Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers; it is also a big day for fire departments and restoration companies like Peak Construction. As you are bustling around the kitchen getting ready for a family celebration, keep in mind these five fire safety tips to ensure a joyful day.
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In a recent study, 2014 had nearly four times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day. Neglected cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire losses.
Residential fires get out of control in merely 30 seconds and knowing what to do in the split moment can help prevent home fires. Peak Construction shares with you five tips for keeping your family safe on Thanksgiving and every day.
- Cooking. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking. Keep long flowing shirt sleeves, dish towels, paper towels, oven mitts, or anything combustible, away from heat sources.
- Heating Equipment. Ensure all heating appliances are professionally installed. Walls and floors should be insulated from heat sources and portable appliances should be placed at least three feet away from anything combustible. Your chimney and furnace need to be cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
- Electrical Equipment/Faulty Wiring. Especially in older homes, be on the lookout for faulty electrical wiring. Some warning signs: having to disconnect one appliance to plug in another, frayed/loose cords, frequent blowing of fuses, and/or dimming of lights when using another appliance. Be sure to use a licensed electrician, install safety switches, and do not overuse extension cords.
- Open flames. Keep candles in a sturdy holder and on a level surface, safely away from combustible materials and out of reach of children. Be sure to blow them out before leaving a room.
- Kitchen Timers. It is always a good idea to keep a kitchen timer so you never leave your oven or stove unattended. Keep in mind that if you are in other parts of your home, setting multiple timers on your phone, microwave/stove timer or on a timer around the house to ensure you will hear the beep.
And as a bonus tip due to the upcoming holiday season, be sure to keep your Christmas tree in a stand that will hold 2-3 liters of water. Check decorative lights before placing them on a tree and never place candles on or near the Christmas tree.
Until next time, we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!