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Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Fire Prevention 24-7 – Holiday safety

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Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. So keeping fire safety in mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at your 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 and injuries.

The Naperville Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association encourage you to stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove or in the oven, so you can keep an eye on the food. Check on your turkey frequently. Make sure that children stay away from the stove, especially because hot liquids, such as steam or splashes from vegetables or gravy, could cause serious burns. Make sure that your knives are out of reach of small children. Be sure that electrical cords from an electric knife, coffee maker or mixer aren’t dangling off the counter, within easy reach of a child.

Only have candles lit if you are in the same room with them. And, of course, test your smoke alarms to be sure they are all working.

For all the fried turkey lovers, use extra caution when using a fryer requiring oil. They use a substantial amount of oil that is cooking at a very high temperature.

The good news is that they have new fryers on the market that are oil-less. My husband tried cooking last year’s turkey in our electric smoker and I’ve never tasted a more delicious, moist turkey! In fact, I don’t think I will ever cook my turkey any other way. Give it a try! But whatever you choose, just remember to be cautious, be aware and enjoy yourself and the time with your family and friends!

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Soraya McLaughlin
Soraya McLaughlin
Soraya McLaughlin is the Naperville Fire Department Community Education Specialist. Contact her via email at mclaughlins@naperville.il.us.

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