We all love Thanksgiving – the original message of the Pilgrims and Native American’s coming together, the love, laughter, fun and family time… The paper hats, the Turkey – the fire in the kitchen?! Follow our tips on Thanksgiving Fire Safety and make sure your special day doesn’t go up in smoke!
Did you know that fires in the home are a lot more common than you think? Or that one in every five of them is started in the kitchen, by someone struggling to cook? The chances of fire are increased exponentially when you add in all the fuss of Thanksgiving day. The cook has all sorts of distractions; from doorbells ringing to children running around, and from keeping Grandpa away from the Bourbon bottle to sorting out sibling rivalries- the Chef has it hard. With concentration somewhat lacking and lots of people to feed the chance of incidence is pretty darn high. But what can you do to protect yourself? Follow these tips to ensure a festive Thanksgiving!
- Don’t wear long sleeves or loose tops in the kitchen, flowing clothes are beautiful but they catch fire easily.
- Turn your pot handles inwards, towards the cooker. This way nobody will walk past and catch the handle, resulting in a spill.
- Keep all the children out of the kitchen. Full stop.
- If you need to leave the kitchen while cooking, take pots off the burners or turn down the oven. It is the same as leaving a candle burning in an empty room (which you should never, ever do!)
- When deep-fat frying, remember to make sure the pan is no more than two thirds full and that the item you are frying is completely dry. Drop the item away from you and into the pot to minimise oil splashing on your hands or on the cooker – a potential fire hazard.
- Keep your cooker clean, burnt sauces etc. have a habit of exploding in flame or clouds of smoke.
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm fitted. Test it in advance. You wouldn’t want your house to burn down while your family was celebrating in the living space.
- If anything does go on fire, turn it off at the wall and call 911. If your oil pan goes aflame cover it with a damp cloth and back away. Do not put water on an oil pan fire as it will explode.
- Double check that everything is switched off while you are eating.
- If you are a hundred percent certain you are at particular risk of fire invest in a mini fire extinguisher that can live in a cupboard in the kitchen, keeping you safe forever more!
So there you have it! Ten ways to keep your kitchen a safe and friendly working environment this Thanksgiving. All that is left to say is have a good one, and many more happy Thanksgivings to come!
