Cook Smart, Don’t Get Burned!

Let’s talk Turkey!

Ahh Thanksgiving!

The beginning of the holiday season: decorations, family gatherings…a time memories are made.  My favorite memories are football in the backyard , watching the games on TV , and most importantly, a time of giving thanks for all we have been blessed with, and FOOD, lots of food! I can almost smell the wonderful scents from a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Most people know that thanksgiving is the heaviest travel day of the year, but did you know that more kitchen fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year? Nothing can destroy the holiday season more than a tragic fire or burn injuries.

There are many hazards that come with the holiday season. Let’s concentrate on Thanksgiving first. Typically, on Thanksgiving day, every cooking appliance is generally in use.  All the burners, the microwave, toaster oven, the stove and maybe even a deep fat turkey fryer! Here are some tips to prevent a tragic occurrence on Thanksgiving.

-          Make sure you have a kid free zone in the kitchen. This should be at least three feet around the stove.

-          Keep all combustibles away from the stove, including potholders, towels and other flammables.

-          Do not wear loose fitting clothing if you are cooking.

-          Use extreme caution when basting a turkey.

-          Follow cooking and appliance instructions.

-          Don’t be afraid to ask for helpers.  A good idea is to keep two people in the kitchen at all times.

-          Let any thing cooked in the microwave stand for one minute to prevent steam burns

-          Turn each burner and then stove off when the cooking is done

-          Have a class B or K rated extinguisher or baking soda nearby 

If you are using a turkey fryer: 

-          Follow the directions

-          If the fryer is for outdoor use do not use it inside or in the garage.

-          Slowly lower the turkey into the grease.

-          If it is raining or snowing be aware as this can cause the oil to splatter

-          Have a Class B or K rated fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby

-          Do not overfill the fryer with oil

If a fire occurs:

-          Do not panic

-          Evacuate everyone

-          Call the Fire Department

-          If you attempt to extinguish the fire DO NOT reach over the burned area even if you have extinguished it as it could reignite.

Finally, I would like to say thanks. Thanks to the emergency response forces and military stationed far away from home that will have to work to protect the rest of us while we enjoy Thanksgiving with our families and loved ones. You are in our thoughts. THANK YOU

About Terry Flanagan: Terry is the Director of Safety and Education at NIFAST – National Institute for Fire and Safety Training.  NIFAST, National Institute of Fire and Safety training, is a membership based organization developed to train and certify people in various areas of Fire and Safety. Programs are in place for home inspectors, home occupants, college students and off-campus housing environments as well as products for Fire Safety. Terry is a nationally registered Fire Instructor.

Photo: Courtesy of Google Images