 50 injuries and $28 million in property loss.
Follow the below tips to ensure your family is safe this holiday!
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
For more information on Thanksgiving fire safety, check out BeaHeroSaveaHero.org.
Source for content: National Fire Prevention Association
