Prevent Fire and Smoke Damage in Your Home on Thanksgiving

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Prevent Fire and Smoke Damage in Your Home on Thanksgiving

It is almost that time of year again, the time to roast the turkey, bake the pies, boil the potatoes and make the stuffing. Because so many more people cook on Thanksgiving than any other day, the chance of a kitchen fire in your home increases greatly. Nearly four times as many kitchen fires occur on Thanksgiving Day compared with any typical day.

The American Red Cross offers these steps to remain safe in the kitchen at Thanksgiving and throughout the year:

1. Never leave cooking food unattended! Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
2. Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
3. Use a timer so you remember that the stove or oven is on.
4. Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
5. Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch fire such as potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains, away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are off.
10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

You friends and family at SERVPRO of Toms River ask you to be prepared, cook responsibly and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

For additional Thanksgiving fire safety, please visit National Fire Protection Agency and American Red Cross.

In the event of a kitchen fire on Thanksgiving or any day, call us at 721-349-9898.