The kitchen is the center of activity during the Thanksgiving Holiday. While cooking with care should always be a priority, it becomes crucial on Thanksgiving Day when there is more activity and people in the home.
Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Nearly three times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day. Unattended cooking is by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
By following these few simple safety tips, you can keep yourself and family safer from fire in the kitchen:
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Maintain a 3 feet “Kid Free Zone” around the stove.
• Keep the kitchen floor clear of trip hazards.
• Consider using flameless candles as a safe alternative to candles.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
The Champaign Fire Department has smoke alarms available for installation in homes across the City of Champaign. The program provides for free smoke alarms to be installed in single-family owner-occupied homes. Please call 217-403-7200 to schedule an appointment. Smoke alarms can provide early notification when seconds count.