Fire Safety Tips to Follow This Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, with just one left until this nationally recognized holiday. While some families will use this time to shop, others will be cooking delicious, home-prepared meals. If you plan on cooking this Thanksgiving, though, there are a few things you should know to keep your family safe.

Thanksgiving House Fires

Residential house fires are a serious problem on Thanksgiving. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more residential house fires are reported on the fourth Thursday in November than any other day of the year. So, what can you do to protect your family and properly from the hazards posed by a fire?

Don't Leave Food Cooking Unattended

I know this probably sounds like common sense to most seasoned home chefs, but it's still worth mentioning that you should never leave food cooking while unattended. The NFPA says that is the single most common cause of residential house fires on Turkey Day. Whether you are cooking a turkey or side item, make sure someone is there to watch the food at all times. If you have to run to the grocery store to pick something up, ask a family member to keep an eye on the food while it cooks.

Prepare for the Worst

Hopefully, your Thanksgiving feast will be safe and enjoyable, but as the saying goes "hope for the best but prepare for the worst" holds true. Make sure you have a portable fire extinguisher nearby (and you know how to use it), as well as the phone number for the local fire department. Hopefully, you won't have to use either of these items, but it's a smart idea to have them ready just in case things to turn south.

Deep-Fry Outside

If you are going to deep-fry a Turkey this Thanksgiving day, make sure you do it outside. Deep-frying is a delicious alternative to oven-baking, as the hot oil creates a crust-like exterior that helps retain the turkey's natural juices. But it's also a serious fire risk, with the NFPA advising against the use of deep-fryers. Rather than using an oil-based deep-fryer, consider using an oil-less deep fryer. This relatively new cooking device uses IR heat to cook meat, meaning there's no oil. And without oil, there's a lower risk of sparking a fire.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!