According to data from the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires are reported to fire departments each year, causing an estimated 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $21 million in property loss.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, Tacoma Fire Department encourages everyone to follow this "tried and true" recipe for a safe holiday.
When it comes to cooking:
- Keep a close watch on your cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep oven food packaging and combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
- Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
- Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove.
- Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarms.
