Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is encouraging all Floridians to practice fire safety while cooking during the Thanksgiving Holiday. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Additionally, the NFPA recommends you test your smoke alarm at least once a month and replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to join with family and friends and share a wonderful meal together,” Patronis said. “Unfortunately, with too many cooks in the kitchen, the Thanksgiving meal can quickly turn into a fire tragedy if you aren’t careful. The threat of kitchen fires increases more than three times the daily average during Thanksgiving, so never leave the stovetop unattended and keep a close eye on children while cooking. By following a few fire safety precautions, you can ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is safe and fun. From my family to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.”
Top Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips from the NFPA:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top 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 three 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 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.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
