Thanksgiving fire prevention safety tips from the EMFD

According to fire safety experts, more than three times the number of home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year.

“Thanksgiving can often be chaotic, people are involved in cooking the holiday meal, and there’s often a lot of distractions, and so it’s often easy to lose track of what’s in the oven or on the stove,” explains Commissioner Carey Welt. “However, most of the cooking fires that occur on Thanksgiving can be prevented with extra added awareness.”

The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Meadow Fire District offers the following safety tips to enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving celebration:

• Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking on the stovetop; some food needs constant attention.
• When cooking a turkey in the oven, remain at home and check it frequently.
• Use a timer to keep track of cooking times, especially for foods that require longer cook times.
• Keep items that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels at least three feet away from the cooking area.
• Avoid wearing long sleeves and hanging fabrics that may contact a heat source like on the stove.
• Always keep a lid beside your pan when cooking. In case you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re sure the fire is entirely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the East Meadow Fire Department for assistance.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove and away from hot foods and liquids, as steam or splash may cause severe burns.
• Instead of using turkey fryers, which can lead to fire or severe burns if not used properly, fire safety experts recommend buying a pre-cooked deep-friend turkey from a grocery store, food retailer, or local restaurant.

In case of a fire or medical emergency, call the East Meadow Fire Department at 516-546-0576.

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.