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turkeySenator Pam Helming is joining first responders across the nation to remind our local community to have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving. These fires pose a serious risk, but there are simple steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

NFPA Recommendations:
  • 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.
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • 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 the 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.

Thanksgiving Fire Facts:
  • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving.
  • In 2016, U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated 1,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
  • Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
  • Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

"I wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! This is a terrific time to come together, reconnect, and appreciate our families. The only fires at Thanksgiving should be about politics at the dining room table with your brother in law, not from the oven!" said Senator Helming.

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