The Thanksgiving Holiday is here, and the Fort Huachuca Directorate of Emergency Services wants everyone to have a safe holiday. These safety tips from the National Fire Protection Organization can keep people safe in the kitchen, the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Children love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially when there is a lot of activity and people are at home.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on the food.
• Remain in the home when cooking the turkey and check on it frequently.
• Steer children away from the stove. It will be hot, and youth should stay three feet away.
• Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear to avoid tripping over children, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Place 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.
• Leave matches and utility lighters up high in a locked cabinet where children can’t get them.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Make sure smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
