We have moved the clocks back an hour several weeks ago. Tomorrow we move the scales back about 10 pounds! Thanksgiving is here and as we reflect on what we are thankful for we prepare for the feast. The smell of cooking lingers throughout your homes and Shrewsbury Volunteers wishes everyone a SAFE and HAPPY Thanksgiving Day.
While we enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday it usually hosts the busiest travel days, increased amount of Fire and EMS incidents and sees an increase of emergency department visits. Shrewsbury Volunteers wishes to pass on some safety tips for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Keep in your prayers all of the emergency responders who will leave their families without hesitation if an emergency arises. Station 61 is thankful for those dedicated members, our Law Enforcement comrades as well as our military who all protect and serve our communities and our nation. Stay safe everyone.
Thanksgiving by the numbers
- Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. and Christmas Eve.
- In 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,760 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
- Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
- Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
Safety tips
- 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 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 Fryers are popular however simple mistakes can lead to dangerous situations. Remember, NEVER use a heated oil turkey fryer INSIDE your home. This includes inside a garage. They must be kept away from your home in case of boil over fires. Below are several links for turkey fryer safety.
http://www.pbs.org/food/features/five-safety-tips-for-deep-frying-turkey/
https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/15-turkey-fryer-safety-tips
Please enjoy your Thanksgiving Day, keep in your thoughts those who cannot be with their families, and stay safe as you travel home.
Shrewsbury Volunteers
