BE AWARE OF FIRE HAZARDS ON THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving traditionally calls for preparing a large meal and enjoying the day with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting the holidays in your apartment this year or taking Thanksgiving on the road, remember the importance of fire safety amid the holiday hubbub.
The National Fire Prevention Association says Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas Eve. Unattended cooking is the main cause for cooking fires and fire deaths.
Outside of chopping ingredients and setting the table ahead of time, there are many ways to ensure your apartment is prepared for any unexpected safety hazards. The most important thing is to test your smoke detector prior to cooking.
By hitting the test button on the detector, you can make sure the battery is functioning properly. Locate all smoke detectors in your apartment to make sure they are accounted for.
It’s advised to always have a fire extinguisher in your home, and most apartment communities provide residents with one. Make sure you know where yours is, and if you don’t have a fire extinguisher, get one before the holidays so you can act fast if a fire does break out. Most fire extinguishers last five to 15 years, so it’s a good idea to check the expiration date on your extinguisher.
In 2020, U.S. fire departments responded to 2,160 fires on Thanksgiving Day. The NFPA suggests setting a timer near you that is loud enough to be heard over party chatter. Make sure you have no flammable objects on or near cooking surfaces, especially oven mitts and towels. Your best bet is to roll up your sleeves and to have someone in the kitchen always monitoring the cooking.
Children enjoy being involved in Thanksgiving festivities, but they should steer clear of the kitchen. The NFPA recommends children remain at least 3 feet away from the stove and any hot foods or liquids. Encourage kids to play games or put together a puzzle. If they want to be a part of the preparations, have them set the table or decorate cookies.
If you start to smell smoke and notice your oven is on fire, leave the oven door closed and turn your oven off. Opening the door will help fuel the fire. If you ever have any doubt about a kitchen fire, quickly evacuate your apartment. Call 91-1 from the safety of outdoors. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
If you start to smell smoke in your oven but don’t see a fire, carefully turn your oven off and let it cool down. Open windows and doors in your apartment to promote airflow and push any smoke outside.
Keep yourself and your apartment safe by being prepared for any scenario ahead of time. Accidents happen, but you should have the tools necessary to prevent an emergency. Ease your stress by understanding fire safety and remembering to keep an eye on the turkey.