Thanksgiving Week is here, and at ServiceMaster by Reed, we are grateful for your continued trust and support. We want our customers to enjoy a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. To help ensure a safe holiday, we’re sharing essential Thanksgiving fire safety tips!
Thanksgiving Fire Risks and Safety Tips
Did you know that fires are especially common during Thanksgiving? Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires, making the holiday season particularly risky. With the kitchen bustling and multiple dishes on the stove, it’s easy to make mistakes. But with a few precautions, you can enjoy a fire-free holiday. And if the unexpected does happen, know that ServiceMaster by Reed is here for you, offering 24/7 fire damage restoration services in Dania Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas.
Call ServiceMaster by Reed at 954-922-2020 or message us online for emergency services, available 24/7.
Dos and Don'ts for Thanksgiving Fire Safety
Stay safe this Turkey Day by following these fire safety tips, developed in partnership with ServiceMaster Restore and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
DOs:
- Check Fire Alarms: Test fire alarms and replace old batteries before the big day to ensure they work correctly.
- Stay in the Kitchen: Unattended cooking is the top cause of fires. Set timers for each dish, and stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Clean Up Regularly: Grease buildup can easily ignite, so clean surfaces frequently. Also, clear any tripping hazards, like toys or bags, from common areas.
- Turn Off Cooking Equipment: Turn off all equipment, including small appliances, after cooking.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Have a fire extinguisher within reach to contain small fires if they occur.
- Organize Electrical Cords: Keep cords off counters and out of children’s reach to prevent accidents.
- Handle Fryers with Caution: If using a turkey fryer, ensure the turkey is fully thawed and dried. Avoid using excess oil, and never fry a wet or frozen turkey.
DON'Ts:
- Don’t Cook While Sleepy or Under the Influence: Cooking requires focus; avoid it if you’re tired or have consumed alcohol.
- Don’t Leave the Kitchen Unattended: Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Avoid Loose or Dangling Clothing: Loose sleeves can catch fire, so wear fitted clothing while cooking.
- Keep Flammable Items Away: Keep food packaging, pot holders, oven mitts, and wooden utensils away from the stove.
- Don’t Leave Children Alone with Open Flames: Supervise children closely if candles or other open flames are in use.
What to Do During a Fire
Quick action can make all the difference in the event of a fire. Here are key steps to remember:
- Stay Calm: Act quickly but avoid panicking.
- Alert Everyone and Evacuate: Use pre-planned escape routes to safely get everyone out of the house.
- Stay Low to the Ground: Stay close to the floor as hot air rises and crawl if necessary to avoid inhaling smoke.
- Prioritize Safety: Don’t stop to look for pets or belongings.
- Close Doors Behind You: If possible, close the door to the room where the fire started and close doors as you exit to slow the fire spread.
- Check Door Temperatures: Use the back of your hand to check if they’re warm before opening doors. If they are, choose an alternate escape route.
- Call for Help: Once outside, call the fire department and report if anyone is still inside.
Preparing an Emergency Plan for Your Home
An emergency plan can make a big difference in a fire. Make sure your family is well-prepared by creating a comprehensive emergency plan:
- Establish Escape Routes: Identify at least two exit routes from each room and ensure they are clear of obstacles. Practice these routes with everyone in the household.
- Choose a Safe Meeting Point: Designate a safe location outside your home where family members can meet in the event of an evacuation.
- Practice Fire Drills: Conduct regular fire drills with all members of your household, including children, to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
- Assign Responsibilities: If you have young children, elderly family members, or pets, assign someone to assist them during an evacuation.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep a kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and any important documents you may need after an evacuation.
- Review and Update Annually: Review your emergency plan every year to update escape routes, check that everyone remembers the plan, and make any necessary adjustments.
A well-prepared emergency plan ensures that everyone knows exactly what to do, even in a stressful situation. Being prepared can greatly reduce the risks and help keep you and your family safe.
Why Choose Professional Fire Damage Restoration?
Professional fire damage restoration offers several critical benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Damage Assessment: Identifying the full scope of fire-related damage and ensuring structural safety.
- Thorough Cleanup: Removing soot and smoke to prevent lasting damage and health issues.
- Water Damage Mitigation: Addressing water damage from firefighting efforts to prevent mold growth.
- Efficient Restoration: Rebuilding and restoring your property to its pre-fire condition.
- Health and Safety: Handling toxic materials safely and improving indoor air quality.
- Cost-Effective Recovery: Speeding up recovery and reducing long-term restoration costs.
- Insurance Assistance: Providing documentation and support with insurance claims.
Disasters Don’t Stop for the Holidays. Neither Do We.
Disasters don’t pause for the holidays, and neither do we. ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24/7 for fire and smoke damage restoration in Dania Beach, FL, and nearby areas. Our team works efficiently to restore your home and help you return to normal.
For expert support in fire damage recovery, call us at (954) 922-2020 or reach out online to schedule an appointment.
An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore®.