Kitchen Safety Starts with Supervision

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.

• Remain at home when roasting a turkey, and check it frequently.

• Use timers as reminders when simmering, baking, or roasting food.

Keep Children and Pets Safe

• Establish a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove, oven, and any hot surfaces.

• Keep children away from hot food, liquids, and appliances.

• Supervise children near any cooking area and keep toys, bags, and clutter off the kitchen floor.

• Provide safe activities outside the kitchen like puzzles, books, or non-cooking recipes.

Appliance Safety: Modern Convenience, Real Hazards

• Microwaves: Use only microwave-safe containers. Never heat baby bottles. Open containers away from your face to avoid steam burns.

• Pressure Cookers: Never block steam valves. Never leave home while in use.

• Air Fryers: Allow for ventilation space. Clean after each use and unplug once cool.

• Hot Plates, Griddles, Electric Skillets: Unplug after use and allow them to cool before cleaning.

• Slow Cookers: Keep flammables away, and place in a low-traffic area where the lid won't get dislodged.

Always purchase appliances listed by a qualified testing laboratory and inspect cords regularly for damage.

Scald and Burn Prevention

• Hot liquids—like gravy, coffee, or soup—can cause severe scald burns.

• Place hot items toward the back of counters and the center of tables.

• Open microwaved foods slowly and stir contents before serving.

• Never hold a child while carrying hot food or drink.

• Use containers with wide bases for microwavable soups, or transfer to a bowl after heating.

Fire Safety Essentials

• Keep flammable items—like towels, oven mitts, and packaging—away from burners.

• If a grease fire starts, smother it with a lid and turn off the burner. Do not use water.

• For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• Never use a turkey fryer that involves oil and an open flame. Opt for an electric or infrared fryer listed by a qualified lab.

Candle & Electrical Safety

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and always extinguish them before leaving the room.

• Keep matches and lighters locked away and out of children’s reach.

• Plug appliances directly into wall outlets, not extension cords.

Smoke Alarms and Emergency Preparedness

• Test your smoke alarms before Thanksgiving by pressing the test button.

• Ensure your guests know your home’s fire escape plan in case of emergency.

Dispose of Your Tree and Decorations Safely (Post-Holiday Tip)

• If using a natural tree for decoration, remove it promptly after the holidays. Dried trees are a major fire hazard.

• Recycle dried trees and never store them inside your home or garage.

Fire Prevention Tip:
Never leave cooking unattended and keep kids and flammables at least 3 feet away from all hot surfaces.

For more safety resources or to learn how you can support the department, visit bdvfd.org or follow Bay District Volunteer Fire Department on social media.