Fire Facts – Thanksgiving Edition in Crawford County

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out.

Due to the pandemic, our Thanksgiving traditions may look a little different this year. Regardless of how many people we choose to gather with, however, I’m willing to bet that the majority of us will still be cooking and preparing our favorite Turkey Day treats.

As much as we all love this holiday, we at SERVPRO of Crawford / NE Venango Counties want it to be a safe one at that. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “More than three times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day as on a typical day of the year.” With all that goes into preparing the turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes and gravy, and the pumpkin pies coupled with the distraction of guests continuously coming in and out, it’s no wonder that the leading cause of these fires is leaving items unattended.

So, what can you do to minimize the risk of a fire in your home? The NFPA recommends the following tips:

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention.
• When cooking a turkey, stay in your home and check on it regularly.
• Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times.
• Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels at least three feet away from the cooking area.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that could come in contact with a heat source.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove. Kids should also stay away from hot foods and liquids, as steam or splash from these items could cause severe burns.
  

Please cook carefully this Thanksgiving. If you do experience a fire, know that SERVPRO of Crawford / NE Venango Counties has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Should you need us, we are just a phone call away – 814.350.7651.