Thanksgiving Safety Tips

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. Kids love to be involved, so safety in the kitchen is important, especially with lots of activity and people at home.

Follow these tips to keep your family safe this holiday season!

• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Use timers to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Keep children and pets 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 anything that can catch on fire – potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains – away from your stovetop and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• 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.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make certain stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

Plan ahead with these tips:

• Consider buying a fire extinguisher and can of fire fighting spray (such as Flame Out or Fire Gone) for small fires and keep them in your kitchen.
• If you didn’t change your smoke alarm batteries when you reset your clocks, consider changing them now.
• Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books can keep them occupied and safe. Also consider involving kids with Thanksgiving preparations and recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Fire Statistics