Every year we respond to calls of fires started by residents cleaning ovens the night before Thanksgiving. Don’t let your holiday festivities go up in smoke, clean your oven early this year.
Three times as many fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day. It is also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Don’t let your holidays go up in smoke, follow these safety tips:
Oven Cleaning
- Don’t wait until the night before Thanksgiving to clean your oven.
- Before you clean the oven remove all small objects and debris.
- Read the directions on how to properly clean your home’s oven.
- If it is a self-cleaning oven open the kitchen windows to allow for ventilation.
- If a fire starts in a self-cleaning oven leave it closed, it is likely designed to lock itself closed.
- If a fire starts in your oven call 9-1-1.
Thanksgiving Day Cooking
- Keep the floor clear of toys and other items to avoid trips and falls.
- Use timers to remind you of food on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Keep a close watch on your cooking. You should never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep food packaging and electric cords away from burners and heat sources.
- Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it; it can ignite quickly!
- Make sure your sleeves are out of the way when cooking. Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves
- Keep a lid handy to smother flames.
- Fry outdoors, away from building. Never use a fryer indoors, on or under a deck or in a garage. Wear fry gloves; regular oven mittens may not be insulated enough.
- Keep pot handles turned towards the back of the stove to limit chances of someone walking by and knocking it over.
Thanksgiving Day Kids and Pets
- Establish a three-foot child and pet free zone around the cooktop and oven.
- Be sure electric cords from computers, phones and kitchen appliances are not dangling where children could grab them.