Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an average day according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day
Just because we get to take a break from dieting on Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean we can throw caution to the autumn winds. Remember these suggestions and have a happy and safe holiday.
To help prevent home fires this Thanksgiving, the Red Cross suggests the following tips:
· Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of Thanksgiving fires.
· Keep anything that can catch fire — potholders, wooden utensils, food wrappers, towels or curtains– away from your stove top.
· Make sure your sleeves are out of the way when cooking.
· Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
· If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking
· Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
· Turn the handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents.
· After guests leave, walk around the home, making sure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished.
· Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
Cooking-Related Burns
Thanksgiving is high time for cooking related burns. Minor burns can be treated easily if you remember to save the butter for the rolls and not a burn. For a superficial burn, cool the area by running it under cold water until the heat eases and then loosely cover the burn with a sterile dressing.
Don’t Let the Flu Ruin Your Holiday
· If you are travelling and feel sick, seriously consider staying home. If you have the flu, there is a good chance you can spread it to others.
· Wash your hands frequently when travelling, as there will be people all around you who do not follow our first tip.
For more Thanksgiving safety tips please visit www.redcrossillinois.org/thanksgiving-safety.