Thanksgiving Day may be one of the year’s busiest days in the kitchen as individuals nationwide prepare for a massive meal. Turkey remains the trademark staple for the holiday, with side dishes of stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and other favorites added to the spread.
Unfortunately, the risk of house fires, cooking injuries, and other safety concerns escalate as the kitchen activities rev up to prepare the holiday dinner. Eureka Fire Protection District serves up delicious safety tips to keep Eureka residents, their families, friends, and loved ones safe during the festive feast.
Thanksgiving Fire Safety
The National Fire Protection Association reports that Thanksgiving has the largest incidence of cooking fires; approximately 1,600 home cooking fires were reported on Thanksgiving 2022.
Thanksgiving prep increases the risk of cooking fires for several reasons. Many like to have a glass of wine or a cocktail, but alcohol diminishes reaction time and decreases awareness. Individuals may forget about a dish in the oven or stove; overcooking may lead to food dripping on burners and igniting. Some cooks become overwhelmed or get caught up in socializing, and they also become unaware or forgetful about dishes on the stove or oven.
Fire Risk and Cooking Thanksgiving Turkey
Roasting is the most common method for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, but deep frying has risen in popularity. Unfortunately, deep fryers can be a fire hazard when they are used incorrectly. For those who love a deep-fried turkey, keep these safety tips in mind:
Place fryers on an even surface
Test the amount of grease needed with water first (this ensures that grease won’t splash over and lead to a fire)
Thaw turkeys before frying (frozen turkeys placed in hot grease can lead to serious injuries and fires)
Keep deep fryers at least six feet from homes, buildings, and cars
Never place fires beneath awnings
Keep children and pets away from fryers
Always use oven mitts to handle the fryer
Have a Class ABC extinguisher nearby in case of emergency
Cooking Safety Tips
Prepping Thanksgiving’s feast requires following safety best practices in the kitchen. While many cooking safety tips are common sense, EFPD emphasizes their importance. These tips from the NFPA help decrease the risk of fire and injury (like burns):
Turn the pot handles inward when cooking on the stove. This position makes it harder for small children to grab the pots; hot liquid or contents can lead to serious burns and injuries.
Always be mindful of temperature settings.
Use a grease pan (or a cookie sheet) beneath dishes in the oven to catch contents that drip or spill over.
Keep knives away from children; never leave knives or sharp objects unattended.
Be mindful of candles. Never let children play with candles, and consider using flameless options. Place matches and lighters away from kids, too.
Steam from dishes can lead to burns, too. Keep children away from hot dishes.
Do not let electric cords from appliances dangle; children or pets may grab them.
A wet floor can cause trips and falls. Wipe up any spills.
Test Smoke Detectors Before Thanksgiving
EFPD recommends testing smoke detectors regularly. If the alarms have not been tested recently, conduct a safety test before Thanksgiving. Working smoke detectors save lives.
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips
Many families love to share some Thanksgiving joy with their pets. Before preparing a plate for your dog or cat, remember that some foods are toxic to our furry family. Do NOT serve dishes with these ingredients to cats and dogs:
Grapes and raisins
Mustard seed
Onions
Garlic
Leeks
Chives
Chocolate
Macadamia nuts
Avocado
Mushrooms
Apple seeds
Keep in mind, the above list is not comprehensive. Be mindful of any food sensitivities of each animal. In addition, pets also should not receive chicken or turkey bones. These can splinter and lead to injury or even choking death.
Thanksgiving Travel Safety
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that nearly 80 million people plan to travel at least 50 miles to celebrate Thanksgiving. Many will take to the highways to reach their final destination; winter weather may wreak havoc in some areas.
For those who plan to venture out on the highways, always remember to plan ahead. Watch weather forecasts and be aware of any inclement weather. Pack an emergency kit in the car with extra batteries, warm gear (blankets, hats, gloves, etc.), a shovel, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget a cell phone charger.
Be mindful of other drivers on the road. Never drive drowsy, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Always allow extra drive time for traffic, bad weather, or regular stops.
Distracted driving is dangerous and leads to serious accidents, injuries, and traffic crashes. Don’t use a handheld device when driving. Distracted driving refers to any action or activity that takes the mind and eyes off the road; distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating/drinking, and even fumbling with the radio.
Have a Safe and Wonderful Thanksgiving!
The Eureka Fire Protection District crews wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Get stuffed with great food, and don’t get stuck in the ER. Abide by cooking best practices, drive safe during Thanksgiving travel, and always be aware of foods that can hurt furry family members. If you haven’t tested your smoke detector, do it before you preheat the oven and stuff in the turkey!
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