Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Cooking fires are the number 1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the US, and there are three times the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.

With this in mind, please remember to use caution and care when preparing this year's Thanksgiving meal. And these tips are great for year-round safety.

Preventing Cooking Fires

• Never leave hot food or appliances unattended while cooking.
• Always be alert when you are cooking. If you are under the influence of medication or alcohol, avoid using the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from stoves, toaster ovens, or other head sources.
• Use the 3 foot rule - keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from hot surfaces.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothes when you are cooking.
• If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you are baking, boiling, or simmering food, check the food frequently, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

Prevent Burns and Scalds

• To prevent hot food or liquid spills, use the stove's back burner and turn all pot handles away from the stove's edge.
• Keep all appliances cords coiled, away from the counter edges.
• Use oven mitts or potholders when carrying hot food. Make sure the oven mitt is not wet. This can cause burns if the mitt becomes heated.
• Open hot containers from the microwave slowly and away from your face.

Keeping Kids Safe

• Create the 3 foot "Kids Free Zone" around the stove.
• Never hold a child while cooking, drinking, carrying hot foods or liquids.
• Keep hot food items away from the edge of counters and tables.
• When children are old enough, teach them to cook safely with an adult.