ips for planning your Thanksgiving feast

Family, football, pumpkin pie, stuffing, cranberries and “the bird”: these components, and more, help make up the day we call “Thanksgiving.” In a flurry to be prepared for this special Thursday, many people focus on what they need to do to get the food on the table in time for dinner without any major culinary disasters. What many do not think about, however, is safety. Coincidentally, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for firefighters and emergency workers. Help give these workers a break and keep your family safe with the following Thanksgiving Day tips.

Tips for Having a Safe and Fire-Free Thanksgiving Holiday

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Do not use water to try to extinguish a grease fire; this will only cause the fire to spread.
Make sure your smoke alarms work.
No wizard sleeves. While cooking, make sure you wear sleeves that fit snuggly around your arms and wrists, or wear shirts with short sleeves. Shirts and dresses with flowing sleeves can easily catch on fire over a hot stove.
Invest in timers. Use timers to help you keep track of all the food cooking in the ovens and on stovetops.
Keep any non-food items away from the stove. This includes potholders, plastic wrap, bags and so on.
Turn the handles of pots and pans inwards. This will help prevent having someone accidentally bump into them.
Do not leave cooking food and candles unattended.
Double check to see that the stove and oven are turned off.
Designate an adult to do a walkthrough of the home after the guests leave to make sure all candles are extinguished.
When frying a turkey, do so at least 10 feet away the home and other flammable surfaces. Make sure the turkey is fully defrosted before placing it in the hot oil, and monitor the fryer the whole time it is in use and when the oil is hot.
Clean your oven before and after Turkey Day. Bits of grease that remain in the oven can easily catch fire.
Do not allow children, pets or many guests in the kitchen area. This will help prevent accidents.