Keeping home fire safety in mind should be at the top of your Thanksgiving holiday schedule while organizing your family feast. The United States Fire Administration reports that 48 percent of all fires on Thanksgiving Day happen between 1 to 4 p.m. With that in mind, be extra vignette during this holiday period.
According the National Fire Protection Association:
• Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed up by the day before, the subsequent holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
• In 2015, fire departments responded to an estimated more than 1,700 Thanksgiving fires.
• At 33 percent, unattended cooking was by far the leading factor in these fires.
By following a few simple safety tips, you can enjoy time with your loved ones while keeping yourself and your family safe from fire:
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking to keep an eye on the process.
• Stay home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove.
• Keep the floor clear and clean of tripping and slipping hazards.
• Keep electric cords from hanging off counters where children may be enticed to reach.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Never leave children alone with lit candles.
• Ensure decorations are flame retardant.
• Test all smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
• Have an evacuation plan.
TURKEY FRYERS
JBLM Fire Prevention discourages the use of turkey fryers.
• The NFPA believes turkey fryers are unsuitable/unsafe for use by consumers.
• If turkey fryers are used, they must be at least 15 feet from any structure.
• Have a serviceable fire extinguisher (compatible with Class B type fires).
• Never use water on any grease fire.
Lastly, we are only a phone call away. On or off base, call 911 for any and all emergencies and report all fires regardless of size, to include extinguished fires.
For more information, call the JBLM Fire Prevention Office at 253-966-7164.
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