Keep it cool on Thanksgiving

By Edward Chavez, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fire PreventionNovember 23, 2021

Keep it cool on Thanksgiving
A turkey roasts in an oven in the aft galley of Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson prior to being served as part of the ship's Thanksgiving meal. Vinson is currently pier side in its homeport of San Diego, Nov. 26, 2020. (Photo Credit: U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Fink) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – As we move into the holidays, the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fire Prevention team with the Directorate of Emergency Services wants to remind you to stay safe.

Thanksgiving is the number one day for reported kitchen fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. More than three times as many reports are filed about incidents about this holiday than any other time of year.

In 2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,400 cooking fires on Thanksgiving with unattended cooking being the leading cause of fires and fire deaths. This should be a joyous time of year, but it can be also hectic.

When you schedule your holiday events, ensure fire safety is included in the plan. Here are a few fire safety tips:

  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking  
  • Keep items that can easily ignite away from stove top 
  • Don’t leave children in the kitchen unattended 
  • Keep sharp items away from children 
  • If using candles, matches or lighters, never leave kids alone with them 
  • Keep the floor clear of trip hazards 
  • Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the house 
  • Call 911 in the event of emergency 

Sometimes accidents happen. Here is the proper way to extinguish a grease fire:

  • Stove top fire: cover pan with the lid 
  • Oven fire: keep door closed 
  • Shut off the power to the whole stove 
  • Leave the pan on the stove top; never move it 
  • Use baking soda if the lid isn’t handy 
  • Never use water 
  • Only use a fire extinguisher if you are sure how to properly operate it 
  • Always call 911 in the event of emergency 

  If you are frying a turkey on Thanksgiving, here are a few additional safety protocols:

  • Set up the fryer on the ground level at least 15 feet from the house 
  • Ensure the turkey is completely thawed 
  • Have a serviceable fire extinguisher nearby 
  • Ensure all the connections are in good working order 
  • Never leave the fryer unattended  
  • In case of fire, shut off fuel source and use the extinguisher 
  • Always call 911 in the event of emergency 

For questions or additional fire safety tips, call 253-966-7156 or follow JBLM Emergency Services on Facebook.

For more JBLM News, click here.

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