Preventing Fires at Thanksgiving
From cooking your bird to creating a cozy atmosphere, there are a ton of fire hazards for the holiday season. Below, we have three tips to prepare for the Thanksgiving season for that warm fuzzy feeling, without a warm flaming kitchen.
Safely Cook Your Turkey in an Oven
When preparing your kitchen for a delectable thanksgiving, Turkey prep is at the top of list. Before actually cooking your turkey or any other food, ensure it is COMPLETELY THAWED to prevent a fire or explosion hazard. Below are a few more useful tips to also to prevent fires:
- After testing your food, immediately close the oven door
- Keep your oven mitts and other cloth and paper out of the way of the burners.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, baking soda and metal lids nearby to put out fires quickly.
- NEVER use water on grease fire
Safely Fry a Turkey
Did you just pick up a new turkey fryer kit? We’re excited for you to have a delicious fall dinner and we want to make sure you do it safely!
- Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before you place it in the fryer and stay away from water-based marinades. Any water that mixes with the oil can create a fire hazard.
- Make sure that your fryer is on a level and sturdy surface outside of a garage and off of a deck.
- To ensure your don’t overfill your fryer, try to choose a smaller turkey between 8 – 10 lbs. Keep close watch of the fill line from your fryer’s manufacturer!
- Wear safety gear like goggles and oven mitts and make sure to have a grease-rated fire extinguisher available for emergencies.
- Never leave your fryer unattended.
- After your turkey is done, make sure to keep your oil on a level surface and have the oil cool off overnight before you dispose of the oil.
Fireplace, Candles, and Safety
Whether you’re using fireplaces and candles for special events, or to cosy up the atmosphere, it is important to remember that open flames are potential fire hazards. For candles, a few great safety tips to keep your home safe are:
- Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
- Keep lit candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Never leave a candle unsupervised in an unattended room.
For wood and gas fireplaces, always have a professional inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney each year before you begin using it for the season. If you have an electric fireplace, always use the proper cords and make sure it is plugged into an appropriate socket. With these tips, you can ensure that a cozy fire will be a safe and welcome addition to a chilly fall and winter season!
Whether you’re cooking your Thanksgiving dinner the old fashioned way in an oven and on a stovetop, or going rustic with a fryer, there are many opportunities for danger. We’ve outlined 3 tips to prepare for the holidays including cooking your turkey safely in the oven, with a turkey fryer, and included additional tips for decor and fireplaces as well!
If your house or multifamily community experiences a kitchen fire or a fire due to fireplace misuse, call Classic Construction & Restoration, Inc today for a free estimate on repairs and restoration. Our team of experts will be there for you every step of the way, from insurance to completion.