Holiday Safety: Thanksgiving Kitchen Fire Prevention


November 22, 2016

Many families will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week, a holiday that tops the list when it comes to how many kitchen fires are called in to emergency dispatchers. The Oak Ridge Fire Department has some important reminders about fire prevention:

  • Always stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking.
  • Keep children at least three feet away from the stove or oven.
  • Be sure electric cords are not dangling off the counter.
  • Check your smoke alarms to be sure they’re working.
  • Keep the kitchen floor clear of items that may cause someone to trip.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed prior to placing it into a turkey fryer.
  • Be sure not to have too much oil in the fryer in order to avoid the oil spilling out when the turkey is lowered into the fryer.
  • Do not use a turkey fryer on wood deck/porch or inside.
  • Never leave a turkey fryer unattended.

If a fire does break out while cooking, be sure to have baking soda on hand to help put out the flames. Also, keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. The photo on the left shows how quickly stove fires can get out of control.

It’s also recommended that a fire extinguisher be kept in the kitchen. Make sure you are familiar with how to use the fire extinguisher before an emergency. In the event of a fire in your home, get to safety as soon as you. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 immediately.

Following these tips can help prevent a fire, serious accident or injury. For questions about fire prevention, please call the Oak Ridge Fire Department at (865) 425-3520.

The Oak Ridge Fire Department wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.