The annual Thanksgiving meal is something we look forward to every year. Families spend hours, if not days, slaving away in the kitchen cooking a delicious feast to share and enjoy with the people they love. Sadly, while most intend to spend the day giving thanks with their family and friends, the holiday can take a devastating turn for many.
Did you know…
- Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
- Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths according to the National Fire Protection Association.
- Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48 percent) of all reported home fires, and tied with heating equipment for the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
We want to help you enjoy your holiday and make memories with your family.
Try these simple steps to prevent fires this Thanksgiving:
1. Test your smoke detectors and check your fire extinguisher the day before you begin cooking. This will give you time to buy replacement batteries or extinguishers. Don’t forget to have a kitchen rated fire extinguisher on hand. It will do a better job of putting out grease fires.
2. Think twice before frying. Frying a turkey requires cooking a substantial amount of oil at very high temperatures which could easily lead to severe burns and devastating grease fires. Consider using an oil-less air fryer to create the same taste instead. If you are deep frying a turkey, use the fryer outside and on the bare ground or driveway. Do not use the fryer on a wood deck, under a tent or on top of a tarp. Make sure to keep people away from the hot grease.
3. Keep kids preoccupied. Keep children safe by designating the kitchen as a no-play zone. Plan alternate activities they can do in a nearby room. If you have younger helpers on hand, never leave them unattended.
4. Stay near the kitchen. A whole turkey takes a while to cook, but if you need to leave the kitchen, designate someone to watch the stove. Fires can cause damage almost instantly.
5. Reduce heat when possible. Remember, stovetop items containing oil and other liquids splash when boiling or simmering. Protect your hands and upper arms with gloves or potholders when possible.
For more tips on preventing home fires, visit www.countryfinancialconnect.com. Have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
About COUNTRY Financial
COUNTRY Financial is a marketing name for COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company® and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, IL. COUNTRY Financial serves about one million households and businesses throughout the United States and offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services.
Like this article? Macaroni Kid Chicago is full of local information like this PLUS tons of daily kid-friendly events on our event calendar.
Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-newsletter for the scoop on the local family fun! And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for last-minute updates, news, and fun ideas.
