From the Firehouse: Thanksgiving cooking safety tips
Happy Thanksgiving from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District. Did you know that home cooking fires are the highest on Thanksgiving Day? According to the National Fire Protection Association in 2018, the United States fire departments reported an approximation of 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. The leading cause of the home cooking fires was due to unattended cooking.
When cooking with oil and a fire occurs, please remember to never put water on an oil fire. Call 9-1-1, or if the oil fire is small and you are comfortable doing so, place a lid over the fire to smother it.
If an oven fire occurs call 9-1-1, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Please follow these Thanksgiving safety tips to ensure your and your family’s safety over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop 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, hot foods, and hot liquids. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and if you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out at any time. We can be reached at 239-283-0030.