FACT
–Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment.
SAFETY TIPS
–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 back.
–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.
–Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
–Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during the busy time. Games, puzzles, or books can keep them busy.
–Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.
All information has been referenced from the NFPA Public Education Division. To view this site go to www.nfpa.org/education or click above on Departments, then Fire Department, then Useful Links, and then National Fire Protection Agency.