Thanksgiving is only a week away. For most Americans, the holiday conjures up positive associations. But not for all. A disproportionate amount of residential fires occur on Thanksgiving. According to the US Fire Administration, an average of five people per year perish in house fires on the holiday. There are many more injuries, and up to $19 million worth of property loss. Here are our tips to help you have a safe—and healthy—Thanksgiving.
Every Thanksgiving, residential fires result in more than $19 million in property losses. Follow these tips to have a safe Thanksgiving!
Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready
Every homeowner should have a fire extinguisher somewhere in the home. If you don’t have one yet, please do acquire one before Turkey Day. If yours is more than 10 years old, it’s about time to replace it. You should be able to pick up a fire extinguisher at any major hardware store.
Make sure you know how to use it too. The most important thing to remember is to pull the pin near the nozzle, or else the flame-retardant foam won’t emerge.
Follow Your Best Practices While Cooking
The majority of house fires—on Thanksgiving or otherwise—begin in the kitchen. Let’s take this opportunity to review your fire protection best practices while cooking.
- When using your oven, never leave your home. Ideally, you shouldn’t even leave the kitchen. But between baking Turkeys and pumpkin pies, you’re going to be using the oven for hours at a time, so this isn’t always practical. But when you must leave the kitchen, do your best to return as soon as possible.
- As for your stovetop, don’t leave the kitchen. Period.
Be Careful with Candles
Not all Thanksgiving fires start in the kitchen. There’s a risk of fire in your dining room and other spaces for entertaining as well. It comes in the form of candles. Candles are great for setting the mood, but be careful with them.
Here are some tips for reducing the risk of candle fires:
- Keep lit candles at least one foot away from flammables (tablecloths, curtains, potpourri)
- Use sturdy candle holders that can’t easily tip over
- Do not leave candles unattended
Don’t forget—a candle flame is just a controlled fire. If you want to enjoy the flickering light of candles but without the drawbacks, consider electric alternatives.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.