Thanksgiving safety tips from the Hurlburt Fire Dept.

  • Published
  • By 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron
  • Hurlburt Field Fire Department
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the Thanksgiving holidays. Large sums of time are devoted to prepping meat, measuring spices and enduring the tearful vapors of onions; all for one grand meal. Unfortunately, fire safety hazards at home are at their peak for many families during this time.

Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment, according to Fred Richards, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector.

One of the factors leading to this family holiday being such a fiery safety concern is turkey fryers, and not knowing the difference in various cooking oils.

Turkey fryers that use oil can be devastating to personnel if they’re not careful. These fryers use large quantities of cooking oil, heated to temperatures as high as 350 F or more.

Turkey fryers available for home use pose a significant danger of releasing hot oil at some point during the cooking process. Older fryer units designed for outdoor use and those that employ a stand are particularly vulnerable to spilling oil or being knocked over.

“There is a new outdoor turkey-cooking appliance that does not use oil. These oil-less turkey fryers are a safer alternative to traditional hot oil fryers,” said Richards. “It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your home turkey fryers to avoid fire accidents.”

Personnel should also be aware of overheating. Overheating can occur if the appliance has no temperature controls or if the temperature controls, designed to shut the fryer off if the oil overheats, are defective. Once cooking oil is heated beyond its cooking temperature, its vapors can ignite.

“Always have a fully charged and nearby fire extinguisher on hand within the immediate cooking area. Follow the instructions on the label when using it and remember to call 9-1-1 after a fire accident,” Richards said.

Other Thanksgiving safety tips from the Fire Dept. include:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking turkey and check on it frequently.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear of tripping hazards such as toys or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Ensure that cords from items such as electric knifes, coffee makers, plate warmers or mixers are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit a candle.
• Make sure smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.

“Always remember to change your batteries on your smoke detectors twice a year and test them monthly,” Richards said. “Following these fire safety tips will help ensure you have a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal.”