According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with incidents occurring at about three times the usual rate. To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday, it’s essential to follow these fire safety tips and make sure you save the contact of a reliable fire restoration company Sonoma County like Pacific Restoration.
Here are tips to help you keep your home and loved ones safe from fire hazards this Thanksgiving:
1. Never Leave Cooking Unattended
You can help avoid the fire damage restoration process by never leaving your cooking unattended. It’s important to stay in the kitchen when using the stove or oven, no matter what. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the heat or assign another responsible adult to attend while you’re gone.
2. Keep Your Stove Clean and Clear
Ensure that any flammable materials are kept away from any heat source and at least three feet from the stove to reduce the risk of accidental fires. Cleaning your stovetop and oven prior to the big day can also help prevent leftover grease or food particles from catching fire.
3. Practice Caution and Safety with Turkey Fryers
While this cooking method can produce a tasty bird, it can also be incredibly dangerous if not done properly. If you plan on frying a turkey this year, be sure to follow these safety tips from Pacific Restoration:
Stay Outside
Use the fryer outdoors and keep it a safe distance from your home, garage, or wooden deck.
Thaw Before Frying
Thaw your turkey completely before frying to avoid oil splatters and explosions.
Beware Overfilling
Do not overfill the fryer with oil. Overfilling can cause hot oil to spill out, increasing the risk of fire.
Have a Fire Extinguisher
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
Monitor Continuously
Never leave the fryer unattended, and make sure it’s placed on a flat surface away from anything flammable.
4. Test Your Smoke Alarms
Before the day of, check all smoke alarms in your home to ensure they are working properly. Change the batteries if necessary. Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in alerting you to a potential fire, giving you and your family time to respond.
5. Create a Cooking Safety Zone
Establish a “kid-free” and “pet-free” zone around the stove and cooking area, ideally about three to five feet in all directions. This will help reduce the risk of burns, spills, and accidental fire-related injuries.
6. Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand
Keep the fire extinguisher in an easily accessible spot and ensure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it.
How to use an extinguisher is among the common questions to ask a fire restoration company. The PASS method is an easy way to remember:
Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.
7. Use Candles Safely
Place candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces. Keep them away from flammable materials like tablecloths, curtains, or decorations and never leave candles burning unattended.
Have a Safe and Fun Thanksgiving – Pacific Restoration
Thanksgiving is a time for joy, togetherness, and delicious food, but it’s also important to prioritize safety in the kitchen. In the unfortunate event that a fire does occur, remember that Pacific Restoration is here to help, as a trusted fire restoration company in Sonoma County. Contact us or give us a call at (888) 335-3934 for fire restoration services.
