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Feast on These Thanksgiving Safety Tips

As ovens heat up across the country in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner, fire and EMS crews brace for more calls related to home cooking fires and injuries. More than 1,600 home fires were linked to cooking on Thanksgiving (2022), which required a fire crew response.


Thanksgiving dinner on a table

Fires represent one major safety concern connected to Thanksgiving cooking, but everyone must be aware of the risk of other injuries like scalds (from hot foods/liquids), lacerations from knives, and even accidental pet poisonings that may occur. Black Jack Fire Protect District encourages all residents to follow a few common sense Thanksgiving safety tips for a safe holiday celebration.


Thanksgiving Fire Safety

Why do so many house fires occur on Thanksgiving? Cooking fires are the most prevalent during Thanksgiving, but heat-source-related fires may also be common.


Portable Heater Fires

As temperatures begin to fall, many families use portable heaters to warm up areas of the home. Unfortunately, these small heaters can increase the risk of house fires if used improperly. Small portable heaters must never be left unattended, and these heaters also should be unplugged at night. If small space heaters (portable heaters) are needed on Thanksgiving to add more warmth to rooms, follow these safety guidelines:


  • Place heaters on a level surface

  • Keep heaters at least six feet from furniture or flammable items.

  • Ensure children and pets stay away from small portable heaters

  • Do not plug portable heaters into a powerstrip, and never daisy chain a powerstrip

  • Assess the heater for any issues like worn cords

  • Unplug heaters when they are not in use


Fire Risk and Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

Statistics show that the incidence of cooking fires increases on Thanksgiving. This is unsurprising as so many families are focused on cooking turkeys, side dishes, and desserts in preparation for the massive Thanksgiving meal. 


Two women cooking over a stove

Accidents happen, but everyone can be proactive about safety best practices to help decrease the risk of house fires and injuries. Cooking fires can ignite quickly, and everyone in the kitchen must be diligent and aware while preparing dishes in the oven and on the stove. 


Watch the Heat Settings

Scorched food eventually burns and ignites. Food and gravies that reach a boiling point may overflow and spill onto heating elements, starting a fire. Always be mindful of the heat settings for the stove and the oven. Watch closely and be prepared to turn down the heat to mitigate spills and fire hazards. 


Use Grease Pans Beneath Dishes in the Oven

Baking a casserole? Place a cookie sheet or grease pan beneath the dish when baking it in the oven. The pan or cookie sheet catches any liquid or food, preventing it from spilling onto heating elements and starting a fire. Always use a grease pan when roasting turkeys in the oven. 


Remove Flammable Objects from Nearby Cooking Surfaces

Never place towels, other flammable objects, or textiles next to the stove or other hot surfaces. Ensure all cooking areas are free from any potential flammable items. 


Abide by Candle Safety

House fires don’t just start in the kitchen. Lit candles on dining room tables may ignite linens or other flammable items if the candle falls. Place all candles on level surfaces, and do not light the wicks until it’s time for dinner. Keep children away from candles. If possible, opt for flameless candles. 


Don’t Drink and Cook

Alcohol slows down the mind’s reaction time and dulls awareness. Do not drink and cook. Save the wine and cocktails for dinner or dessert. It’s crucial to remain aware while cooking.


Deep Frying Turkey Safety Tips

Roasting turkey in the oven remains the most popular way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. However, many Thanksgiving dinner celebrations now feature deep-fried turkey. Unfortunately, this cooking method can be a fire hazard if individuals fail to follow proper safety protocols. 


Photo of a turkey being deep fried

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges against using these cooking devices. If individuals insist on eating their turkey deep friend, follow these safety tips:


  • Thaw turkeys before frying. A frozen turkey placed in hot grease will lead to the scalding grease flying everywhere (and possibly igniting nearby structures).

  • Place fryers at least six feet from all structures and vehicles.

  • Place fryers on an even surface.

  • Never use a deep fryer beneath a roof awning.

  • Test the amount of grease needed to submerge the turkey by using water. Never estimate the amount of grease needed to fry a turkey.

  • Keep children and pets away from the fryer.

  • Always use protective oven mitts when handling hot surfaces like fryers. 

  • Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.


How to Avoid Kitchen Injuries on Thanksgiving

BJFPD wants all residents to stay out of the emergency room this Thanksgiving. While fire safety during Thanksgiving is crucial, so is common sense kitchen safety during this holiday. Knives and hot food can lead to injuries, and wet floors pose another safety hazard. Follow these common sense tips to mitigate the risk of accidental injuries:


  • Keep knives away from children.

  • Wrap all appliance cords to ensure they don’t dangle and pose a temptation to the curiosity of small children and pets.

  • Store all matches and lighters away from children.

  • Place the handles of all pots and pans inward when cooking on the stove. This positioning ensures children cannot easily grab the hot dishes.

  • Wipe all spills from the floor. Slippery surfaces can lead to trips, falls, and injuries.


Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Many families love to include their furry friends on Thanksgiving and provide table scraps to cats and dogs. Some ingredients found in popular Thanksgiving dishes are toxic to our pets. Never feed dogs and cats these foods, and be mindful of any dishes with these foods as an ingredient:


Photo of a dog staring at food on top of a kitchen counter

  • Leeks, onions, garlic, and chives 

  • Grapes and raisins

  • Macadamia nuts

  • Avocados

  • Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)

  • Yeast dough

  • Mushrooms

  • Apple seeds

  • Chocolate


This is not a comprehensive list. Pet owners must also be mindful of foods their cat or dog cannot tolerate. In addition, never allow a dog or cat to eat a bone from a chicken, turkey, or other animal. The bones can sliver, causing injury, choking, or even death. 


Thanksgiving Food Safety

Thanksgiving leftovers are a delicious reminder of the day and its fantastic meal. How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last? The answer depends on how the food is stored. Refrigerated leftovers only last a few days (about three). Never eat leftovers that look strange or smell different. 


Thanksgiving Travel Safety

Get ready for a busy and packed commute for those planning to drive to their Thanksgiving destination this year. According to AAA, nearly 80 million people plan to travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Thanksgiving. Expect the roads and highways to be more crowded, and plan accordingly.


Leave Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to leave for the trip. Plan ahead and allow extra time for delays, traffic, and even a few stops.


Pack an Emergency Kit for the Car

Every car should include an emergency kit in case of extreme weather. Pack batteries, a flashlight, extra warm gear (gloves, hat, scarves, blankets, etc.), a shovel, jumper cables, a first aid kit, extra food/water, a cell phone charger, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (traction), a reflective triangle, and a map (in case GPS is unavailable).


Don’t Drive Drunk, Distracted, or Drowsy

Book a hotel room if you plan to stay out late and drink. Never drive drowsy or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Distracted driving is also a major danger on the road; put the smartphone down, don’t try to multitask and drive, and keep your attention (and your eyes) on the road. 


Watch the Weather Forecast

Always stay on top of the weather forecast before embarking on any road trip. If bad weather is predicted, consider amending plans or allowing extra time for the drive. Be mindful of other drivers and pull over if the snow, rain, or ice threatens safety.


Black Jack Wishes Everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

Black Jack’s crews want everyone to stay safe this Thanksgiving. Remember to adhere to safety best practices in the kitchen and on the road. Allow plenty of time for holiday travel, and don’t forget to keep pets safe, too. Remember that this holiday correlates with more home cooking fires; be mindful when roasting or deep frying turkey, baking side dishes, and simmering sauces on the stove. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and don’t forget to test smoke detectors before prepping food for the big dinner.


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