MOHAVE COUNTY – The kitchen truly becomes the heart of the home during Thanksgiving, where family, friends, and festivities create a lively – yet sometimes hectic – environment. These joyful gatherings often lead to more distractions, which can contribute to the increased risk of home cooking fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with more than three times the daily average of incidents. In 2022, an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires were reported on Thanksgiving Day, which was 399% higher than the daily average.
The Bullhead City Fire Department wants to help you enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving with these important cooking safety tips.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the NFPA
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on the food.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and children should stay at least three feet away.
- Supervise kids around hot food and liquids. Steam or splashes from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause severe burns.
- Store knives safely out of children’s reach.
- Check electric cords on appliances like coffee makers or mixers, ensuring they don’t dangle off counters within a child’s reach.
- Keep matches and lighters stored safely – up high in a locked cabinet.
- Test smoke alarms to ensure they work by pushing the test button.
Turkey Fryer Safety
Using turkey fryers can be especially hazardous, potentially leading to burns, injuries, and property damage. Please consider the following guidelines if you’re planning to deep-fry your turkey this year.
Essential Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
- Hot oil splashes and spills can lead to serious burns. Fryers designed for outdoor use may tip or collapse, causing oil to spill.
- Outdoor propane fryers should only be used outdoors. Fryers should be positioned on a flat, non-flammable surface like cement, away from anything flammable.
- Thaw the turkey completely. Partially thawed turkeys will cause the oil to splatter dangerously.
- Use a fryer with thermostat controls to prevent overheating. Fryers without these controls can cause oil to reach unsafe temperatures.
- Take precautions when adding or removing the turkey to prevent oil splashes or spills. Use potholders and oven mitts for safe handling.
