What day of the year has the greatest chance for a residential fire to occur?

If you answered, Thanksgiving Day, you are correct. Thanksgiving, on average has double the normal amount of residential house fire reported, as compared to any other day during the year. Please take a few minutes to review the following safety tips to ensure you have a happy and fire safe Thanksgiving.

Kitchen Safety

The National Fire Protection Agency and the New Windsor Fire Department would like to remind you of a few general safety rules while you prepare your Thanksgiving Day feast this year, so you do not become a statistic.

- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top 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.

Turkey Fryer Safety

The New Windsor Fire Department would like to remind you of some safety guidelines when frying your turkey this year:

- Read and follow the instruction that came with your fryer.
- Do not leave the fryer unattended.
- Pay close attention to the thermostat. Some units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
- Place the fryer on a flat surface.
- Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
- Use well insulated oven mitts or heavy gloves when handling the fryer.
- If possible, use goggles to protect your eyes from oil spray.
- Do not overfill the fryer.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before placing it in the fryer.
- Never use water or ice to cool down oil.
- If your oil becomes overheated, turn off the heat and wait for it to cool down.
- Turkey fryers should only be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings.
- Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck

Please take a few minutes to watch this turkey fryer safety video from our friends at State Farm.

Have a happy and fire safe Thanksgiving with your family.