Enjoy The Holiday But Keep Safety in Mind: Thanksgiving Is The Leading Day Of The Year For Home Cooking Fires

November 23, 2023

As families look forward to their Thanksgiving feast, Fire Safety is not often their first concern. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity, people at home and children involved in holiday preparations. The City of Hollywood Department of Fire Rescue and Beach Safety would like to pass along these safety tips from the NFPA to help families keep their loved ones safe as they enjoy the day.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• When cooking your Turkey, stay in the home and check on it frequently.
• Keep children at least three feet away from hot stoves.
• Use caution around hot foods and liquids. Steam or splashing from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep floors clear of tripping hazards like toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives and electric cords from kitchen appliances, matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Ensure your smoke alarms are working. Take a moment to test them by pushing the test button.

Dangers Of Frying A Turkey:
Cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires, with 44% of house fires between 2017 and 2021 attributed to cooking incidents. Thanksgiving, a day known for extensive cooking, particularly raises this risk due to Turkey frying, significantly increasing the potential for fires.

However, rather than dampening the holiday spirit, it's crucial to ensure safety during these festivities, especially when handling Turkey fryers. Here are essential tips to safely fry your Turkey:

Outdoor Setup: Experts recommend using Turkey fryers outside on a stable, level surface, away from anything flammable. Keep children and pets at least three feet away to prevent accidental burns.

Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and never leave the cooking unattended, as this is a prime cause of cooking-related fires. Stay focused on the frying process and avoid multitasking.

Oil Quantity: Do not overfill the pot with oil, as this can cause spillage. Fill the pot with water beforehand and add the Turkey to determine the right oil quantity.

Thaw Completely: Ensure the Turkey is completely thawed and dried to avoid oil splatter when frying.

Monitor Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to prevent overheating of the oil, a common cause of fryer fires.

Protect Yourself: Handle the fryer with long cooking gloves to avoid burns from hot surfaces.

Clear Surroundings: Keep combustible items, such as aprons and towels, away from the fryer to prevent accidental ignition.

Clothing Safety: Tuck in loose clothing to avoid any chance of it catching fire.

Preparation Matters: Clean the cooking area and equipment thoroughly before using the fryer, as unclean surfaces contribute to cooking fires.

Fire Safety Equipment: Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of Emergencies, and be aware that Homeowners' Insurance typically covers Fire-Related Damages.

By following these safety measures, you can enjoy a festive and delicious Thanksgiving without the risk of a Turkey fryer fire putting a damper on the celebration. You can also watch a US Consumer Product Safety Commission Turkey Frying informational video at: https://youtu.be/HYvMWIvghnQ?si=3I5MbrH-WPonzYui

For more information on holiday fire safety tips, visit: www.nfpa.org/Thanksgiving - And at: https://www.fema.gov/blog/10-ways-prevent-home-fires-thanksgiving

Shop Small This Holiday Season:
In the spirit of supporting the vibrant local community, Hollywood residents are encouraged to embrace the essence of the upcoming Small Business Saturday on November 25th. Initiated by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday was established to champion Small Businesses and prompt individuals to shop at independent retailers and restaurants after Thanksgiving.

The impact of this initiative reverberates profoundly, with reported spending among consumers at independent establishments reaching an impressive $17.9 Billion, as revealed by the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. These small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy, constituting over 89% of Broward County's business community.

Supporting Local Businesses:
Holiday Season Pledge: Consider supporting your favorite local Small Businesses not just on Small Business Saturday but throughout the entire Holiday Season.

The contribution of Small Businesses is invaluable, as they infuse the community with uniqueness, character, and economic vitality. Join the movement and pledge to Shop Small in Hollywood this Holiday Season. Your patronage directly nurtures the growth and resilience of these cherished establishments.