Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

The fire in this home was caused by a cooking fire.

With Thanksgiving coming up this week, cooking in the kitchen is going to be hectic but it is important to keep yourself and your family safe from a potential fire. Follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Always stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the food you are cooking on the stovetop.
• Stay inside your home when cooking the turkey, and make to check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. Have a “kid free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and other area where hot food or liquids are prepared or carried. Steam or splashes from boiling liquids can cause serious burns.
• Keep all knives out of the reach of children.
• Make sure there are no electrical cords from an electrical knife, plate warmer or other small kitchen appliance are out of reach from children.
• Keep matches and utility lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
• Keep the floor clear of all belongings and toys, so you don’t trip.
• Test all of your smoke alarms to make sure they are working.

Facts From The National Fire Protection Association:

• The peak day for home cooking fires is Thanksgiving.
• In 2017, the U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving.
• The leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths is unattended cooking.
• The second leading cause of home fire deaths involved cooking equipment.

SERVPRO of South Columbus wants you to be safe this Thanksgiving holiday. If you experience unexpected fire damage in your home, please don’t hesitate to call us.