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Fire prevention staff ensures 'your goose is cooked' safely

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Blackburn
  • 87th Civil Engineer Squadron
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Fire Prevention staff offer tips to ensure a great turkey day, but also reminds families to keep safety in mind. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading holiday for home fires involving cooking equipment. The following are fire safety tips to take into account while cooking to help promote a more safe and enjoyable holiday.

Safety cooking
· Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop so to keep an eye on the food.
· Stay in the home when cooking the turkey and frequently check on it.
· Keep children three feet away from the hot stove.
· Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from hot liquids could cause serious burns.
· Keep the floor clear to avoid tripping liquids 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 children.
· Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children -- keep in a high locked cabinet.
· Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
· Make sure the smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
· Fried turkeys must be thoroughly thawed before deep frying.
· Deep fry turkeys at least 25 ft. from buildings.
· Never use deep fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
· When frying turkeys, have an ABC fire extinguisher near the cooking location and know how to use it.

NFPA suggests having activities planned for family members and guests while holiday meals are cooking to keep children out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books are ways to keep children from entering the kitchen area. Children also can help with preparations that actually can be accomplished outside the kitchen.

Contact the JB MDL Fire Prevention staff at 754-3958 or 562-5484 for more information about fire safety.