NC DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
OSFM INJURY PREVENTION DIVISION
and SAFE KIDS NORTH CAROLINA
888-347-3737 • safekidsnc.org
newsletter nov. 2020
Mike Causey Insurance Commissioner • State Fire Marshal • Saf^ Kids NC Chair
KEEP YOUR THANKSGIVING FLAME FREE
On the fourth Thursday in November, most Americans will gather
around the dinner table to enjoy the yearly meal of turkey with all the
fixings. But, before the feasting begins, the BIRD must be prepared.
Any way you choose to cook the holiday beast, follow these safety tips
to ensure your Thanksgiving holiday does not go up in flames.
FRYING
Hot oil can spill or splash onto the flame, igniting a fire.
Fryers designed for outdoor use, with or without a stand,
are prone to collapse.
Cooking oil, if heated beyond its cooking temperature of
375°, can ignite.
Oil inside a turkey cooker pot can stay dangerously hot for
hours after use.
Fryers shouldn't be used under a garage, deck, breezeway, porch, barn or any structure that can catch fire.
Frozen, or partially frozen turkeys, will cause hot oil to splatter or produce hot steam, which can burn.
NEVER use water to extinguish a grease fire.
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IN OR ON THE STOVE
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food and set a timer to remind you of cooking times.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.
• Ensure a 3-foot kid-free zone around your cooking area.
• Turn pot handles away from the stove's edge and use the back burners when possible.
• When cooking, wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves.
• If your clothes do catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll.
• If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed.
• Small grease fires should be extinguished by smothering the flames.
• For oven fires, turn off the oven and leave the door closed.
• Do not cook if you are sleepy, have taken medication, drugs, or consumed alcohol.
• Plug the microwave directly into an outlet and don't use an extension cord that can overload the circuit.
GRILLING
• Only use grills outdoors, away from siding and deck railings.
• Clean grills often and remove grease and/or fat buildup.
• Make sure your gas, grill lid is open before lighting.
• Have a 3-foot safe-zone around grills and campfires.
• Keep kids and pets away from the grilling area.
• Dispose of coals, after they have cooled, in a metal can.
• Never leave grills, fire pits and/or patio torches unattended.
