Notes from Town Square: A safe and happy Thanksgiving

From the Green River Fire Department

Thanksgiving is here and thus begins the holiday season.

This is a special time of year when we are able to take the time to count our blessings and enjoy our family and friends. It’s a time for food, fun and laughter.

Unfortunately, this is also a time that the Green River Fire Department sees an increase in calls. We want to see everyone have a safe and happy holiday season and avoid any injuries or property damage which would certainly dampen the festive spirit, so we are sharing some information and safety advice with you.

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

*Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

*In 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,760 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.

*Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.

*Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths. 

The NFPA has provided the following safety tips for you 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 3 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.

*Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.

*Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

With the Thanksgiving Day forecast anticipating weather in the 50s, many of you may be planning to deep-fry a turkey.

We just want to caution residents about the dangers of cooking in this manner. NFPA continues to believe that turkey fryers that use cooking oil, as currently designed, are not suitable for safe use by even a well-informed and careful consumer. 

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.

In addition, the burners that heat the oil can ignite spilled oil.

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.”

With all of this information in mind, we know you’ll have a safer and happier holiday season.

Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact the Green River Fire Department at 872-0543.

 

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