The kitchen is the heart of the home especially at Thanksgiving. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some general safety tips

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and children should be 3 feet away
• Make sure kids stay away from hot foods and liquids. The steam, or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns
• Keep knives out of reach of children
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of reach of children – up high in a locked cabinet
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the “Test” button on the detector
•  Have activities outside that keep kids out of the kitchen during these busy times. Games, puzzles or books can keep them busy.

Happy Thanksgiving

Information compiled by Firefighter Jim Belcher via NFPA