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Seasonal Fire Safety Tips

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Turkey Frying Safety Tips:

  • Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
  • Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
  • Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
  • Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
  • To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
  • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an   explosion hazard.
  • The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
  • Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire  increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

Use of Space Heaters:

Space heaters may be used safely in your home if you follow a few simple guidelines:

  • Never leave a space heater running unattended or while you sleep.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for operation and placement.
  • Keep your space heater away from all combustible materials including furniture, curtains, drapes, boxes and waste baskets.  Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from the space heater to anything that might burn.
  • Always connect your space heater directly to an electrical outlet.  Do not use extension cords, power tap devices, or power strips.
  • Space heaters should be listed by a recognized agency such as UL or Intertek.  Look for the label!  If yours is not listed, or the label is missing or the unit is very old, we recommend you replace it with a new unit.
  • Check and inspect your space heater for damage before you operate it. 
  • Shut off and unplug your space heater when not in use.  
  • If you experience blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers when using your space heater, you should stop using the device at once.

Holiday Lighting and Decorating Safety:

Overloaded electrical circuits are a common occurrence during the holidays, so follow these simple tips to a safer holiday season.

  • If you are reusing lights from previous seasons, check them for damage   before putting them up.  Anything damaged should be discarded.
  • When connecting multiple light strings together, be sure not to connect too many.  Check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Extension cords are OK, but be sure you use the right type and size.  Never use “indoor” rated cords outdoors and make sure the size of the wires within the cord is sufficient to handle the electrical load.
  • Only use listed light strings, extension cords, timers and other electrical products.
  • Don’t use metal staples to secure cords in place.  Only insulated fasteners should be used.  Check your local home center or department store.
  • When installing lights on natural cut trees inside your home, NEVER leave the lights on when you are sleeping or when you are not at home.  Unplug the lights when you are away or asleep.
  • Keep natural cut trees inside your home well watered.  Pine trees, once dry burn very quickly.