As you prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Tacoma Fire Department encourages everyone to follow this "tried and true" recipe for a safe celebration.
According to data from United States Fire Administration, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires (in residential buildings) occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss each year. The majority of these fires are related to making the wonderful holiday feast.
When it comes to cooking:
- Keep a close watch on your cooking. You should never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep oven food packaging and other combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
- Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
- Don't wear loose sleeves while working over hot stove burners - they can melt, ignite or catch on handles of pots and pans spilling hot oil and other liquids.
- Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove and areas where hot foods or drinks are prepared or carried.
- Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.
