11/25/2025
Rural Metro Fire Department wishes you a safe a Happy Thanksgiving!
To ensure a safe Thanksgiving, follow NFPA's guidelines to prevent cooking fires and practice safe cooking techniques.
Key Safety Tips from NFPA
Stay Attentive While Cooking:
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when frying, boiling, or grilling. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
Use Timers:
Set timers to remind you when food is ready. This helps prevent overcooking and reduces the risk of forgetting about food on the stove or in the oven.
Keep Flammable Items Away:
Ensure that items that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, and food wrappers, are kept at least three feet away from the cooking area.
Frying Turkey Safely:
If you choose to fry a turkey, do so outdoors and away from anything that can burn. Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying to prevent oil spills that can cause fires.
Create a Kid-Free Zone:
Establish a safe area around the stove and cooking areas, keeping children and pets at least three feet away from hot surfaces and cooking equipment.
Check Your Equipment:
Before preheating the oven, check to ensure there are no items inside that could catch fire. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires.
Be Prepared for Emergencies:
Know how to handle small fires. For a grease fire, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner. For an oven fire, keep the door closed and turn off the heat.
Food Safety:
Ensure that the turkey is cooked properly to avoid foodborne illnesses. Follow safe thawing and cooking practices to keep your meal safe.
