Editor’s note: Look for “Safety in the Summit,” a new column featuring fire and public safety tips from the Clarks Summit Fire Department, on the second full week of each month in the Abington Journal.
Members of the Clarks Summit Fire Department wish you an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving.
Holidays are a time for family and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will insure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
• The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books can keep them busy. Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top 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 kids should stay three feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the 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 the reach of children – up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
