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7 Tips for Thanksgiving Safety (Avoid Fire, Falls, Fryers, and More)
Good news – Thanksgiving is in just a couple of weeks. Who doesn't love Turkey Day? Family, friends, and food – it can't get much better than that! We want you to have the best Thanksgiving possible with your loved ones and part of that is staying safe and taking the necessary precautions to avoid fires. Did you know that Thanksgiving is the #1 day for kitchen fires? In order to have a safe Thanksgiving, we recommend following these 8 safety tips for Thanksgiving Day (and all the other days too).
Thanksgiving Tips
1. Use extension cords wisely. Being conscientious on Thanksgiving Day is the first step to preventing a fire. You can do this by being aware of how many appliances you have plugged in so you can avoid overloading that power source. Additionally, it's important to avoid daisy chaining extension cords together. When strung together, the wattage capabilities are reduced which could lead to a meltdown or fire.
2. Strategically place cords. Draping several cords in high traffic areas may not start a fire, but it's a major tripping hazard for your guests. Be strategic with where you place kitchen appliances.
3. Unplug unused appliances. If your appliances are plugged in but not being used, a power surge can still occur when too many appliances are plugged in. Eliminate the trouble that comes with a power surge and be conscientious of unplugging appliances when they aren't being used.
4. Don't leave cooking food unattended. This is the major reason for so many kitchen fires on Thanksgiving. Your family comes in and you get distracted by all of the activities going on. Before you know it, a grease fire has erupted, and you aren't there to extinguish it. It's okay to tend to your guests, but make sure someone is keeping an eye on the cooking food at all times.
5. Check smoke alarms. Your fire alarm could be the first alert you get that there's a fire in your home so it's important to make sure they all work before you start whipping up Thanksgiving dinner. If you are alerted early, you or the firefighters will have a better chance of extinguishing the fire before it gets out of control.
6. Beware of turkey fryer fires. If you thought just regular cooking was hazardous – deep fryers are even more dangerous. Placing the turkey in the deep fryer alone can be a dangerous task as hot oil may spill from the fryer onto the burner. Even more concerning is the fact that most turkey fryers don't have an automatic thermostat control meaning the oil can overheat, resulting in combustion and fire.
7. Be aware of potential CO build-up. If you have a natural gas or propane stove, carbon monoxide could build up in your home if you're cooking all day long. Before it's time to cook, be sure to check that your CO alarm is in proper working order so you will be notified of any potential build-up.
Now that you know how to keep you and your family safe, it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving! Prepare your menu, purchase the food, check your detectors, and most importantly – have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!
If you need any assistance with current electrical issues or detectors in your home, contact H&H!
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