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JB MDL fire services Thanksgiving safety tips

  • Published
  • By William J. Ferguson
  • 87th Civil Engineer Squadron
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home. Kids, especially, enjoy being involved in holiday preparations.

Below are several safety tips to ensure families are safe this holiday season:
· 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 at least 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, pets, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
· Keep knives out of the reach of children.
· Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, mixer or other appliances are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
· Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children and up high in a locked cabinet.
· Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.
· Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.

These turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and units currently available for home use pose a significant danger that hot oil will be released at some point during the cooking process. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants for the preparation of the dish, or consider a new type of "oil-less" turkey fryer.

The following safety precautions should be followed for individuals that prefer the use of turkey fryers:
· Use outdoors only and at least 25 feet from buildings.
· Use water and wrapped turkey to pre-measure how much oil you will need.
· Never use on wooden decks or in garages.
· Ensure turkey is thawed and dried before cooking.
· Have an ABC fire extinguisher ready and know how to use it.
· Do not leave unattended.
· Follow manufacturer's instructions.

To find out more information about Thanksgiving safety tips, please contact William Ferguson, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Fire Prevention office at 609-754-2451. The Joint Base Fire Department wishes you all a happy holiday season.