Kitchen Safety Tips to Remember this Thanksgiving

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day results in more cooking-related fires than any other day of the year. In fact, the chance of a cooking fire occurring on Thanksgiving Day is three times as high as any other day of the year! Turkey fryer fires and candles also contribute to the increased fire risk. These fires are often accompanied by serious burns and other related injuries.

Below are some safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe in the kitchen this Thanksgiving.

Stovetops and Ovens:

• Begin with a clean oven. Remove any food or grease buildup from the burners and oven before cooking.
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen where it is easily accessible in case of emergency.
• Keep all flammable items (i.e. – kitchen towels, pot holders, oven mitts, etc.) away from the oven and stove. Make sure cooking surfaces are clean and free of any grease.
• While preparing several dishes at once and trying to entertain guests, it’s easy to become distracted. Stay in the kitchen at all times and avoid getting distracted.
• While cooking, do not wear loose fitting clothing and aprons that can catch fire easily.
• Always stay at home while the turkey is cooking. Use a timer and monitor its progress frequently.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove and oven. If possible, use only the back burners.
• Have a flame-resistant oven mitt, pot holder or lid on hand to smother any flames.
• If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• Ensure that your smoke alarms are working properly and make sure your family has an escape plan in the event of a fire.

Turkey Fryers:

• NEVER use a turkey fryer indoors, in a garage or under a covered patio.
• NEVER overfill the oil level in the fryer.
• Most turkey fryer fires occur while the oil is being heated. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil on anyone and anything in close proximity. The sides, lids and handles of these fryers can become extremely hot and cause serious burns.
• Wear flame-resistant oven mitts and safety goggles when submerging or removing the turkey and when handling the lid or handles.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and only use oil that is recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different types of heating temperatures.
• Completely thaw the turkey BEFORE frying.
• Before putting in the oil, test the fryer with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the turkey is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line so you will know exactly how much oil to put in the fryer.
• Avoid marinating the turkey prior to frying.
• Turn off the fuel source before submerging the turkey into the oil.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy when frying a turkey and NEVER use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• Keep the area around the fryer a children-free and pet-free zone, and always remember that oil will remain dangerously hot for several hours.

Candles:

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, candles account for an estimated 15,600 residential fires a year, causing 150 deaths, 1,270 and $539 million in property damage. More than half of these fires are the result of candles being placed too close to flammable holiday decorations. Always keep your children and pets in mind when decorating for the holidays.

Use Extra Caution In The Kitchen This Thanksgiving

If you or a loved one have been injured or seriously burned in an Orlando cooking fire as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important that you contact an experienced Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer immediately. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail.