BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Though people may be gathering in smaller numbers this Thanksgiving Day, the celebrations across the nation will still center on food.
Even in the midst of festivities and feasting, it is important to keep safety at the forefront. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, with an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires reported during Thanksgiving 2018.
Fortunately, safety precautions are simple to implement and can fold right into the day’s fun. David Griffore, 307th Bomb Wing safety and occupational health specialist, said being present is half the battle in keeping Thanksgiving Day safe.
“Most accidents happen when cooking devices are not monitored,” he said. “That needs to happen whether it is a company party or a family gathering.”
Griffore offered the following cooking safety measures:
• Cook outdoors at a distance not less than 25 feet from buildings or other flammable materials. Avoid cooking in outside shelters such as garages or carports.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking devices at all times.
• Stay in the immediate cooking area, no more than ten feet away, to adequately monitor cooking devices.
The NFPA website encourages other safety measures for home cooking, including keeping children away from the stove, staying aware of steam from cooking and hot liquids, and keeping floors clear of tripping hazards.
For more safety tips and information on Thanksgiving Day safety, visit the NFPA website at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving