This is the time of year, I like to really sit back and enjoy family and a good Thanksgiving meal.
My wife is busy cooking in the kitchen, and it’s my job to deep fat fry the turkey.
This also is the time we need to remember to take safety precautions throughout the Thanksgiving holidays.
The following are some fire safety tips to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.
• Have a fire extinguisher not more than 10 feet from the stove, on the exit side of the room.
• Keep the stovetop, burners and oven clean.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and can catch fire if it comes in contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared.
• Cook on the back burners when possible and turn pot handles in so they don’t extend over the edge of the stove.
• Candles are often part of our holiday decorations. Use safe sturdy noncombustible candle holders. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas. Keep children and pets away from burning candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Turkey fryer safety tips
• Turkey fryers always should be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don’t watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fire when it is in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
• To avoid spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil spatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don’t mix and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow about 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire.
If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.
Randall McBee is fire marshal for the Newton Fire/EMS Department.
