Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving. So keeping fire safety a top priority in the kitchen during this time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones, and keep yourself and your family safe from fire.

• 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 kitchen appliances 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 a room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
 
The National Fire Prevention Association discourages the use of outdoor gas-fired turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.

For more information contact the Bismarck Fire Department at (701) 355-1400 or visit our webpage at www.bismarcknd.gov/fire.