SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — As families prepare for Thanksgiving, data shows that the risk of home fires rises during this holiday. Here is a guide to keep you safe:
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 2,300 residential fires were reported between 2017 and 2019 during Thanksgiving Day, causing, on average, five deaths, 25 injuries and over $25 million in property damages.
Cooking is the leading cause of Thanksgiving Day fires 74% of the time, says the USFA. However, there are multiple ways to keep yourself and those around you safe during this turkey-licious day.
Keep an eye on the bird
A much-needed bathroom break could become a tragic situation if no one is keeping an eye on the turkey. Officials say cooking fires begin when the heat is too high, so if you see grease starting to boil or smoke coming out of the oven, you should turn the burner off. If you’re going away from the kitchen, tell someone to keep an eye on the food while you get a well-deserved cooking break. However, always remember: safety first.
A turkey fryer puts you at the greatest risk
This doesn’t mean you can’t fry a turkey, but instead, you should be extra cautious and read this section once or twice to ensure you don’t miss anything.
- Use your turkey fryer at least 10 feet away from your home and not under any roof eaves.
- Ensure that your turkey fryer has a thermostat to help you control the temperature. If your fryer doesn’t have a thermostat, use a kitchen thermometer that attaches to the side of the pot.
- Make sure your turkey is fully thawed without any frost on it before you fry it. Otherwise, you’re risking the oil splattering when you put it in the pot.
- Do not overfill the pot with oil.
- Keep the turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface and do not move it once it’s in use.
Create a child-free and pet-free zone
Allow children and pets to play in a safe area, away from any heated surfaces, turkey fryers or hot ovens. You can do this by creating a child-free zone and educating your kids on the risks of burning themselves in the kitchen. Create an entertainment area where children and pets and play safely, away from all the cooking…