Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Statistics show that 50% of all holiday fires start inthe kitchen. Don’t let carelessness ruin your holiday. Thanksgiving is also known for being one of the biggest “traveled” holidays. Be a responsible driver by not driving while impaired or tired. Make sure children are buckled-up in the back seat. Drive defensively and be prepared for that unexpected weather by adjusting speed for conditions.

In an effort to ensure all citizens have a happy and safe turkeyday, Sheldon firefighters offer the following kitchen safety tips:

• Make sure your cooking appliances are in good working order.
• Start your holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Make sure any old grease or food spills are cleaned up to lessen the chance of a flare-up.
• Keep kitchen clutter and loose clothing away from stove burners.
• Turn pot handles in toward the rear of the stove, out of your child's reach. If the handles are allowed to stick out over the stove, they could be grabbed by a child, spilling their hot contents and causing burns.
• NEVER leave cooking food unattended.
• If the contents in a pot or pan catch fire, do not touch or try to move the pot or pan as you may spread the fire or burn yourself. Extinguish the flames with a metal lid or larger pot.
• Never use water on a grease fire. Extinguish the flames with a metal lid or larger pot.
• Use potholders to prevent burns. If you are burned, do not use ice, butter or other substance on the burn. Ice can damage the skin, and butter or other substances can trap the heat in. Instead, let the burn cool off under a steady stream of cool tap water and seek medical assistance if necessary.
• Keep holiday decorations away from heat sources such as stoves, candles or heaters.
• In the event of a fire or medical emergency, always call 911.

 We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!