Don’t forget about fire safety this Thanksgiving

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 9:49 a.m.

The Spokane Fire Department wants residents to keep fire safety at the top of their mind this Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires,” says Spokane Fire Marshal Michael Miller. “In fact, the number of home fires doubles on Thanksgiving. By following a few simple safety tips these fires can be prevented.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2015, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 1,760 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.

Important safety tips to keep in mind:

  • 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.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. For more information on holiday fire safety tips contact SFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 509.625.7058.