Talking turkey about Thanksgiving fire safety

Thanksgiving is a day set aside for expressing gratitude, sharing with others and spending time with loved ones. However, Thanksgiving is also an exceptionally dangerous time of the year for house fires. According to U.S. Fire Administration, for each year from 2014 to 2016, an estimated 2,400 residential building fires were reported to fire departments in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day and caused an estimated 5 deaths, 25 injuries and $19 million in property loss.

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and Santa Rosa County fire districts would like to remind the community to take extra precautions during Thanksgiving week and enjoy family time, the Thanksgiving feast, football and other traditions.
Food Safety
Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and do not leave it unattended so you can catch spills before they become a fire hazard

Remain in the house when food is in the oven and check the oven regularly

Keep the prep area free of paper towels, dish cloths or packaging

Clean any spills as they occur

Remove tripping hazards from prep area, such as toys, bags, extra rugs and pet accessories

Turn pot handles toward the back of stove to prevent accidental bumping or knocking over

Keep children away from hot foods and liquids – the steam or splash can cause serious burns

Assure all knives are out of the reach of children

Be prepared – keep large pan lid or baking sheet handy in the event you need to smother a pan fire

DO NOT use water or flour on a grease fire

DO NOT move a pot or pan that is on fire

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent bacteria growth

Use the freezer to store leftovers for longer than three or four days

Turkey Preparation

Roasting a turkey – set a timer and check the oven frequently

Frying a turkey

Use a fryer with thermostat controls to prevent overheating the oil

Thaw turkey completely: ice will cause oil to splatter

DO NOT overfill pot with oil

Keep children and pets at least three feet away from fryer

ALWAYS use the fryer outdoors, but NOT on a deck, in the garage, or under an awning

Additional Fire Prevention

Double check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working

Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children

Do not leave children unattended in a room with a lit candle

Resources

National Fire Protection Association

US Fire Administration/FEMA

Food Safety