Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department shared essential fire safety tips to help residents enjoy a safe Thanksgiving. With cooking-related incidents being the leading cause of Thanksgiving fires, the department emphasized the importance of taking precautions while preparing holiday meals.
Here are the tips provided by the department:
– **Stay in the Kitchen**: Always monitor food being prepared, especially when frying or roasting turkeys. Unattended cooking poses a significant fire risk.
– **Turkey Fryer Safety**: Use fryers outdoors on a flat surface, away from walls or flammable materials. Never use water to extinguish an oil fire.
– **Candle Awareness**: Keep candles away from decorations and ensure they are out of children’s reach.
– **Clear Cooking Zones**: Maintain a safety zone of at least three feet around stoves and hot surfaces to keep children and pets safe.
– **Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready**: Ensure a working fire extinguisher is accessible for emergencies.
– **Decorate Safely**: Position flammable decorations away from heat sources like stovetops, ovens, and candles.
The Chattanooga Fire Department urged residents to prioritize fire safety, ensuring the holiday remains festive and memorable for all the right reasons.